Thermal runaway vent assembly and battery pack

Abstract

This invention provides a thermal runaway venting assembly and a battery pack, relating to the field of battery technology. The thermal runaway venting assembly includes a venting bracket, a housing, and an explosion-proof valve. One side of the venting bracket has multiple positioning slots for accommodating battery cells, and the bottom wall of each positioning slot has a vent hole. The other side of the venting bracket has a venting groove extending to the vent hole. One side of the housing has an explosion-proof hole. The venting bracket is housed within the housing, and the edge of the venting bracket is sealed to the inner wall of the housing, forming a venting channel between the inner wall of the venting groove and the inner wall of the housing. The venting channel connects to the explosion-proof hole. The explosion-proof valve is located at the explosion-proof hole. Compared to existing technologies, this invention, by designing a venting groove and forming a venting channel, can effectively guide the high-temperature, high-pressure gas to escape during thermal runaway. The venting channel ensures smooth gas discharge, preventing gas from escaping within the housing, reducing the probability of thermal propagation, and greatly improving battery safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a thermal runaway venting assembly and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, when a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, it generates high-temperature and high-pressure gases and solid particles. If these cannot be effectively and promptly removed from the battery pack, it will cause the internal temperature and pressure of the battery pack to rise, leading to violent reactions or even explosions, posing a threat to the personal and property safety of vehicle or whole-machine users.

[0003] Existing technologies typically employ a vented explosion-proof valve designed into the battery casing. When thermal runaway occurs within the battery cells, the valve opens to expel the generated gases and particulate matter. However, inside the casing, the lack of an effective exhaust channel to guide the flow of high-temperature, high-pressure gases causes them to circulate erratically, making it difficult to ensure smooth gas discharge. This can easily lead to heat spread and significantly reduce battery safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal runaway venting assembly and battery pack, which can effectively guide the high-temperature and high-pressure gas during thermal runaway to be discharged. The venting channel ensures the smooth discharge of gas, prevents gas from running wild in the box, reduces the probability of thermal propagation, and greatly improves the safety of the battery.

[0005] In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a thermal runaway exhaust assembly, comprising: An exhaust bracket is provided with a plurality of positioning slots for accommodating battery cells on one side along the Z direction, and an exhaust hole is provided on the bottom wall of each positioning slot. An exhaust groove extending to the exhaust hole is provided on the other side along the Z direction, where the Z direction is the height direction of the exhaust bracket. The enclosure has an explosion-proof hole on one side along the X direction. The exhaust bracket is housed in the enclosure, and the edge of the exhaust bracket is sealed to the inner wall of the enclosure so that an exhaust channel is formed between the inner wall of the exhaust groove and the inner wall of the enclosure. The exhaust channel is connected to the explosion-proof hole along the X direction, where the X direction is the length direction of the exhaust bracket. An explosion-proof valve is disposed at the explosion-proof port and configured to connect the exhaust passage to the external space in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the exhaust bracket is further provided with an extension plate along one edge of the X direction. The extension plate extends along the Z direction away from the exhaust groove, and the edge of the extension plate is sealed and fitted to the side wall of the housing and covers the explosion-proof hole, so that a confluence cavity is formed between the side wall of the extension plate and the side wall of the housing, and the exhaust channel communicates with the confluence cavity.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the exhaust bracket has a plurality of partition structures protruding along the Z direction away from the positioning groove, and a grid groove is formed between two adjacent partition structures. Each grid groove is provided with an exhaust hole, and each partition structure is provided with at least one exhaust groove, which is connected to the grid groove.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, each of the partition structures includes two partition plates, which are spaced apart on the exhaust bracket to form the exhaust groove. The partition plates are provided with a connecting hole that communicates with both the exhaust groove and the grid groove. The connecting hole is located at the middle of the partition plate along the Z direction, such that the connecting hole is spaced apart from the edge of the partition plate away from the positioning groove.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the grid slot is further provided with a plurality of one-way exhaust valves, which are respectively arranged at a plurality of exhaust holes. The one-way exhaust valves are configured to discharge thermal runaway gas from the exhaust holes to the grid slot in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding battery cell. The one-way exhaust valve includes a fixing ring and an exhaust valve body. The fixing ring surrounds the exhaust hole, and the exhaust valve body is sealed to the edge of the fixing ring and extends into the grid slot. The exhaust valve body is configured to discharge thermal runaway gas to the grid slot in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding battery cell, and to block thermal runaway gas in the grid slot in the event of thermal runaway of other battery cells.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the exhaust valve body protrudes towards the end away from the fixed ring and has an exhaust slit at the end away from the fixed ring. The exhaust slit connects the exhaust hole and the grid groove. The exhaust slit is configured to be impacted to form an opening in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding battery cell, so as to discharge high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the grid groove.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, an exhaust slit is provided on the side of the exhaust valve body near the exhaust port, and a sealing strip is provided on the side of the exhaust valve body away from the exhaust port. The sealing strip is correspondingly sealed at the lower opening of the exhaust slit to prevent thermal runaway gas in the grid slot from entering the exhaust valve body. The sealing strip is also configured to release the sealing of the exhaust slit in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding battery cell. The exhaust slit is configured to be impacted to form an opening in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding battery cell, so as to discharge high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the grid slot.

[0012] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack, the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells and the aforementioned thermal runaway venting assembly, wherein the ends of the plurality of battery cells are respectively accommodated in the plurality of positioning slots.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, each of the battery cells is provided with an explosion-proof sheet at one end of the positioning groove. The explosion-proof sheet corresponds to the vent hole, and a thinning annular groove is also provided on the side surface of the explosion-proof sheet near the vent hole. The thinning annular groove is distributed in a ring shape and is concentrically arranged with the vent hole.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the thinning annular groove is provided with ribs that are connected to the bottom wall and the opposite side wall of the thinning annular groove.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are: The thermal runaway venting assembly and battery pack provided in this invention have a positioning groove on one side of the venting bracket, with a vent hole on the bottom wall of the positioning groove. The other side of the venting bracket has a venting groove extending to the vent hole. An explosion-proof hole is provided on the side wall of the housing. The venting bracket is housed within the housing, and an venting channel is formed between the inner wall of the venting groove of the venting bracket and the inner wall of the housing. This venting channel connects to the explosion-proof hole. An explosion-proof valve is located at the explosion-proof hole. In the event of thermal runaway, the battery cell generates high-temperature, high-pressure thermal runaway gas. This gas is discharged through the vent hole to the venting groove and, guided by the venting channel, flows to the explosion-proof hole, where it is discharged to the external space via the explosion-proof valve. Compared to existing technologies, this invention, by designing a venting groove and forming an venting channel, effectively guides the discharge of high-temperature, high-pressure gas during thermal runaway. The venting channel ensures smooth gas discharge, preventing gas from escaping within the housing, reducing the probability of thermal propagation, and significantly improving battery safety. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal runaway exhaust assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross section at point AA; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the central exhaust bracket from a first-person perspective; Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the central exhaust bracket from a second-view perspective; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point VI; Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the central exhaust bracket from a third-person perspective; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the one-way exhaust valve; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another type of one-way exhaust valve; Figure 10 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell; Figure 11 for Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of point XI.

[0018] Icons: 100-Thermal runaway exhaust assembly; 110-Exhaust bracket; 111-Positioning groove; 112-Exhaust port; 113-Exhaust groove; 114-Extension plate; 115-Manifold cavity; 116-Sealing groove; 120-Box body; 121-Explosion-proof hole; 130-Explosion-proof valve; 140-Exhaust channel; 150-Partition structure; 151-Grid groove; 152-Separator plate; 153-Connecting hole; 154-Grid plate; 160-One-way exhaust valve; 161-Fixing ring; 162-Exhaust valve body; 163-Exhaust gap; 164-Sealing strip; 165-Elastic part; 200-Battery pack; 210-Battery cell; 211-Explosion-proof sheet; 213-Thinning ring groove; 215-Rib. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0021] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed, they are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] As disclosed in the background section, existing technologies lack effective exhaust channels to adequately guide the flow of high-temperature, high-pressure gases. This causes the gases to circulate erratically within the casing, making it difficult to ensure smooth exhaust and easily leading to heat spread, significantly reducing battery safety. Furthermore, existing venting and explosion-proof valves are passive opening devices, lacking directionality and unable to effectively prevent external gases from entering the battery cell, further contributing to heat spread.

[0025] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a thermal runaway exhaust assembly and a battery pack. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0026] See Figures 1 to 5This invention provides a thermal runaway exhaust assembly 100, which can effectively guide the high-temperature and high-pressure gas during thermal runaway to be discharged. The exhaust channel 140 is used to ensure the smooth discharge of gas, prevent the gas from running around in the housing 120, reduce the probability of thermal spread, and greatly improve the safety of the battery.

[0027] The thermal runaway venting assembly 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a venting bracket 110, a housing 120, and an explosion-proof valve 130. The venting bracket 110 has multiple positioning slots 111 for accommodating battery cells 210 on one side along the Z direction. Each positioning slot 111 has a vent hole 112 on its bottom wall. The venting bracket 110 has a vent groove 113 extending to the vent hole 112 on the other side along the Z direction, where the Z direction is the height direction of the venting bracket 110. The housing 120 has an explosion-proof valve 130 on one side along the X direction. The vent 121 and the exhaust bracket 110 are housed within the housing 120, with the edge of the exhaust bracket 110 sealingly fitted to the inner wall of the housing 120, so that an exhaust channel 140 is formed between the inner wall of the exhaust groove 113 and the inner wall of the housing 120. The exhaust channel 140 is connected to the vent 121 along the X direction, which is the length direction of the exhaust bracket 110. The explosion-proof valve 130 is located at the explosion-proof hole 121 and is configured to connect the exhaust channel 140 to the external space in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 210.

[0028] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the Z direction refers to the height direction of the assembled battery cell 210, the X direction is perpendicular to the Z direction and is the length direction of the exhaust bracket 110, and the Y direction is perpendicular to both the X and Z directions and is the width direction of the exhaust bracket 110.

[0029] To improve the accuracy of exhaust, the edge of the exhaust bracket away from the explosion-proof hole 121 in the X direction and the two edges in the Y direction are sealed and fitted to the inner wall of the box 120. This ensures that the thermal runaway gas can be unidirectionally connected to the explosion-proof hole 121 along the exhaust channel 140, and prevents the thermal runaway gas from being ejected to the end away from the explosion-proof hole 121.

[0030] In this embodiment, a positioning groove 111 is provided on one side of the exhaust bracket 110, and an exhaust hole 112 is provided on the bottom wall of the positioning groove 111. An exhaust groove 113 extending to the exhaust hole 112 is provided on the other side of the exhaust bracket 110. An explosion-proof hole 121 is provided on the side wall of the housing 120. The exhaust bracket 110 is housed within the housing 120, and an exhaust channel 140 is formed between the inner wall of the exhaust groove 113 of the exhaust bracket 110 and the inner wall of the housing 120. This exhaust channel 140 can connect to the explosion-proof hole 121. An explosion-proof valve 130 is provided at the explosion-proof hole 121. In the event of thermal runaway, the battery cell 210 will generate high-temperature and high-pressure thermal runaway gas. This gas is discharged through the exhaust hole 112 to the exhaust groove 113, and under the guidance of the exhaust channel 140, flows to the explosion-proof hole 121, and is discharged to the external space via the explosion-proof valve 130. By designing the exhaust groove 113 and forming the exhaust channel 140, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas during thermal runaway can be effectively guided out. The exhaust channel 140 ensures the smooth discharge of gas, prevents gas from running around in the housing 120, reduces the probability of heat spread, and greatly improves the safety of the battery.

[0031] In some embodiments, the exhaust bracket 110 is further provided with an extension plate 114 on one edge along the X direction. The extension plate 114 extends along the Z direction away from the exhaust groove 113 and is located near the explosion-proof hole 121, so that the edge of the extension plate 114 is sealed and fitted against the side wall of the housing 120 and covers the explosion-proof hole 121, so that a confluence cavity 115 is formed between the side wall of the extension plate 114 and the side wall of the housing 120, and the exhaust channel 140 communicates with the confluence cavity 115. The edge of the extension plate 114 away from the exhaust bracket 110 along the Z direction and both edges along the X direction are sealed and fitted against the side wall of the housing 120 to prevent leakage of thermal runaway gas. Specifically, the edges of the exhaust bracket 110 and the extension plate 114 are provided with sealing grooves 116, and the sealing grooves 116 are provided with sealing adhesive layers or sealing strips that are sealed and fitted against the inner wall of the housing 120. Preferably, a sealing layer can be used to ensure a sealed connection between the exhaust bracket 110 and the inner wall of the housing 120, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the manifold cavity 115 and the exhaust channel 140. In the event of thermal runaway, high-temperature and high-pressure gas can flow along the exhaust channel 140 to the manifold cavity 115. The manifold cavity 115 has a large volume, which can effectively buffer the high-temperature and high-pressure gas initially and guide it to the explosion-proof valve 130, through which it is discharged to the outside. The explosion-proof valve 130 can be a ventilated explosion-proof valve.

[0032] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the extension plate 114 and the exhaust bracket 110 are integrally formed and L-shaped, and the two have the same width in the Y direction. The exhaust bracket 110 has multiple positioning slots 111 on the front side for placing cylindrical cells 210, such as cylindrical cells 210 of models 18650 and 46800.

[0033] See Figures 5 to 7 In some embodiments, the exhaust bracket 110 has a plurality of partition structures 150 protruding from the side away from the positioning groove 111 along the Z direction. A grid groove 151 is formed between two adjacent partition structures 150. Each grid groove 151 is provided with an exhaust hole 112, and each partition structure 150 is provided with at least one exhaust groove 113, which communicates with the grid groove 151. Specifically, a plurality of grid plates 154 are provided between two adjacent partition structures 150, and a grid groove 151 is formed between each adjacent grid plate 154, so as to isolate the plurality of exhaust holes 112 from each other through the grid groove 151, and prevent thermal runaway gas from flowing to adjacent positions along the X direction in the grid groove 151.

[0034] The exhaust trough 113 extends along the X direction, and each partition structure 150 is provided with an exhaust trough 113. Each grid trough 151 can communicate with the exhaust trough 113. By setting the grid trough 151, the high temperature and high pressure gas discharged from the exhaust hole 112 can enter the grid trough 151 for buffering and then flow to the exhaust trough 113.

[0035] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the exhaust channel 113 is connected to the manifold cavity 115, and the grid channel 151 is connected to the exhaust channel 113. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs, high-temperature and high-pressure gas will enter the grid channel 151 through the exhaust port 112, and then enter the manifold cavity 115 through the exhaust channel 113.

[0036] In some embodiments, each partition structure 150 includes two partition plates 152, which are spaced apart on the exhaust support 110 to form an exhaust channel 113. Each partition plate 152 has a connecting hole 153 that communicates with both the exhaust channel 113 and the grid channel 151, facilitating the buffering of thermal runaway gas in the grid channel 151 before it is directed into the exhaust channel 113. Connecting holes 153 are provided on both sides of the same grid channel 151 along the Y direction, allowing two adjacent exhaust channels 113 to be connected simultaneously, thus enabling the thermal runaway gas to be buffered in the grid channel 151 and discharged to both sides. Simultaneously, to minimize the impact of thermal runaway gas on adjacent cells, the connecting holes 153 on the two partition plates 152 of the exhaust channel 113 are staggered along the X direction to ensure smooth discharge of the thermal runaway gas. The connecting hole 153 is located in the middle of the partition plate 152 along the Z direction, so that the connecting hole 153 is spaced apart from the edge of the partition plate 152 away from the positioning groove 111. Specifically, the partition plate 152 is integrally set on the bottom side of the exhaust bracket 110, and the two partition plates 152 on the same partition structure 150 are parallel to each other. The connecting hole 153 can be rectangular, which can realize the conduction between the exhaust groove 113 and the grid groove 151, and guide the gas after thermal runaway into the parallel exhaust groove 113, and finally converge to the two explosion-proof valves 130 on the side and be discharged to the outside of the box 120. In addition, the connecting hole 153 is located in the middle of the partition plate 152 along the Z direction, which can ensure that the bottom side of the connecting hole 153 forms a dust storage baffle structure, forming a certain height space with the bottom wall of the box 120, which can store the generated particulate matter or dust and prevent blockage.

[0037] In some embodiments, a plurality of one-way exhaust valves 160 are also provided in the grid slot 151. The plurality of one-way exhaust valves 160 are correspondingly provided at the plurality of exhaust holes 112, and the one-way exhaust valves 160 are configured to discharge thermal runaway gas from the exhaust holes 112 to the grid slot 151 in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell 210. Specifically, the one-way exhaust valves 160 are correspondingly provided on the bottom side of the exhaust holes 112 and are fixedly connected to the exhaust bracket 110. The one-way exhaust valves 160 have one-way exhaust characteristics. On the one hand, they can quickly discharge the gas and particulate matter generated by the thermal runaway cell 210, thereby discharging the high temperature and high pressure gas generated by thermal runaway downward to the grid slot 151. On the other hand, they can effectively reduce the degree of influence of the runaway cell 210 on other non-runaway cells 210, and effectively suppress and slow down the contact of the gas and particulate matter generated by the thermal runaway cell 210 with other cells 210 through the grid slot 151.

[0038] It should be noted that the one-way exhaust valve 160 and the exhaust port 112 are concentrically arranged here, and the exhaust port 112 is directly opposite the explosion-proof plate 211 of the battery cell 210. When the battery cell 210 experiences thermal runaway, the generated gas, particulate matter, dust, etc. are transmitted to the one-way exhaust valve 160 below through the exhaust port 112, directly opening the corresponding one-way exhaust valve 160 and connecting to the grid slot 151 to achieve exhaust. The one-way exhaust valves 160 corresponding to other battery cells 210 can protect other battery cells 210 and avoid being affected by the runaway battery cell 210.

[0039] See Figure 6 and Figure 8 Furthermore, the one-way exhaust valve 160 includes a retaining ring 161 and an exhaust valve body 162. The retaining ring 161 surrounds the exhaust port 112, and the exhaust valve body 162 is sealed to the edge of the retaining ring 161 and extends to the grid groove 151. The exhaust valve body 162 is configured to discharge thermal runaway gas into the grid groove 151 in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell 210, and to block thermal runaway gas in the grid groove 151 in the event of thermal runaway of other cells 210. Specifically, the retaining ring 161 serves as a fixed connection, connecting to the bottom side of the exhaust bracket 110, which can be fixed by welding, gluing, threaded connection, etc. The retaining ring 161 is generally made of metal, such as AL or stainless steel, or can be made of plastic, such as nylon, ABS, PC, etc., as the fixing point, possessing certain strength and high temperature resistance. The exhaust valve body 162 can be made of rubber, such as nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), etc. The exhaust valve body 162 acts as a valve. When the cell 210 above the exhaust valve body 162 does not experience thermal runaway, the exhaust valve body 162 remains tightly closed, effectively preventing gas (such as high-temperature, high-pressure gas generated by thermal runaway of other cells 210) from entering the grid slot 151. This prevents the high-temperature substances generated by thermal runaway of other cells 210 from igniting the cell 210 above the exhaust valve body 162, thus suppressing the spread of heat after thermal runaway. However, when the cell 210 above the exhaust valve body 162 experiences thermal runaway, the exhaust valve body 162 can be released under pressure and opened under the impact of airflow, allowing the high-temperature, high-pressure gas to be rapidly discharged into the grid slot 151.

[0040] In some embodiments, an exhaust slit 163 is provided on the side of the exhaust valve body 162 near the exhaust port 112, and a sealing strip 164 is provided on the side of the exhaust valve body 162 away from the exhaust port 112. The sealing strip 164 is correspondingly sealed at the lower opening of the exhaust slit 163 to prevent thermal runaway gas in the grid groove 151 from entering the exhaust valve body 162. The sealing strip 164 is also configured to release the sealing of the exhaust slit 163 in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell 210. The exhaust slit 163 is configured to be impacted to form an opening in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell 210, so as to discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the grid groove 151. Specifically, by designing the sealing strip 164, the exhaust slit 163 can be sealed, increasing the path of the air gap. This design makes it more difficult for the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated during external thermal runaway to enter and contact the upper cell 210, thus improving the effect of preventing heat propagation.

[0041] See Figure 9 In some other preferred embodiments, the exhaust valve body 162 protrudes towards the end away from the fixing ring 161 and has an exhaust gap 163 at the end away from the fixing ring 161. The exhaust gap 163 connects to the exhaust port 112 and the grid groove 151. The exhaust gap 163 is configured to be impacted to form an opening in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding battery cell 210, so as to discharge high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the grid groove 151. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the protruding end of the exhaust valve body 162 gradually decreases towards the direction away from the exhaust port 112. The exhaust gap 163 is located at the end with the smallest cross-sectional area of ​​the protruding end, so that the thermal runaway gas can be collected in the exhaust gap 163. The gap width of the exhaust gap 163 is small, and it can be closed under normal conditions to form a small air gap. During the downward assembly of the battery cell 210, it prevents the formation of pressurized air inside the battery cell 210, that is, the space at the bottom of the battery cell 210. At the same time, the small air gap can also prevent a large amount of high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by thermal runaway of other battery cells 210 from entering. When the corresponding cell 210 experiences thermal runaway, high-temperature and high-pressure gas will flow into the exhaust gap 163 and open the exhaust gap 163 to form an opening, thereby quickly discharging the high-temperature and high-pressure gas into the grid slot 151.

[0042] Furthermore, the exhaust valve body 162 is arranged in an inverted triangle shape, including oppositely arranged elastic portions 165. The elastic portions 165 are configured to restore the opening formed by the impact to the exhaust gap 163. Specifically, the two elastic portions 165 are arranged opposite each other in an inverted triangle shape. A buffer space is formed at the end of the elastic portion 165 near the fixed ring 161 to reduce the injection speed and impact force of the thermal runaway gas. The exhaust gap 163 is formed relatively close at the end of the elastic portion 165 away from the fixed ring 161. Thus, the two elastic portions 165 can have relative compressive force at the end away from the fixed ring 161. Under the impact of the thermal runaway gas, the relative compressive force can be overcome to open the exhaust gap 163. After the exhaust is completed, the one-way exhaust valve 160 can be relatively close to each other under the action of the relative compressive force of the two elastic portions 165 to reform the exhaust gap 163, thereby realizing the reuse of the exhaust valve body 162. Optionally, the exhaust slit 163 extends along the X direction, while the grid plate 154 extends along the Y direction. The extension direction of the exhaust slit 163 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the grid plate 154. This design reduces the amount of thermal runaway gas on both sides of the exhaust slit 163 along the X direction, and the perpendicularity of the extension direction of the exhaust slit 163 to the extension direction of the grid plate 154 further reduces the spread of thermal runaway gas. The connecting hole 153 is located on both sides of the exhaust slit 163 along the Y direction, facilitating the flow of thermal runaway gas from both sides. In summary, the design of the one-way exhaust valve 160, the grid groove 151, and the connecting hole 153 can block the flow of thermal runaway gas in the grid groove 151 along the X direction and promote the flow of thermal runaway gas in the grid groove 151 along the Y direction.

[0043] See Figure 2 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 This invention also provides a battery pack 200, which includes multiple battery cells 210 and the aforementioned thermal runaway venting assembly 100. The thermal runaway venting assembly 100 includes a venting bracket 110, a housing 120, and an explosion-proof valve 130. The venting bracket 110 has multiple positioning grooves 111 on one side along the Z direction, and each positioning groove 111 has a vent hole 112 on its bottom wall. The venting bracket 110 has a venting groove 113 extending to the vent hole 112 on the other side along the Z direction. The Z direction is the height direction of the venting bracket 110. An explosion-proof hole 121 is provided on one side of the housing 120 along the X direction. An exhaust bracket 110 is housed within the housing 120, and the edge of the exhaust bracket 110 is sealed to the inner wall of the housing 120, forming an exhaust channel 140 between the inner wall of the exhaust groove 113 and the inner wall of the housing 120. The exhaust channel 140 connects to the explosion-proof hole 121, with the X direction being the length direction of the exhaust bracket 110. An explosion-proof valve 130 is located at the explosion-proof hole 121 and is configured to connect the exhaust channel 140 to the external space in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 210. The ends of multiple battery cells 210 are respectively housed in multiple positioning slots 111.

[0044] It should be noted that all the battery cells 210 are cylindrical cells, such as the 18650 and 46800 models. These cells 210 are assembled in multiple positioning slots 111, with the shape of the cells 210 matching the shape of the positioning slots 111. The distribution and assembly structure of the multiple cells 210 can be referenced from existing battery packs 200.

[0045] In some embodiments, each battery cell 210 is provided with an explosion-proof plate 211 at one end of the positioning groove 111. The explosion-proof plate 211 corresponds to the vent 112, and a thinning annular groove 213 is also provided on the surface of the explosion-proof plate 211 near the vent 112. The thinning annular groove 213 is distributed in a ring shape and is concentrically arranged with the vent 112. Specifically, the battery cell 210 has a housing, which is configured to be actuated to release the internal pressure of the housing when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a threshold. When the battery cell 210 experiences thermal runaway, due to the presence of the thinning annular groove 213, the explosion-proof plate 211 will have a weak area and be more easily broken. It will break along the position of the thinning annular groove 213, and high-temperature and high-pressure gas will rush downward from the position of the explosion-proof plate 211 and rush downward into the one-way vent valve 160 through the vent 112.

[0046] Furthermore, the thinning annular groove 213 is provided with ribs 215, which are connected to the bottom wall and the opposite side wall of the thinning annular groove 213. Specifically, when the explosion-proof disc 211 is ruptured, the ribs 215 can remain connected, thereby preventing the explosion-proof disc 211 from falling off as a whole and blocking the vent hole 112 and the vent passage 140. In the event of thermal runaway, the weak area on the explosion-proof disc 211 is ruptured. At this time, the designed ribs 215 remain connected, and the explosion-proof disc 211 can partially break to form a V-shaped vent, ensuring the venting effect while avoiding blocking the vent hole 112.

[0047] In summary, this embodiment of the invention provides a thermal runaway venting assembly 100 and a battery pack 200. A positioning groove 111 is provided on one side of the venting bracket 110, and a vent hole 112 is provided on the bottom wall of the positioning groove 111. A vent groove 113 extending to the vent hole 112 is provided on the other side of the venting bracket 110. An explosion-proof hole 121 is provided on the side wall of the housing 120. The venting bracket 110 is housed within the housing 120, and an venting channel 140 is formed between the inner wall of the vent groove 113 of the venting bracket 110 and the inner wall of the housing 120. This venting channel 140 connects to the explosion-proof hole 121. An explosion-proof valve 130 is located at the explosion-proof hole 121. In the event of thermal runaway, the battery cell 210 generates high-temperature, high-pressure thermal runaway gas. This gas is discharged through the vent hole 112 to the vent groove 113 and, guided by the venting channel 140, flows to the explosion-proof hole 121, where it is discharged to the external space via the explosion-proof valve 130. Compared to existing technologies, this invention, through the design of the exhaust groove 113 and the formation of the exhaust channel 140, can effectively guide the high-temperature, high-pressure gas to escape during thermal runaway. The exhaust channel 140 ensures smooth gas discharge, preventing gas from erratically circulating within the housing 120, reducing the probability of thermal propagation, and significantly improving battery safety. Simultaneously, the design of the one-way exhaust valve 160 ensures effective venting while preventing high-temperature, high-pressure gas from entering the exhaust port 112 and affecting the cell 210 that has not experienced thermal runaway, thus mitigating thermal propagation and providing a certain directionality for the exhaust.

[0048] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal runaway exhaust assembly, comprising: include: An exhaust bracket (110) is provided with a plurality of positioning slots (111) for accommodating battery cells (210) on one side along the Z direction. Each positioning slot (111) has an exhaust hole (112) on its bottom wall. An exhaust groove (113) extending to the exhaust hole (112) is provided on the other side along the Z direction. The Z direction is the height direction of the exhaust bracket (110). The enclosure (120) has an explosion-proof hole (121) on one side along the X direction. The exhaust bracket (110) is housed in the enclosure (120), and the edge of the exhaust bracket (110) is sealed to the inner wall of the enclosure (120) so that an exhaust channel (140) is formed between the inner wall of the exhaust groove (113) and the inner wall of the enclosure (120). The exhaust channel (140) is connected to the explosion-proof hole (121) along the X direction, where the X direction is the length direction of the exhaust bracket (110). An explosion-proof valve (130) is disposed at the explosion-proof hole (121) and is configured to connect the exhaust passage (140) to the external space in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell (210); The exhaust bracket (110) has a plurality of partition structures (150) protruding from the side away from the positioning groove (111) along the Z direction. A grid groove (151) is formed between two adjacent partition structures (150). Each grid groove (151) is provided with an exhaust hole (112), and each partition structure (150) is provided with at least one exhaust groove (113). The exhaust groove (113) is connected to the grid groove (151). Each of the partition structures (150) includes two partition plates (152), which are spaced apart on the exhaust bracket (110) and form the exhaust groove (113). The partition plate (152) is provided with a connecting hole (153), which communicates with both the exhaust groove (113) and the grid groove (151). The connecting hole (153) is located in the middle of the partition plate (152) along the Z direction, so that the connecting hole (153) is spaced apart from the edge of the partition plate (152) away from the positioning groove (111).

2. The thermal runaway exhaust assembly of claim 1, wherein, The exhaust bracket (110) is also provided with an extension plate (114) along one side edge of the X direction. The extension plate (114) extends along the Z direction away from the exhaust groove (113), and the edge of the extension plate (114) is sealed and fitted to the side wall of the box (120) and covered on the explosion-proof hole (121) so that a confluence cavity (115) is formed between the side wall of the extension plate (114) and the side wall of the box (120). The exhaust channel (140) is connected to the confluence cavity (115).

3. The thermal runaway exhaust assembly of claim 1, wherein, The grid slot (151) is also provided with a plurality of one-way exhaust valves (160), which are respectively arranged at a plurality of exhaust holes (112). The one-way exhaust valves (160) are configured to discharge thermal runaway gas from the exhaust holes (112) to the grid slot (151 in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell (210). The one-way exhaust valve (160) includes a retaining ring (161) and an exhaust valve body (162). The retaining ring (161) surrounds the vent (112), and the vent valve body (162) is sealed to the edge of the retaining ring (161) and extends to the grid groove (151). The vent valve body (162) is configured to discharge thermal runaway gas into the grid groove (151) in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell (210) and to block thermal runaway gas in the grid groove (151) in the event of thermal runaway of other cells (210).

4. The thermal runaway exhaust assembly of claim 3, wherein, The exhaust valve body (162) protrudes at one end away from the fixed ring (161) and has an exhaust slit (163) at the other end away from the fixed ring (161). The exhaust slit (163) connects the exhaust hole (112) and the grid groove (151). The exhaust slit (163) is configured to be impacted to form an opening in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell (210) to discharge thermal runaway gas to the grid groove (151).

5. The thermal runaway exhaust assembly of claim 3, wherein, The exhaust valve body (162) has an exhaust slit (163) on the side near the exhaust port (112), and a sealing strip (164) is provided on the side away from the exhaust port (112). The sealing strip (164) is correspondingly sealed at the lower opening of the exhaust slit (163) to prevent thermal runaway gas in the grid groove (151) from entering the exhaust valve body (162). The sealing strip (164) is also configured to release the sealing of the exhaust slit (163) in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell (210). The exhaust slit (163) is configured to be impacted to form an opening in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding cell (210) to discharge the thermal runaway gas to the grid groove (151).

6. A battery pack, characterized by, The battery pack (200) includes a plurality of battery cells (210) and a thermal runaway exhaust assembly as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the ends of the plurality of battery cells (210) are respectively accommodated in the plurality of positioning grooves (111).

7. The battery pack of claim 6, wherein, Each of the battery cells (210) is provided with an explosion-proof plate (211) at one end of the positioning groove (111). The explosion-proof plate (211) corresponds to the vent hole (112), and a thinning annular groove (213) is also provided on the side surface of the explosion-proof plate (211) near the vent hole (112). The thinning annular groove (213) is distributed in a ring shape and is concentrically arranged with the vent hole (112).

8. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein, The thinning annular groove (213) is provided with ribs (215), which are connected to the bottom wall and the opposite side wall of the thinning annular groove (213).

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