Battery module of power battery pack and power battery pack

Abstract

The invention provides a battery module of a power battery pack and the power battery pack. The battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells are arranged side by side, and the top of each battery cell is provided with an exhaust hole; the supporting device comprises a long bracket, the bracket is arranged at the tops of the plurality of battery cells, an exhaust component is arranged on the bracket, the exhaust component comprises a bottom plate and a top cover attached to the bottom plate, the bottom plate and the top cover define an exhaust channel, the bottom plate is provided with a plurality of air inlets and at least one air outlet which are communicated with the exhaust channel, the bottom plate is arranged towards the battery cells, and the air inlets are communicated with the air outlets. And each air inlet is communicated with each exhaust hole. The exhaust component is arranged above the battery cell of the battery module, and the exhaust channel is arranged in the space above the battery cell, so that the space utilization rate is improved, high-temperature and high-pressure gas exhausted from the battery cell exhaust hole is exhausted through the gas inlet, the exhaust channel and the gas outlet when thermal runaway occurs, and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas is prevented from directly entering a battery pack; and the safety of the battery pack is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to the field of power battery systems for new energy vehicles. More specifically, it relates to a battery module for a power battery pack and a power battery pack using the battery module. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles, higher and higher requirements are being placed on battery pack technology, a key technology for these vehicles. When a power battery experiences internal failures due to overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, high temperatures, or collisions during operation, it may cause uncontrolled chemical reactions within the battery, generating a large amount of heat and triggering thermal runaway.

[0003] Currently, to prevent fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway, batteries are equipped with explosion-proof valves. When thermal runaway occurs, the battery temperature rises rapidly, generating high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This gas forces open the explosion-proof valve and releases pressure through vents on the battery surface, reducing the risk of fire and explosion. However, if this high-temperature, high-pressure gas is released directly into the battery pack through the vents, it could cause thermal runaway in other batteries within the pack, affecting battery safety and potentially causing injury to users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art and provide a battery module for a power battery pack that improves the safety of the battery pack in a cost-effective and reliable manner.

[0005] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module for a power battery pack is provided, the battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side, each battery cell having an exhaust port on its top; a support device comprising an elongated bracket disposed on top of the plurality of battery cells, the bracket having an exhaust component, the exhaust component comprising a base plate and a top cover attached to the base plate, the base plate and the top cover forming an exhaust channel, wherein the base plate has a plurality of air inlets and at least one air outlet communicating with the exhaust channel, the base plate being arranged toward the battery cells such that each air inlet communicates with each exhaust port.

[0006] Based on the above-described technical concept, the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0007] In some alternative forms, a first protective element is provided on the side of the base plate facing away from the battery cell, and a second protective element is provided on the side of the top cover facing the battery cell.

[0008] In some alternative forms, the first protective member is provided with a plurality of first weakening portions, and the base plate is provided with a plurality of second weakening portions, each of the first weakening portions and each of the second weakening portions corresponding to each of the exhaust holes.

[0009] In some alternative forms, the first weakening portion is a notch on the first protective member, the second weakening portion is a through hole on the base plate, and the second weakening portion is configured as the air inlet.

[0010] In some alternative forms, the base plate has a first opening at one end along the longitudinal direction of the bracket, and the first opening is configured as the air outlet.

[0011] In some alternative forms, the first protective element and / or the second protective element are made of mica and / or aerogel.

[0012] In some alternative configurations, the exhaust component is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the bracket and located at the middle of the bracket along the transverse direction of the bracket.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the bracket is provided with a plurality of battery busbars, which are electrically connected to the battery cells. The battery busbars are arranged on both sides of the exhaust component in the transverse direction of the bracket and in the longitudinal direction of the bracket.

[0014] In some alternative configurations, the bracket is provided with an integrated circuit board, which is located between the battery cell busbar and the exhaust component. The integrated circuit board is provided with multiple temperature sensors, which are electrically connected to multiple battery cell busbars.

[0015] In some alternative forms, the integrated circuit board includes flexible circuit boards and printed circuit boards.

[0016] In some alternative configurations, the exhaust component, the battery busbar, the integrated circuit board, and the bracket are integrated into one unit.

[0017] In some alternative forms, the base plate and the top cover of the exhaust component are made of a rigid material.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a power battery pack is provided, the power battery pack including a housing and a plurality of battery modules of the power battery pack, the plurality of battery modules being arranged side by side in the housing.

[0019] In some alternative forms, the housing includes multiple sidewalls, the battery module support device is connected to a first sidewall of the multiple sidewalls, the first sidewall has a second opening communicating with the air outlet, and at least one of the two second sidewalls adjacent to the first sidewall has an exhaust port communicating with the second opening.

[0020] In some alternative forms, the support device is connected to the first sidewall via a connector, which is fixed to the first sidewall.

[0021] This invention improves the support device of the battery module by placing the exhaust component above the battery cell and utilizing the space above the cell to arrange the exhaust channel, thereby improving space utilization. In the event of thermal runaway, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas discharged from the cell exhaust hole is discharged through the air inlet, exhaust channel and air outlet, preventing the high-temperature and high-pressure gas from directly entering the battery pack and improving the safety of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of alternative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar parts, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a power battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a portion of the power battery pack housing;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the support device for the battery module in the middle;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the box in the middle;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of the support device in the middle;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the support device bracket in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the top cover of the exhaust component is removed and the flow path of gas in the exhaust channel is shown.

[0030] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the flow path of gas within an exhaust channel; and

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the chamber shows the flow path of the gas within the sidewalls. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In the description, the structural positions of the various components, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but relative. These directional descriptions are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but they change accordingly when the positions of the various components in the figures change.

[0033] In this document, unless otherwise explicitly stated and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this document according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this article, "horizontal" refers to the direction with relatively smaller dimensions, also known as the width direction, and "vertical" refers to the direction with relatively larger dimensions, also known as the length direction.

[0035] In this article, "vehicle" refers to a new energy vehicle that uses a power battery pack as its operating power and / or driving power, including but not limited to pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles.

[0036] When a power battery experiences thermal runaway, it generates a large amount of high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which can cause the battery to catch fire or even explode. Typically, thermal protection materials such as aerogel and mica are incorporated into the battery pack to improve its heat resistance and reduce the risk of fire and explosion. The inventors discovered that in this situation, the thermal protection material needs to cover the battery module, the entire battery pack cover, and even the free volume within the battery pack—that is, the unused volume—which increases the overall weight and manufacturing cost of the battery pack.

[0037] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 9 The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0038] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a power battery pack 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 210 and a plurality of battery modules 100. The housing 210 includes an upper cover (not shown) and a housing (not shown) attached to the upper cover. The housing includes a lower plate (not shown) and a plurality of side walls sealed to the lower plate. Figure 1 The diagram shows a first sidewall 211 extending along direction D1 and portions of two second sidewalls 212 adjacent to the first sidewall 211 and extending along direction D2, which is generally perpendicular to direction D1. Multiple battery modules 100 are housed side-by-side within a housing 210 along direction D1. Each battery module 100 includes multiple battery cells 110 arranged side-by-side along direction D2. Each battery cell 110 has a vent 111 on its top, which releases high-temperature, high-pressure gas in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 110.

[0039] The top of the battery cell 110 is provided with a support device 120, which includes an elongated bracket 121. In this embodiment, multiple brackets 121 are arranged along... Figure 1 As shown, D1 are arranged side by side and along respectively Figure 1 Extending in the direction D2 shown, that is, corresponding to each battery module 100, each bracket 121 is respectively disposed on the top of multiple battery cells 110, and the longitudinal direction of each bracket 121 is approximately parallel to the direction D2 shown in the figure, hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction D2 of the bracket 121, and the transverse direction of each bracket 121 is approximately parallel to the direction D1 shown in the figure, hereinafter referred to as the transverse direction D1 of the bracket 121. The bracket 121 supports the exhaust component 130, which includes a base plate 131 and a top cover 132 attached to the base plate 131. The base plate 131 and the top cover 132 form an exhaust channel. The base plate 131 is provided with multiple air inlets 133 and at least one air outlet 134 communicating with the exhaust channel. The base plate 131 is arranged facing the battery cell 110, such that each air inlet 133 is connected to the exhaust hole 111 of each battery cell 110.

[0040] In this way, when the battery thermally fails and generates high-temperature and high-pressure gas, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas can be discharged from the cell 110 through the exhaust port 111, and then discharged from the battery module 100 through the air inlet 133, exhaust channel, and air outlet 134 of the exhaust component 130 connected to the exhaust port 111, instead of being directly discharged into the power battery pack 200. Multiple air inlets 133 correspond to multiple exhaust ports 111, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gas discharged from the cell 110 can be discharged from the battery module 100 through the corresponding air inlet 133, and the impact of the high-temperature and high-pressure gas on other cells 110 in the battery module 100 is reduced, thereby improving the overall safety of the power battery pack 200.

[0041] Combination Figures 7 to 9As shown, the support device 120 of the battery module 100 is connected only to the first sidewall 211 of the plurality of sidewalls, so that the space on the other side opposite the first sidewall 211 can be used to arrange the wiring harness inside the power battery pack 200. The first sidewall 211 may be provided with a second opening 213 communicating with the vent 134. In particular, the inner side of the first sidewall 211, that is, the side facing the battery module 100, is provided with a second opening 213 communicating with the vent 134 of the exhaust component 130. High-temperature and high-pressure gas flows to the first sidewall 211 of the power battery pack 200 through the second opening 213. At least one of the two sidewalls 212 adjacent to the first sidewall 211 is provided with an exhaust port 214 communicating with the second opening 213, especially the outer side of the second sidewall 212. In this way, the gas flowing towards the first sidewall 211 can be discharged from the power battery pack 200 through the exhaust port 214 without being discharged into the power battery pack 200. Therefore, the top cover and unused internal volume of the power battery pack 200 do not need to be covered with heat-protective material, reducing the weight and manufacturing cost of the power battery pack 200. In addition, the gas flows through the first sidewall 211 to the second sidewall 212 before being discharged, increasing the length of the channel through which the gas is discharged, reducing the temperature of the discharged gas, and minimizing the impact on other components of the vehicle.

[0042] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Point A in the diagram represents an exemplary location where thermal runaway occurs in cell 110. At this time, cell 110 will discharge high-temperature, high-pressure gas from the exhaust port 111. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas then flows through the intake port 133 along... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The arrow in the image indicates that the airflow is within the exhaust channel and exits the battery module 100 via the exhaust port 134. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the gas discharged from the battery module 100 is discharged into the side wall of the power battery pack 200 through the second opening 213 on the first side wall 211, and flows along... Figure 9 The arrows in the diagram indicate that the power battery pack 200 is discharged through exhaust ports 214 on the two second side walls 212 to dissipate heat from the power battery pack 200.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the support device 120 can be connected to the first sidewall 211 via a connector 220, which can be fixed to the first sidewall 211. In this way, the connection and sealing between the support device 120 and the first sidewall 211 can be facilitated, and the manufacturing precision and cost of the support device 120 can be reduced by improving the manufacturing precision of the connector 220. Figure 3 One end of the bracket 121 of the support device 120 in the middle ( Figure 3The left end of the bracket 121 (that is, the end adjacent to the air outlet 134 of the exhaust component 130) is provided with a mounting part 122. The mounting part 122 is an oblong hole extending along the longitudinal direction D2 of the bracket 121, which can appropriately absorb the tolerance on the longitudinal direction D2 of the bracket 121. Figure 4 The connector 220 is provided with a connector 221 that mates with the mounting part 122. During installation, the bracket 121 can be connected to the connector 220 using fasteners such as bolts, and then the bracket 121 can be connected to the first side wall 211 of the power battery pack 200.

[0044] The following will refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure of the support device 120 is described in detail.

[0045] exist Figure 5 In the exhaust component 130, a first protective member 135 is provided on the inner side of the base plate 131, that is, the side facing away from the battery cell 110, and a second protective member 136 is provided on the inner side of the top cover 132, that is, the side facing the battery cell 110. The first protective member 135 has a plurality of first weakening parts 137, which are recesses on the first protective member 135. The base plate 131 has a plurality of second weakening parts 138, which are through holes on the base plate 131. Each first weakening part 137 and each second weakening part 138 corresponds to the exhaust port 111 of each battery cell 110. Therefore, the second weakening part 138 serves as an air inlet 133. In addition, a first opening 139 can also be provided at one end of the base plate 131 along the longitudinal direction D2 of the bracket 121, which is the air outlet 134. Thus, when thermal runaway occurs in cell 110, high-temperature and high-pressure gas can be discharged from exhaust port 111 and enter the exhaust channel through the first weakened part 137 of the first protective member 135 via air inlet 133. In this case, the first protective member 135 on the cell 110 that has not experienced thermal runaway can isolate the gas in the exhaust channel from the cell 110 that has not experienced thermal runaway, so as to further prevent the gas from flowing to the cell 110 that has not experienced thermal runaway, causing thermal damage to the cell 110 that has not experienced thermal runaway, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the power battery pack 200.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first protective member 135 and / or the second protective member 136 may be made of mica and / or aerogel. Additionally, the base plate 131 and top cover 132 of the exhaust component 130 may be made of a rigid material, such as steel. Mica or aerogel possesses insulating and high-temperature resistance properties; by covering steel with mica or aerogel, the thermal conductivity of the steel can be reduced, thereby improving its high-temperature resistance. In this embodiment, the exhaust component 130 can withstand high temperatures in the range of 1000°C to 1500°C, for example, 1100°C or 1300°C.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The bracket 121 is also provided with multiple cell busbars 140, which are electrically connected to the cells 110, and in particular to the terminals 112 of the cells 110. Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, the exhaust component 130 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction D2 of the bracket 121 and located in the middle of the bracket 121 along the transverse direction D1. Advantageously, the cell busbar 140 is located on both sides of the exhaust component 130 along the transverse direction D1 of the bracket 121 and arranged along the longitudinal direction D2 of the bracket 121. In addition, the bracket 121 is also provided with an integrated circuit board 150, which is located between the cell busbar 140 and the exhaust component 130. The integrated circuit board 150 is provided with a plurality of temperature sensors 151 for collecting the temperature of the cell 110, etc., and the plurality of temperature sensors 151 are electrically connected to the plurality of cell busbars 140. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit board 150 may include, for example, Figure 3 The flexible circuit board (FPC) 152 and printed circuit board (PCB) 153 shown are examples of this. The flexible circuit board 152 can be directly connected to the printed circuit board 153, which improves space utilization, reduces the use of wiring harnesses in the power battery pack 200, and thus reduces manufacturing costs.

[0048] Additionally, the exhaust component 130, the cell busbar 140, the integrated circuit board 150, and the bracket 121 are integrated into one unit. Thus, the exhaust component 130 utilizes the unused space at the top of the cell 110 and is integrated with the cell busbar 140, the integrated circuit board 150, and the bracket 121 supporting the cell 110 to form a support device 120. This makes the support device 120 more compact, reduces the number of components inside the power battery pack 200, reduces installation steps, and improves assembly efficiency. Furthermore, compared to setting an exhaust channel at the bottom of the battery pack housing, the exhaust channel provided by this invention does not require changing the structure of the cell and housing. A separate exhaust component 130 is provided within the battery pack, and the air inlet 133 of the exhaust component 130 corresponds one-to-one with the exhaust port 111 of the cell 110, ensuring efficient gas emission. It is understood that the components included in the support device 120 are not limited to this and can be modified as needed.

[0049] In some embodiments, the bracket 121 may also be provided with first latches 123 at both ends in its longitudinal direction D2, the first latches 123 being used to fix the bracket 121 to the battery cell 110. In this way, the bracket 121 can be pre-assembled on the top of the battery cell 110 via the first latches 123, facilitating the subsequent installation and fixing of components on the bracket 121. Additionally, the bracket 121 may also be provided with second latches 128 at both ends in its transverse direction D1, the second latches 128 being used to fix the battery busbar 140 to the bracket 121. In this way, when the battery busbar 140 is assembled onto the bracket 121, the second latches 128 can be used to limit the movement of the battery busbar 140 on the bracket 121, facilitating electrical connection between the battery busbar 140 and the battery cell 110, saving assembly time and improving assembly efficiency. Figure 6 As shown, it can be understood that the bracket 121 is also provided with a first through hole 126 corresponding to the battery busbar 140, a second through hole 127 corresponding to the temperature sensor 151, a third through hole 124 corresponding to the air inlet 133, and a fourth through hole 125 corresponding to the air outlet 134.

[0050] This invention utilizes the unused space at the top of the battery cell to arrange exhaust components, preventing high-temperature and high-pressure gases from directly entering the battery pack, thereby improving the space utilization rate inside the battery pack, enhancing the overall safety of the battery pack, and eliminating the need for extensive thermal protection materials inside the battery pack, thus reducing the weight and protection costs of the battery pack.

[0051] It should be understood here that the embodiments shown in the figures only illustrate the optional shapes, sizes and arrangements of the power battery pack and battery module according to the present invention. However, they are only illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0052] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the disclosed concepts under the inventive concept of the present invention, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is illustrative rather than restrictive, and the protection scope of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module for a power battery pack, characterized in that, The battery module (100) includes: Multiple battery cells (110) are arranged side by side, and each battery cell (110) has an exhaust hole (111) on its top. A support device (120) includes an elongated bracket (121) disposed on top of a plurality of the battery cells (110). An exhaust component (130) is provided on the bracket (121). The exhaust component (130) includes a base plate (131) and a top cover (132) attached to the base plate (131). The base plate (131) and the top cover (132) form an exhaust channel. The base plate (131) is provided with a plurality of air inlets (133) and at least one air outlet (134) communicating with the exhaust channel. The base plate (131) is arranged toward the battery cell (110) such that each of the air inlets (133) is connected to each of the exhaust holes (111).

2. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom plate (131) is provided with a first protective member (135) on the side away from the battery cell (110), and the top cover (132) is provided with a second protective member (136) on the side facing the battery cell (110).

3. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protective component (135) is provided with a plurality of first weakening parts (137), and the base plate (131) is provided with a plurality of second weakening parts (138). Each of the first weakening parts (137) and each of the second weakening parts (138) corresponds to each of the exhaust holes (111).

4. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first weakening part (137) is a notch on the first protective member (135), the second weakening part (138) is a through hole on the bottom plate (131), and the second weakening part (138) is configured as the air inlet (133).

5. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base plate (131) has a first opening (139) at one end along the longitudinal direction (D2) of the bracket (121), and the first opening (139) is configured as the air outlet (134).

6. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protective element (135) and / or the second protective element (136) are made of mica and / or aerogel.

7. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust component (130) is arranged along the longitudinal direction (D2) of the bracket (121) and located in the middle of the bracket (121) along the transverse direction (D1).

8. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bracket (121) is provided with a plurality of battery busbars (140), which are electrically connected to the battery (110). The battery busbars (140) are arranged on both sides of the exhaust component (130) along the transverse direction (D1) of the bracket (121) and along the longitudinal direction (D2) of the bracket (121).

9. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bracket (121) is provided with an integrated circuit board (150), which is located between the battery cell busbar (140) and the exhaust component (130). The integrated circuit board (150) is provided with a plurality of temperature sensors (151), which are electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cell busbars (140).

10. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The integrated circuit board (150) includes a flexible circuit board (152) and a printed circuit board (153).

11. The battery module of the power battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The exhaust component (130), the battery busbar (140), the integrated circuit board (150), and the bracket (121) are integrated into one unit.

12. The battery module of the power battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The base plate (131) and the top cover (132) of the exhaust component (130) are made of rigid material.

13. A power battery pack, characterized in that, The power battery pack (200) includes a housing (210) and a plurality of battery modules according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of battery modules (100) are arranged side by side within the housing (210).

14. The power battery pack according to claim 13, characterized in that, The housing (210) includes multiple side walls. The support device (120) of the battery module (100) is connected to the first side wall (211) of the multiple side walls. The first side wall (211) is provided with a second opening (213) communicating with the air outlet (134). At least one of the two second side walls (212) adjacent to the first side wall (211) is provided with an exhaust port (214) communicating with the second opening (213).

15. The power battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that, The support device (120) is connected to the first side wall (211) via a connector (220), and the connector (220) is fixed to the first side wall (211).

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