Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery module and a battery pack. The battery module comprises a module shell and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the module shell, a first partition part is arranged in the module shell, and the interior of the module shell is divided into a first containing cavity and a second containing cavity by the first partition part; the first separation part is propped against the side surfaces of the battery cells, and a busbar is arranged in the first accommodating cavity; and the busbar passes through the first separation part and is connected with the tabs of the battery cells in the second accommodating cavity. According to the battery module disclosed by the utility model, the busbar and the battery cell are separated through the arrangement of the first separation part, so that short circuit of the battery cell due to the fact that conductive substances generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell are adhered to the busbar is prevented, the risk of thermal runaway diffusion of the battery cell is reduced, and the safety of the battery module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of power batteries, and in particular to a battery module. The present invention also relates to a battery pack equipped with the battery module. Background Art

[0002] With the country's planning and support for the development of the new energy vehicle industry, the market share of new energy vehicles continues to rise, and pure electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly prevalent in people's lives. The safety of vehicle battery packs has become a key performance indicator for battery vehicles. A battery pack contains multiple battery modules, which in turn contain multiple cells. These cells generate electricity through electrochemical reactions and transmit it outside the battery module to power the electric vehicle.

[0003] When a battery module operates under high load for a long period of time, a large amount of heat is inevitably generated inside the battery cell. If this heat is not dissipated effectively and promptly, the temperature inside the battery cell will become too high, causing the battery cell to operate abnormally, which in turn can damage and melt the electrode group inside the battery cell, leading to thermal runaway of the battery cell.

[0004] When thermal runaway occurs in any cell of a battery module, the cell will discharge broken, melted electrodes, electrolyte, and other conductive materials from its interior into the module housing. This material can easily adhere to the busbars connecting the cell tabs, causing the busbars to short-circuit and spark, potentially damaging other cells and causing them to also experience thermal runaway, thus spreading the thermal runaway. The spread of thermal runaway can cause all cells in the battery module to melt and generate large amounts of gas, seriously compromising the safety of the battery module. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a battery module to reduce the risk of thermal runaway and spread of battery cells, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the utility model is achieved as follows:

[0007] A battery module comprises a module shell and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the module shell, wherein a first partition is provided in the module shell, and the first partition divides the module shell into a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity; the first partition abuts the side surfaces of each of the battery cells, and a bus is provided in the first accommodating cavity; the bus passes through the first partition and is connected to the tabs of each of the battery cells in the second accommodating cavity.

[0008] Furthermore, the module shell is provided with an exhaust hole.

[0009] Furthermore, a plurality of second partitions are provided in the second accommodating cavity and are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the first partition; the second partitions divide the second accommodating cavity into a plurality of chambers, and the battery core is provided in each of the chambers.

[0010] Furthermore, the second partition is made of heat-insulating material.

[0011] Furthermore, the exhaust holes are configured to be connected to the chambers and correspond one-to-one to the chambers.

[0012] Furthermore, the first accommodating cavity is filled with potting glue.

[0013] Furthermore, the module shell includes a bottom plate and a top plate that are arranged opposite to each other, and two end plates and two side plates that are arranged opposite to each other; each of the exhaust holes is arranged on the top plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the bottom plate extends toward the top plate near both sides of each side plate to form two edges, and the top of each edge is formed with an extension portion extending laterally away from the side plate; the extension portion is used to overlap the bottom plate of the battery pack shell.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0016] The battery module described in the present invention separates the busbar and the battery cells by setting the first separator, preventing the conductive material generated by thermal runaway of the battery cells from adhering to the busbar and preventing the battery cells from short-circuiting, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cells spreading, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0017] By providing exhaust holes on the module shell, the gas generated by the battery cells can be discharged outside the battery module through the exhaust holes, thereby avoiding the module shell explosion caused by excessive pressure inside the module shell, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0018] By providing the second partition, the battery cells are separated and arranged, so as to avoid the battery cells being close to each other and being damaged when thermal runaway occurs, thereby further preventing the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cells.

[0019] The second partition is made of thermal insulation material and has good thermal insulation effect, so as to isolate the heat transfer between the battery cells and prevent other battery cells from being damaged due to temperature increase and causing thermal runaway, thereby improving the protection effect against the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cells.

[0020] The exhaust holes are configured to correspond one to one to each chamber, so that the gas generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell is discharged directly through the corresponding exhaust holes, preventing the gas from damaging other battery cells and reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading of the battery cell.

[0021] The edge of the bottom plate and the extension of the module shell can constrain the two side plates in the horizontal direction, thereby improving the overall structural strength of the side plates and the module shell. At the same time, through the setting of the extension, the battery module can be fixed on the battery pack shell, which has a better connection effect and can reduce the transmission of the battery pack's own vibration.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack, in which the battery module as described above is provided.

[0023] The battery pack and / or battery module described in the present invention have the same technical effects as those of the prior art and will not be described in detail here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 For the utility model Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at the position shown in FIG.

[0028] Description of reference numerals:

[0029] 1. Module housing; 101. Bottom plate; 102. Top plate; 103. End plate; 104. Side plate;

[0030] 1011, edge; 1012, extension;

[0031] 2. Battery cell; 201. Tab;

[0032] 3. First partition; 4. Busbar; 5. Second partition; 6. Potting compound; 7. Exhaust hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features therein can be combined with each other.

[0034] In the following description, specific details such as specific system structures and techniques are provided for purposes of illustration rather than limitation to facilitate a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present application may be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other cases, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, devices, circuits, and methods are omitted to avoid obscuring the description of the present application with unnecessary detail.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" appear to indicate orientation or positional relationships, these are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, if terms such as "first" and "second" appear, they are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connection," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed, removable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.

[0037] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] This embodiment relates to a battery module, comprising a module housing 1 and a plurality of battery cells 2 arranged in the module housing 1. The overall structure is as follows: Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the battery module of this embodiment has a first partition 3 within the module housing 1, which divides the module housing 1 into a first accommodating chamber and a second accommodating chamber. The first partition 3 abuts the side of each battery cell 2. A busbar 4 is provided within the first accommodating chamber, passing through the first partition 3 and connecting to the tabs 201 of each battery cell 2 within the second accommodating chamber.

[0040] It is understandable that when any battery cell 2 in the battery module experiences thermal runaway and exhausts gas from the battery cell 2, the battery cell 2 will discharge electrode fragments, electrolytes and other conductive materials inside the battery cell 2. When these conductive materials adhere to the bus 4 on the tabs 201 used to connect the battery cells 2, it is easy to cause some of the battery cells 2 to short-circuit and ignite, thereby increasing the risk of thermal runaway of other battery cells 2 and causing the thermal runaway of the battery cells 2 to spread.

[0041] Therefore, a first partition 3 is provided to separate the battery cell 2 from the bus 4, so that the conductive material generated due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 can only be discharged into the second accommodating cavity, and the first partition 3 abuts against the side surfaces of each battery cell 2, making it difficult for the tabs 201 of the battery cell 2 and the bus 4 to be exposed in the second accommodating cavity, thereby preventing the conductive material from adhering to the bus 4 or between the tabs 201.

[0042] As described above, by setting the first partition 3, the bus 4 and the battery cell 2 are separated, preventing the conductive material generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 from adhering to the bus 4 and preventing the battery cell 2 from short-circuiting, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 spreading, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0043] Based on the above overall introduction, specifically, the battery cell 2 of this embodiment is a soft-pack battery cell 2, and the battery cells 2 of the battery module of this embodiment can be connected in series or in parallel via a bus bar 4. In specific implementation, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, if the positive and negative tabs 201 of the battery cell 2 are located at opposite ends of the battery cell 2, two first partitions 3 are provided in the module housing 1 in this embodiment, and two first accommodating cavities are separated in the module housing 1. The two first accommodating cavities are located at opposite ends of the second accommodating cavity to facilitate the installation of the busbar 4 and its connection with the positive and negative tabs 201 of the battery cell 2. Of course, if the positive and negative tabs 201 of the battery cell 2 are located on the same side of the battery cell 2, only one first partition 3 is provided in the module housing 1.

[0044] In addition, the first partition 3 can be composed of a plate constituting the module shell 1, or can be made of conventional thermal insulation materials, such as aerogel, phase change material, ceramic silicone rubber, etc., which can separate the first accommodating cavity and the second accommodating cavity inside the module shell 1.

[0045] Since the battery cells 2 will also generate a large amount of gas when thermal runaway occurs, in order to prevent the gas from being unable to be discharged, thereby causing excessive pressure inside the module housing 1 and causing the battery module to explode, the module housing 1 of this embodiment is provided with a vent 7. Through the provision of the vent 7, when the battery cells 2 experience thermal runaway, the gas generated by the battery cells 2 can be discharged outside the battery module through the vent 7, thereby preventing the module housing 1 from exploding due to excessive pressure inside the module housing 1, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0046] In order to further prevent the spread of thermal runaway of cell 2, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second accommodating cavity of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of second partitions 5 arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the first partition 3. The second partitions 5 divide the second accommodating cavity into a plurality of chambers, each of which is provided with a battery cell 2. It is understandable that when any battery cell 2 experiences thermal runaway, the battery cell 2 will melt at high temperature due to thermal runaway, or even catch fire, making other battery cells 2 adjacent to the thermal runaway battery cell 2 susceptible to damage and thermal runaway, thereby causing the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2. Therefore, by providing the second partitions 5, a plurality of independent chambers are formed to separate the battery cells 2, thereby preventing the battery cells 2 from being close to each other and being damaged when thermal runaway occurs, thereby further preventing the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2.

[0047] In order to prevent heat from being transferred to other battery cells 2 and causing thermal runaway of the battery cells 2 when thermal runaway occurs, the second separator 5 of this embodiment is made of a thermal insulation material with good thermal insulation effect, so as to isolate the heat transfer between the battery cells 2 and prevent other battery cells 2 from being damaged due to temperature increase and causing thermal runaway, thereby improving the protection effect against the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cells 2. In specific implementation, the second separator 5 of this embodiment can be made of a thermal insulation material well known to those skilled in the art, such as aerogel, phase change material, ceramic silicone rubber, etc., as long as it has good thermal insulation performance.

[0048] In addition to the heat transfer between the battery cells 2 causing the spread of thermal runaway, the high gas generated by the battery cell 2 due to thermal runaway will also damage other battery cells 2 and cause the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2. Therefore, in order to prevent the above situation from occurring, the exhaust holes 7 of this embodiment are configured to be connected to each chamber and correspond one-to-one with each chamber. By setting the exhaust holes 7 and the chambers in a one-to-one correspondence, the gas generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 is directly discharged through the corresponding exhaust holes 7, preventing the gas from damaging other battery cells 2 and reducing the risk of the thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 from spreading. In a specific implementation, the exhaust holes 7 of this embodiment have an elliptical structure. While having a large other flow area, it can prevent the exhaust holes 7 from being blocked by conductive substances or debris generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 to a certain extent.

[0049] In the first accommodating cavity, since the busbar 4 is directly connected to the tab 201 of the battery cell 2 and no other fixing structure is provided, when the battery module is subjected to impact or vibration, the busbar 4 will swing and move, thereby causing the tab 201 or the busbar 4 itself to break, affecting the normal operation of the battery module. Figure 3As shown, the first accommodating cavity is filled with potting compound 6. By filling the potting compound 6, the busbar 4 and the tab 201 can be fixed, thereby improving the impact resistance of the busbar 4 and the battery module and ensuring the normal operation of the battery module. In specific implementation, the potting compound 6 of this embodiment can adopt conventional potting compounds 6 commonly used in the field, such as vulcanized silicone rubber, organic silicone rubber, etc. In addition to improving the impact resistance of the busbar 4 and the battery module, it can also provide moisture and corrosion resistance, thereby protecting the busbar 4.

[0050] To facilitate assembly of the battery module, the module housing 1 of this embodiment includes a bottom plate 101 and a top plate 102, as well as two end plates 103 and two side plates 104. The module housing 1 is formed by assembling these panels, providing good structural strength while facilitating assembly of the battery module. Furthermore, the exhaust holes 7 provided on the top plate 102 facilitate the smooth discharge of gas.

[0051] Specifically, to further enhance the structural strength of the module housing 1 and facilitate assembly of the battery module onto the battery pack, the bottom plate 101 of this embodiment extends toward the top plate 102 on either side of each side plate 104 to form two edges 1011. Each edge 1011 has an extension 1012 formed at the top, extending laterally away from the side plates 104. The extensions 1012 are configured to overlap the bottom plate 101 of the battery pack housing. The provision of these edges constrains the two side plates 104 laterally, thereby enhancing the overall structural strength of the side plates 104 and the module housing 1. Furthermore, the provision of the extensions 1012 secures the battery module to the battery pack housing, providing a better connection while reducing the transmission of vibration from the battery pack itself, thereby ensuring the proper operation of the battery module.

[0052] In summary, the battery module of this embodiment separates the bus 4 and the battery cell 2 through the setting of the first separator 3, preventing the conductive material generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 from adhering to the bus 4 and preventing the battery cell 2 from short-circuiting, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 spreading, thereby improving the safety of the battery module and having good practicality.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This embodiment relates to a battery pack. In terms of overall structure, the battery pack is provided with the battery module as described in the first embodiment.

[0055] The battery pack of this embodiment, through the arrangement of the above-mentioned battery module, can reduce the risk of thermal runaway and spread of the battery cells 2 in the battery module, thereby improving the safety of the battery module and further enhancing the quality of the battery pack.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising a module housing, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the module housing, characterized in that: A first partition is provided in the module housing, and the first partition divides the module housing into a first accommodating chamber and a second accommodating chamber; The first partition abuts against the side surfaces of each of the battery cells, and a bus is provided in the first accommodating cavity; The busbar passes through the first partition and is connected to the tabs of each of the battery cells in the second accommodating cavity.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The module shell is provided with an exhaust hole.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second accommodating cavity is provided with a plurality of second partitions arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the first partition; The second partition divides the second accommodating cavity into a plurality of chambers, and each of the chambers is provided with the battery core.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second partition is made of heat insulating material.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The exhaust holes are arranged in a plurality to communicate with the chambers and correspond one-to-one to the chambers.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first accommodating cavity is filled with potting glue.

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The module housing comprises a bottom plate and a top plate which are arranged opposite to each other, and two end plates and two side plates which are arranged opposite to each other; Each of the exhaust holes is arranged on the top plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom plate extends toward the top plate from two sides close to each of the side plates to form two edges, and the top of each edge is formed with an extension portion extending away from the side plate and laterally extending; The extension portion is used to overlap the bottom plate of the battery pack shell.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack is provided with the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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