Battery and electric device

Abstract

The battery provided by the embodiment of the utility model comprises a box body, battery monomers, a confluence component and a channel, the box body comprises a first cavity and a second cavity, a communication part is arranged between the first cavity and the second cavity, the battery monomers are accommodated in the first cavity, a pressure relief mechanism corresponds to the communication part, and the confluence component is used for electrically connecting a plurality of battery monomers; the confluence component comprises a weak part, one end of the channel is communicated with the second cavity, the other end of the channel is arranged opposite to the weak part, and discharge of the pressure relief mechanism guides a circulating medium in the second cavity to the weak part through the communication part via the channel so as to damage the weak part. According to the embodiment of the invention, the safety protection of the battery can be realized under the condition of thermal runaway of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of battery technology, and in particular relates to a battery and an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the emergence of new energy vehicles has played a huge role in promoting social development and environmental protection. Power batteries, as a rechargeable battery, are the power source of new energy vehicles and are widely used in the field of new energy vehicles.

[0003] In the development of battery technology, how to improve the safety performance of batteries under thermal runaway is an important research direction in battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a battery and an electrical device that can provide safety protection for the battery in the event of thermal runaway of the battery.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery comprising a housing, battery cells, a flow collector, and a channel. The housing comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, with a connecting portion disposed between the first and second chambers; the battery cells are housed in the first chamber, with the pressure relief mechanisms of the battery cells corresponding to the connecting portion; the flow collector is used to electrically connect the multiple battery cells, and includes a weakened portion; and the channel comprises a channel having one end connected to the second chamber and the other end disposed opposite the weakened portion. The discharge of the pressure relief mechanism directs the circulating medium in the second chamber through the channel via the connecting portion to the weakened portion, thereby destroying the weakened portion.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the energy of the emissions generated by the battery cells during thermal runaway is used to cut off the electrical connection of the battery, which can protect the battery, reduce the possibility of failure of the protection measures in the case of thermal runaway, and improve the safety of the battery.

[0007] In some embodiments, the box further includes a barrier wall, which is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber to block the first chamber and the second chamber, and the connecting portion is disposed on the barrier wall.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the barrier wall blocks the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, the communication portion includes a weak sealing membrane, and the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism acts on the weak sealing membrane, causing the weak sealing membrane to rupture to connect the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the weak sealing film can prevent the flowing medium in the second chamber from entering the first chamber when the battery is not in thermal runaway, thereby affecting the protection effect of the battery.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes a through hole provided in the barrier wall, the first chamber and the second chamber are connected through the through hole, the pressure relief mechanism of each battery cell corresponds one-to-one to the through hole, the battery cell is mounted on the barrier wall, and the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism enters the second chamber through the through hole.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the connecting portion is made into a through hole, which can shorten the distance that the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism passes through the connecting portion to enter the second chamber, and reduce the energy loss of the pressure relief mechanism during the pressure relief process.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first chamber is provided with an exhaust valve configured to maintain a gas pressure balance inside the first chamber.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the first chamber is exhausted through the exhaust valve, so that the flowing medium in the second chamber can smoothly enter the first chamber.

[0015] In some embodiments, the circulating medium within the second chamber includes a firefighting medium.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the circulating medium in the second chamber includes a fire-fighting medium, which can quickly reduce the concentration of combustibles in the box when thermal runaway occurs in the battery, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0017] In some embodiments, the box body also includes a partition plate movably arranged in the second chamber, which divides the second chamber into an exhaust chamber and a medium chamber. The exhaust chamber is located between the first chamber and the medium chamber and can be connected to the first chamber through a connecting part. Fire-fighting medium is arranged inside the medium chamber.

[0018] In the above technical solution, when the battery thermally runs away, the pressure relief mechanism releases pressure to the partition plate, and the partition plate moves due to the force of the discharge.

[0019] In some embodiments, one end of the channel is connected to the medium bin and the other end is arranged in the first chamber opposite to the weak part. The discharge of the pressure relief mechanism acts on the partition plate in the exhaust bin through the connecting part, and guides the fire-fighting medium inside the medium bin to the weak part through the channel.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the firefighting medium can enter the channel when the pressure relief mechanism acts on the partition plate, and is thereby guided to the weak portion at the other end of the channel, thereby destroying the weak portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the partition plate is slidably disposed in the second chamber in the height direction of the battery cell, and the partition plate is parallel to the barrier wall to prevent uneven pressure on the medium compartment.

[0022] In some embodiments, a first one-way valve is provided at one end of the channel connected to the second chamber, and a second one-way valve is provided at one end of the channel connected to the first chamber. The passage direction of the first one-way valve is from the second chamber to the channel, and the passage direction of the second one-way valve is from the channel to the first chamber.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the first one-way valve allows the firefighting medium to be effectively pressed into the channel, and the second one-way valve prevents the weak part from being damaged when thermal runaway does not occur in the battery cell.

[0024] In some embodiments, the battery cells include electrode terminals, the busbar component is disposed between the electrode terminals of adjacent battery cells, and the weak portion is disposed at the outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells so as to be easily destroyed.

[0025] In some embodiments, the busbar component also includes a connecting portion, which extends partially along the height direction of the battery cell. One end of the two connecting portions is electrically connected to the electrode terminals of adjacent battery cells, and the other end is connected to each other through a weak portion, and the weak portion is arranged in the middle of the battery cell along the height direction.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the weak portion is located at the end of the battery cell in the height direction, which can avoid damaging other components of the battery cell while destroying the weak portion when the battery thermal runaway occurs.

[0027] In some embodiments, the electrode terminals and the pressure relief mechanism are jointly arranged on the side of the battery cell facing the barrier wall, and the barrier wall is provided with a avoidance groove for avoiding the electrode terminals and the busbar component, so as to achieve electrical connection between the battery cells.

[0028] In some embodiments, notches or grooves are provided on the surface of the weak portion; or a plurality of through holes are opened on the weak portion, so that the weak portion is easier to be destroyed.

[0029] In some embodiments, the material of the weak portion is a metal material with high conductivity and low melting point, so that the weak portion can be melted by heat.

[0030] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device, comprising a battery according to any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the battery is used to provide electrical energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic top view of the middle battery;

[0035] Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram of another example of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a battery;

[0037] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another example of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the working of the battery;

[0040] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0041] The reference numerals for the specific embodiments are as follows:

[0042] 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor;

[0043] 1. Box body; 101. First chamber; 102. Second chamber; 102a. Exhaust chamber; 102b. Medium chamber; 11. Connecting part; 111. Weak sealing film; 112. Through hole; 12. Barrier wall; 13. Partition plate; 14. Exhaust valve; 2. Battery cell; 21. Pressure relief mechanism; 22. Electrode terminal; 23. End cover; 24. Shell; 25. Electrode assembly; 3. Converging component; 31. Weak part; 32. Connecting part; 4. Channel; 41. First one-way valve; 42. Second one-way valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary-secondary relationship.

[0046] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0048] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components in different embodiments are omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of this application, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0050] The term "plurality" used in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0051] In this application, the term "parallel" includes not only the absolutely parallel situation, but also the roughly parallel situation conventionally recognized in engineering; at the same time, "vertical" also includes not only the absolutely vertical situation, but also the roughly vertical situation conventionally recognized in engineering.

[0052] In the present application, battery cells may include lithium-ion secondary battery cells, lithium-ion primary battery cells, lithium-sulfur battery cells, sodium-lithium-ion battery cells, sodium-ion battery cells or magnesium-ion battery cells, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0053] In the present application, a battery refers to a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in the present application may be a battery module or a battery pack, etc. A battery generally includes a casing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The casing can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells. In a battery, multiple battery cells can be connected in series, in parallel, or in mixed connection. Mixed connection means that multiple battery cells are connected in series and in parallel. Multiple battery cells can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in mixed connection, and then the whole formed by the multiple battery cells is accommodated in the casing; of course, the battery can also be a battery in which multiple battery cells are first connected in series, in parallel, or in mixed connection to form a battery, and then the multiple batteries are connected in series, in parallel, or in mixed connection to form a whole, and then accommodated in the casing.

[0054] Currently, market developments indicate that power batteries are becoming increasingly widely used. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal, wind, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. As power battery applications continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0055] In the related art, the pressure relief mechanism of a battery cell refers to an element or component that is actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold. The threshold design varies according to different design requirements. The threshold may depend on the material of one or more of the positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate, electrolyte and separator in the battery cell. The internal pressure of the battery cell is the pressure inside the outer shell. The pressure relief mechanism can take the form of an explosion-proof valve, an air valve, a pressure relief valve or a safety valve, and can specifically adopt a pressure-sensitive element or structure, that is, when the internal pressure of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism performs an action or the weak part provided in the pressure relief mechanism ruptures, thereby forming an opening or channel for internal pressure relief.

[0056] The "activation" mentioned in this application refers to the action of the pressure relief mechanism or its activation to a certain state, so that the internal pressure of the battery cell can be released. The action produced by the pressure relief mechanism may include but is not limited to: at least a part of the pressure relief mechanism is broken, shattered, torn or opened, etc. When the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, the high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell will be discharged outward from the actuated part as emissions. In this way, the battery cell can be depressurized under controllable pressure, thereby avoiding potential more serious accidents. The emissions from the battery cell mentioned in this application include but are not limited to: electrolyte, dissolved or split positive and negative pole pieces, fragments of separators, high-temperature and high-pressure gases produced by the reaction, flames, etc.

[0057] The inventors noted that in related technologies, when a battery experiences thermal runaway, it needs to feed back a thermal runaway signal to other components, which then receive the signal and respond to the thermal runaway. While this approach can protect the battery, it complicates the battery's system control logic and increases the probability of failure. Furthermore, when a battery experiences thermal runaway, the temperature and concentration of the emissions are high, accumulating inside the battery housing and potentially causing the battery to combust, posing a significant safety hazard.

[0058] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a battery and an electrical device. The battery includes a housing, battery cells, a flow collector, and a channel. The housing includes a first chamber and a second chamber. A connecting portion is provided between the first and second chambers, interconnecting the first and second chambers. The battery cells include a pressure relief mechanism on a surface facing the second chamber, the pressure relief mechanism corresponding to the connecting portion. The flow collector, which electrically connects the multiple battery cells to each other, includes a weakened portion. One end of the channel is connected to the second chamber, while the other end is disposed opposite the weakened portion. When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, discharge from the pressure relief mechanism enters the second chamber through the connecting portion, directing the circulating medium in the second chamber through the channel to the weakened portion, thereby destroying the weakened portion and thereby disconnecting the circuit between the multiple battery cells. While preventing discharge from accumulating in the first chamber and causing damage to the battery cells, the energy generated by thermal runaway of the battery cells can be used to disconnect the battery's electrical connection, thereby protecting the battery and improving battery safety.

[0059] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices powered by batteries.

[0060] Electrical devices may include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptop computers, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and electric tools, etc. Vehicles may include fuel vehicles, gas vehicles, or new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles may include pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or extended-range vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Electric tools include metal cutting electric tools, grinding electric tools, assembly electric tools, and railway electric tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any special restrictions on the above-mentioned electrical devices.

[0061] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to being applicable to the electrical devices described above, but for the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments are all described using vehicle 1000 as an example.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1000 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is provided inside vehicle 1000. Battery 100 can be provided at the bottom, head, or tail of vehicle 1000.

[0063] The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 can serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to power the motor 300, for example, to meet the power requirements of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving. In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0064] Figure 2 FIG1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic top view of the battery 100 is shown. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the battery 100 includes a housing 1 , battery cells 2 , a current collecting component 3 and a channel 4 .

[0065] In some embodiments of the present application, the housing 1 includes a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102, with a connecting portion 11 provided between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102. The battery cells 2 are accommodated in the first chamber 101, and the pressure relief mechanism 21 of the battery cells 2 corresponds to the connecting portion 11. The conduit component 3 is used to electrically connect the multiple battery cells 2, and the conduit component 3 includes a weak portion 31. One end of the channel 4 is connected to the second chamber 102, and the other end is arranged opposite to the weak portion 31. The discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21 guides the circulating medium in the second chamber 102 through the channel 4 via the connecting portion 11 to the weak portion 31 to destroy the weak portion 31.

[0066] The first chamber 101 is a space for accommodating the battery cell 2, and the second chamber 102 is a space for the pressure relief mechanism 21 of the battery cell 2 to release pressure. The first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 can be independent of each other or can be contained in a relationship. For example, in the embodiment of the present application, the first chamber 101 is arranged to surround the second chamber 102.

[0067] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 2, which can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection. Mixed connection refers to a combination of series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 2. The busbar 3 is a component that enables electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 2. The weak portion 31 is a relatively weak area on the busbar 3 and is prone to rupture, breakage, tearing, or melting. The strength of the weak portion 31 is less than that of the busbar 3 on either side.

[0068] Multiple battery cells 2 are electrically connected by a busbar assembly 3 and arranged in an array within the first chamber 101. A pressure relief mechanism 21 is provided on the side of the battery cells 2 facing the second chamber 102. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery 100, the pressure relief mechanism 21 releases pressure into the second chamber 102. The connecting portion 11 connects the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102. The position of the connecting portion 11 corresponds to the pressure relief mechanism 21, allowing discharge from the pressure relief mechanism 21 to enter the second chamber 102 through the connecting portion 11.

[0069] Channel 4 is a hollow structure that guides the fluid within the second chamber 102. One end of channel 4 communicates with the second chamber 102, while the other end faces the weak portion 31. This directs the fluid within the second chamber 102 toward the weak portion 31. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2, the discharge from the pressure relief mechanism 21 enters the second chamber 102 through the connecting portion 11, driving the fluid within the second chamber 102 to flow. The fluid is then directed by channel 4 toward the weak portion 31, damaging it and thereby braking the battery 100.

[0070] By causing the pressure relief mechanism 21 of the battery cell 2 to release pressure into the second chamber 102, the exhaust is prevented from being retained in the first chamber 101, thereby preventing the battery 100 from thermal runaway and diffusion due to excessively high exhaust temperatures, or damaging the battery cell 2. Furthermore, by utilizing the energy of the exhaust generated by the battery cell 2 during thermal runaway to disconnect the electrical connection of the battery 100, the battery 100 is protected, reducing the possibility of protective measures failing in the event of thermal runaway, and thus improving the safety of the battery 100.

[0071] Optionally, the flowing substance in the second chamber 102 can be a gas, a liquid, or a solid powder. Since the pressure relief mechanism 21 releases pressure into the second chamber 102, in order to achieve a flame retardant effect on the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21, the second chamber 102 can be filled with an inert gas or any other substance that can reduce the temperature or concentration of the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0072] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of another example of the battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of the battery 100. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the box body 1 further includes a barrier wall 12 , which is disposed between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 to block the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 , and the connecting portion 11 is disposed on the barrier wall 12 .

[0073] The barrier wall 12 is configured to divide the space inside the housing 1 into a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102. The pressure relief mechanism 21 of the battery cell 2 faces the barrier wall 12. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2, the pressure relief mechanism 21 can release pressure to the second chamber 102 through the connecting portion 11 provided in the barrier wall 12. Alternatively, the battery cell 2 can be mounted on the barrier wall 12 or maintained at a certain distance from the barrier wall 12.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present application, the barrier wall 12 is formed in a plate shape, which divides the space inside the box body 1 into a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102 arranged in sequence. The channel 4 is located outside the box body 1, with one end connected to the second chamber 102 and the other end arranged on the wall of the first chamber 101, opposite to the weak portion 31 of the confluence component 3. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In another embodiment shown, the barrier wall 12 encloses and forms the second chamber 102 , and the outer wall of the second chamber 102 is the barrier wall 12 .

[0075] Optionally, since the exhaust from the pressure relief mechanism 21 acts on the barrier wall 12 when the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, the barrier wall 12 needs to be made of a material that can withstand high temperatures and corrosion from the exhaust from the pressure relief mechanism 21. Optionally, the channel 4 can be disposed inside or outside the housing 1. When the channel 4 is disposed inside the housing 1, it can be made of the same flame-retardant material as the barrier wall 12.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present application, the connecting portion 11 includes a weak sealing film 111 , and the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21 acts on the weak sealing film 111 , causing the weak sealing film 111 to rupture and connect the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 .

[0077] The weak sealing film 111 is a fragile membrane layer that can be destroyed by the discharge from the pressure relief mechanism 21, or when the pressure within the first chamber 101 reaches a certain threshold. The weak sealing film 111 is relatively thin and may be provided with structures such as notches to reduce its strength. When the discharge from the pressure relief mechanism 21 impacts the weak sealing film 111, the weak sealing film 111 is broken, allowing the discharge to enter the second chamber 102, thus connecting the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102.

[0078] The weak sealing film 111 can prevent the flowing medium in the second chamber 102 from entering the first chamber 101 when the battery 100 is not in thermal runaway, thereby preventing the protection effect of the battery 100 from being affected.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present application, the connecting portion 11 includes a through hole 112 arranged on the barrier wall 12, the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 are connected through the through hole 112, the pressure relief mechanism 21 of each battery cell 2 corresponds one-to-one to the through hole 112, the battery cell 2 is mounted on the barrier wall 12, and the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21 enters the second chamber 102 through the through hole 112.

[0080] The connecting portion 11 can be a through hole 112 in the barrier wall 12. Since the barrier wall 12 is formed in a plate shape, the battery cells 2 can be mounted on the barrier wall 12, so that the pressure relief mechanism 21 of each battery cell 2 corresponds to the through hole 112. By making the connecting portion 11 a through hole 112, the distance that the discharge from the pressure relief mechanism 21 must travel through the connecting portion 11 to enter the second chamber 102 is shortened, reducing energy loss during the pressure relief process. This allows the fluid in the second chamber 102 to be more easily squeezed into the channel 4, thereby destroying the weak portion 31 through the channel 4.

[0081] Optionally, the weak sealing film 111 can be disposed inside the through hole 112, or disposed on the side of the barrier wall 12 that contacts the battery cell 2 to cover the through hole 112. Optionally, the connecting portion 11 can also have other structures, which are not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present application, the first chamber 101 is provided with an exhaust valve 14 , which is configured to maintain an air pressure balance inside the first chamber 101 .

[0083] The exhaust valve 14 is a one-way valve provided on the wall of the first chamber 101, and its passage direction is from the inside of the first chamber 101 to the outside of the box body 1. The exhaust valve 14 can be a resilient structure, which opens when the pressure in the first chamber 101 exceeds a certain threshold, and exhausts the first chamber 101 to maintain the air pressure balance inside the first chamber 101. When the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, in addition to the original air medium, the first chamber 101 may also contain some gas generated by the pressure relief mechanism 21, resulting in a higher pressure in the first chamber 101. At this time, the first chamber 101 is exhausted through the exhaust valve 14, so that the flowing medium of the second chamber 102 can smoothly enter the first chamber 101, thereby destroying the weak part 31 and braking the battery 100.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a battery cell in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the circulating medium inside the second chamber 102 includes a firefighting medium.

[0085] The fire-fighting medium is a medium that can be mixed with the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21 to dilute the concentration of the combustible gas or liquid and achieve a fire-extinguishing effect. When the fire-fighting medium is a gas, the fire-fighting medium can be an inert gas such as CO2 (Carbondioxide), SF6 (Sulfur hexafluoride) or N2 (Nitrogen). When the fire-fighting medium is a liquid, the fire-fighting medium can be a low-melting-point liquid that forms a gas after a phase change or chemical reaction, such as liquid perfluorohexanone, hexafluoropropane or heptafluoropropane. When the fire-fighting medium is a solid, the fire-fighting medium can be a solid medium that forms a gas after a phase change, such as dry ice. The fire-fighting medium can also produce gas after a chemical reaction. For example, when the fire-fighting medium is an aerosol-like solid (such as potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, etc.), a large amount of inert gas is produced after the chemical reaction to consume free oxygen and dilute the concentration of the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21.

[0086] The medium flowing in the second chamber 102 includes a firefighting medium, which can quickly reduce the concentration of combustibles in the housing 1 when thermal runaway of the battery 100 occurs, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery 100. Furthermore, the firefighting medium is prone to generating gas after phase change or chemical reaction, allowing the medium flowing in the second chamber 102 to more easily enter the first chamber 101 through the channel 4, thereby destroying the weak portion 31 of the flow converging component 3.

[0087] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example of the battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 8 for Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the battery 100. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the box body 1 also includes a partition plate 13 movably arranged in the second chamber 102, and the partition plate 13 divides the second chamber 102 into an exhaust bin 102a and a medium bin 102b. The exhaust bin 102a is located between the first chamber 101 and the medium bin 102b and can be connected to the first chamber 101 through the connecting portion 11. A fire-fighting medium is provided inside the medium bin 102b.

[0088] The exhaust chamber 102a is a space for the pressure relief mechanism 21 to release pressure, while the medium chamber 102b is a space for containing the firefighting medium. Therefore, the exhaust chamber 102a is closer to the first chamber 101 than the medium chamber 102b and can be connected to the first chamber 101 through the connecting portion 11. The exhaust chamber 102a and the medium chamber 102b are formed by the partition 13 separating the second chamber 102, just as the barrier wall 12 divides the internal space of the housing 1 into the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102. The partition 13 is movably disposed in the second chamber 102. That is, when the battery 100 thermally runs away, the pressure relief mechanism 21 releases pressure toward the partition 13. The partition 13 is pushed by the force of the exhaust and moves, causing the space in the exhaust chamber 102a to increase and the space in the medium chamber 102b to decrease.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present application, one end of the channel 4 is connected to the medium bin 102b, and the other end is arranged in the first chamber 101 opposite to the weak portion 31. The discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21 acts on the partition plate 13 in the exhaust bin 102a through the connecting portion 11, and guides the fire-fighting medium inside the medium bin 102b to the weak portion 31 through the channel 4.

[0090] The discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21 acts on the partition plate 13 via the communication portion 11 at the exhaust chamber 102a, so that the partition plate 13 movably arranged at the second chamber 102 can move in the second chamber 102, thereby compressing the space of the medium chamber 102b. One end of the channel 4 is in communication with the medium chamber 102b, that is, the fire-fighting medium in the medium chamber 102b can enter the channel 4 when the pressure relief mechanism 21 acts on the partition plate 13, and then be guided to the weak portion 31 at the other end of the channel 4, thereby playing a role of breaking the weak portion 31.

[0091] Optionally, in addition to being able to change phase into a gas and rush into the first chamber 101 from the channel 4 to flow and break the weak portion 31, the fire-fighting medium can also be made of a material that can react with the weak portion 31 to play a breaking role, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present application, the partition plate 13 is slidably arranged in the second chamber 102 in the height direction of the battery monomer 2, and the partition plate 13 is parallel to the blocking wall 12.

[0093] The partition plate 13 is parallel to the blocking wall 12, and in the embodiments of the present application, the partition plate 13 and the blocking wall 12 divide the internal space of the box 1 into the first chamber 101, the exhaust chamber 102a of the second chamber 102, and the medium chamber 102b arranged in sequence. The partition plate 13 slides in the height direction of the battery monomer 2, so that when the battery monomer 2 located at any position undergoes thermal runaway, the partition plate 13 moves away from the first chamber 101 in the same direction, so that the volume of the exhaust chamber 102a increases and the volume of the medium chamber 102b decreases, thereby avoiding uneven pressure on the medium chamber 102b, so that the fire-fighting medium cannot enter the first chamber 101 through the channel 4 and break the weak portion 31.

[0094] In some embodiments of the present application, one end of the channel 4 connected with the second chamber 102 is provided with a first one-way valve 41, and the other end of the channel 4 connected with the first chamber 101 is provided with a second one-way valve 42. The flow direction of the first one-way valve 41 is from the second chamber 102 to the channel 4, and the flow direction of the second one-way valve 42 is from the channel 4 to the first chamber 101.

[0095] Since the fire-fighting medium is arranged in the medium bin 102b, if the fire-fighting medium enters the channel 4 in advance, it cannot be guaranteed that the medium bin 102b has sufficient pressure, so that the partition plate 13 compresses the medium bin 102b to guide the fire-fighting medium into the first chamber 101. A first one-way valve 41 is arranged at one end of the channel 4 connected with the medium bin 102b, so that the fire-fighting medium can be effectively pressed into the channel 4. In addition, in order to prevent the fire-fighting medium from entering the first chamber 101 through the channel 4 in advance and preventing the battery 100 from normal power supply, a second one-way valve 42 is arranged at one end of the channel 4 connected with the first chamber 101, so as to prevent the weak part 31 from being damaged in the case that the battery monomer 2 does not occur thermal runaway.

[0096] Optionally, the opening value of the first one-way valve 41 and the second one-way valve 42 should be less than the pressure value generated by the pressure relief mechanism 21 of one battery monomer 2 acting on the partition plate 13 due to thermal runaway.

[0097] Optionally, in order to enable the flowing medium in the second chamber 102 to smoothly enter the first chamber 101, when the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 are not connected, the internal pressure of the second chamber 102 can be greater than that of the first chamber 101. Therefore, the opening pressure of the first one-way valve 41 should be relatively greater than that of the second one-way valve 42, so that the second chamber 102 has sufficient pressure.

[0098] Again referring to Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present application, the battery monomer 2 includes an electrode terminal 22, the busbar component 3 is arranged between the electrode terminals 22 of adjacent battery monomers 2, and the weak part 31 is arranged at the outermost side of the plurality of battery monomers 2.

[0099] The busbar component 3 is arranged between the electrode terminals 22 of adjacent battery monomers 2, so as to electrically connect the adjacent battery monomers 2. The electrode terminal 22 can be arranged on one side of the battery monomer 2 together with the pressure relief mechanism 21, or can be arranged at the end of the battery monomer 2 away from the pressure relief mechanism 21 as in the embodiments of the present application. The weak part 31 is arranged at the outermost side of the plurality of battery monomers 2, so as to facilitate the channel 4 to be arranged at a position corresponding to the weak part 31, and guide the flowing medium in the second chamber 102 to the weak part 31.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present application, the busbar component 3 further includes a connecting part 32, the connecting part 32 extends partially along the height direction of the battery monomer 2, one end of the two connecting parts 32 is electrically connected with the electrode terminal 22 of the adjacent battery monomer 2, and the other end is connected with each other through the weak part 31, and the weak part 31 is arranged at the middle part of the battery monomer 2 along the height direction.

[0101] The weak portion 31 is located at the end of the battery cell 2 in the height direction, so that when the battery 100 is in thermal runaway, the electrode terminal 22 of the battery cell 2 will not be damaged at the same time as the weak portion 31 is damaged. Therefore, the current collecting component 3 includes two connecting portions 32 and a weak portion 31, the two connecting portions 32 are connected to the electrode terminals 22 of the adjacent battery cells 2 respectively, and the weak portion 31 connects the two connecting portions 32 respectively, so that the connecting portion 32 extends in the height direction of the battery cell 2, that is, the weak portion 31 is arranged at the middle of the battery cell 2, so as to ensure the safety and usability of the battery 100.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present application, the electrode terminal 22 and the pressure relief mechanism 21 are arranged on the same side of the battery cell 2 facing the barrier wall 12, and the barrier wall 12 is provided with a avoiding slot (not shown in the figure) for avoiding the electrode terminal 22 and the current collecting component 3.

[0103] When the electrode terminal 22 and the pressure relief mechanism 21 are arranged on the same side of the battery cell 1 facing the barrier wall 12, in order to avoid the influence of the pressure relief mechanism 21 on the electrode terminal 22 when the battery 100 is in thermal runaway, the pressure relief mechanism 21 should be as close to the connecting portion 32 as possible to avoid the leakage of the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21. Therefore, when the pressure relief mechanism 21 is close to the connecting portion 32, in order to avoid the influence of the barrier wall 12 on the electrode terminal 22 and the current collecting component 3, the barrier wall 12 is provided with a avoiding slot for embedding the electrode terminal 22 and the current collecting component 3, so that the electrical connection between the battery cells 2 is more smooth, and the usability of the battery 100 is ensured.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present application, the surface of the weak portion 31 is provided with a notch or a groove; or a plurality of through holes are formed in the weak portion 31.

[0105] The notch can be arranged on the surface of the weak portion 31, or the weak portion 31 is close to the junction position of the connecting portion 32, so that the weak portion 31 is more easily damaged. When the weak portion 31 is provided with a through hole, the strength of the weak portion 31 can be further reduced, and the weak portion 31 is more easily damaged.

[0106] It should be understood that although the weak portion 31 has relatively weak strength, the strength of the weak portion 31 should be ensured to prevent the weak portion 31 from being damaged by collision or shaking during daily use or transportation of the battery 100, so that the battery 100 has better usability.

[0107] In some embodiments of the present application, the material of the weak portion 31 is a metal material with high conductivity and low melting point.

[0108] The weak portion 31 is a part of the current collecting component 3, and the material of the weak portion 31 should have good conductivity to ensure good electrical connection between the battery cells 2.

[0109] Because the weak portion 31 has a relatively low melting point, it can be melted when the battery cell 2 experiences thermal runaway. The weak portion 31 can be made of a low-melting-point metal film, such as aluminum foil or tin foil, or a plastic, such as PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Optionally, the melting point of the material of the weak portion 31 can be between 100°C and 150°C.

[0110] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a battery cell 2 in some embodiments of the present application. A battery cell 2 is the smallest unit that makes up the battery 100. Figure 9 As shown, the battery cell 2 further includes an end cover 23 , a shell 24 , an electrode assembly 25 and other functional components.

[0111] The end cap 23 is a component that covers the opening of the housing 24 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 2 from the external environment. The shape of the end cap 23 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 24 to fit the housing 24. Optionally, the end cap 23 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy). This prevents the end cap 23 from deforming when subjected to compression or collision, giving the battery cell 2 greater structural strength and improved safety. Functional components such as the electrode terminal 22 and an explosion-proof valve are provided on the end cap 23. The electrode terminal 22 can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly 25 for inputting or outputting electrical energy from the battery cell 2. In some embodiments, the end cap 23 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism 21 for relieving internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 2 reaches a threshold. The end cap 23 can also be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any specific limitations on this. In some embodiments, an insulating member may be provided inside the end cap 23 to isolate the electrical connection plate in the housing 24 from the end cap 23 to reduce the risk of short circuit. For example, the insulating member may be made of plastic, rubber, or the like.

[0112] The shell 24 is a component for cooperating with the end cover 23 to form an internal environment of the battery cell 2, and the formed internal environment can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 25, electrolyte (not shown in the figure), and other components. The shell 24 and the end cover 23 can be independent components, and an opening can be provided on the shell 24, and the end cover 23 is used to cover the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 2. Without limitation, the end cover 23 and the shell 24 can also be integrated, specifically, the end cover 23 and the shell 24 can form a common connecting surface before other components enter the shell, and when it is necessary to seal the internal environment of the shell 24, the end cover 23 is used to cover the shell 24. The shell 24 can be various shapes and sizes, such as a cuboid, a cylinder, a hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the shell 24 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 25. The material of the shell 24 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not make special limitations.

[0113] The electrode assembly 25 is a component where electrochemical reactions occur in the battery cell 2. One or more electrode assemblies 25 can be contained in the shell 24. The electrode assembly 25 is mainly formed by winding or stacking a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet, and a separator is usually provided between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet have a portion with active material constituting a main body of the electrode assembly 25, and a portion without active material constituting a tab of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet, respectively. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab can be located at one end of the main body or at two ends of the main body, respectively. In the charging and discharging process of the battery 100, the positive active material and the negative active material react with the electrolyte, and the tabs are connected to the electrode terminal 22 to form a current loop.

[0114] In some optional embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 includes a box body 1, a battery cell 2, a current collecting component 3, and a channel 4. The box body 1 includes a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102, and a communication part 11 is provided between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102. The battery cell 2 is accommodated in the first chamber 101, and the pressure relief mechanism 21 of the battery cell 2 corresponds to the communication part 11. The current collecting component 3 is used to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells 2 and includes a weak part 31. The channel 4 communicates with the second chamber 102 at one end and is oppositely arranged with the weak part 31 at the other end, and the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism 21 guides the flow medium in the second chamber 102 to the weak part 31 through the channel 4 to damage the weak part 31.

[0115] It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0116] Finally, it should be noted that the above examples are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and are not intended to limit the same; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing examples, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing examples, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features, but these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery comprising: The box body (1) comprises a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (102), wherein a communication portion (11) is provided between the first chamber (101) and the second chamber (102); A battery cell (2) is accommodated in the first chamber (101), and a pressure relief mechanism (21) of the battery cell (2) corresponds to the communication portion (11); A busbar component (3) for electrically connecting a plurality of the battery cells (2), wherein the busbar component (3) includes a weak portion (31); and The channel (4) has one end connected to the second chamber (102) and the other end arranged opposite to the weak portion (31). The discharge of the pressure relief mechanism (21) guides the circulating medium in the second chamber (102) through the channel (4) via the connecting portion (11) to the weak portion (31), thereby destroying the weak portion (31).

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The box body (1) further comprises a barrier wall (12), wherein the barrier wall (12) is arranged between the first chamber (101) and the second chamber (102) to block the first chamber (101) and the second chamber (102), and the connecting portion (11) is arranged on the barrier wall (12).

3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein The communication portion (11) includes a weak sealing film (111), and the discharge of the pressure relief mechanism (21) acts on the weak sealing film (111), causing the weak sealing film (111) to rupture to connect the first chamber (101) and the second chamber (102).

4. The battery according to claim 2, wherein The connecting portion (11) includes through holes (112) corresponding one-to-one to the pressure relief mechanisms (21) of the battery cells (2); the battery cells (2) are mounted on the barrier wall (12); and the discharge of the pressure relief mechanisms (21) enters the second chamber (102) through the through holes (112).

5. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The first chamber (101) is provided with an exhaust valve (14), and the exhaust valve (14) is configured to maintain an air pressure balance inside the first chamber (101).

6. The battery according to claim 2, wherein The circulating medium inside the second chamber (102) includes a firefighting medium.

7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein The box body (1) further comprises a partition plate (13) movably arranged in the second chamber (102), wherein the partition plate (13) divides the second chamber (102) into an exhaust chamber (102a) and a medium chamber (102b), wherein the exhaust chamber (102a) is located between the first chamber (101) and the medium chamber (102b) and can be connected to the first chamber (101) through the connecting portion (11), and the fire fighting medium is arranged inside the medium chamber (102b).

8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein One end of the channel (4) is connected to the medium bin (102b), and the other end is arranged in the first chamber (101) opposite to the weak portion (31). The discharge of the pressure relief mechanism (21) acts on the partition plate (13) in the exhaust bin (102a) via the connecting portion (11), thereby guiding the firefighting medium inside the medium bin (102b) to the weak portion (31) through the channel (4).

9. The battery according to claim 8, wherein In the height direction of the battery cell (2), the partition plate (13) can be slidably arranged in the second chamber (102), and the partition plate (13) is parallel to the barrier wall (12).

10. The battery according to claim 7, wherein A first one-way valve (41) is provided at one end of the channel (4) connected to the second chamber (102), and a second one-way valve (42) is provided at one end of the channel (4) connected to the first chamber (101). The passage direction of the first one-way valve (41) is from the second chamber (102) to the channel (4), and the passage direction of the second one-way valve (42) is from the channel (4) to the first chamber (101).

11. The battery according to claim 2, wherein The battery cells (2) include electrode terminals (22), the current collecting component (3) is arranged between the electrode terminals (22) of adjacent battery cells (2), and the weak portion (31) is arranged at the outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells (2).

12. The battery according to claim 11, wherein The confluence component (3) further includes a connecting portion (32), wherein the connecting portion (32) partially extends along the height direction of the battery cell (2), one end of two connecting portions (32) is electrically connected to the electrode terminal (22) of the adjacent battery cell (2), and the other end is connected to each other through the weak portion (31), and the weak portion (31) is arranged in the middle of the battery cell (2) along the height direction.

13. The battery according to claim 11, wherein The electrode terminal (22) and the pressure relief mechanism (21) are jointly arranged on a side of the battery cell (2) facing the barrier wall (12), and the barrier wall (12) is provided with an escape groove for evading the electrode terminal (22) and the converging component (3).

14. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The surface of the weak portion (31) is provided with notches or grooves; or A plurality of through holes are provided on the weak portion (31).

15. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The material of the weak portion (31) is a metal material with high conductivity and low melting point.

16. An electrical device comprising the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the battery is used to provide electrical energy.

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