Explosion venting collecting pipe for battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses an explosion venting collecting pipe for a battery module, which solves the problem that the existing battery module has potential safety hazards, and comprises a flexible bottom plate and a first half pipe with a U-shaped section, m second through holes are formed in the flexible bottom plate; the m second through holes are in one-to-one correspondence with explosion venting parts on m single batteries in the battery module; the flexible bottom plate is used for being fixedly connected with an upper cover plate of each single battery; the first half pipe is buckled on the flexible bottom plate and is fixed with the flexible bottom plate in a sealing manner, and m is an integer greater than 1. The explosion venting parts of all the single batteries are communicated based on one explosion venting collecting pipe, and when any single battery in the shell is subjected to thermal runaway, thermal runaway smoke breaks through the explosion venting parts and is discharged out of the shell from the explosion venting collecting pipe, so that the influence of dispersion of the thermal runaway smoke on other single batteries is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of batteries, specifically a venting manifold for battery modules. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, multiple individual cells are electrically connected to form a battery module (also known as a battery pack).

[0003] Individual cells in a battery module may experience thermal runaway due to mechanical, electrical, or thermal abuse, as well as their own defects. If thermal runaway occurs and is not effectively handled, it can cause a safety accident and threaten the personal safety of people around the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This utility model provides a venting manifold for battery modules, which mainly solves the problem of safety hazards in existing battery modules.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is to provide a venting manifold for a battery module, characterized in that it includes a flexible base plate and a first half-pipe with a U-shaped cross-section;

[0006] The flexible base plate has m second through holes; each of the m second through holes corresponds to a venting section on one of the m individual cells in the battery module; the flexible base plate is used to fix and connect with the cover plate of each individual cell; the first half tube is fastened to the flexible base plate and sealed and fixed with the flexible base plate, where m is an integer greater than 1.

[0007] This invention connects the explosion venting sections of each individual battery cell using a single explosion venting manifold. When any individual battery cell inside the casing experiences thermal runaway, the runaway fumes break through the explosion venting section and exit the casing through the explosion venting manifold, preventing the runaway fumes from spreading and affecting the remaining individual batteries.

[0008] Furthermore, when manufacturing errors cause dimensional differences in the height of individual battery cells, if the lower covers of each battery cell are on the same plane, the upper covers of each battery cell will inevitably not be on the same plane. This invention compensates for the height difference between the upper covers by deforming the flexible base plate; therefore, this embodiment has lower requirements for the flatness of each upper cover, i.e., each explosion venting part. Additionally, placing the flexible base plate between the upper cover of the individual battery cell and the first half-tube can act as a sealing gasket, improving the sealing performance between the first half-tube and the upper cover.

[0009] Furthermore, the first half-tube is bonded and fixed to the flexible base plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the flexible base plate is bonded and fixed to the top cover plate of the individual battery.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to improve the bonding strength between the flexible base plate and the top cover of the single cell, the size of the flexible base plate can be increased, and the contact area between the flexible base plate and the top cover can be increased. That is, the projection of the flexible base plate on the xy plane can be greater than the projection of the first half tube on the xy plane.

[0012] Furthermore, the orthographic projection of each second through hole onto the cover plate of the individual battery completely covers the corresponding explosion vent. During installation, it is not required that the second through hole and the explosion vent be concentric; it is only necessary to ensure that the second through hole covers the explosion vent, thereby reducing the precision requirements between each second through hole and its corresponding explosion vent during installation.

[0013] Furthermore, the flexible base plate is made of high-temperature resistant rubber or plastic material, where high temperature refers to the battery thermal runaway temperature.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first half-tube is provided with protrusions or grooves to form a stop fit structure with the top insulating sealant layer of the battery module, thereby improving the stability of the insulating sealant layer.

[0015] Furthermore, the protrusions or grooves extend axially along the outer wall of the first half-tube and can be integrally formed using an aluminum extrusion process.

[0016] Furthermore, a connecting joint is provided on at least one of the two open ends of the first half-pipe for connection to an external pipeline.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] This invention connects the explosion venting sections of each individual battery cell using a single explosion venting manifold. When any individual battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the runaway gas breaks through the explosion venting section and exits through the explosion venting manifold into the casing, preventing the runaway gas from spreading and affecting the remaining individual batteries.

[0019] Furthermore, when manufacturing errors cause dimensional differences in the height of individual battery cells, if the lower covers of each battery cell are on the same plane, the upper covers of each battery cell will inevitably not be on the same plane. This invention compensates for the height difference between the upper covers by deforming the flexible base plate; therefore, this embodiment has lower requirements for the flatness of each upper cover, i.e., each explosion venting part. Additionally, placing the flexible base plate between the upper cover of the individual battery cell and the first half-tube can act as a sealing gasket, improving the sealing performance between the first half-tube and the upper cover. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure in Example 1;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery module in Example 1;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 1;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell structure in Example 1;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of the battery cell in Example 1. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a partial exploded structure of the first hollow component assembly in Example 1;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a partial explosion structure of a single cell in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a partial explosion structure of another battery cell in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of the battery cell in Example 1. Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of the battery cell in Example 1. Figure 3 ;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell structure in Example 2;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell structure in Example 3;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell in Example 4;

[0033] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0034] 1. Outer shell; 11. Barrel body; 12. First top plate; 2. Battery unit; 21. First hollow component assembly; 211. First sub-hollow component; 212. Second sub-hollow component; 213. Hot-melt connector; 214. Heat dissipation teeth; 215. External pipe; 22. Explosion relief manifold; 221. Second through hole; 222. First half-tube; 223. Flexible bottom plate; 224. Second top plate; 225. Second half-tube; 23. Single battery cell; 231. Polar terminal; 232. Terminal post; 233. Terminal post adapter; 234. Explosion relief section; 235. Through groove; 236. Metal conductive and heat-conducting layer; 237. Explosion relief branch pipe; 238. First end face; 239. Side wall; 24. Third electrical connection plate; 25. First electrical connection plate; 26. Second electrical connection plate; 3. Separator; 4. Insulating plate; 5. Insulating sealant layer. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0036] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] This utility model discloses a battery module, including a housing and n battery cells located inside the housing; where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0039] A rectangular shell is typically used. For ease of description, the length direction of the shell is defined as the x-direction, the width direction as the y-direction, and the height direction as the z-direction.

[0040] This utility model does not specifically limit the shell structure, but at least the following two structures can be adopted:

[0041] The first structure includes a cylindrical body with open ends (i.e., the port parallel to the yz plane is the open end) and end plates fixed to the two open ends of the cylindrical body (i.e., the end plates are parallel to the yz plane).

[0042] The second type of structure includes a cylindrical body with open ends at the top and bottom (i.e., the port parallel to the xy plane is the open end) and a top plate and a bottom plate fixed to the open ends at the top and bottom of the cylindrical body respectively (i.e., the top plate and the bottom plate are both parallel to the xy plane, and the top plate or the bottom plate can be an integral structure with the cylindrical body).

[0043] n battery cells are arranged along the y-direction inside the casing;

[0044] Each battery cell includes a first hollow component assembly, a venting manifold, and m individual cells; the m individual cells are arranged along the x-direction; where m is an integer greater than 1;

[0045] The outer shell in this utility model mainly has the following two functions:

[0046] Firstly, improve the safety performance of the entire battery module;

[0047] 1. When a single battery cell located inside the outer casing explodes due to thermal runaway, the flying debris will not pose a threat to the personal safety of people around the battery module due to the obstruction of the outer casing.

[0048] 2. The outer casing also provides some protection for each individual battery cell, preventing damage caused by direct exposure of the individual cells.

[0049] Secondly, it facilitates the storage and transportation of the entire battery module;

[0050] Multiple individual batteries are placed inside a relatively regular-structured casing, making the battery module easy to store and transport.

[0051] The inner cavity of the first hollow component serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel; the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the first hollow component extend out of the outer shell; at least a portion of the structure of the first hollow component is a conductive component, connected to the polarity terminals of each individual cell in the battery unit; the other portion of the structure is an insulating component to prevent short circuits in the individual cells.

[0052] The first hollow component in this utility model has two functions. First, it can be used as a heat exchange device, with its inner cavity serving as a heat exchange medium flow channel. Based on the heat exchange medium, heat exchange is achieved between the polar terminals of each individual battery cell, thereby achieving heat exchange between each individual battery cell and the battery module. Second, it can be used as an electrical connector to achieve electrical connection between each individual battery cell in the battery unit.

[0053] It should be noted that:

[0054] 1. The polarity terminal of the above-mentioned single battery can be the single battery post. In order to avoid the single battery post height not meeting the set requirements, a post adapter can be connected to the single battery post, and the overall structure of the single battery post and the post adapter can be used as the single battery polarity terminal.

[0055] 2. Heat exchange here can be understood as: heat dissipation or heating; when the temperature of the battery module is higher than the set threshold, the battery module is cooled down by introducing a lower temperature heat exchange medium into the heat exchange device; when the temperature of the battery module is lower than the set threshold, the battery module is heated up by introducing a higher temperature heat exchange medium into the heat exchange device; by controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, it can be ensured that the battery module always operates at the normal operating temperature.

[0056] 3. Part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is a conductive component, which is connected to the polarity terminal of the individual battery to achieve electrical connection; the other part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is an insulating component, which is connected between the two conductive components to avoid short circuits between individual batteries; in this utility model, for ease of description, the conductive component is defined as the first sub-hollow component and the insulating component is defined as the second sub-hollow component; both the first sub-hollow component and the second sub-hollow component can be understood as hollow tubular structures, and in this utility model, the first sub-hollow component and the second sub-hollow component can be an integral part, that is, processed by an integral molding process; or they can be separate parts, that is, connected by a specific connection method.

[0057] 4. The above-mentioned electrical connections include series, parallel, or mixed connections; for different electrical connection methods, the structure of the corresponding first hollow component assembly is slightly different, and the number and length of the main conductive and insulating components are different; in this utility model, the series connection of a single battery is mainly used as an example for explanation.

[0058] 5. The liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the first hollow component extend out of the outer shell, serving as liquid inlet and liquid outlet, and can also serve as electrical connection terminals of the battery module; or electrical connection pieces can be connected to the liquid inlet and liquid outlet as electrical connection terminals of the battery module.

[0059] 6. The first hollow component assembly is directly connected to the polar terminal, which facilitates heat exchange at the polar terminal of the individual battery cells where heat is concentrated, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the battery. There are various connection methods between the first hollow component assembly and the polar terminal. The larger the contact area between the first hollow component assembly and the polar terminal, the better the heat exchange effect between them.

[0060] The explosion venting manifold extends along the x-direction, covering the explosion venting sections of m individual batteries, and the inner cavity of the explosion venting manifold serves as a thermal runaway flue gas confluence channel, communicating with the explosion venting sections of m individual batteries; part of the structure of the explosion venting manifold extends out of the outer shell, serving as the thermal runaway flue gas discharge end.

[0061] When any single cell in the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the runaway fumes break through the explosion vent and exit the casing through the explosion vent manifold, preventing the runaway fumes from spreading into the inner cavity of the casing and affecting the remaining single cells, thus further improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0062] It should be noted that:

[0063] 1. The single-cell explosion relief section can also be called the single-cell explosion-proof section, pressure relief port, explosion-proof port, etc., and is mainly used for the emission of thermal runaway flue gas from single-cell batteries.

[0064] 2. The aforementioned explosion relief manifold can be understood as a hollow tubular structure, which can be a split structure or an integrated structure.

[0065] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0066] Example 1

[0067] This embodiment is a battery module, the structure of which is as follows: Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes a housing 1 and a battery cell 2 located inside the housing 1; in some other embodiments, the number of battery cells 2 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0068] To improve the protective performance of the outer casing 1, in this embodiment, the outer casing 1 is made of metal, typically aluminum or iron; for cost considerations, iron is preferred. Figure 2 As can be seen, this embodiment uses the second type of shell structure, and the bottom plate and the cylinder are an integral structure; for ease of description, in this embodiment, the component with the bottom plate and the cylinder as an integral structure is defined as the barrel 11, and the first top plate 12 is sealed and fixed to the open end of the barrel 11.

[0069] The battery unit 2 in this embodiment includes multiple individual batteries 23 arranged along the x-direction. In this embodiment, the individual batteries 23 are prismatic batteries, and there are 13 of them. In other embodiments, the number and shape of the individual batteries 23 can be adjusted according to actual needs. Each individual battery 23 has two polarity terminals 231 with opposite polarity on its upper cover plate and a venting part 234 located between the two polarity terminals 231.

[0070] from Figure 3 and Figure 7As can be seen from the above, the polar terminal 231 described in this embodiment is an integral structure in which the single cell 23 terminal post 232 and the terminal post adapter 233 are matched; blind holes can be opened on the terminal post adapter 233 along the height direction of the terminal post adapter 233, and the bottom of the blind hole and the single cell 23 terminal post 232 are welded together.

[0071] In some other embodiments, the polarity terminal 231 is a single cell 23 terminal 232, which is higher than a conventional single cell 23 terminal 232.

[0072] from Figure 2 As can be seen, the battery unit 2 in this embodiment also includes a first hollow component assembly 21. The first hollow component assembly 21 is fixed on the polar terminals 231 of each individual battery cell 23. On the one hand, it is used as a heat exchange device, and its inner cavity serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel. Based on the heat exchange medium, heat exchange is realized at the polar terminals 231 of each individual battery cell 23, thereby realizing heat exchange of each individual battery cell 23 and the battery module. On the other hand, it is used as an electrical connector to realize the electrical connection of each individual battery cell 23 in the battery unit 2. In this embodiment, series connection is taken as an example.

[0073] from Figures 4 to 6 As can be seen from the diagram, the first hollow component assembly 21 in this embodiment is a spliced ​​pipe section, which is spliced ​​together from multiple first sub-hollow components 211 and multiple second sub-hollow components 212. Since the first hollow component assembly 21 in this embodiment serves as an electrical connector, the part of its structure connected to the polar terminal 231 must be a conductive component. At the same time, insulating components need to be provided between the conductive components to prevent short circuits of the individual cells 23. In addition, the inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly 21 in this embodiment also serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel, so the sealing of the splicing part is particularly important.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first hollow sub-component 211 is used as a conductive component, which is usually made of metal, such as aluminum or copper; the second hollow sub-component 212 is used as an insulating component, which is usually made of plastic or rubber with good thermal conductivity; each segment of the first hollow sub-component 211 is connected to the polarity terminals 231 of different polarities of two adjacent single cells 23, and each segment of the second hollow sub-component 212 is connected between adjacent first hollow sub-components 211.

[0075] To ensure the sealing of the connection between the first hollow component 211 and the second hollow component 212, this embodiment pre-installs heat-fusion connectors 213 at both ends of the first hollow component 211. The heat-fusion connector 213 is a sleeve structure, which is fixed to both ends of the first hollow component 211 by injection molding. The diameter of the sleeve should ensure that it can be fitted with the second hollow component 212, and its material should be able to be connected with the second hollow component 212 by heat fusion.

[0076] Specifically, the connection between the first sub-hollow component 211 and the second sub-hollow component 212 can be completed through the following process:

[0077] First, hot-melt connectors 213 are fitted onto both ends of the first hollow component 211 using an injection molding process;

[0078] Next, the hot-melt connector 213 is sleeved with the second hollow component 212, and the two are fixed and sealed by hot-melt method.

[0079] In some other embodiments, the connection between the first hollow component 211 and the second hollow component 212 can also be achieved by a threaded connection. In order to improve the sealing performance, a sealing ring can be added to the threaded connection.

[0080] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 4 As can be seen, in this embodiment, after connecting each individual cell 23 in series using the first sub-hollow component 211 and the second sub-hollow component 212, two heat exchange channels are formed on the top of each individual cell 23. The two heat exchange channels are connected in series through an insulated external pipe 215, and the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the two heat exchange channels are led out on the same side of the outer casing 1. In some other embodiments, the two heat exchange channels can be connected in parallel.

[0081] The ends of the two heat exchange channels located on different sides can serve as terminals of different polarities for the battery module. In this embodiment, in order to facilitate electrical connection, two terminals of different polarities are led out from the same side of the outer casing 1 based on a first electrical connection plate, and a second electrical connection plate 26 is added to the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the two heat exchange channels.

[0082] Combination Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, in this embodiment, a through groove 235 is opened on the polar terminal 231, and the first sub-hollow component 211 is inserted into the through groove 235 to realize the connection between the two.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the polarity terminal 231 is a cylindrical body, including a first end face 238, a second end face, and a side wall 239 (the first end face 238 and the second end face are parallel to each other); a through groove 235 is formed on the first end face 238, that is, the opening of the through groove 235 is located on the first end face 238; in some other embodiments, the through groove 235 may also be formed on the side wall 239, that is, the opening of the through groove 235 is located on the side wall 239. The second end face is used for electrical connection with the electrode assembly inside the battery casing.

[0084] The cross-section of the through groove 235 is C-shaped or U-shaped. For the C-shaped through groove 235, the opening width is smaller than the widest part of the through groove 235. This design facilitates the interference fit of the first hollow component 211 within the through groove 235. The curvature formed at both ends of the C-shaped through groove 235 has natural tension, which helps to tightly fit the first hollow component 211 within the through groove 235. For the U-shaped through groove 235, the opening is rectangular, while the opening near the bottom is semi-circular. The size of the opening is slightly smaller than the widest part of the through groove 235 and also slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first hollow component 211. This design also facilitates the interference fit of the first hollow component 211 within the through groove 235 and helps to fix the first hollow component 211 within the through groove 235. The interference fit is mainly located in the bottom area of ​​the semi-circular section.

[0085] To further improve the heat dissipation performance of the first hollow component assembly 21, this embodiment may also provide heat dissipation teeth 214 in the first sub-hollow component 211 and / or the second sub-hollow component 212. Multiple heat dissipation teeth 214 are arranged circumferentially along the first sub-hollow component 211 and / or the second sub-hollow component 212, and each heat dissipation tooth 214 extends axially along the first sub-hollow component 211 and / or the second sub-hollow component 212.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in order to optimize the conductivity of the first sub-hollow component 211, a metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 236 is added between the first sub-hollow component 211 and the through groove 235 in this embodiment. The metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 236 is usually made of a metal material with good conductivity and thermal conductivity, such as solder material. The solder material can be melted and poured between the first sub-hollow component 211 and the through groove 235. After cooling, a solder layer is formed between the first sub-hollow component 211 and the through groove 235.

[0087] To prevent molten solder from failing to flow into the gap between the first hollow component 211 and the through groove 235, a solder sheet can be pre-wrapped around the first hollow component 211, then inserted into the through groove 235, and heated. The molten solder sheet melts and welds the first hollow component 211 and the through groove 235 together. These two methods can also be used in combination: a solder sheet is wrapped around the first hollow component 211, then inserted into the through groove 235. Molten solder material is then poured between the first hollow component 211 and the through groove 235, heated again, and the solder sheet melts. After cooling, the first hollow component 211 and the through groove 235 are successfully welded together.

[0088] By setting the metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 236, the bonding strength and thermal conductivity between the first sub-hollow component 211 and the polar terminal 231 can be further improved.

[0089] In some other embodiments, a through hole can be made on the side wall of the polar terminal 231, and the first sub-hollow component 211 can be inserted into the through hole to achieve the connection between the two.

[0090] from Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As can be seen from the diagram, the battery unit 2 in this embodiment also includes a venting manifold 22, on which 13 second through holes 221 arranged along the x-direction are formed. Each second through hole 221 corresponds to a venting part 234 on the cover plate of a single battery cell 23. The inner cavity of the venting manifold 22 is connected to the venting parts 234 of the 13 single batteries 23 through the 13 second through holes 221. In this embodiment, one end of the venting manifold 22 is closed, and the other end extends out of the outer shell 1, serving as a thermal runaway gas exhaust port. In some other embodiments, both ends of the venting manifold 22 can extend out of the outer shell 1, serving as thermal runaway gas exhaust ports.

[0091] To reduce the precision requirements between each second through hole 221 and the corresponding explosion vent 234 during installation, the orthographic projection of each second through hole 221 onto the cover plate of the corresponding single cell 23 completely covers the explosion vent 234 on the cover plate. During installation, it is not required that the second through hole 221 and the explosion vent 234 be concentric; it is only necessary to ensure that the second through hole 221 covers the explosion vent 234.

[0092] like Figure 9 As shown, the explosion-venting manifold 22 in this embodiment is a split component, including a flexible base plate 223 and a first half-pipe 222 with a U-shaped cross-section. The flexible base plate 223 is typically made of high-temperature resistant rubber or plastic material, where high temperature usually refers to the battery thermal runaway temperature. Thirteen second through holes 221 are formed on the flexible base plate 223. The first half-pipe 222 is fastened to the flexible base plate 223 and sealed and fixed to it. A connecting joint can also be provided on at least one of the two open ends of the first half-pipe for connection to an external pipeline. When a battery pack is constructed using such battery modules, the connecting joints of each battery module can be connected to a single pipeline, improving the safety performance of the battery pack.

[0093] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 22 can be connected to the top cover of each individual battery cell 23 through the following process:

[0094] First, the flexible base plate 223 is bonded to the top cover of each individual battery cell 23 using sealant, ensuring that the projection of each second through hole 221 completely covers the corresponding explosion vent 234. To improve the bonding strength between the flexible base plate 223 and the top cover of the individual battery cell 23, the size of the flexible base plate 223 can be increased, thereby increasing the contact area between the flexible base plate 223 and the top cover. Specifically, the projection of the flexible base plate 223 on the xy plane can be larger than the projection of the first half-tube 222 on the xy plane. Furthermore, the surface of the flexible base plate 223 can be treated to further enhance the bonding strength.

[0095] Next, the first half-tube 222 is fastened onto the flexible base plate 223, and sealant is applied to the contact area between the first half-tube 222 and the flexible base plate 223 to bond the first half-tube 222 to the flexible base plate 223.

[0096] To improve the bonding strength between the explosion vent manifold 22 and the upper cover plate, the explosion vent manifold 22 and the upper cover plate can be connected by an L-shaped connecting piece. Specifically, the L-shaped connecting piece can be connected to the first half-pipe 222 and the upper cover plate by welding.

[0097] In this embodiment, when the dimensions of each individual battery cell 23 differ in the height direction due to processing errors, and if the lower covers of each individual battery cell 23 are located on the same plane, the upper covers of each individual battery cell 23 will inevitably not be able to remain on the same plane. This invention can compensate for the height difference between the upper covers by deforming the flexible base plate 223 and adjusting the thickness of the sealing adhesive layer; therefore, this embodiment has lower requirements for the flatness of each upper cover, i.e., each explosion venting part 234. Furthermore, placing the flexible base plate 223 between the upper cover of the individual battery cell 23 and the first half-tube 222 can serve as a sealing gasket, improving the sealing performance between the first half-tube 222 and the upper cover.

[0098] In this embodiment, an insulating layer can also be provided on the outer wall of the explosion venting manifold 22 to prevent the explosion venting manifold 22 from coming into contact with the first electrical connection plate 25 and causing a short circuit.

[0099] In some other embodiments, the explosion venting manifold 22 can be a single piece, fixed to the upper cover of each individual battery cell 23 by adhesive bonding. Furthermore, before installing the explosion venting manifold 22, positioning marks can be pre-set on the upper cover and the explosion venting manifold 22 according to the designed dimensions, so that the second through hole 221 can accurately cover the corresponding explosion venting section 234.

[0100] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, a separator 3 can also be provided between two adjacent single cells 23. The separator 3 is made of insulating material. For each single cell 23 near the middle, the side walls (large surface of the single cell) on both sides are in contact with the separator 3. For the two single cells 23 near the outermost edge, one side wall is in contact with the separator 3, and the other side wall is in contact with the outer casing 1.

[0101] In this embodiment, the partition 3 has at least the following advantages:

[0102] Firstly, it can achieve insulation between the two individual cells 23, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0103] Secondly, improve the installation stability of each individual battery cell 23 within the casing;

[0104] Thirdly, the separator 3 has a certain degree of elasticity. When the single cell 23 swells and deforms, the separator 3 is squeezed by the single cell 23 and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator 3 undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell 23, so that the expansion and deformation of the single cell 23 will not squeeze the outer shell 1, avoiding the deformation and leakage problems caused by the squeezing of the outer shell 1, thereby improving the performance and safety of the battery module.

[0105] Fourthly, the heat generated during the charging and discharging of each individual battery cell 23 can be transferred to the outside through the separator 3, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0106] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, in this embodiment, an insulating plate 4 is provided between the battery unit 2 and the outer casing 1 for insulation between the outer casing 1 and the battery unit 2. In this embodiment, five insulating plates 4 are included, respectively disposed between the four side walls of the battery unit 2 and the four side walls of the outer casing 1, and between the bottom of the battery unit 2 and the bottom plate of the outer casing 1. In some other embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, an insulating plate 4 can also be provided between the top of the battery unit 2 and the outer casing 1. The insulating plate 4 can also serve as a seal between the first top plate 12 and the barrel 11.

[0107] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, an insulating sealant layer 5 can also be laid between each individual battery cell 23 and the outer casing 1. The insulating sealant layer 5 is mainly laid in the space between the top of each individual battery cell 23 and the outer casing 1. The first hollow component assembly 21 inside the outer casing 1 is located within the insulating sealant layer 5; the explosion venting manifold 22 inside the outer casing 1 is also located within the insulating sealant layer 5; when there is a gap between each individual battery cell 23, the insulating sealant liquid can also penetrate into the gap to form the insulating sealant layer 5; when there is a gap between the four side walls and the bottom of each individual battery cell 23 and the outer casing 1, the insulating sealant liquid can also penetrate into the gap to form the insulating sealant layer 5.

[0108] In this embodiment, the insulating sealant layer 5 has at least the following advantages:

[0109] I. Further improve the sealing performance of each part of the first hollow component assembly 21;

[0110] Specifically, the insulating sealant liquid constituting the insulating sealant layer 5 penetrates into the gap between the first sub-hollow component 211 and the second sub-hollow component 212, further sealing the gap radially (the insulating sealant liquid cannot flow into the heat exchange medium flow cavity through the gap);

[0111] II. Preventing condensation;

[0112] During long-term use, due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the first hollow component 21, condensation will form on the surface. When the condensation accumulates to a certain amount, it may cause a short circuit. By laying an insulating sealant layer 5 to completely wrap the first hollow component 21, when condensation forms on the surface of the first hollow component 21, the battery short circuit can be prevented under the protection of the insulating sealant layer 5.

[0113] III. Further improve the insulation performance between each individual cell 23 and the outer casing 1;

[0114] The insulating sealant penetrates into the gaps between the battery cell 2 and the insulating plate 4, and between the insulating plate 4 and the outer casing 1, which can further improve the insulation performance between each individual battery cell 23 and the outer casing 1.

[0115] IV. Further improve the insulation performance between individual cells 23;

[0116] The insulating sealant penetrates into the gaps between each battery cell 2, which can further improve the insulation performance between each individual battery cell 23.

[0117] 5. Improve the bonding strength and sealing performance between the explosion venting manifold 22 and the cover plate of each individual battery cell 23;

[0118] The insulating sealant layer 5 covers the explosion venting manifold 22, which can further press the explosion venting manifold 22 onto the cover plate of each individual battery 23. At the same time, the insulating sealant liquid can penetrate into the gap between the explosion venting manifold 22 and the cover plate, further sealing the gap (the insulating sealant liquid cannot flow into the inner cavity of the explosion venting manifold 22 through the gap).

[0119] In this embodiment, a protrusion or groove can be provided on the wall of the explosion relief manifold 22 to form a stop fit structure with the insulating sealant layer 5, thereby improving the stability of the insulating sealant layer 5.

[0120] Example 2

[0121] Unlike Example 1, as Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, a third electrical connection plate 24 can also be connected to the first end face of the polarity terminal 231 to realize the series connection of adjacent single cells 23. When there is a problem with the electrical connection between the first sub-hollow component and the polarity terminal in Embodiment 1, the electrical connection can also be realized based on the third electrical connection plate 24, further improving the reliability of the battery module.

[0122] Example 3

[0123] Unlike the above embodiments, this embodiment uses a different structure of explosion venting manifold 22, and the connection method between the explosion venting manifold 22 and the cover plate of each individual battery 23 is also different from the above embodiments.

[0124] like Figure 12 As shown, the explosion relief manifold 22 in this embodiment is a split component, including a second half-pipe 225 with a U-shaped cross-section and a second top plate 224 for sealing the open end of the top of the second half-pipe 225; 13 second through holes 221 are opened on the bottom plate of the second half-pipe 225.

[0125] Based on the split design, this embodiment can fix the explosion venting manifold 22 to the top cover of the single battery 23 by welding. Specifically, this can be achieved through the following process:

[0126] The second half tube 225 is positioned on the cover plate of each individual battery 23 so that the projection of each second through hole 221 completely covers the corresponding explosion relief part 234.

[0127] The welding head is inserted from the open end of the second half tube 225 into the edge of the second through hole 221, and the edge of each second through hole 221 is sealed and welded to the upper cover plate of the corresponding single cell 23; so that the explosion vent 234 of each single cell 23 is connected to the corresponding second through hole 221.

[0128] The second top plate 224 is sealed and welded to the open end of the top of the second half-tube 225.

[0129] It should be noted that the welding head mentioned here refers to the component that the welding equipment extends into the part to be welded. If electric arc welding or argon arc welding is used, then the welding head here refers to the end of the welding rod. If laser welding is used, then the welding head here refers to the laser beam.

[0130] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 22 is configured as a split structure, which makes it easier to fix it from the top open end of the second half-tube 225 to the top cover plate of each individual battery 23, reducing the processing difficulty and increasing the yield.

[0131] This embodiment only needs to ensure that the orthographic projection of the second through hole 221 onto the cover plate of each individual battery 23 covers the corresponding explosion vent 234, and that each explosion vent 234 is located on the same plane as much as possible, and that each second through hole 221 is located on the same plane as much as possible. There is no need to consider the concentricity of the explosion vent 234 and the second through hole 221, or the consistency of each explosion vent 234 and the second through hole 221. The requirements for processing accuracy are low, and the impact of processing accuracy and assembly accuracy on the product yield is weakened. Moreover, during welding, the welding head extends from the open end without any obstruction, and the welding of the edge of the second through hole 221 to the cover plate of each individual battery 23 can be completed in one go. The process is simple and the sealing effect is good.

[0132] Example 4

[0133] Unlike Embodiment 3, this embodiment uses a different method to connect the explosion venting manifold 22 to the cover plate of each individual battery cell 23.

[0134] like Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, each individual battery cell 23 has a venting branch pipe 237 on its upper cover plate. The orthographic projection of the venting branch pipe 237 on the upper cover plate completely covers the venting part 234 on the upper cover plate.

[0135] The free end of the explosion relief branch pipe 237 passes through the corresponding second through hole 221 on the bottom plate of the second half pipe 225 and extends into the inner cavity of the second half pipe 225; the pipe wall of the explosion relief branch pipe 237 and the hole wall of the second through hole 221 are welded and sealed.

[0136] In this embodiment, the explosion venting branch pipe 237 is generally a thin-walled tubular structure, which can be integrally formed with the upper cover body by means of integral processing, or it can be fixed to the upper cover body by means of riveting, welding or injection molding. The horizontal cross-section (the cross-section along its radial direction) of the explosion venting branch pipe 237 can be a rectangular ring or a circular ring. In order to better adapt to the shape of the explosion venting part 234, the horizontal cross-section of the explosion venting branch pipe 237 is usually annular.

[0137] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 22 can be connected to the top cover of each individual battery cell 23 through the following process:

[0138] The second half tube 225 is positioned on the cover plate of each individual battery 23, so that each explosion relief branch tube 237 corresponds to each second through hole 221, and ensures that each explosion relief branch tube 237 is inserted into the second through hole 221.

[0139] The welding head is inserted from the open end of the second half-pipe 225 into the edge of the second through hole 221, and the edge of each second through hole 221 is welded to the outer wall of the corresponding explosion relief branch pipe 237 to achieve a seal.

[0140] The second top plate 224 is sealed and welded to the open end of the top of the second half-tube 225.

[0141] In this embodiment, when the dimensions of each individual battery cell 23 differ in the height direction due to processing errors, if the lower cover plates of each individual battery cell 23 are located on the same plane, it will inevitably lead to the upper cover plates of each individual battery cell 23 not being able to maintain the same plane. In this invention, the explosion relief branch pipe 237 connects the explosion relief part 234 and the second through hole 221. The explosion relief branch pipe 237 can compensate for the height difference between each upper cover plate in the height direction. Therefore, this embodiment has a low requirement for the flatness of each upper cover plate, i.e., each explosion relief part 234. When there is a certain height difference between the upper cover plates of each individual battery cell 23, the explosion relief branch pipe 237 can also ensure the sealed connection between the explosion relief part 234 and the second through hole 221.

Claims

1. A venting manifold for a battery module, characterized in that: Includes a flexible base plate and a first half-tube with a U-shaped cross-section; The flexible base plate has m second through holes; each of the m second through holes corresponds to a venting section on one of the m individual cells in the battery module; the flexible base plate is used to fix and connect with the cover plate of each individual cell; the first half tube is fastened to the flexible base plate and sealed and fixed with the flexible base plate, where m is an integer greater than 1.

2. The explosion venting manifold for a battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first half-tube is bonded and fixed to the flexible base plate.

3. The explosion venting manifold for a battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flexible base plate is bonded and fixed to the top cover of the individual battery.

4. The explosion venting manifold for a battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The projection of the flexible base plate on the xy plane is greater than the projection of the first half-tube on the xy plane.

5. The explosion venting manifold for a battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each second through hole completely covers the corresponding explosion vent section when projected onto the top cover of the individual battery cell.

6. The explosion venting manifold for a battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible base plate is made of high-temperature resistant rubber or plastic material, where high temperature refers to the battery thermal runaway temperature.

7. The explosion venting manifold for a battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the first half-pipe has protrusions or grooves.

8. The explosion venting manifold for a battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The protrusion or groove extends axially along the outer wall of the first half-pipe.

9. The explosion venting manifold for a battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting joint is provided on at least one of the two open ends of the first half-pipe for connection to an external pipeline.

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