Battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery module, which solves the problem that the existing battery module has potential safety hazards. The battery module comprises a shell and n battery units; the n battery units are arranged in the inner cavity of the shell along the y direction; each battery unit comprises a first hollow component assembly, a second hollow component and m single batteries; the m single batteries are arranged along the x direction; the explosion venting parts of all the single batteries are communicated based on the second hollow component, and when any single battery in the shell is subjected to thermal runaway, thermal runaway smoke breaks through the explosion venting parts to be discharged out of the shell from the second hollow component, so that the thermal runaway smoke is prevented from being dispersed into the inner cavity of the shell to influence other single batteries. A first hollow component assembly is arranged at the top of each single battery, an inner cavity serves as a heat exchange medium circulation channel, and heat exchange of polar terminals of each single battery is achieved based on a heat exchange medium; and the first hollow component assembly can also be used as an electric connecting piece to realize electric connection of each single battery in the battery unit, so that the structure of the battery module is simplified.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to the battery field, concretely is a kind of electric connector and battery module. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, by electrically connecting multiple single batteries to form a battery module (also known as a battery pack).

[0003] However, due to the high concentration of single batteries in the battery module, a large amount of heat is generated during charging and discharging, and this heat gradually increases. If the generated heat is not released in time, the heat will accumulate, causing uneven temperature of the battery module, thereby reducing the service life of the battery module. In severe cases, the thermal balance of the battery module is destroyed, which further causes thermal runaway of the battery module, posing a safety hazard.

[0004] In addition, each single battery in the battery module may experience thermal runaway due to mechanical, electrical, thermal abuse, and its own defects. If thermal runaway occurs without effective treatment, it may cause safety accidents and threaten the personal safety of people around the battery pack. SUMMARY

[0005] The utility model provides a kind of battery module, mainly solve the problem that existing battery module exists security risk.

[0006] The technical scheme of the utility model provides a kind of battery module, comprising a shell and n battery units;

[0007] The n battery units are arranged in the shell inner cavity along the y direction;

[0008] Each battery unit comprises a first hollow component assembly, a second hollow component and m single batteries;The m single batteries are arranged along the x direction;Wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 1;M is an integer greater than 1;

[0009] The inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow passage;The liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end of the first hollow component assembly extend out of the shell;The first hollow component assembly comprises a first sub hollow component and a second sub hollow component;The first sub hollow component is an electrically conductive component connected to the polarity terminal of each single battery, realizing the electrical connection of each single battery;The second sub hollow component is an insulating component connected between adjacent two first sub hollow components;

[0010] The second hollow component extends along the x direction and covers the m single battery explosion vent parts above, and the inner cavity of the second hollow component serves as a thermal runaway smoke confluence passage and communicates with the m single battery explosion vent parts;Part of the structure of the second hollow component extends out of the shell as a thermal runaway smoke discharge end.

[0011] The utility model discloses a plurality of single batteries are placed in a shell, when the single battery in the shell inner chamber explodes because of thermal runaway, the splash under the obstruction of shell will not constitute the threat to the personal safety of battery module peripheral personnel, and simultaneously the utility model discloses a second hollow member is based on each single battery's venting part is connected, when the thermal runaway smoke of any single battery in the shell breaks through the venting part and discharges the shell from the second hollow member when thermal runaway, avoids the influence that thermal runaway smoke diffuses to the rest single battery in the shell inner chamber. In addition, the utility model discloses a first hollow member assembly is set up in each single battery top, and the inner chamber is as the heat exchange medium circulation channel, and each single battery polarity terminal heat exchange is realized based on heat exchange medium, and then realizes each single battery and the heat exchange of battery module, on the other hand, the first hollow member assembly can also be used as the electric connection piece, realizes the electric connection of each single battery in battery unit, makes the structure of whole battery module be relatively simple.

[0012] Further, the two ends of the first sub hollow member are fixed with heat capacity connectors, and the heat capacity connectors are connected with the second sub hollow member through a hot melting mode. Based on the hot melting connection mode, the sealing property of the connection part of the first sub hollow member and the second sub hollow member can be ensured.

[0013] Further, a through slot is formed on the polarity terminal of each single battery, and each section of the first sub hollow member is clamped into the through slot of the polarity terminal of the adjacent two single batteries.

[0014] Further, a metal conductive and heat conductive layer is arranged between the outer pipe wall of the first sub hollow member and the through slot of the polarity terminal, so that the conductivity and the heat conductivity between the first sub hollow member and the polarity terminal are optimized.

[0015] Further, the battery module also includes a third electric connector connected to the polarity terminal of each single battery. Based on the third electric connector, the reliability of the battery module can be improved.

[0016] Further, the inner wall of the first hollow member assembly is provided with heat dissipation teeth. Based on the heat dissipation teeth, the heat exchange area of the first hollow member assembly and the heat exchange medium is increased, and then the heat exchange effect is optimized.

[0017] Further, m second through holes are formed on the second hollow member, the m second through holes correspond to the m single batteries one by one, and the second through hole is completely covered on the venting part of the upper cover plate in the orthographic projection of the corresponding single battery; the inner cavity of the second hollow member is communicated with the venting part of the m single batteries through the m second through holes. During the installation process, the second through hole does not need to be concentric with the venting part, the machining precision requirement is low, and the influence of the machining precision and the assembly precision on the product yield is weakened.

[0018] Further, a plurality of ways can be adopted to realize the connection between the second hollow member and the upper cover plate of each single battery.

[0019] The first mode is:

[0020] The second hollow member is a split part, comprising a flexible bottom plate and a first half pipe with a U-shaped cross section;

[0021] m second through holes are arranged on the flexible bottom plate; the flexible bottom plate is fixedly connected with the upper cover plate of each single battery; the first half pipe is buckled on the flexible bottom plate and is sealingly fixed with the flexible bottom plate.

[0022] The second mode is:

[0023] The second hollow member is a split part, comprising a second half pipe with a U-shaped cross section and a second top plate for sealing an open end of the top of the second half pipe; m second through holes are arranged on the bottom plate of the second half pipe; the periphery of each second through hole is welded with the corresponding single battery upper cover plate, and the second top plate is welded and sealed with the second half pipe.

[0024] The third mode is:

[0025] The second hollow member is a split part, comprising a second half pipe with a U-shaped cross section and a second top plate for sealing an open end of the top of the second half pipe; m second through holes are arranged on the bottom plate of the second half pipe;

[0026] Each single battery upper cover plate is provided with a vent branch pipe, and the orthographic projection of the vent branch pipe completely covers the venting part on the upper cover plate;

[0027] The free end of the vent branch pipe penetrates through the corresponding second through hole on the bottom plate of the second half pipe and extends into the inner cavity of the second half pipe; the vent branch pipe wall and the second through hole wall are welded and sealed; and the second top plate is welded and sealed with the second half pipe.

[0028] Further, an insulating partition plate is arranged between adjacent single batteries. The insulation between two single batteries can be realized, and the safety performance of the battery module is improved; at the same time, when the single battery is deformed due to swelling, the partition plate is elastically deformed under the extrusion of the single battery, and after the elastic deformation of the partition plate, the expansion space is provided for the expansion of the single battery, so that the expansion deformation of the single battery does not extrude the shell, avoiding the deformation and leakage of the shell caused by extrusion, and further improving the performance and safety of the battery module; in addition, the heat generated during the charging and discharging process of each single battery can be transmitted to the outside through the partition plate, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0029] Further, the shell is made of metal material and has good protection performance; when the shell is made of metal material, the shell and each single battery need to be insulated, and the insulating plate is arranged between the n battery units and the shell to realize insulation.

[0030] Further, an insulating sealing glue layer can be laid between each single battery and the shell. The insulating sealing glue layer can prevent condensation and short circuit of the battery; the sealing performance of each part of the heat exchange device can be further improved, and the insulation performance between the single batteries and between the single batteries and the shell can be further improved.

[0031] The utility model discloses the beneficial effect is:

[0032] The utility model discloses a plurality of single batteries are placed in a shell, when the single battery in the shell inner chamber bursts because of thermal runaway, the splashing thing is under the obstruction of the shell, does not constitute the threat to the personal safety of the battery module periphery personnel, simultaneously the utility model discloses a second hollow member based on each single battery's explosion vent is connected, when the thermal runaway smoke of any single battery in the shell breaks through the explosion vent and discharges the shell from the second hollow member when thermal runaway, avoids the thermal runaway smoke to diffuse to the remaining single battery in the shell inner chamber and causes the influence. In addition, the utility model discloses the first hollow member assembly in each single battery top, the inner chamber is as the heat exchange medium flow circulation channel, based on the heat exchange medium and realizes each single battery polarity terminal's heat exchange, and then realizes each single battery and the heat exchange of battery module, on the other hand, the first hollow member assembly can also be used as the electric connection piece, realizes the electric connection of each single battery in the battery unit, makes the structure of whole battery module be relatively simple. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is the structural schematic diagram of battery module in example 1;

[0034] Figure 2 It is the explosion structural schematic diagram of battery module in example 1;

[0035] Figure 3 It is the sectional view of battery module in example 1;

[0036] Figure 4 It is the structural schematic diagram of battery unit in example 1;

[0037] Figure 5 It is the local explosion structural schematic diagram of battery unit in example 1 Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 6 It is the local explosion structural schematic diagram of first hollow member assembly in example 1;

[0039] Figure 7 It is the local explosion structural schematic diagram of single battery in example 1;

[0040] Figure 8 It is the local explosion structural schematic diagram of another battery unit in example 1;

[0041] Figure 9 Partial explosion structure schematic of the battery cell in Example 1 Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 10 Partial explosion structure schematic of the battery cell in Example 1 Figure 3 ;

[0043] Figure 11 Structure schematic of the battery cell in Example 2

[0044] Figure 12 Structure schematic of the battery cell in Example 3

[0045] Figure 13 Sectional view of the battery cell in Example 4

[0046] Reference signs in the drawings are:

[0047] 1, shell; 11, barrel body; 12, first top plate; 2, battery cell; 21, first hollow component assembly; 211, first sub hollow component; 212, second sub hollow component; 213, hot melt connector; 214, heat dissipation tooth; 215, external pipeline; 22, second hollow component; 221, second through hole; 222, first half pipe; 223, flexible bottom plate; 224, second top plate; 225, second half pipe; 23, single battery; 231, polarity terminal; 232, pole; 233, pole adapter; 234, explosion venting part; 235, through slot; 236, metal conductive and heat-conductive layer; 237, explosion venting branch pipe; 238, first end face; 239, side wall; 24, third electric connection plate; 25, first electric connection plate; 26, second electric connection plate; 3, partition plate; 4, insulating plate; 5, insulating sealant layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more apparent, specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work should fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0049] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be practiced without the specific details, other than those described herein, and it is understood that the present application is not limited to the embodiments described herein and can be practiced with or without other apparatuses, systems, structures, methodologies, procedures, components, materials and so on. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below, but includes any alterations, modifications, and improvements within the scope of the present application.

[0050] In the description of the utility model, it is necessary to explain that the position relationship or the position relationship of the terms such as top, bottom indicated in the drawing is based on the position relationship or the position relationship shown in the drawing, only for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, and not indicating or implying that the device or the element indicated must have a specific orientation, a specific orientation and operation, therefore it can not be understood as the limitation of the utility model.In addition, the terms "first, second, etc." are only for the purpose of description, and can not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0051] The utility model discloses a battery module, including shell and the n battery unit in the shell in, wherein n is the integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0052] Generally adopt rectangular shell, for the convenience of description, define the shell length direction as x direction, the shell width direction is defined as y direction, and the shell height direction is defined as z direction.

[0053] The utility model does not make specific limitation to shell structure, and at least can adopt following two structures:

[0054] The first structure includes the cylinder (i.e. the port parallel to yz plane is open end) of two ends for open end and the end plate (i.e. the end plate is parallel to yz plane) fixed at the two open ends of cylinder respectively;

[0055] The second structure includes the cylinder (i.e. the port parallel to xy plane is open end) of top and bottom for open end and the top plate and bottom plate (i.e. the top plate and bottom plate are parallel to xy plane, wherein the top plate or bottom plate can be integrated structure with cylinder) fixed at the top and bottom open ends of cylinder respectively.

[0056] The n battery units are arranged in the shell inner cavity along the y direction;

[0057] Each battery unit includes first hollow component assembly, second hollow component and m single battery;M single batteries are arranged along the x direction;Wherein m is the integer greater than 1;

[0058] The shell in the utility model mainly has the following two aspects:

[0059] The first aspect is to improve the safety performance of the whole battery module;

[0060] 1, when the single battery in the shell inner cavity bursts due to thermal runaway, the splashes are blocked by the shell, and the personal safety of the people around the battery module is not threatened;

[0061] 2, the shell also has a certain protective effect on each single battery, which can avoid the occurrence of problems such as direct damage caused by naked leakage of each single battery.

[0062] The second aspect is convenient for storage and transportation of the whole battery module.

[0063] The plurality of single batteries are arranged in the shell with regular structure, so that the battery module is convenient for storage and transportation.

[0064] The inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly is used as a heat exchange medium flow passage; the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end of the first hollow component assembly extend out of the shell; at least part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is an electrically conductive component, which is connected with the polarity terminal of each single battery in the battery unit; another part of the structure is an insulating component, which prevents short circuit of the single batteries;

[0065] The first hollow component assembly in the utility model has two functions, one of which is used as a heat exchange device, and the inner cavity thereof is used as a heat exchange medium flow passage, so that heat exchange of the polarity terminal of each single battery is realized based on the heat exchange medium, and heat exchange of each single battery and the battery module is realized; the other function is used as an electrical connector, so that electrical connection of each single battery in the battery unit is realized.

[0066] It should be noted that:

[0067] 1. The above-mentioned single battery polarity terminal can be a single battery pole, and if the height of the single battery pole does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter can be connected to the single battery pole, and the whole structure of the single battery pole and the pole adapter matched together is used as the single battery polarity terminal.

[0068] 2. The 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 by introducing a heat exchange medium with a lower temperature into the heat exchange device; when the temperature of the battery module is lower than the set threshold, the battery module is heated by introducing a heat exchange medium with a higher temperature into the heat exchange device; by controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, the battery module can always operate at a normal working temperature.

[0069] 3. Part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is an electrically conductive component, which is connected with the single battery polarity terminal to realize electrical connection; another part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is an insulating component, which is connected between two electrically conductive components to prevent short circuit between the single batteries; in the utility model, the electrically conductive component is defined as a first hollow sub-component, and the insulating component is defined as a second hollow sub-component; both the first hollow sub-component and the second hollow sub-component can be understood as hollow tubular structures, and the first hollow sub-component and the second hollow sub-component in the utility model can be an integral piece, i.e. processed by integral molding process; or can be a split piece, i.e. connected by a specific connection method.

[0070] 4. The electric connection includes series, parallel or mixed connection; for different electric connection modes, the structure of the first hollow component assembly is slightly different, mainly the number and length of the main conductive component and the insulating component; in the utility model, the series connection of the single battery is mainly taken as an example for description.

[0071] 5. The liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end of the first hollow component assembly extend out of the shell, which can also serve as the electric connection terminal of the battery module; the electric connection sheet can also be connected on the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end as the electric connection terminal of the battery module.

[0072] 6. The first hollow component assembly is directly connected with the polarity terminal, and the heat exchange of the single battery polarity terminal with relatively concentrated heat is carried out to improve the heat exchange effect of the battery. The connection mode between the first hollow component assembly and the polarity terminal has multiple modes, and the larger the contact area between the first hollow component assembly and the polarity terminal, the better the heat exchange effect between them.

[0073] The second hollow component extends along the x direction and covers the m single battery explosion relief parts, and the inner cavity of the second hollow component serves as a thermal runaway smoke confluence channel and communicates with the m single battery explosion relief parts; part of the structure of the second hollow component extends out of the shell and serves as a thermal runaway smoke discharge end.

[0074] When any single battery of the battery module occurs thermal runaway, the thermal runaway smoke is discharged out of the shell from the second hollow component, avoiding the thermal runaway smoke diffusing into the inner cavity of the shell to affect the remaining single batteries, and further improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0075] It should be noted that:

[0076] 1. The single battery explosion relief part can also be called single battery explosion prevention part, pressure relief port, explosion-proof port and the like, and is mainly used for discharging the thermal runaway smoke of the single battery.

[0077] 2. The above-mentioned second hollow component can be understood as a hollow tubular structure, which can be a split structure or an integral structure.

[0078] The utility model will be described in detail in combination with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0079] Embodiment 1

[0080] This embodiment is a kind of battery module, its structure as shown in Figure Figures 1 to 3 It includes shell 1 and 1 battery unit 2 in shell 1;In other embodiments, the number of battery units 2 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] from Figure 3 and Figure 7 As 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.

[0084] In some other embodiments, the polarity terminal 231 is a single cell 23 terminal 232, which is higher than the conventional single cell 23 terminal 232.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Specifically, the connection between the first sub-hollow component 211 and the second sub-hollow component 212 can be completed through the following process:

[0090] First, hot-melt connectors 213 are fitted onto both ends of the first hollow component 211 using an injection molding process;

[0091] Secondly, the hot-melt connector 213 is sleeved with the second hollow component 212, and the two are fixed and sealed by hot-melt method.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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, 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.

[0094] 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 is added to the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the two heat exchange channels.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 circumferentially along the first sub-hollow component 211 and / or the second sub-hollow component 212.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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 second hollow component 22. Thirteen second through holes 221 arranged along the x-direction are formed on the wall of the second hollow component 22. Each second through hole 221 corresponds to a venting portion 234 on the cover plate of a single battery cell 23. The inner cavity of the second hollow component 22 is connected to the venting portions 234 of the 13 single batteries 23 through the 13 second through holes 221. In this embodiment, one end of the second hollow component 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 second hollow component 22 can extend out of the outer shell 1, serving as thermal runaway gas exhaust ports.

[0104] 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.

[0105] like Figure 9As shown, the second hollow component 22 in this embodiment is a split component, including a flexible base plate 223 and a first half tube 222 with a U-shaped cross section; the flexible base plate 223 is usually made of high-temperature resistant rubber or plastic material, where high temperature usually refers to the battery thermal runaway temperature; 13 second through holes 221 are opened on the flexible base plate 223; the first half tube 222 is fastened to the flexible base plate 223 and sealed and fixed with the flexible base plate 223.

[0106] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the second hollow component 22 can be connected to the upper cover plate of each individual battery cell 23 through the following process:

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] To improve the bonding strength between the second hollow component 22 and the upper cover plate, the second hollow component 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-tube 222 and the upper cover plate by welding.

[0110] 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.

[0111] In this embodiment, an insulating layer can also be provided on the outer wall of the second hollow component 22 to prevent the second hollow component 22 from contacting the first electrical connection plate 25 and causing a short circuit.

[0112] In some other embodiments, the second hollow component 22 can be a single piece, fixed to the upper cover plate of each individual battery cell 23 by adhesive bonding. Simultaneously, before installing the second hollow component 22, positioning marks can be pre-set on the upper cover plate and the second hollow component 22 according to the designed dimensions, so that the second through hole 221 can accurately cover the corresponding explosion vent 234.

[0113] like Figure 2 As 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.

[0114] In this embodiment, the partition 3 has at least the following advantages:

[0115] Firstly, it can achieve insulation between the two individual cells 23, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0116] Secondly, improve the installation stability of each individual battery cell 23 within the casing;

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 second hollow component 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.

[0121] In this embodiment, the insulating sealant layer 5 has at least the following advantages:

[0122] I. Further improve the sealing performance of each part of the first hollow component assembly 21;

[0123] 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);

[0124] II. Preventing condensation;

[0125] 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.

[0126] III. Further improve the insulation performance between each individual cell 23 and the outer casing 1;

[0127] 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.

[0128] IV. Further improve the insulation performance between individual cells 23;

[0129] 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.

[0130] 5. Improve the bonding strength and sealing performance between the second hollow component 22 and the top cover of each individual battery cell 23;

[0131] The insulating sealant layer 5 covers the second hollow component 22, which can further press the second hollow component 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 second hollow component 22 and the cover plate to further seal the gap (the insulating sealant liquid cannot flow into the inner cavity of the second hollow component 22 through the gap).

[0132] In this embodiment, a protrusion or groove can be provided on the tube wall of the second hollow component 22 to form a stop fit structure with the insulating sealant layer 5, thereby improving the stability of the insulating sealant layer 5.

[0133] Example 2

[0134] 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.

[0135] Example 3

[0136] Unlike the above embodiments, this embodiment uses a second hollow component 22 with a different structure, and the connection method between the second hollow component 22 and the cover plate of each individual battery 23 is also different from the above embodiments.

[0137] like Figure 12 As shown, the second hollow component 22 in this embodiment is a split component, including a second half-tube 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-tube 225; 13 second through holes 221 are opened on the bottom plate of the second half-tube 225.

[0138] Based on the split design, in this embodiment, the second hollow component 22 can be fixed to the upper cover plate of the single battery 23 by welding. Specifically, this can be achieved through the following process:

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] The second top plate 224 is sealed and welded to the open end of the top of the second half-tube 225.

[0142] 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.

[0143] In this embodiment, the second hollow component 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 cell 23, reducing the processing difficulty and increasing the yield.

[0144] 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.

[0145] Example 4

[0146] Unlike Embodiment 3, this embodiment uses a different method to achieve the connection between the second hollow component 22 and the top cover of each individual battery cell 23.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] In this embodiment, the second hollow component 22 can be connected to the upper cover plate of each individual battery cell 23 through the following process:

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] The second top plate 224 is sealed and welded to the open end of the top of the second half-tube 225.

[0154] 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 battery module, characterized in that: Includes the casing and n battery cells; n battery cells are arranged along the y-direction inside the casing; Each battery cell includes a first hollow component assembly, a second hollow component, and m individual cells; the m individual cells are arranged along the x-direction; where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and m is an integer greater than 1. The inner cavity of the first hollow component serves as a channel for the flow of heat exchange medium. The liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the first hollow component extend out of the outer shell; The first hollow component assembly includes a first sub-hollow component and a second sub-hollow component; the first sub-hollow component is a conductive component and is connected to the polarity terminals of each individual cell to realize the electrical connection of each individual cell. The second hollow component is an insulating component, connecting the two adjacent first hollow components; The second hollow component extends along the x-direction, covering the explosion venting sections of the m individual batteries, and the inner cavity of the second hollow component serves as a thermal runaway flue gas confluence channel, communicating with the explosion venting sections of the m individual batteries. Part of the second hollow component extends out of the outer shell, serving as the exhaust end for thermal runaway flue gas.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first hollow component has heat-capacity connectors fixed at both ends, and the heat-capacity connectors are connected to the second hollow component by heat fusion.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each individual cell has a through slot on its polarity terminal, and each segment of the first hollow component is inserted into the through slot of the polarity terminal of two adjacent individual cells with different polarities.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A metal conductive and heat-conducting layer is provided between the outer tube wall of the first hollow component and the through groove of the polar terminal.

5. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It also includes a third electrical connector that connects to the polarity terminals of each individual battery cell.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the first hollow component is provided with heat dissipation teeth.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second hollow component has m second through holes, each of which corresponds to one of the m individual cells. The projection of each second through hole onto the cover plate of the corresponding individual cell completely covers the explosion venting part on the cover plate. The inner cavity of the second hollow component is connected to the explosion venting parts of the m individual cells through the m second through holes.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second hollow component is a split piece, including a flexible base plate and a first half-tube with a U-shaped cross-section; m second through holes are opened on the flexible base plate; the flexible base plate is fixedly connected to the top cover of each individual battery; the first half tube is fastened to the flexible base plate and sealed and fixed to the flexible base plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second hollow component is a split part, including a second half tube with a U-shaped cross section and a second top plate for sealing the open end of the second half tube; m second through holes are opened on the bottom plate of the second half tube; the edge of each second through hole is welded to the top cover plate of the corresponding single cell, and the second top plate is welded and sealed to the second half tube.

10. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second hollow component is a split part, including a second half tube with a U-shaped cross-section and a second top plate for sealing the open end of the top of the second half tube; m second through holes are opened on the bottom plate of the second half tube; Each individual battery cell has a venting branch pipe on its top cover, and the projection of the venting branch pipe onto the top cover completely covers the venting section on the top cover. The free end of the explosion relief branch pipe passes through the corresponding second through hole on the bottom plate of the second half pipe and extends into the inner cavity of the second half pipe; the wall of the explosion relief branch pipe is welded and sealed with the wall of the second through hole; the second top plate is welded and sealed with the second half pipe.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: An insulating separator is provided between adjacent individual cells.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer casing is made of metal; it also includes an insulating plate; the insulating plate is positioned between the n battery cells and the outer casing.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: An insulating sealant layer is laid between each individual battery cell and the outer casing.

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