Battery and battery module

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of batteries, and discloses a battery and a battery module. The battery comprises a shell, a side bracket and a battery cell, wherein an accommodating cavity is formed in the shell; the side support is arranged in the containing cavity, a mounting space is defined by the side support, convex ribs are arranged on the peripheral wall of the side support in the circumferential direction of the side support, the convex ribs abut against the inner wall of the shell so that an exhaust channel can be formed between the side support and the shell, and a plurality of exhaust holes communicated with the exhaust channel are formed in the side support; and the battery cell is fixedly mounted in the mounting space. The exhaust channel is arranged in the battery, so that gas generated in the battery can be quickly exhausted, and the safety performance of the battery is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery and a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries have many advantages, such as high energy density, long cycle life, low self-discharge, no memory effect, good low-temperature performance, low maintenance cost, fast charging and high efficiency, and long discharge time with high current, making them the first choice for large-scale energy storage and power sources.

[0003] Traditional batteries typically consist of a casing, a core housed within the casing, and a cover plate. The cover plate is equipped with an explosion-proof valve. When a battery malfunctions and generates a large amount of gas, the gas needs to accumulate at the top and be discharged through the explosion-proof valve on the cover plate. This battery structure has a narrow gas discharge path, resulting in low gas discharge efficiency. For large-capacity batteries with a capacity greater than 314Ah, especially those with a capacity greater than 500Ah (such as 587Ah, 688Ah, 625Ah, and 1130Ah), the gas production during thermal runaway is far higher than in current energy storage battery products. If existing venting methods are used, high-temperature, high-pressure electrolyte vapor will rapidly accumulate inside the battery and cannot be discharged in time, posing a very high safety risk.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a battery and battery module to solve the safety problems caused by the venting and gas production of large-capacity batteries. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a battery with an internal venting channel that can quickly expel gas generated inside the battery, thereby improving the battery's safety performance.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The battery includes:

[0008] The outer casing has a receiving cavity inside;

[0009] A side bracket is disposed within the receiving cavity, the side bracket encloses an installation space, and a rib is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the side bracket along the circumference of the side bracket. The rib abuts against the inner wall of the outer shell to form an exhaust channel between the side bracket and the outer shell. The side bracket is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes communicating with the exhaust channel.

[0010] The battery cell is fixedly installed within the installation space.

[0011] Optionally, the side bracket is U-shaped, and the U-shaped side bracket is disposed opposite to the side wall and bottom wall of the outer shell. At least one side of each side of the side bracket in the width direction is provided with the rib, and each side of the side bracket is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes.

[0012] Optionally, the side support includes two " The brackets are arranged in a "" shape, and two of the brackets are spliced ​​together.

[0013] Optionally, the battery further includes a top bracket, the two ends of which are snapped onto the opposite sides of the side bracket and form an "U" shape with the side bracket. A support portion is protruding on the inner wall of the top bracket and abuts against the top of the battery cell.

[0014] Optionally, the top bracket has a second slot at each end, and the side bracket has a buckle on each of its opposite sides, with the second slot engaging with the buckle.

[0015] Optionally, the battery cell is provided in at least two parts, and a cooling plate is provided between two adjacent battery cells. The cooling plate is a hollow structure and is encapsulated with coolant or phase change material; or, the material of the cooling plate is a phase change material.

[0016] Optionally, the outer wall of the battery cell is attached to the outer wall of the cooling plate, and the battery cell and the cooling plate are bonded together by tape or thermally conductive adhesive.

[0017] Optionally, the inner peripheral wall of the side bracket is provided with a first slot, which is used to engage with the cooling plate.

[0018] Optionally, the housing includes a shell and a top cover covering the opening of the shell. The top cover is provided with a first pole and a second pole. The bottom of the shell is provided with an explosion-proof valve, which is connected to the exhaust channel. The outer wall of the side bracket is provided with an isolation part opposite to the explosion-proof valve.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module is also provided, comprising the battery described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This invention provides a battery, including a casing, a side bracket, and a battery cell. The side bracket is used to fix the battery cell and surrounds the outer periphery of the battery cell. The protruding ribs on the outer wall of the side bracket create a venting channel between the side bracket and the inner wall of the casing, increasing the venting path for gas inside the battery. When the battery experiences thermal runaway, gas inside the battery cell can enter the venting channel through the vent holes and be quickly discharged through the venting channel, improving the battery's venting efficiency, preventing heat and gas from accumulating inside the battery and causing thermal runaway, and improving the battery's safety performance.

[0022] This utility model also provides a battery module, including the battery described above. Because this battery module uses the aforementioned battery, it has better safety performance. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the battery after the casing has been removed, according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an assembly drawing of the side bracket and top bracket provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the side support and top support provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is an assembly drawing of the side bracket, top bracket, and cooling plate provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is an assembly drawing of the sub-support, top support, and cooling plate provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 100. Outer shell; 110. Housing; 111. Explosion-proof valve; 120. Top cover;

[0033] 200, Side bracket; 201, Sub-bracket; 202, Installation space; 210, Rib; 220, Vent hole; 230, First slot; 240, Isolation section; 250, Buckle;

[0034] 300, battery cell;

[0035] 400, Top bracket; 410, Support part; 420, Second slot; 430, Through hole;

[0036] 500. Cooling plate. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] This embodiment provides a battery with an internal venting channel that can quickly expel the gas generated inside the battery, thereby improving the battery's safety performance.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the battery includes a casing 100, a side bracket 200, and a battery cell 300. The casing 100 has a receiving cavity. The side bracket 200 is disposed within the receiving cavity, forming an installation space 202 for fixing the battery cell 300. Along the circumference of the side bracket 200, a rib 210 is provided on its outer peripheral wall. The rib 210 abuts against the inner wall of the casing 100, forming an exhaust channel between the side bracket 200 and the casing 100. The side bracket 200 has multiple exhaust holes 220 communicating with the exhaust channel.

[0044] The battery provided in this embodiment uses a side support 200 between the cell 300 and the casing 100, and a rib 210 on the side support 200 to form an exhaust channel between the side support 200 and the casing 100. When the battery experiences thermal runaway, the gas generated inside the battery can enter the exhaust channel through the exhaust port 220 and be quickly discharged through the exhaust channel. Compared with batteries in the prior art that only have an exhaust path at the top of the cell, the exhaust channel greatly increases the exhaust path, improves the battery's exhaust efficiency, and reduces the risk of battery explosion due to heat and gas accumulation.

[0045] In the prior art, the outside of the battery cell is generally wrapped with an insulating film to insulate it from the outer casing.

[0046] Optionally, the side bracket 200 can be made of insulating material. Therefore, insulation between the battery cell 300 and the outer casing 100 can be achieved through the side bracket 200, meaning that an insulating film is not required on the side of the battery cell 300 covered by the side bracket 200, saving material costs. Furthermore, an insulating layer can be provided on the side of the battery cell 300 not covered by the side bracket 200 to ensure insulation between the battery cell 300 and the outer casing 100. Optionally, the insulating layer can be insulating tape, which is low in cost and easy to assemble.

[0047] Further, see also Figure 1In one possible embodiment, the outer casing 100 includes a housing 110 and a top cover 120, with the top cover 120 covering the opening of the housing 110. The top cover 120 has a first electrode and a second electrode, and the bottom of the housing 110 has an explosion-proof valve 111 connected to an exhaust channel. This configuration enables the separation of the battery's electrical and gas components, further improving the battery's safety performance. Furthermore, an isolation portion 240 is provided on the outer wall of the side support 200, opposite to the explosion-proof valve 111. By providing the isolation portion 240, a physical barrier is formed at the explosion-proof valve 111, preventing electrode fragments from being ejected along with gas and causing blockage of the explosion-proof valve 111 in the event of thermal runaway, thus improving the reliability of the explosion-proof valve 111's venting operation.

[0048] Alternatively, the housing 110 and the top cover 120 can be connected by laser welding. The explosion-proof valve 111 can also be connected to the housing 110 by laser welding.

[0049] Optionally, the opening pressure of the explosion-proof valve 111 can be 0.3MPa-1MPa. The design can be tailored to the gas production capacity of the battery; this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0050] Further, see also Figure 3 In this embodiment, the side bracket 200 is U-shaped, and the U-shaped side bracket 200 is disposed opposite to the side wall and bottom wall of the outer casing 100. At least one side of each side of the side bracket 200 in the width direction is provided with a protruding rib 210, and each side of the side bracket 200 is provided with a plurality of vent holes 220. This side bracket 200 enables the battery cell 300 to have vent channels on all three sides, resulting in high venting efficiency.

[0051] Optionally, in this embodiment, ribs 210 are provided on opposite sides of each side of the side bracket 200 in the width direction. This arrangement improves the reliability of the exhaust channel forming.

[0052] Optionally, the number of vent holes 220 on each side of the side bracket 200 can be set according to requirements. For example, the number of vent holes 220 on each side of the side bracket 200 can be 1, 2, 3, etc., and this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0053] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, the side support 200 may include two " The two side supports 201 are joined together. This arrangement facilitates both processing and assembly of the side support 200 within the receiving cavity.

[0054] In this embodiment, the parts of the two sub-supports 201 that are spliced ​​together are opposite to the explosion-proof valve 111, and each part is provided with an isolation part 240.

[0055] Further, see also Figures 2-4 The battery also includes a top bracket 400, whose two ends are snapped onto the opposite sides of the side bracket 200, forming an "U" shape with the side bracket 200. A support portion 410 protrudes from the inner wall of the top bracket 400, and the support portion 410 abuts against the top of the battery cell 300. By connecting the top bracket 400 to the side bracket 200, the structural stability of the side bracket 200 is improved. Furthermore, the support portion 410 on the top bracket 400 can restrict the top of the battery cell 300, improving the fixing effect of the battery cell 300. The support portion 410 also creates two reserved spaces between the top bracket 400 and the battery cell 300 for accommodating the folded tabs of the battery cell 300. The two reserved spaces are located on both sides of the support portion 410.

[0056] Optionally, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Two through holes 430 are provided on the top bracket 400. The two through holes 430 can be respectively located on both sides of the support part 410. The two through holes 430 are respectively connected to two reserved spaces. The two tabs of the battery cell 300 are respectively inserted through the two through holes 430 and connected to the adapter plate on the top cover 120.

[0057] Optionally, the top bracket 400 is made of insulating material. This arrangement enables insulation between the battery cell 300 and the top cover 120, so that the sides of the battery cell 300 opposite to the top bracket 400 do not need to be provided with an insulating film.

[0058] Optionally, the side support 200 and the top support 400 may be made of, but are not limited to, one or a combination of ABS plastic, engineering plastic, benzaldehyde (POM), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene ether (PPO), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0059] Furthermore, in one possible embodiment, the top bracket 400 has second slots 420 at both ends, and the side bracket 200 has buckles 250 corresponding to the second slots 420. The buckles 250 engage with their corresponding second slots 420. The connection between the top bracket 400 and the side bracket 200 is achieved through the second slots 420 and the buckles 250, resulting in a simple structure that facilitates the installation and disassembly of the side brackets 200 and the top bracket 400.

[0060] Furthermore, the exterior of the outer casing 100 can be insulated with an insulating coating, such as epoxy resin or UV adhesive. Compared to the traditional method of insulation using an insulating blue film, this method is less prone to puncture and offers higher insulation reliability.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] This embodiment provides a battery that is largely the same in structure as that of Embodiment 1, with improvements only. Therefore, only the differences between the two are described here; structures identical to those in Embodiment 1 will not be repeated. In this embodiment, technical features that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0063] In existing technologies, the increased core size of large-capacity batteries leads to poorer internal temperature uniformity during charging and discharging. Traditional 280Ah batteries have an internal temperature range of 3℃-5℃; 314Ah batteries have a range of 4℃-8℃; while large-capacity energy storage batteries (greater than 500Ah) can exhibit internal temperature variations ranging from 8℃ to 12℃. This uneven internal temperature deteriorates battery performance, affects cycle life, and can even cause lithium plating within the battery.

[0064] Furthermore, during the charging and discharging process of the battery, the core will continuously contract and expand by a small distance due to the continuous insertion and extraction of lithium ions. After long-term cycling, hard contact will occur between the two cores inside the battery. The two cores in hard contact will squeeze each other, causing core deformation, which will worsen the contact between the electrodes inside the core, and thus lead to a decline in battery performance.

[0065] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the battery provided in this embodiment has at least two cells 300, and a cooling plate 500 is provided between two adjacent cells 300. To balance heat dissipation and deformation resistance, the cooling plate 500 is a hollow structure and encapsulates a coolant or phase change material, or the cooling plate 500 is a phase change material. The cooling plate 500 has cooling properties, effectively absorbing heat from the cells 300 to equalize the internal temperature of the battery, reduce the temperature difference within the battery, and make the battery's operating temperature more suitable, thus ensuring the battery's cycle performance. Simultaneously, it reduces the risk of cycle failure and lithium plating caused by uneven internal temperature distribution. Furthermore, by separating two adjacent cells 300 and providing them with deformation space through the cooling plate 500, it avoids hard contact between the two cells 300, preventing deformation and improving battery performance.

[0066] Optionally, the cooling plate 500 is a hollow metal plate with low hardness, such as aluminum, copper, zinc, or gold, and is encapsulated with coolant or phase change material.

[0067] It is worth noting that the battery provided in this embodiment, by setting a cooling plate 500, can control the temperature difference inside the large-capacity battery to a level similar to that of traditional 280Ah and 314Ah energy storage batteries.

[0068] Optionally, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 5 and Figure 6In this embodiment, a first slot 230 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the side bracket 200, which is used to engage with the cooling plate 500. Fixing the cooling plate 500 by engaging is a simple structure that facilitates the installation and removal of the cooling plate 500.

[0069] In this embodiment, the U-shaped side bracket 200 has a first slot 230 on each of its three sides, and the adjacent three sides of the cooling plate 500 are engaged in the first slot 230. This arrangement improves the connection strength between the side bracket 200 and the cooling plate 500.

[0070] Optionally, in order to ensure a reliable connection between the cooling plate 500 and the first slot 230, clearance openings can be provided at the two corners of the cooling plate 500 to avoid the protruding structure at the corner of the side bracket 200.

[0071] Furthermore, to prevent a short circuit caused by contact between the cooling plate 500 and the top of the battery cell 300, there is a gap between the cooling plate 500 and the top of the battery cell 300.

[0072] See Figure 5 In this embodiment, in the height direction of the battery, the height of the cooling plate 500 (i.e., the highest point) is about 1mm-3mm lower than the height of the side bracket 200 (i.e., the highest point).

[0073] Furthermore, the outer wall of the battery cell 300 is attached to the outer wall of the cooling plate 500.

[0074] Optionally, the battery cell 300 and the cooling plate 500 can be bonded together with a thermally conductive adhesive layer. This arrangement can both fix the battery cell 300 to the cooling plate 500 and improve the heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell 300 and the cooling plate 500 through the thermally conductive adhesive layer.

[0075] Of course, the battery cell 300 and the cooling plate 500 can also be fixed together with tape, depending on actual needs; this application does not impose specific limitations. However, it should be ensured that the battery cell 300 and the cooling plate 500 are in close contact.

[0076] Furthermore, a phase change material can be encapsulated within the cooling plate 500. Under changes in temperature and pressure, the phase change material can absorb heat and transform into a more flexible form. This allows the cooling plate 500 to maintain a stable internal temperature within the battery while also absorbing some of the stress from the cyclic expansion of the cell 300. This prevents the cooling plate from making hard contact with the cell 300 and causing deformation, effectively protecting the cell 300 and thus improving the battery's cycle performance.

[0077] Optionally, the phase change material can be a solid-solid phase change material, such as inorganic salts like sodium sulfate and calcium sulfate, cross-linked high-density polyethylene, and polyols like pentaerythritol and neopentyl glycol. The phase change material can also be a solid-liquid phase change material, such as crystalline hydrated salts like sodium sulfate decahydrate and disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate, molten salts like potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate, paraffin wax, and fatty acids like stearic acid and lauric acid. Various composite phase change materials are also possible.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] This embodiment provides a battery module, including the battery provided in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0080] Because this battery module uses the aforementioned battery, it has better safety performance.

[0081] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized in that, include: The outer casing (100) has a receiving cavity inside; A side bracket (200) is disposed in the receiving cavity. The side bracket (200) surrounds the installation space (202). Along the circumference of the side bracket (200), a rib (210) is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the side bracket (200). The rib (210) abuts against the inner wall of the outer shell (100) to form an exhaust channel between the side bracket (200) and the outer shell (100). The side bracket (200) is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes (220) communicating with the exhaust channel. The battery cell (300) is fixedly installed in the installation space (202).

2. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side bracket (200) is U-shaped. The U-shaped side bracket (200) is disposed opposite to the side wall and bottom wall of the outer shell (100). At least one side of each side of the side bracket (200) in the width direction is provided with the rib (210). Each side of the side bracket (200) is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes (220).

3. The battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side support (200) includes two... The two sub-supports (201) are spliced ​​together.

4. The battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery also includes a top bracket (400), the two ends of which are engaged with the opposite sides of the side bracket (200) and form an "U" shape with the side bracket (200). A support part (410) is protruding on the inner wall of the top bracket (400) and abuts against the top of the battery cell (300).

5. The battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top bracket (400) has a second slot (420) at each end, and the side bracket (200) has a buckle (250) on each of its opposite sides. The second slot (420) cooperates with the buckle (250).

6. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two cells (300) are provided, and a cooling plate (500) is provided between two adjacent cells (300). The cooling plate (500) is a hollow structure and is encapsulated with coolant or phase change material; or, the material of the cooling plate (500) is a phase change material.

7. The battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the battery cell (300) is attached to the outer wall of the cooling plate (500), and the battery cell (300) and the cooling plate (500) are bonded together by tape or thermally conductive adhesive.

8. The battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner peripheral wall of the side bracket (200) is provided with a first slot (230), which is used to engage with the cooling plate (500).

9. The battery according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The outer casing (100) includes a housing (110) and a top cover (120) covering the opening of the housing (110). The top cover (120) is provided with a first pole and a second pole. The bottom of the housing (110) is provided with an explosion-proof valve (111). The explosion-proof valve (111) is connected to the exhaust channel. The outer wall of the side bracket (200) is provided with an isolation part (240) opposite to the explosion-proof valve (111).

10. A battery module, characterized in that, The battery includes any one of claims 1-9.

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