Battery device and electric equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a battery device and electric equipment. The battery device comprises a box body with an accommodating cavity; the plurality of single batteries are arranged in the accommodating cavity; the box body is provided with a pressure relief mechanism, the inner surface, facing the accommodating cavity, of the box body is provided with a flow guide channel, and an outlet of the flow guide channel is arranged adjacent to the pressure relief mechanism and is used for guiding combustible substances discharged from the battery monomers to the pressure relief mechanism; the flow guide channel comprises a main channel and a plurality of branch channels, and all the branch channels are distributed on the two opposite sides of the main channel. One end of each branch channel communicates with the main channel, the other end of each branch channel extends in the direction away from the main channel, and all the branch channels are arranged at intervals. Combustible materials can flow to the pressure relief mechanism under the guiding effect of the flow guide channel and then are discharged to the outside of the box body. Therefore, the risk of over-high local temperature or non-uniform pressure is reduced, the influence on other single batteries is reduced, further diffusion of thermal runaway is reduced, and the reliability of the battery device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery device and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein are provided only as background information in connection with this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Currently, in the rapid development of new energy battery technology, the reliability design of battery devices remains a key focus. However, in related technologies, when thermal runaway occurs and battery cells emit fumes, the fumes are unevenly distributed within the battery casing, increasing the risk of localized overheating or pressure unevenness, thereby exacerbating the spread of thermal runaway. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the problem, this application provides a battery device and electrical equipment that can alleviate the problem that thermal runaway causes uneven distribution of flue gas in the battery box, increasing the risk of local overheating or uneven pressure, and thus exacerbating the spread of thermal runaway.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery device, the battery device comprising:

[0006] The box-shaped enclosure has a receiving cavity;

[0007] Multiple battery cells are housed within the receiving cavity;

[0008] The housing is equipped with a pressure relief mechanism, and a flow channel is provided on the inner surface of the housing facing the cavity. The outlet of the flow channel is located near the pressure relief mechanism to guide the flammable material discharged from the battery cell to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0009] The flow channel includes a main channel and multiple branch channels, all of which are distributed on opposite sides of the main channel. One end of each branch channel is connected to the main channel, and the other end of the branch channel extends away from the main channel. All branch channels are spaced apart from each other.

[0010] In the aforementioned battery device, when flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the battery cells are discharged into the housing through the pressure relief section, they can flow towards the pressure relief mechanism under the guidance of the flow channel, and then be discharged to the outside of the housing through the pressure relief mechanism. This avoids the accumulation of flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the housing, preventing uneven distribution within the housing, reducing the risk of localized overheating or pressure unevenness, minimizing the impact on other battery cells, thus reducing the further spread of thermal runaway and improving the reliability of the battery device.

[0011] Furthermore, by setting the flow channel in the form of a main channel and multiple branch channels on both sides, the branch channels can introduce combustible materials from the opposite sides of the main channel. This not only expands the flow range to guide combustible materials from more locations to be discharged, but also allows the combustible materials to be gathered, so as to reliably guide the combustible materials to be concentrated and discharged towards the pressure relief mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, the battery cell has a pressure relief section, the housing has a first inner surface facing the pressure relief section, and a flow channel is provided on the first inner surface.

[0013] When flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the battery cell are discharged into the housing cavity through the pressure relief section, they directly rush towards the first inner surface opposite the pressure relief section. Since the flow channel is located on the first inner surface, the flammable substances can be quickly guided and then discharged to the outside of the housing through the pressure relief mechanism. Compared to having the flow channel located on other inner surfaces, placing it on the first inner surface opposite the pressure relief section reduces the loss of kinetic energy of the flammable substances, thus quickly guiding them to the pressure relief mechanism through the flow channel and improving the guiding effect.

[0014] In some embodiments, the end of each branch channel that connects to the main channel forms a confluence, and the width of the branch channel at the confluence is smaller than the width of the main channel.

[0015] According to the Venturi effect, when a confined fluid (such as a gas or liquid) flows through a constricted channel (such as the throat of a Venturi tube), the fluid velocity increases, while its static pressure decreases simultaneously. Therefore, when combustible material flows from a branch channel through a wider inlet into a narrower main channel, that is, through a constricted channel, the velocity of the combustible material increases, causing it to flow more quickly within the main channel and be guided to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0016] In some of these embodiments, each branch channel bends and extends away from the main channel.

[0017] By setting branch channels that bend and extend away from the main channel, the length of the branch channels can be increased, thus covering more locations and guiding more combustible materials. On the other hand, it can make the combustible materials entering the branch channels flow more smoothly within them, reducing kinetic energy loss and thus improving the effect of converging towards the main channel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the branch channel is curved in an arc or S-shape.

[0019] An S-shape is a shape that includes multiple arc segments. The smoother arc lines allow combustible materials entering the branch channels to flow more smoothly within them, reducing kinetic energy loss and thus improving the effect of converging towards the main channel. Specifically, the arc can be circular or elliptical.

[0020] In some embodiments, all branch channels are divided into a first group of branch channels and a second group of branch channels. The main channel includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. The first side has a first spacing value between itself and the first side edge adjacent to the box body, and the second side has a second spacing value between itself and the second side edge adjacent to the box body. The first spacing value is greater than the second spacing value.

[0021] The first group of branch channels is located on the first side, and the second group of branch channels is located on the second side. The branch channels of the first group of branch channels are S-shaped, and the branch channels of the second group of branch channels are arc-shaped.

[0022] The first side, with a larger spacing value, has more space to accommodate longer or more branch channels compared to the second side. When the first set of branch channels on the first side is S-shaped, the arc length of the curved segment of the branch channel can be increased, thus improving the coverage area. When the second set of branch channels on the second side is arc-shaped, the arc lines are smoother, allowing combustible materials entering the branch channels to flow more smoothly and reducing kinetic energy loss. Therefore, the above arrangement optimizes the distribution of branch channels on both sides of the main channel, improving the efficiency of guiding combustible materials and preventing accumulation.

[0023] In some embodiments, the main channel includes a first end and a second end, the first end being located closer to the pressure relief mechanism than the second end, and the first end having an outlet; the guide channel also includes a connecting channel, two oppositely arranged branch channels located at the second end of the main channel being connected by the connecting channel at the end away from the main channel.

[0024] Since the branch channels are distributed on both sides of the main channel, the two branch channels at the second end of the main channel separate from each other at the end furthest from the main channel, and a large gap appears between the two separated ends. Therefore, a connecting channel is set up between the two separated ends of the two branch channels to make full use of the gap and guide the combustible material at the location. On the other hand, since the connecting channel connects to the two separated ends of the two branch channels, rather than directly to the main channel, the length of the connecting channel is longer and the coverage is wider. Moreover, the combustible material entering the connecting channel will be introduced into the two branch channels and then enter the main channel for convergence.

[0025] In some embodiments, the connecting channel is configured as an arcuate channel that bends away from the main channel.

[0026] In this way, combustible materials entering the connecting channel can enter the branch channel in the direction of the main channel, which improves the effect of guiding them towards the main channel.

[0027] In some embodiments, the main channel includes a first end and a second end, the first end being located closer to the pressure relief mechanism than the second end, the first end having an outlet, and each branch channel extending toward the first end along the direction from the second end toward the first end.

[0028] In this way, when combustible material enters the branch channel, it will not only flow into the main channel, but also flow to the first end of the main channel rather than the second end, thereby improving the reliability of guiding combustible material to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0029] In some embodiments, a guide protrusion is formed between two adjacent branch channels on the same side of the main channel, and the guide protrusion has a tip at one end near the main channel, with the tip pointing towards the first end.

[0030] The pointed design ensures that combustible materials flow reliably toward the first end when entering the main channel, accurately guiding the combustible materials within the main channel and improving the reliability of guiding the combustible materials toward the pressure relief mechanism.

[0031] In some embodiments, the flow channel is configured to be recessed into the side opposite to the receiving cavity through the inner surface of the housing.

[0032] In this way, combustible materials inside the box can enter the flow channel through the opening end of the recessed flow channel, and the combustible materials can also be confined in the recessed flow channel and then guided to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0033] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first housing wall, and a flow channel is disposed on the inner surface of the first housing wall. In the thickness direction of the first housing wall, the recess depth of the flow channel is less than the thickness of the first housing wall.

[0034] This reduces the irregularities on the outer surface of the first casing wall and decreases the overall height of the battery assembly.

[0035] In some embodiments, the recess depth of the flow channel is 3 mm to 7 mm.

[0036] By setting the recess depth of the flow channel to 3 mm to 7 mm, on the one hand, the structural strength of the box wall is not affected, and on the other hand, there is enough space to accommodate flammable materials, thereby reliably guiding the flammable materials to be discharged to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism includes a pressure relief channel, a pressure relief body, and a Tesla valve. The pressure relief channel connects the inside and outside of the housing. The pressure relief body and the Tesla valve are both located inside the pressure relief channel. Along the pressure relief direction of the pressure relief mechanism, the Tesla valve is located upstream of the pressure relief body.

[0038] A Tesla valve is installed upstream of the pressure relief body. Combustible materials introduced into the pressure relief mechanism from the guide channel first pass through the Tesla valve. Under the action of the Tesla valve, the combustible materials can flow smoothly downstream to the pressure relief body. The pressure relief body opens when the pressure or temperature of the combustible materials reaches a threshold. At this time, some combustible materials will have a backflow tendency. When the backflowing combustible materials enter the Tesla valve, they will be limited by the one-way conduction of the Tesla valve and cannot be further discharged into the interior of the box. Therefore, this part of the combustible materials will be guided back to the pressure relief body. Therefore, installing a Tesla valve can improve the discharge efficiency of combustible materials by the pressure relief mechanism.

[0039] Secondly, an electrical device is provided, including the battery device in any of the above embodiments.

[0040] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments.

[0043] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery according to one or more embodiments.

[0044] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell according to one or more embodiments.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a housing according to one or more embodiments.

[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the first wall of the box.

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The image shows a bottom view of the first box wall.

[0048] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the first box wall at point AA.

[0049] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows a magnified view of a portion of the first box wall at point B.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a pressure relief mechanism according to one or more embodiments.

[0051] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0052] 1000, Vehicle; 100, Battery Unit; 10, Housing; 11, First Part; 12, Second Part; 13, Receiving Cavity; 14, Guide Channel; 141, Main Channel; 1411, First End; 1412, Second End; 142, Branch Channel; 143, Inlet; 144, Connecting Channel; 15, Guide Protrusion; 16, First Housing Wall; 161, First Inner Surface; 162, First Side Edge; 163, Second Side Edge; 20, Battery Cell; 21, End Cap; 211, Electrode Terminal; 22, Housing; 23, Electrode Assembly; 231, Tab; 30, Pressure Relief Mechanism; 31, Pressure Relief Channel; 32, Pressure Relief Body; 33, Tesla Valve; 200, Controller; 300, Motor; A1, First Group of Branch Channels; A2, Second Group of Branch Channels. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0056] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0057] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, 1 and / or 2 can represent: 1 existing alone, 1 and 2 existing simultaneously, and 2 existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0058] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 the embodiments of this application.

[0060] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" 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. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] The battery devices used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems include a battery box and multiple battery cells. During operation, the electrolyte and electrode materials of a battery cell undergo a thermal reaction to generate gas. To prevent gas from accumulating inside the battery cell and causing it to explode, the battery cell is usually equipped with an explosion-proof valve. When the internal gas pressure increases to a certain level, the explosion-proof valve opens, and flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the battery cell are discharged through the explosion-proof valve.

[0062] However, when flammable materials are directly discharged into the battery box, they will not flow directly to the explosion-proof valve on the battery box without guidance. Instead, they will be unevenly distributed inside the battery box. This increases the risk of local overheating or uneven pressure, which can affect other battery cells and easily cause short circuits in the wiring harness inside the battery box and thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells, thereby exacerbating the spread of thermal runaway.

[0063] To alleviate the above problems, this application provides a battery device, including a housing and multiple battery cells. The housing has a receiving cavity, and the multiple battery cells are disposed within the receiving cavity. The battery housing is provided with a pressure relief mechanism, and a flow guiding channel is provided on the inner surface of the housing facing the receiving cavity. The outlet of the flow guiding channel is located adjacent to the pressure relief mechanism, for guiding flammable substances discharged from the battery cells to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0064] In this way, when flammable materials such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the battery cells are discharged into the enclosure through the explosion-proof valve, they can flow to the pressure relief mechanism under the guidance of the flow channel, and then be discharged to the outside of the enclosure through the pressure relief mechanism. This avoids the accumulation of flammable materials such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the enclosure, preventing uneven distribution and reducing the risk of localized overheating or pressure unevenness. It also reduces the impact on other battery cells, thereby minimizing the further spread of thermal runaway and improving the reliability of the battery device.

[0065] The battery devices disclosed in this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical equipment such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft.

[0066] This application provides an electrical device that uses a battery as a power source. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0067] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A battery device 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery device 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery device 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery device 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery device 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0069] In some embodiments of this application, the battery device 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a battery device 100 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery device 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the battery cell 20 housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 provides a space for accommodating the battery cell 20, and the housing 10 can adopt various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, which overlap each other, jointly defining a space for accommodating the battery cell 20. The second portion 12 may be a hollow structure with one open end, and the first portion 11 may be a plate-like structure, covering the open side of the second portion 12 so that the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 jointly define the space; alternatively, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 may both be hollow structures with one open side, with the open side of the first portion 11 covering the open side of the second portion 12. Of course, the housing 10 formed by the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 can be of various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0071] In the battery device 100, there can be multiple battery cells 20, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 20 is housed within the housing 10. Alternatively, the battery device 100 can also consist of multiple battery cells 20 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form battery device modules, and then these modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is then housed within the housing 10. The battery device 100 may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar component for electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0072] Each battery cell 20 can be a secondary battery device or a primary battery device; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery device, a sodium-ion battery device, or a magnesium-ion battery device, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 20 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell 20 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery cell 20 refers to the smallest unit constituting the battery device 100. For example... Figure 3 The battery cell 20 includes an end cap 21, a housing 22, an electrode assembly 23, and other functional components.

[0074] End cap 21 refers to a component that covers the opening 221 of housing 22 to isolate the internal environment of battery cell 20 from the external environment. The shape of end cap 21 can be adapted to the shape of housing 22 to fit it. Optionally, end cap 21 can be made of a material with certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that end cap 21 is not easily deformed under pressure and impact, giving battery cell 20 higher structural strength and improved safety performance. Functional components such as electrode terminals 211 can be provided on end cap 21. Electrode terminals 211 can be used for electrical connection with electrode assembly 23 to output or input electrical energy to battery cell 20. In some embodiments, end cap 21 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of battery cell 20 reaches a threshold. The material of end cap 21 can also be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this application embodiment does not impose special limitations on this. In some embodiments, an insulating element may be provided on the inner side of the end cap 21. The insulating element can be used to isolate the electrical connection components within the housing 22 from the end cap 21 to reduce the risk of short circuits. For example, the insulating element may be made of plastic, rubber, etc.

[0075] The housing 22 is a component used to cooperate with the end cap 21 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. This internal environment can accommodate the electrode assembly 23, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 22 and the end cap 21 can be independent components. An opening can be provided on the housing 22, and the end cap 21 can be used to close the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. Alternatively, the end cap 21 and the housing 22 can be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 21 and the housing 22 can form a common connecting surface before other components are inserted into the housing. When it is necessary to encapsulate the interior of the housing 22, the end cap 21 closes the housing 22. The housing 22 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing 22 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 23. The material of the housing 22 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0076] Electrode assembly 23 is the component in the battery cell 20 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The casing 22 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 23. Electrode assembly 23 mainly consists of positive and negative electrode materials, a separator, and a current collector. Specifically, positive electrode material is coated onto the output electrode connector of the battery device to form a positive electrode sheet, and negative electrode material is coated onto the output electrode connector of the battery device to form a negative electrode sheet. The positive and negative electrode sheets are wound or stacked, and a separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrode sheets, thus forming electrode assembly 23. The portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets containing active material constitute the main body of electrode assembly 23, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active material each constitute tabs 231. The positive and negative tabs may be located together at one end of the main body or separately at both ends of the main body. During the charging and discharging process of the battery device, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs 231 connect to the electrode terminals 211 to form a current loop.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a housing according to one or more embodiments. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the first wall of the box. Figure 6 for Figure 5 The image shows a bottom view of the first box wall. (See attached image.) Figures 4-6 This application provides a battery device 100, including a housing 10 and a plurality of battery cells 20. The housing 10 has a receiving cavity 13, and the plurality of battery cells 20 are disposed in the receiving cavity 13. The housing 10 is provided with a pressure relief mechanism 30, and a flow channel 14 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 10 facing the receiving cavity. The outlet of the flow channel 14 is located adjacent to the pressure relief mechanism 30 and is used to guide the combustible material discharged from the battery cells 20 to the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0078] The pressure relief mechanism 30 is designed to open when the pressure or temperature inside the housing 10 reaches a threshold, releasing the high-temperature, high-pressure substances inside and reducing the risk of explosion or combustion of the housing 10. In some embodiments of this application, the pressure relief mechanism 30 can be configured as an explosion-proof valve, which has a valve core that can open when the pressure or temperature inside the housing 10 reaches a threshold. Of course, in other embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 30 can also take the form of a gas valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, and can specifically employ pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive elements or structures.

[0079] The flow channel 14 refers to the channel that guides the combustible material inside the housing 10 to the pressure relief mechanism 30. The term "combustible material" here is a general term and can refer to flames, smoke, or gases, etc. The outlet of the flow channel 14 is the outlet through which the combustible material is discharged after being guided; through this outlet, the combustible material can be discharged by the adjacent pressure relief mechanism.

[0080] Since the outlet of the flow channel 14 is located near the pressure relief mechanism 30, the flow channel 14 can be located on the inner surface of the box wall of the housing 10 where the pressure relief mechanism 30 is located, or on other inner surfaces adjacent to the inner surface of the box wall of the housing 10 where the pressure relief mechanism 30 is located. For example, when the pressure relief mechanism 30 is located on the inner surface of the side wall of the housing 10 and is located near the top wall of the housing 10, the flow channel 14 can be located on the inner surface of the top wall of the housing 10; when the pressure relief mechanism 30 is located on the inner surface of the side wall of the housing 10 and is located near the bottom wall of the housing 10, the flow channel 14 can be located on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the housing 10.

[0081] In this embodiment of the battery device 100, when flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the battery cells 20 are discharged into the housing 10 through the pressure relief section, they can flow to the pressure relief mechanism 30 under the guidance of the flow channel 14, and then be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the pressure relief mechanism 30. This avoids the accumulation of flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the housing 10, preventing uneven distribution within the housing 10, reducing the risk of localized overheating or pressure unevenness, minimizing the impact on other battery cells 20, thereby reducing the further spread of thermal runaway and improving the reliability of the battery device 100.

[0082] According to some embodiments of this application, the battery cell 20 has a pressure relief section, the housing 10 has a first inner surface 161 facing the pressure relief section, and the flow channel 14 is disposed on the first inner surface 161.

[0083] The pressure relief section of the battery cell 20 is similar to the pressure relief mechanism 30 of the battery housing 10. It is designed to open when the pressure or temperature inside the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold, releasing the high-temperature, high-pressure substances inside and reducing the risk of explosion or combustion of the battery cell 20. The pressure relief section is typically in the form of a pressure relief diaphragm, with grooves on the diaphragm serving as weak points. These weak points are designed to be damaged under high temperature and pressure, thus connecting the inside and outside of the battery cell 20 and releasing the high-temperature, high-pressure substances. Specifically, the pressure relief section can be located on the end cap 21 of the battery cell 20.

[0084] Normally, the battery cell 20 is placed on the bottom surface of the receiving cavity 13, with the end cap 21 of the battery cell 20 facing away from the bottom surface of the receiving cavity 13. Therefore, the pressure relief portion on the end cap 21 faces the top surface opposite to the bottom surface of the receiving cavity 13. Thus, the first inner surface 161 of the housing 10 can be the top surface of the receiving cavity 13, that is, the inner surface of the top wall of the housing 10. Of course, in some cases, the battery cell 20 is suspended upside down on the top surface of the receiving cavity 13, such that the pressure relief portion of the battery cell 20 faces the bottom surface of the receiving cavity 13. In this case, the first inner surface 161 of the housing 10 can be the bottom surface of the receiving cavity 13.

[0085] When flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gas inside the battery cell 20 are discharged into the receiving cavity 13 of the housing 10 through the pressure relief part, they will directly rush towards the first inner surface 161 opposite to the pressure relief part. Since the guide channel 14 is located on the first inner surface 161, the flammable substances can be quickly guided and then discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0086] Compared to other inner surfaces, the flow channel 14 is located on the first inner surface 161 opposite to the pressure relief section, which can reduce the loss of kinetic energy of combustible material and thus quickly guide it to the pressure relief mechanism 30 under the flow channel 14, thereby improving the guiding effect.

[0087] According to some embodiments of this application, the flow channel 14 includes a main channel 141 and a plurality of branch channels 142. One end of each branch channel 142 is connected to the main channel 141, and the other end of the branch channel 142 extends away from the main channel 141. All branch channels 142 are spaced apart from each other.

[0088] The main channel 141 refers to the main channel for the flow of combustible materials. The branch channel 142 is a channel that is distributed outside the main channel 141 and connected to the main channel 141. When combustible materials enter the branch channel 142, they can converge towards the main channel 141, and then the combustible materials can be concentrated and discharged to the pressure relief mechanism 30 through the main channel 141.

[0089] By setting the flow channel 14 in the form of a main channel 141 and multiple branch channels 142, it is possible not only to expand the flow range to guide the discharge of combustible materials from more locations, but also to converge the combustible materials so as to reliably guide the combustible materials to be discharged into the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0090] Specifically, each branch channel 142 connects to the main channel 141 at one end to form a confluence 143, and the width dimension D1 of the branch channel 142 at the confluence 143 is greater than the width dimension D2 of the main channel 141.

[0091] The width dimensions D1 of the inlet 143 and D2 of the main channel 141 are both measured from the projection of the guide channel 14 onto the direction perpendicular to the first inner surface 161. Specifically, the width dimension D1 of the inlet 143 refers to the distance between the tips of two adjacent guide protrusions 15 mentioned below. The width dimension D2 of the main channel 141 refers to the dimension of the main channel 141 perpendicular to the gas flow direction.

[0092] According to the Venturi effect, when a confined fluid (such as a gas or liquid) flows through a constricted channel (such as the throat of a Venturi tube), the fluid velocity increases, while its static pressure decreases simultaneously. Therefore, when combustible material flows from branch channel 142 through the wider inlet 143 into the narrower main channel 141, that is, through a constricted channel, the velocity of the combustible material increases, thus allowing it to flow more quickly within the main channel 141 and be guided to the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0093] According to some embodiments of this application, each branch channel 142 extends in a direction away from the main channel 141.

[0094] Bending extension refers to the fact that the extension path of branch channel 142 is curved.

[0095] By setting the branch channel 142 to bend and extend away from the main channel 141, on the one hand, the length of the branch channel 142 can be increased, thereby covering more locations and guiding more combustible materials. On the other hand, it can make the combustible materials entering the branch channel 142 flow more smoothly within it, reduce kinetic energy loss, and thus improve the effect of converging towards the main channel 141.

[0096] Specifically, the branch channel 142 is curved in an arc or S-shape. An S-shape is a shape that includes multiple arc segments. The arc lines are smoother, which can further enable the combustible material entering the branch channel 142 to flow more smoothly within it, reduce kinetic energy loss, and thus improve the effect of converging towards the main channel 141. Specifically, the arc can be a circular arc or an elliptical arc.

[0097] In this application, when the branch channel 142 is long, its bend can be S-shaped; when the branch channel 142 is short, its bend can be arc-shaped. This is because when the branch channel 142 is long, using a single arc shape would fix the bending direction, making it impossible to cover more combustible materials. Therefore, when the branch channel 142 is long, making its bend S-shaped can cover more combustible materials, thereby improving the guiding efficiency of combustible materials within the housing 10. It can be understood that the length of the branch channel 142 referred to here refers to the total length of the branch channel 142 along its extension path.

[0098] According to some embodiments of this application, the main channel 141 includes a first end 1411 and a second end 1412. The first end 1411 is located closer to the pressure relief mechanism than the second end 1412, and the first end 1411 has an outlet. Each branch channel 142 extends toward the first end 1411 along the direction from the second end to the first end.

[0099] Thus, when combustible material enters the branch channel 142, it will not only flow into the main channel 141, but also flow to the first end 1411 of the main channel 141 instead of the second end 1412, thereby improving the reliability of guiding combustible material to the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0100] Furthermore, a guide protrusion 15 is formed between two adjacent branch channels 142 located on the same side of the main channel 141. The guide protrusion 15 has a tip at one end near the main channel 141, and the tip points to the first end 1411.

[0101] By setting the tip, the combustible material can reliably flow toward the first end 1411 when it enters the main channel 141, so that the guiding direction of the combustible material in the main channel 141 is accurate and the reliability of guiding the combustible material to the pressure relief mechanism 30 is improved.

[0102] Taking two adjacent branch channels 142 as an example, since the two adjacent branch channels 142 are both arc-shaped, the guide protrusion 15 formed between the two adjacent branch channels 142 has two arc-shaped sides. The two arc-shaped sides intersect at one end of the main channel 141 to form a tip, wherein the arc-shaped side closer to the first end 1411 is shorter than the arc length of the other arc-shaped side.

[0103] According to some embodiments of this application, all branch channels 142 are distributed on opposite sides of the main channel 141.

[0104] The opposite sides of the main channel 141 refer to the opposite sides in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the main channel 141.

[0105] This configuration allows the branch channel 142 to introduce combustible materials from opposite sides of the main channel 141, further expanding the coverage area of ​​combustible materials and enabling more combustible locations to be introduced into the branch channel 142 and then further introduced into the pressure relief mechanism 30 by the main channel 141 for discharge.

[0106] Specifically, the number of branch channels 142 on opposite sides of the main channel 141 can be the same or different.

[0107] In some embodiments, the main channel 141 includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other. The first side has a first spacing value L1 between its first edge 162 adjacent to the housing 10, and the second side has a second spacing value L2 between its second edge 163 adjacent to the housing 10. The first spacing value L1 is greater than the second spacing value L2. All branch channels 142 are divided into a first group of branch channels A1 and a second group of branch channels A2. The first group of branch channels A1 is located on the first side, and the second group of branch channels A2 is located on the second side. The branch channels 142 of the first group of branch channels A1 are S-shaped, and the branch channels 142 of the second group of branch channels A2 are arc-shaped.

[0108] Because the pressure relief mechanism 30 on the housing 10 is positioned off-center from the side wall of the housing 10, the main channel 141 is also positioned differently from the center line of the inner surface of the receiving cavity 13, resulting in different distances from the side edge of the housing 10 between the first side and the opposite second side of the main channel 141. In this case, the first side with a larger spacing value will have more space to accommodate longer or more branch channels 142 compared to the second side. When the branch channels 142 of the first group of branch channels A1 on the first side are S-shaped, the arc length of the arc segment of the branch channel 142 can be increased, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the branch channel 142. When the branch channels 142 of the second group of branch channels A2 on the second side are arc-shaped, the arc lines can be smoother, allowing the combustible material entering the branch channel 142 to flow more smoothly and reducing kinetic energy loss. Therefore, the above arrangement can optimize the distribution of the branch channels 142 on both sides of the main channel 141, improve the efficiency of guiding combustible materials and avoid accumulation.

[0109] Specifically, the number of branch channels 142 in the first group of branch channels A1 is 3, and the number of branch channels 142 in the second group of branch channels A2 is 3. In other embodiments, the number of branch channels 142 in the first group of branch channels A1 can also be 4, 5 or 6, and the number of branch channels 142 in the corresponding second group of branch channels A2 can also be 4, 5 or 6, without any specific limitation.

[0110] According to some embodiments of this application, the flow channel 14 further includes a connecting channel 144, and two oppositely arranged branch channels 142 located at the second end 1412 of the main channel 141 are connected by the connecting channel 144 at the end away from the main channel 141.

[0111] In other words, the two branch channels 142 located at the end of the main channel 141 are connected to each other through the connecting channel 144 at the end away from the main channel 141.

[0112] Since the branch channels 142 are distributed on both sides of the main channel 141, the two branch channels 142 located at the second end 1412 of the main channel 141 are separated from each other at the end away from the main channel 141, and a large gap appears between the two separated ends. Therefore, a connecting channel 144 is set between the two separated ends of the two branch channels 142 to connect them. On the one hand, this gap can be fully utilized so that the combustible material at this position can be guided. On the other hand, since the connecting channel 144 connects to the two separated ends of the two branch channels 142, rather than directly connecting to the main channel 141, the length of the connecting channel 144 is longer and the coverage is wider. Combustible material entering the connecting channel 144 will be introduced into the two branch channels 142 and then enter the main channel 141 for convergence.

[0113] It should also be noted that when the width dimension D1 of the branch channel 142 at the inlet 143 is greater than the width dimension D2 of the main channel 141, since the connecting channel 144 is connected to the two separate ends of the two branch channels 142, rather than directly connected to the main channel 141, the combustible material entering the branch channel 142 from the connecting channel 144 can flow more quickly in the main channel 141 under the Venturi effect and be guided to the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0114] Furthermore, the connecting channel 144 is configured as an arc-shaped channel that curves away from the main channel 141.

[0115] In this way, combustible material entering the connecting channel 144 can enter the branch channel 142 in the direction toward the main channel 141, which improves the effect of guiding it toward the main channel 141.

[0116] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 According to some embodiments of this application, the flow channel 14 is configured to be recessed into the side opposite to the receiving cavity 13 through the inner surface of the housing 10.

[0117] The recess here allows the flow channel 14 to be in the form of a groove, with the opening end of the groove facing the interior of the housing 10. In this way, combustible materials inside the housing 10 can enter the flow channel 14 through the opening end, and the combustible materials can also be confined within the recessed flow channel 14 and then guided to the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0118] According to some embodiments of this application, the box 10 includes a first box wall 16, and a flow channel 14 is disposed on the inner surface of the first box wall 16. In the thickness direction of the first box wall 16, the recess depth H1 of the flow channel 14 is less than the thickness H2 of the first box wall 16.

[0119] In other words, the recessed flow channel 14 is formed by reducing part of the structure from the inner surface of the first box wall 16 to the outer surface of the first box wall 16, or by forming a corresponding structure by the inward protrusion of part of the inner surface of the first box wall 16. Therefore, it does not affect the shape and structure of the outer surface of the first box wall 16 opposite to the inner surface.

[0120] In this way, the irregular shape of the outer surface of the first box wall 16 can be reduced, and the overall height of the battery device 100 can be reduced.

[0121] According to some embodiments of this application, the recess depth H of the flow channel 14 is 3 mm to 7 mm.

[0122] Optionally, the recess depth H of the flow channel 14 is 3 mm, 5 mm, or 7 mm.

[0123] By setting the recess depth H of the flow channel 14 to 3~7 mm, on the one hand, the structural strength of the box wall is not affected, and on the other hand, there is enough space to accommodate the combustible material, thereby reliably guiding the combustible material to be discharged to the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0124] See Figure 9 According to some embodiments of this application, the pressure relief mechanism 30 includes a pressure relief channel 31, a pressure relief body 32, and a Tesla valve 33. The pressure relief channel 31 connects the inside and outside of the housing 10. The pressure relief body 32 and the Tesla valve 33 are both located in the pressure relief channel 31. Along the pressure relief direction of the pressure relief mechanism 30, the Tesla valve 33 is located upstream of the pressure relief body 32.

[0125] The pressure relief channel 31 refers to the channel through which combustible substances flow, and the pressure relief body 32 refers to the component that can open the pressure relief channel 31 when the pressure or temperature of the combustible substance reaches a threshold. Specifically, when the pressure relief mechanism 30 is an explosion-proof valve, gas valve, pressure relief valve or safety valve, the pressure relief body 32 can refer to the valve core.

[0126] Tesla valve 33 is a one-way flow valve. Its principle is that when the fluid flows in the valve in the forward direction, the fluid can bypass the wing-shaped obstruction and pass through smoothly; when it flows in the reverse direction, the backflow resistance increases, forming a one-way flow effect.

[0127] Therefore, in this embodiment, a Tesla valve 33 is provided upstream of the pressure relief body 32. That is, the combustible material introduced into the pressure relief mechanism 30 from the guide channel 14 first passes through the Tesla valve 33. Under the action of the Tesla valve 33, the combustible material can flow smoothly downstream to the pressure relief body 32. The pressure relief body 32 opens when the pressure or temperature of the combustible material reaches a threshold. At this time, some combustible material will have a backflow tendency. When the backflowing combustible material enters the Tesla valve 33, it will be limited by the one-way conduction of the Tesla valve 33 and cannot be further discharged into the interior of the housing 10. Therefore, this part of the combustible material will be guided to flow towards the pressure relief body 32 again. Therefore, providing the Tesla valve 33 can improve the discharge efficiency of the pressure relief mechanism 30 for combustible material.

[0128] According to some embodiments of this application, this application also provides an electrical device including the battery device 100 in any of the above embodiments.

[0129] In the aforementioned electrical equipment, when flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the battery cell 20 are discharged into the housing 10 through the pressure relief section, they can flow to the pressure relief mechanism 30 under the guidance of the recessed flow channel 14, and then be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the pressure relief mechanism 30. This avoids the accumulation of flammable substances such as flames, smoke, or gases inside the housing 10, preventing uneven distribution within the housing 10, reducing the risk of localized overheating or pressure unevenness, minimizing the impact on other battery cells 20, thereby reducing the further spread of thermal runaway and improving the reliability of the battery device 100.

[0130] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery device, characterized in that, include: The box-shaped enclosure has a receiving cavity; Multiple battery cells are disposed within the receiving cavity; The housing is equipped with a pressure relief mechanism, and the inner surface of the housing facing the receiving cavity is provided with a flow guide channel. The outlet of the flow guide channel is located adjacent to the pressure relief mechanism and is used to guide the flammable material discharged from the battery cell to the pressure relief mechanism. The flow channel includes a main channel and multiple branch channels, all of which are distributed on opposite sides of the main channel; one end of each branch channel is connected to the main channel, and the other end of each branch channel extends away from the main channel, and all the branch channels are spaced apart from each other.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell has a pressure relief section, the housing has a first inner surface facing the pressure relief section, and the flow channel is disposed on the first inner surface.

3. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each branch channel has a confluence point at one end that connects to the main channel, and the width of the branch channel at the confluence point is smaller than the width of the main channel.

4. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the branch channels bends and extends away from the main channel.

5. The battery device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The branch channels are curved in an arc or S-shape.

6. The battery device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main channel includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. The first side has a first spacing value between itself and the first side edge adjacent to the box body, and the second side has a second spacing value between itself and the second side edge adjacent to the box body. The first spacing value is greater than the second spacing value. All the branch channels are divided into a first group of branch channels and a second group of branch channels. The first group of branch channels is located on the first side, and the second group of branch channels is located on the second side. The branch channels of the first group of branch channels are S-shaped, and the branch channels of the second group of branch channels are arc-shaped.

7. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main channel includes a first end and a second end, the first end being located closer to the pressure relief mechanism than the second end, and the first end having the outlet; the guide channel also includes a connecting channel, and two oppositely arranged branch channels located at the second end of the main channel are connected by the connecting channel at the end away from the main channel.

8. The battery device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting channel is constructed as an arc-shaped channel that curves away from the main channel.

9. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main channel includes a first end and a second end. The first end is located closer to the pressure relief mechanism than the second end. The first end has the outlet. Each branch channel extends towards the first end along the direction from the second end.

10. The battery device according to claim 9, characterized in that, A guide protrusion is formed between two adjacent branch channels located on the same side of the main channel. The guide protrusion has a pointed tip at one end near the main channel, and the pointed tip points to the first end.

11. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The flow channel is configured to be recessed into the side opposite to the receiving cavity through the inner surface of the housing.

12. The battery device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The box body includes a first box wall, and the flow channel is disposed on the inner surface of the first box wall. In the thickness direction of the first box wall, the recess depth of the flow channel is less than the thickness of the first box wall.

13. The battery device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The depth of the flow channel is 3 mm to 7 mm.

14. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The pressure relief mechanism includes a pressure relief channel, a pressure relief body, and a Tesla valve. The pressure relief channel connects the inside and outside of the housing. The pressure relief body and the Tesla valve are both located in the pressure relief channel. Along the pressure relief direction of the pressure relief mechanism, the Tesla valve is located upstream of the pressure relief body.

15. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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