Battery module structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery module structure which comprises a module shell and a battery cell arranged in the module shell, an anti-explosion valve, a power cable, a sampling cable and a battery management system are arranged on the battery cell, the power cable, the sampling cable and the battery management system are connected with the battery cell, and the interior of the module shell is divided into a thermal runaway prevention space and a working space through a separator. The battery cell is arranged in the working space, the thermal runaway prevention space is communicated with the anti-explosion valve, a plurality of exhaust holes communicated with the thermal runaway prevention space are formed in the module shell, and an electrolyte collecting groove is further formed in the partition piece. According to the thermal runaway battery module disclosed by the utility model, gas and liquid discharged by the battery cell can be isolated from the battery cell and other electrical components by arranging the separator when thermal runaway occurs to the battery module, so that the gas and the liquid are prevented from being in contact with the battery cell and other electrical components; the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by thermal runaway can be quickly discharged out of the battery module, so that a thermal runaway ejection object is prevented from being ignited due to electric ignition, and the safety risk when the battery module is subjected to thermal runaway is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy technologies, the safety of lithium batteries, the core of energy storage, is of paramount importance. When a lithium battery experiences thermal runaway, it generates a large amount of high-temperature, high-pressure, flammable, and highly corrosive gases, and ejects ionized electrolyte. This can easily damage the insulation of components such as sampling cables, power cables, and BMS systems within the battery module, leading to electrical arcing, fire, and explosion, resulting in a safety accident.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent document CN222355288U discloses a battery pack support structure, a battery pack, and an electrical device. The technical solution involves setting up a battery pack support structure inside the battery pack, with grooves on the support structure to collect and drain moisture or electrolyte flowing out from the explosion-proof valve. While this patent solution can drain the electrolyte discharged during lithium battery thermal runaway to the outside of the battery pack to reduce safety accidents, it cannot discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure gases generated by battery thermal runaway, nor can it prevent damage to electrical components caused by the electrolyte. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a battery module structure that can effectively reduce the consequences of thermal runaway and improve safety performance.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a battery module structure, including a module housing and a battery cell disposed in the module housing. The battery cell is provided with an explosion-proof valve and power cables, sampling cables and battery management system electrically connected to the battery cell. The interior of the module housing is divided into a thermal runaway space and a working space by a partition. The battery cell is disposed in the working space. The thermal runaway space is connected to the explosion-proof valve. The module housing is provided with multiple vent holes connected to the thermal runaway space. The partition is also provided with an electrolyte collection tank.

[0006] As an improvement to the above solution: the thermal runaway space and the working space are arranged vertically and separately within the module housing, with the thermal runaway space located above the separator and the working space located below the separator.

[0007] As an improvement to the above solution: the separator is provided with at least one electrolyte collection tank; the electrolyte collection tank is recessed downward to a height lower than that of the separator.

[0008] As an improvement to the above solution: the separator is provided with two electrolyte collection tanks, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the separator and extend along the length of the separator.

[0009] As an improvement to the above solution: both the power cable and the sampling cable are arranged along the extension direction parallel to the electrolyte collection tank, and both the power cable and the sampling cable are located below the separator and have a gap between them and the adjacent electrolyte collection tank.

[0010] As an improvement to the above solution, the electrolyte collection tank and the separator have a circular arc transition.

[0011] As an improvement to the above solution: the two electrolyte collection tanks are located on the outside of the two sides of the battery cell, and there is a gap between the electrolyte collection tanks and the battery cell.

[0012] As an improvement to the above solution, it also includes an electrolyte collection box cover that is fixedly connected to the separator, the electrolyte collection box cover and the separator forming a thermal runaway space; the electrolyte collection box cover is provided with through holes that correspond one-to-one with the vent holes and are interconnected with each other.

[0013] As an improvement to the above solution: the separator and the electrolyte collection box cover are an integral structure, and the electrolyte collection box cover is in contact with the inner wall of the module housing.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model improves the battery module structure of lithium batteries. By setting a separator inside the module housing, the internal space of the module housing is divided into two independent spaces. The working space is used to install the battery cells, and the thermal runaway space and vent are used to connect the explosion-proof valve of the battery cells to the external environment of the battery. When the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the gas discharged by the battery cells can enter the thermal runaway space and be discharged through the vent, while the liquid discharged by the battery cells can enter the thermal runaway space and flow into the electrolyte collection tank on the separator. By setting the separator, this utility model can isolate the gas and liquid discharged by the battery cells from the battery cells and electrical components such as power cables, sampling cables and battery management systems connected to the battery cells when the battery module experiences thermal runaway, preventing these gases and liquids from contacting the electrical components. It can also quickly discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by thermal runaway to the outside of the battery module, avoiding electrical sparks that could ignite the thermal runaway ejected material, thereby effectively reducing the safety risks when the battery module experiences thermal runaway. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the internal structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0017] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 100-module housing, 110-vent hole, 120-filling separator, 200-battery cell, 210-explosion-proof valve, 220-power cable, 230-sampling cable, 300-separator, 310-electrolyte collection tank, 320-electrolyte collection box cover, 410-thermal runaway space, 420-working space, 430-side space. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will provide further details.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "inner", etc., 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 description and do not indicate or imply that the device or component 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.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery module structure disclosed in this utility model includes a module housing 100, a battery cell 200, and a separator 300. The battery cell 200 is installed and fixed in the module housing 100, which protects the battery cell 200. An explosion-proof valve 210 is provided on the battery cell 200, and a power cable 220, a sampling cable 230, and a battery management system (BMS) are electrically connected to the battery cell 200. This utility model divides the internal space of the module housing 100 into two independent spaces by providing a separator 300 inside the module housing 100: a thermal runaway space 410 and a working space 420. The working space 420 is used to install the battery cell 200, and the thermal runaway space 410 is used to separate the gas and liquid emitted by the battery cell 200 when thermal runaway occurs from the battery cell 200 and other electrical components, so as to prevent further fire and explosion accidents after the battery cell 200 experiences thermal runaway.

[0021] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this utility model, the separator 300 is fixed inside the module housing 100, and the battery cell 200 is installed in the working area 420 separated by the separator 300. An opening is provided on the separator 300 to form a communication relationship with the explosion-proof valve 210 of the battery cell 200. At the same time, an electrolyte collection tank 310 is also provided on the separator 300, and multiple vent holes 110 are provided on the module housing 100. The vent holes 110 form a communication relationship with the thermal runaway space 410 separated by the separator 300. The electrolyte collection tank 310 is formed by a partial recess of the separator 300. The shape and arrangement of the vent holes 110 are not limited and can be set according to actual needs. When the battery cell 200 experiences thermal runaway, it discharges high-temperature, high-pressure, flammable gases and highly corrosive electrolyte liquid. At this time, the separator 300 can physically isolate the gases and liquids discharged by the battery cell 200 from the battery cell 200 body, the power cable 220, the sampling cable 230, and the battery management system electrically connected to the battery cell 200. This prevents these gases and liquids from contacting the electrical components, thereby preventing the insulation layer of the cables from melting and damaging the BMS system, and avoiding fires and explosions caused by electrical arcing. Furthermore, the electrolyte collection tank 310 provided on the separator 300 can collect the electrolyte liquid discharged from the explosion-proof valve 210 of the cell 200, so as to prevent the liquid from flowing and seeping further and reduce the impact of the electrolyte liquid on external components; while the vent 110 provided on the module housing 100 can discharge the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve 210 of the cell 200, and discharge the gas to the outside of the battery module, so as to prevent the gas from accumulating further in the battery module and increasing the internal pressure of the battery module.

[0022] The distribution of the thermal runaway space 410 and the working space 420 can be arranged according to the actual design of the module, and is not limited to a top-bottom or left-right arrangement. As a preferred option, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this invention, the separator 300 is arranged laterally within the module housing 100, thereby arranging the thermal runaway space 410 and the working space 420 vertically within the module housing 100, with the thermal runaway space 410 located above the separator 300 and the working space 420 located below the separator 300. This more rational internal structure arrangement of the module housing 100 facilitates the rapid discharge of gases generated during thermal runaway of the battery cell 200 to the outside of the battery module.

[0023] The number, shape, and arrangement of the electrolyte collection tanks 310 are not limited and can be selected based on the actual mold design. As a preferred option, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this invention employs two electrolyte collection tanks 310, and optimizes their arrangement and structure. In terms of arrangement, the two electrolyte collection tanks 310 are positioned on both sides of the separator 300, extending along the length of the separator 300. The electrolyte collection tanks 310 can extend from one end of the separator 300 to the other. In terms of structure, the electrolyte collection tanks 310 are recessed downwards to a height lower than that of the separator 300. Even if the bottom of the electrolyte collection tanks 310 is lower than the bottom of the separator 300, the high-temperature electrolyte sprayed from the explosion-proof valve 210 of the battery cell 200 can flow into the electrolyte collection tanks 310 after diffusing to both sides, preventing further outward flow or backflow, thus avoiding any impact on other components.

[0024] Based on the structure of providing electrolyte collection tanks 310 on both sides of the separator 300, this utility model sets the transition part between the electrolyte collection tank 310 and the separator 300 as an arc transition, so that the electrolyte flowing along the surface of the separator 300 can flow into the electrolyte collection tank 310. In this invention, two electrolyte collection tanks 310 are respectively arranged on both sides of the battery cell 200. Sufficient gaps are left between the electrolyte collection tanks 310 and the battery cell 200, as well as the power cables 220, sampling cables 230, battery management system, and other electrical components electrically connected to the battery cell 200. This ensures that the electrolyte collection tanks 310 are separated from the battery cell 200 and the power cables 220, sampling cables 230, battery management system, and other electrical components electrically connected to the battery cell 200, preventing direct contact between the electrolyte collection tanks 310 and the battery cell 200 and the power cables 220, sampling cables 230, battery management system, and other electrical components electrically connected to the battery cell 200. This prevents the high-temperature electrolyte in the electrolyte collection tanks 310 from transferring heat to the battery cell 200 and the power cables 220, sampling cables 230, battery management system, and other electrical components electrically connected to the battery cell 200, thus avoiding the impact of high temperatures after thermal runaway on the normally operating electrical components. Furthermore, since power cables 220 and sampling cables 230 are electrically connected to the battery cell 200, in order to prevent power cables 220 and sampling cables 230 from being affected by thermal runaway, this utility model places both power cables 220 and sampling cables 230 below the separator 300, and arranges power cables 220 and sampling cables 230 along the extension direction parallel to the electrolyte collection tank 310 to reduce the space occupation. Sufficient gaps are left between power cables 220 and sampling cables 230 and the adjacent electrolyte collection tank 310 to avoid heat transfer.

[0025] The structure and shape of the separator 300 used in this utility model are not limited, as long as it can isolate the gas and liquid ejected from the explosion-proof valve 210 of the battery cell 200 outside the working space 420. Furthermore, considering the ease of disassembly and replacement of the separator 300 and the protection of other parts inside the module housing 100, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model adds an electrolyte collection box cover 320 that is fixedly connected to the separator 300. The electrolyte collection box cover 320 is connected to the separator 300 from above and encloses the internal space, which serves as the thermal runaway space 410. A through hole is provided on the electrolyte collection box cover 320, and the through hole and the exhaust hole 110 on the module housing 100 form a one-to-one communication relationship. The electrolyte collection box cover 320 and the separator 300 cooperate to form an independent box structure inside the module housing 100. When the battery cell 200 experiences thermal runaway, the gas and liquid ejected through the explosion-proof valve 210 enter the thermal runaway space 410 formed by the electrolyte collection box cover 320 and the separator 300, without contacting the inner wall of the module housing 100. Therefore, thermal runaway of the battery cell 200 will not affect the module housing 100. During subsequent maintenance and replacement, only the separator 300 and the electrolyte collection box cover 320 need to be replaced. Furthermore, the separator 300 and the electrolyte collection box cover 320 can be directly set as an integral structure to improve the strength of the entire box structure and facilitate integrated molding production. The outer side of the electrolyte collection box cover 320 is preferably close to the inside of the module housing 100 to avoid leaving a sufficient gap between them for liquid and gas to enter, thus providing sufficient sealing performance. In another embodiment, the module housing 100 and the electrolyte collection tank cover 320 can be integrated into one structure, thereby eliminating the need for a separate module housing 100 and reducing the production cost of the finished product.

[0026] To improve the utilization of the lower space within the module housing 100, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this utility model also includes a filling separator 120 fixedly installed within the working space 420. The filling separator 120 can be a simple bent plate structure. By enclosing and cooperating with the module housing 100, the filling separator 120 creates a side space 430 located outside the battery cell 200 within the working space 420. Other electrical components of the battery module can be installed in the side space 430 to separate these components from the battery cell 200. Furthermore, the number of filling separators 120 can be set to two, with one filling separator 120 on each side of the battery cell 200. The battery cell 200 is then centrally positioned within the working space 420. The two filling separators 120, in cooperation with the module housing 100, form a side space 430 on each side of the battery cell 200, thereby making more rational use of the working space 420 and resulting in a more balanced internal structure distribution within the battery module.

Claims

1. A battery module structure, comprising a module housing (100) and battery cells (200) disposed within the module housing (100), wherein the battery cells (200) are provided with an explosion-proof valve (210) and power cables (220), sampling cables (230), and a battery management system electrically connected to the battery cells (200), characterized in that: The module housing (100) is divided into a thermal runaway space (410) and a working space (420) by a partition (300). The battery cell (200) is located in the working space (420). The thermal runaway space (410) is connected to the explosion-proof valve (210). The module housing (100) is provided with multiple exhaust holes (110) that are connected to the thermal runaway space (410). The partition (300) is also provided with an electrolyte collection tank (310).

2. The battery module structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The thermal runaway space (410) and the working space (420) are arranged vertically separated within the module housing (100), with the thermal runaway space (410) located above the separator (300) and the working space (420) located below the separator (300).

3. The battery module structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The separator (300) is provided with at least one electrolyte collection tank (310); the electrolyte collection tank (310) is recessed downward to a height lower than that of the separator (300).

4. The battery module structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The separator (300) is provided with two electrolyte collection tanks (310), which are respectively arranged on both sides of the separator (300) and extend along the length of the separator (300).

5. The battery module structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The power cable (220) and the sampling cable (230) are both arranged along the extension direction parallel to the electrolyte collection tank (310), and the power cable (220) and the sampling cable (230) are both located below the separator (300) and have a gap between them and the adjacent electrolyte collection tank (310).

6. The battery module structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The electrolyte collection tank (310) and the separator (300) are connected by an arc transition.

7. The battery module structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The two electrolyte collection tanks (310) are located on both sides of the battery cell (200), and there is a gap between the electrolyte collection tanks (310) and the battery cell (200).

8. The battery module structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an electrolyte collection box cover (320) fixedly connected to the separator (300), the electrolyte collection box cover (320) and the separator (300) together form a thermal runaway space (410); the electrolyte collection box cover (320) is provided with through holes that correspond one-to-one with the vent holes (110) and are interconnected with each other.

9. A battery module structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The separator (300) and the electrolyte collection box cover (320) are an integral structure, and the electrolyte collection box cover (320) is attached to the inner wall of the module housing (100).

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