Battery pack and electric equipment
By designing a confluence structure of gas passage and return passage in the battery pack, the gas exhaust speed and temperature control are improved, solving the problem of poor battery pack safety and achieving efficient exhaust and temperature management.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423307976.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-30
AI Technical Summary
The gas release rate from individual battery cells in existing battery packs is relatively low, resulting in poor safety.
Design a battery pack structure including an exhaust channel and a return channel. The exhaust channel and the return channel are connected. Gas forms obtuse and acute angles within the channel. The gas discharge speed is increased by pressure difference changes, and the high-speed gas carries away the temperature to control the temperature.
It improves the venting efficiency and safety performance of the battery pack, ensuring timely and efficient gas discharge and reducing the risk of battery pack explosion.
Smart Images
Figure CN223898517U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more particularly to a battery pack and an electrical device. Background Technology
[0002] During battery cycling, individual cells frequently release gas, and the rate at which this gas is expelled from the battery pack directly affects the pack's safety. In related technologies, the rate at which gas is released from individual cells is relatively low, resulting in poorer battery pack safety. Utility Model Content
[0003] This application provides a battery pack and an electrical device that can improve the safety of the battery pack.
[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery pack, the battery pack comprising:
[0005] The enclosure includes a battery pack vent, an venting channel, a return channel, and a battery pack explosion-proof valve; the battery pack explosion-proof valve cover is sealed to the battery pack vent.
[0006] A battery cell has a battery cell vent and a battery cell explosion-proof valve. The battery cell is disposed in the housing. The battery cell explosion-proof valve cover is sealed to the battery cell vent. The vent channel can connect the battery cell vent and the battery pack vent.
[0007] The return channel has an inlet and an outlet, both of which are connected to the exhaust channel, so that the gas in the exhaust channel flows back from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet direction and the exhaust direction of the exhaust channel form an obtuse angle, and the outlet direction and the exhaust direction of the exhaust channel form an acute angle. The inlet and the outlet are arranged at intervals in the exhaust direction of the exhaust channel.
[0008] Optionally, the number of battery cells is at least two, and the at least two battery cells are arranged along the venting direction of the venting channel; when the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell is opened, the venting ports of the at least two battery cells can be connected to the venting channel.
[0009] Optionally, each of the battery cells is provided with a corresponding venting channel at its vent.
[0010] Optionally, the housing has a first direction, which is perpendicular to the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel; the inlet and the air outlet of the battery cell are correspondingly arranged in the first direction.
[0011] Optionally, each of the battery cells has at least two return channels at its outlet, and the at least two return channels are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the outlet channel along the first direction; the outlets of the at least two return channels are respectively arranged in the first direction.
[0012] Optionally, each of the battery cells has at least two return channels at its outlet, and the at least two return channels include a first return channel and a second return channel. The first return channel and the second return channel are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the outlet channel along the first direction.
[0013] The outlet of the first return channel is positioned upstream of the outlet direction of the air outlet channel in the first direction; the outlet of the second return channel is positioned downstream of the outlet direction of the air outlet channel in the first direction.
[0014] Optionally, the housing includes a lower housing and a cover plate.
[0015] The lower housing includes a flow guide plate. One side of the flow guide plate is connected to the side of the battery cell where the battery cell explosion-proof valve is located. The side of the flow guide plate away from the battery cell is recessed in the thickness direction to form a first channel body. The side wall of the first channel body is recessed to form a groove. A flow guide block is provided in the groove. The flow guide block and the inner surface of the groove together form a second channel body.
[0016] The cover plate is placed on the guide plate, and the inner surface of the cover plate and the first channel body form the air outlet channel, and the inner surface of the cover plate and the second channel body form the return channel;
[0017] A vent hole is formed on the guide plate, the vent hole extends along the thickness direction of the guide plate, one end of the vent hole is connected to the air outlet channel, and the other end of the vent hole can be connected to the air outlet of the battery cell.
[0018] Optionally, the air outlet channel and the return channel are directly formed inside the box wall of the box body; a vent hole is formed on the box wall of the box body, one end of the vent hole is connected to the air outlet channel, and the other end of the vent hole can be connected to the air outlet of the battery cell.
[0019] Optionally, there are multiple air outlet channels, which are spaced apart and all of them are connected to the air outlet of the battery pack.
[0020] Secondly, this application also provides an electrical device, which includes any of the battery packs described above.
[0021] In some implementations of this application, the battery pack includes a housing and individual battery cells. The housing has an exhaust channel, a return channel, a battery pack exhaust port, and a battery pack explosion-proof valve installed on the battery pack exhaust port. The individual battery cells are disposed within the housing and have individual battery cell exhaust ports and individual battery cell explosion-proof valves installed on the individual battery cell exhaust ports. The exhaust channel of the housing connects the individual battery cell exhaust port and the battery pack exhaust port when the individual battery cell explosion-proof valve is open.
[0022] The return channel has an inlet and an outlet, both connected to the outlet channel. The inlet's airflow direction forms an obtuse angle with the outlet's airflow direction, while the outlet's airflow direction forms an acute angle with the outlet's airflow direction. In an emergency, gas inside a battery cell can break through the explosion-proof valve at the battery cell's outlet and enter the outlet channel. At this time, some gas flows along the outlet channel and impacts the explosion-proof valve at the battery pack's outlet, while another portion enters the return channel from the inlet and returns to the outlet channel from the outlet. During this process, the gas undergoes expansion and compression, resulting in pressure changes that generate thrust to expel the gas more quickly, thus improving the battery pack's venting efficiency. Furthermore, the gas ejected from the battery cell can rapidly remove heat, thereby playing a role in temperature control and significantly improving the battery pack's safety performance.
[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description
[0024] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0025] Figure 1 These are isometric views of the battery pack in some embodiments of this application;
[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view;
[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the lower casing of the battery pack;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the runaway gas flow direction when the first reflux channel arrangement is used in some embodiments of this application;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the runaway gas flow direction when the second reflux channel arrangement is used in some embodiments of this application;
[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure when using a rhomboid-shaped flow guide block;
[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of part A in the middle;
[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure when using a teardrop-shaped guide block;
[0033] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of part B in the middle section;
[0034] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure when using a parallelogram-shaped flow guide block;
[0035] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of part C in the middle;
[0036] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 11. Lower housing; 111. Exhaust channel; 112. Return channel; 1121. Inlet; 1122. Outlet; 1123. First return channel; 1124. Second return channel; 1125. Main body of the first channel; 1126. Groove; 1127. Main body of the second channel; 113. Guide plate; 114. Guide block; 115. Vent hole; 116. Convergence channel; 12. Cover plate; 13. Housing cover; 14. Battery pack explosion-proof valve; 2. Battery cell; X - First direction; θ - Obtuse angle; γ - Acute angle. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0038] Existing battery packs, especially pouch lithium batteries, are prone to abnormal gas production during use. Abnormal gas production refers to the abnormal generation of excessive gas by individual battery cells (2) within the battery pack during operation. If this gas cannot be expelled in time, it can easily cause the battery cells to swell, affecting the normal operation of the battery pack. In severe cases, abnormal gas production can even lead to a battery pack explosion, causing irreparable damage to the user's life and property.
[0039] In response to the above situations, technicians typically install explosion-proof valves on both the battery cell 2 and the battery pack. These valves are usually kept closed. When the gas inside the battery cell 2 reaches a certain volume or pressure, the gas can break through the explosion-proof valve and escape from the battery cell 2; similarly, when the gas inside the battery pack reaches a certain volume or pressure, the gas can break through the explosion-proof valve and escape from the battery pack. The escaped runaway gas can also carry away some of the heat from the battery cell 2, thus ensuring that the battery cell 2 remains in a relatively safe state.
[0040] To improve the venting efficiency of the battery pack in discharging runaway gases from individual battery cells 2, this application provides a battery pack. The overall appearance of the battery pack can be referenced. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it specifically includes a housing 1 and battery cells 2. The battery cells 2 can be existing battery cell products, and are equipped with a vent for discharging runaway gases from within the battery cells 2. A battery cell explosion-proof valve is installed on the vent to control the discharge of runaway gases from the battery cells 2.
[0041] The housing 1 is used to house and install the aforementioned battery cells 2. The housing 1 described in this application is provided with a battery pack vent, a venting channel 111, a return channel 112, and a battery pack explosion-proof valve 14. The battery pack explosion-proof valve 14 is sealed over the battery pack vent. When the battery cell explosion-proof valve is breached, the venting channel 111 connects the battery cell vent and the battery pack vent, allowing the runaway gas discharged from the battery cell vent to flow through the venting channel 111 to the battery pack vent. The return channel 112 is specifically located adjacent to the venting channel 111 and has an inlet 1121 and an outlet 1122, both connected to the venting channel 111. Part of the gas flowing into the venting channel 111 can flow into the return channel 112 from the inlet 1121 and then flow back into the venting channel 111 from the outlet 1122.
[0042] For reference Figure 3 As shown, the exhaust channel 111 is typically a straight channel structure. To ensure that both the outlet 1122 and the inlet 1121 of the return channel 112 can communicate with the exhaust channel 111, the return channel 112 can typically be a channel structure with a near-U shape. The air intake direction of the inlet 1121 and the air outlet direction of the exhaust channel 111 form an obtuse angle θ, and the air outlet direction of the outlet 1122 and the air outlet direction of the exhaust channel 111 form an acute angle γ. In other words, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel 111 is set along the Y direction in the figure, and the air inlet direction of the inlet 1121 is set along the V direction in the figure. Figure 4The air intake direction V of inlet 1121 and the air outlet direction Y of outlet 111 form an obtuse angle θ in a clockwise direction. The air outlet direction of outlet 1122 is along... Figure 4 Setting the W direction in the middle Figure 4 In the clockwise direction, the air outlet direction W of outlet 1122 and the air outlet direction Y of outlet channel 111 form an acute angle γ.
[0043] In other words, it can be used as a reference. Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, when the runaway gas enters the return channel 112 and flows out from the outlet 1122 to the outlet channel 111, the flow direction of the runaway gas flowing out of the outlet 1122 forms an acute angle γ with the flow direction of the runaway gas in the outlet channel 111. Thus, during the flow of the runaway gas from the battery cell outlet to the battery pack outlet, the runaway gas can expand at the junction of the outlet channel 111 and the inlet 1121 of the return channel 112, allowing a portion of the runaway gas to continue flowing forward through the return channel 112, while the other portion continues flowing forward through the outlet channel 111. When the runaway gas reaches the junction of the outlet 1122 of the return channel 112 and the outlet channel 111, the gas in the return channel 112 and the outlet channel 111 converges and is compressed. The pressure difference generated during this process can produce thrust to expel the gas more quickly, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the runaway gas in the outlet channel 111.
[0044] In an emergency, runaway gas within battery cell 2 can breach the battery cell explosion-proof valve at the battery cell outlet and enter the outlet channel 111. At this time, some of the runaway gas flows along the outlet channel 111 and impacts the battery pack explosion-proof valve 14 at the battery pack outlet, while another portion enters the return channel 112 from the inlet 1121 and returns to the outlet channel 111 from the outlet 1122. During this process, the runaway gas undergoes expansion and compression vortex acceleration, significantly increasing its flow rate. This ensures that the runaway gas within battery cell 2 can be discharged promptly and efficiently, and also allows the high-speed outflowing gas to carry away the heat from battery cell 2, thus playing a role in temperature control and fully ensuring the safety performance of the battery pack.
[0045] Based on the aforementioned structure, the number of battery cells 2 installed inside the housing 1 can be at least two. The number of battery cells 2 inside the housing 1 can be determined according to actual needs, and can be two, three, four, or even more. At least two battery cells 2 are arranged along the gas outlet direction of the gas outlet channel 111. When the battery cell explosion-proof valve is opened, the gas outlets of at least two of the battery cells 2 can be connected to the gas outlet channel 111. That is to say, among all the battery cells 2 inside the housing 1, either all the battery cells 2 or some of the battery cells 2 are arranged along the flow direction of the runaway gas in the gas outlet channel 111; and when the battery cell explosion-proof valve is opened, either all the battery cells 2 or some of the battery cells 2 have their gas outlets connected to the gas outlet channel 111. For example, the number of battery cells 2 installed inside the housing 1 can be ten. All ten battery cells 2 can be arranged along the flow direction of the runaway gas in the gas outlet channel 111, or any few of the ten battery cells 2 can be arranged along the flow direction of the runaway gas in the gas outlet channel 111. When the battery cell explosion-proof valve is opened, the battery cells 2 arranged along the venting direction of the venting channel 111 can be all of them, or only a few of them, with their venting ports connected to the venting channel 111. It should be noted that the statement "the number of battery cells 2 installed in the housing 1 is ten" is merely a specific example for ease of understanding and does not imply that the number of battery cells 2 in the housing 1 can only be ten. This allows runaway gases from at least two battery cells 2 to be discharged through the same venting channel 111, thus improving the internal structural integration of the battery pack, which is beneficial for reducing production costs and achieving battery pack miniaturization.
[0046] Based on this, preferably, each battery cell outlet can be provided with a corresponding venting channel 111. That is, only one venting channel 111 can be provided, and when the battery cell explosion-proof valve is opened, all battery cell outlets can be connected to the venting channel 111 simultaneously. Alternatively, at least two venting channels 111 can be provided, and when the battery cell explosion-proof valve is opened, the battery cell outlets are grouped and can be connected to different venting channels 111 respectively; each venting channel 111 can be connected to a group of battery cell outlets, and each group of battery cell outlets includes one or at least two battery cell outlets. Since the out-of-control gas discharge velocity at the battery cell outlet is relatively fast, having one venting channel 111 correspond to at least two battery cell outlets can increase the overall flow velocity of the out-of-control gas in the venting channel 111, thereby increasing the exhaust rate of the battery pack.
[0047] In this embodiment, the return channel 112 can be arranged in the following two ways:
[0048] For reference Figure 4As shown, in the first arrangement, the housing 1 has a first direction X, which is perpendicular to the exhaust direction of the exhaust channel 111. The inlet 1121 of the return channel 112 can be correspondingly arranged with the exhaust port of the battery cell in the first direction X. In other words, the inlet 1121 of the return channel 112 can be directly opposite the exhaust port of the battery cell in the first direction X, or it can be inclined to each other. Specifically, the inlet 1121 of the return channel 112 can be located near the exhaust port of the battery cell. This can reduce the power loss of the runaway gas as a whole when the runaway gas returns, which is conducive to ensuring that the runaway gas has a faster flow velocity in the return channel 112, and thus helps to improve the exhaust rate of the battery pack.
[0049] For reference Figure 4 As shown, based on the first arrangement, further, at least two return channels 112 can be correspondingly provided at the outlet of each battery cell. The at least two return channels 112 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the outlet channel 111 along the first direction X. The outlets 1122 of the at least two return channels 112 are correspondingly arranged in the first direction X. That is, the two return channels 112 can be respectively arranged at any two opposite positions on the circumference with the outlet direction of the outlet channel 111 as the axis, so as to form a fishbone-shaped gas flow channel with the outlet channel 111. This increases the number of return channels 112, thereby increasing the thrust generated when the runaway gas undergoes expansion and compression cyclone acceleration, thus increasing the overall flow velocity of the runaway gas when it is discharged from the battery pack.
[0050] For reference Figure 5 As shown, in the second arrangement, the housing 1 also has a first direction X, which is perpendicular to the outlet direction of the outlet channel 111. Each battery cell outlet is provided with at least two return channels 112. Specifically, the at least two return channels 112 include a first return channel 1123 and a second return channel 1124, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the outlet channel 111 along the first direction X. That is, the first return channel 1123 and the second return channel 1124 can be located at any two opposite positions on the circumference of the outlet channel 111 with the outlet direction as the axis. This increases the number of return channels 112, thereby increasing the thrust generated when the runaway gas undergoes expansion and compression cyclone acceleration, thus improving the overall flow rate of the runaway gas when it exits the battery pack.
[0051] The inlet 1121 of the first return channel 1123 and the inlet 1121 of the second return channel 1124 are both corresponding to the air outlet of the battery cell. In other words, the inlet 1121 of the first return channel 1123 and the inlet 1121 of the second return channel 1124 are directly opposite or inclined to the air outlet of the battery cell in the first direction X. The outlet of the first return channel 1123 is corresponding to the upstream of the air outlet of the battery cell in the first direction X along the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel; the outlet 1122 of the second return channel 1124 is corresponding to the downstream of the air outlet of the battery cell in the first direction X along the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel. That is to say, the first return channel 1123 and the second return channel 1124 are staggered in the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel 111. For the same battery cell air outlet, at least two return channels 112 are provided on its side. The inlets 1121 of both return channels 112 are located near the outlet of the battery cell along the first direction X. The outlet 1122 of one return channel 112 is positioned upstream of the outlet direction of the outlet channel 111 in the first direction X, and the outlet 1122 of the other return channel 112 is positioned downstream of the outlet direction of the outlet channel 111 in the first direction X. This reduces the power loss of the runaway gas as a whole during the return flow, helps ensure a faster flow velocity of the runaway gas within the return channel 112, and thus helps improve the exhaust rate of the battery pack.
[0052] It should be noted that the upstream and downstream of the battery cell outlet along the outlet direction of the outlet channel are relative. For example, along the outlet direction of the outlet channel, the position where the airflow comes out from the outlet of the first return channel 1123 is in front of the position where the airflow comes out from the outlet of the second return channel 1123. Therefore, the position in front is upstream, and the position behind is downstream.
[0053] In this embodiment of the utility model, the box body 1 specifically includes a lower box body 11 and a cover plate 12. (See reference...) Figure 2 As shown, specifically, the lower housing 11 can be a cubic housing with an upward-facing opening. The lower housing 11 has a baffle plate 113, and each battery cell 2 is fixedly mounted on the baffle plate 113 from one side of the opening of the lower housing 11. Provided that the battery cell 2 is connected to the exhaust channel 111, the battery cell 2 can be arranged in various ways inside the lower housing 11, such as upright, sideways, or inverted. Production personnel can specifically set the installation method of the battery cell 2 according to actual needs, so as to achieve external exhaust of the battery cell 2 in multiple ways. (See reference...) Figure 3As shown, on the side facing away from the battery cell 2, the guide plate 113 is recessed along its own thickness direction to form a first channel body 1125, and the sidewall of the first channel body 1125 is recessed to form a groove 1126. Guide blocks 114 are spaced apart within the groove 1126, so that the outer surface of the guide blocks 114 and the inner surface of the groove 1126 together form a second channel body 1127. The shape of the guide blocks 114 can be rhomboid, teardrop-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, or other shapes that have minimal obstruction to the fluid. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The return channel 112 using a diamond-shaped guide block 114 is shown; Figure 8 and Figure 9 The return channel 112 using a teardrop-shaped guide block 114 is shown; Figure 10 and Figure 11 The diagram shows a return channel 112 using a parallelogram-shaped guide block 114. Both the first channel body 1125 and the second channel body 1127 are open slot-shaped structures. A cover plate 12 is installed on the guide plate 113 from the open side of the first channel body 1125 and the second channel body 1127, so that a complete air outlet channel 111 is formed through the cover plate 12 and the first channel body 1125, and a complete return channel 112 is formed through the cover plate 12 and the second channel body 1127.
[0054] A vent hole 115 is provided on the guide plate 113. The depth direction of the vent hole 115 is arranged along the thickness direction of the guide plate 113. One end of the vent hole 115 is connected to the exhaust channel 111, and the other end is connected to the exhaust port of the battery cell when the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell is opened. In this way, the runaway gas in the battery cell 2 can directly enter the exhaust channel 111 through the vent hole 115 after being ejected.
[0055] The housing 1 may also include a cover 13. After the battery cell 2 is installed on the guide plate 113, the cover 13 can be brazed to the opening of the lower housing 11 to seal and store the battery cell 2 inside the battery pack. In addition, besides the cover 13 and the guide plate 113, the cover plate 12 can also be fixed to the lower housing 11 by brazing. This can improve the structural strength of the battery pack housing 1, thereby providing better protection for the battery cell 2 inside the battery pack.
[0056] In addition to the aforementioned method, the venting channel 111 and the return channel 112 can also be directly opened inside the box wall of the housing 1. In this case, the vent hole 115 is opened on the box wall of the housing 1, one end of the vent hole 115 is connected to the venting channel 111, and the other end can be connected to the vent of the corresponding battery cell.
[0057] Furthermore, the number of venting channels 111 on the housing 1 can be multiple, specifically three, four, or even more. These multiple venting channels 111 are spaced apart and all communicate with the battery pack vent. Specifically, the housing 1 is provided with a confluence channel 116, which connects to the battery pack vent. The multiple venting channels 111 are connected in parallel through the confluence channel 116 and then in series with the battery pack vent, so that runaway gas can be discharged through a single battery pack vent. In this way, the runaway gas in all venting channels 111 can be collected and discharged uniformly from the battery pack vent, thereby improving the flow rate and efficiency of battery pack exhaust. Simultaneously, this also improves the integration of the structure on the housing 1, which helps reduce the production cost of the battery pack.
[0058] This application also provides an electrical device, which includes a battery pack as described above. Specifically, the electrical device can be an electric vehicle such as a new energy vehicle, motorcycle, or electric bicycle, or it can be a consumer electronics product. Consumer electronics products can be audio-visual electronic products such as video recorders, camcorders, radios, tape recorders, stereo systems, record players, and laser disc players, or they can be electronic products such as home electronic health devices and automotive electronic products. For ease of understanding, further explanation is provided below with specific examples.
[0059] The electrical equipment described in this embodiment of the present invention can be a new energy vehicle, which is equipped with the battery pack described in this embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the battery pack described in this embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 1 and battery cells 2. The battery cells 2 can be existing battery cell products, and are provided with a battery cell vent for discharging runaway gas from the battery cell 2. An explosion-proof valve is provided on the battery cell vent to control the discharge of runaway gas from the battery cell 2.
[0060] The housing 1 specifically includes a lower housing 11 and a cover plate 12. Specifically, the lower housing 11 can be a cubic housing with an upward opening. A baffle plate 113 is provided on the lower housing 11, and each battery cell 2 is fixedly mounted on the baffle plate 113 from one side of the opening of the lower housing 11. The lower housing 11 is also provided with a battery pack vent, and a battery pack explosion-proof valve 14 is installed on the battery pack vent.
[0061] For reference Figure 3As shown, on the side facing away from the battery cell 2, the guide plate 113 is recessed along its own thickness direction to form a first channel body 1125, and the sidewall of the first channel body 1125 is recessed to form a groove 1126. A guide block 114 is provided in the groove 1126 so that the outer surface of the guide block 114 and the inner surface of the groove 1126 together form a second channel body 1127. The shape of the guide block 114 can be rhomboid, teardrop-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, or other shapes that have a small obstruction effect on the fluid. Both the first channel body 1125 and the second channel body 1127 are open groove structures. The cover plate 12 is placed on the guide plate 113 from the open side of the first channel body 1125 and the second channel body 1127 so that a complete air outlet channel 111 is formed through the cover plate 12 and the first channel body 1125, and a complete return channel 112 is formed through the cover plate 12 and the second channel body 1127.
[0062] Overall, the venting channel 111 is a straight channel structure. The return channel 112 is located adjacent to the venting channel 111 and has an inlet 1121 and an outlet 1122 that are both connected to the venting channel 111. To ensure that both the outlet 1122 and the inlet 1121 of the return channel 112 can connect to the venting channel 111, the return channel 112 is a U-shaped channel structure. The air inlet direction of the inlet 1121 and the air outlet direction of the venting channel 111 form an obtuse angle, and the air outlet direction of the outlet 1122 and the air outlet direction of the venting channel 111 form an acute angle. When the battery cell explosion-proof valve is ruptured, the venting channel 111 connects the battery cell outlet and the battery pack outlet, so that the runaway gas discharged from the battery cell outlet can flow to the battery pack outlet through the venting channel 111.
[0063] Specifically, the housing 1 contains 136 cubic battery cells 2. All battery cells 2 are arranged in an array within the housing 1, comprising 8 battery rows and 17 battery columns. The housing 1 has 8 corresponding venting channels 111, each located below a battery row. Each venting channel 111 has 17 vent holes 115 on a guide plate 113 corresponding to the location of a battery cell 2. The depth of the vent holes 115 is along the thickness of the guide plate 113, so that one end of the vent hole 115 can communicate with the venting channel 111, and the other end can communicate with the battery cell's vent outlet when the battery cell's explosion-proof valve is ruptured. The return channel 112 can be arranged in the following two ways:
[0064] In the first arrangement, the housing 1 has a first direction X, which is perpendicular to the exhaust direction of the exhaust channel 111. Two return channels 112 can be correspondingly provided at the exhaust port of each battery cell. The inlets 1121 of the two return channels 112 are opposite to the exhaust ports of the battery cells in the first direction X, and the outlets 1122 of the return channels 112 are also correspondingly provided in the first direction X. The two return channels 112 are respectively arranged along the first direction X on opposite sides of the exhaust channel 111. That is, 17 return channels 112 are provided on opposite sides of each exhaust channel 111, and the inlet 1121 of each return channel 112 is located near the exhaust port of the corresponding battery cell. All the return channels 112 and the exhaust channels 111 together form a gas flow channel similar to a fishbone shape.
[0065] In the second arrangement, the housing 1 also has a first direction X, which is perpendicular to the outlet direction of the air outlet channel 111. Each battery cell outlet has two return channels 112. Specifically, the two return channels 112 include a first return channel 1123 and a second return channel 1124. The inlet 1121 of the first return channel 1123 and the inlet 1121 of the second return channel 1124 are both corresponding to the battery cell outlet in the first direction X. The outlet of the first return channel 1123 is corresponding to the upstream of the battery cell outlet in the first direction X along the outlet direction of the air outlet channel. The outlet 1122 of the second return channel 1124 is corresponding to the downstream of the battery cell outlet in the first direction X along the outlet direction of the air outlet channel. In other words, each outlet channel 111 has 17 return channels 112 on each opposite side, and the return channels 112 on the opposite sides are staggered in the outlet direction of the outlet channel 111. For the same battery cell outlet, at least two return channels 112 are provided on its side. The outlet 1122 of one return channel 112 is located upstream of the battery cell outlet along the outlet direction of the outlet channel, and the outlet 1122 of the other return channel 112 is located downstream of the battery cell outlet along the outlet direction of the outlet channel.
[0066] In addition, the housing 1 is provided with a manifold channel 116, which is connected to the vent of the battery pack. Multiple vent channels 111 are connected in parallel through the manifold channel 116 and then in series with the vent of the battery pack, so that runaway gas can be discharged through the same vent. The housing 1 also includes a cover 13. After the battery cell 2 is installed on the guide plate 113, the cover 13 can be brazed to the opening of the lower housing 11 to seal and store the battery cell 2 inside the battery pack. Furthermore, the cover plate 12 is also fixed to the lower housing 11 by brazing.
[0067] When runaway gas enters the return channel 112 and flows out from the outlet 1122 to the outlet channel 111, the flow direction of the runaway gas exiting the outlet 1122 is similar to that of the runaway gas in the outlet channel 111. In an emergency, runaway gas in the battery cell 2 can break through the battery cell explosion-proof valve on the battery cell outlet and enter the outlet channel 111. During the flow of runaway gas from the battery cell outlet to the battery pack outlet, the runaway gas expands at the junction of the outlet channel 111 and the inlet 1121 of the return channel 112, causing a portion of the runaway gas to continue flowing forward through the return channel 112, while the other portion continues flowing forward through the outlet channel 111. When the runaway gas reaches the junction of the outlet 1122 of the return channel 112 and the outlet channel 111, the gas in the return channel 112 and the outlet channel 111 converges and is compressed. The pressure difference generated during this process can produce thrust, causing the gas to be discharged more quickly, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the runaway gas in the exhaust channel 111. Finally, the runaway gas in the exhaust channel 111 breaks through the battery pack explosion-proof valve 14 and is discharged outside the battery pack. This ensures that the runaway gas in the battery cell 2 can be discharged in a timely and efficient manner, and also allows the high-speed outflowing runaway gas to carry away the temperature of the battery cell 2, thus playing a role in temperature control and fully ensuring the safety performance of the battery pack.
[0068] 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 belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application.
[0069] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or at least two of the features. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "at least two" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.
[0070] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "left", "right", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0071] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of 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.
[0072] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or at least two embodiments or examples.
[0073] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.
Claims
1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has a battery pack vent, an vent channel (111), a return channel (112) and a battery pack explosion-proof valve (14); the battery pack explosion-proof valve (14) is sealed to the battery pack vent. The battery cell (2) has a battery cell vent and a battery cell explosion-proof valve. The battery cell (2) is located inside the housing (1). The battery cell explosion-proof valve is sealed to the battery cell vent. The vent channel (111) can connect the battery cell vent and the battery pack vent. The return channel (112) has an inlet (1121) and an outlet (1122), both of which are connected to the exhaust channel (111) so that the gas in the exhaust channel (111) flows back from the inlet (1121) to the outlet (1122). The inlet direction of the inlet (1121) and the outlet direction of the exhaust channel (111) form an obtuse angle (θ), and the outlet direction of the outlet (1122) and the outlet direction of the exhaust channel (111) form an acute angle (γ). The inlet (1121) and the outlet (1122) are arranged at intervals in the outlet direction of the exhaust channel (111).
2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) includes a lower housing (11) and a cover plate (12). The lower housing (11) includes a guide plate (113). One side of the guide plate (113) is connected to the side of the battery cell (2) where the battery cell explosion-proof valve is located. The side of the guide plate (113) away from the battery cell (2) is recessed in the thickness direction to form a first channel body (1125). The side wall of the first channel body (1125) is recessed to form a groove (1126). A guide block (114) is provided in the groove (1126). The guide block (114) and the inner surface of the groove (1126) together form a second channel body (1127). The cover plate (12) is placed on the guide plate (113). The inner surface of the cover plate (12) and the first channel body (1125) form the air outlet channel (111). The inner surface of the cover plate (12) and the second channel body (1127) form the return channel (112). A ventilation hole (115) is formed on the guide plate (113). The ventilation hole (115) extends along the thickness direction of the guide plate (113). One end of the ventilation hole (115) is connected to the air outlet channel (111), and the other end of the ventilation hole (115) is connected to the air outlet of the battery cell.
3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The venting channel (111) and the return channel (112) are directly opened inside the box wall of the box body (1); a ventilation hole (115) is formed on the box wall of the box body (1), one end of the ventilation hole (115) is connected to the venting channel (111), and the other end of the ventilation hole (115) can be connected to the vent of the battery cell.
4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of battery cells (2) is at least two, and at least two battery cells (2) are arranged along the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel (111); the air outlets of at least two battery cells (2) can be connected to the air outlet channel (111).
5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the battery cells has a corresponding venting channel (111) at its vent.
6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The housing (1) has a first direction (X), which is perpendicular to the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel (111); the inlet (1121) and the air outlet of the battery cell are correspondingly arranged in the first direction (X).
7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the battery cells has at least two return channels (112) at its outlet. The at least two return channels (112) are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the outlet channel (111) along the first direction (X). The outlets (1122) of the at least two return channels (112) are respectively arranged in the first direction (X).
8. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the battery cells has at least two return channels (112) at its outlet. The at least two return channels (112) include a first return channel (1123) and a second return channel (1124). The first return channel (1123) and the second return channel (1124) are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the outlet channel (111) along the first direction (X). The outlet (1122) of the first return channel (1123) is configured in the first direction (X) corresponding to the upstream of the outlet direction of the outlet channel (111); the outlet (1122) of the second return channel (1124) is configured in the first direction (X) corresponding to the downstream of the outlet direction of the outlet channel (111).
9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The number of the air outlet channels (111) is multiple, and the multiple air outlet channels (111) are arranged at intervals. All of the multiple air outlet channels (111) are connected to the air outlet of the battery pack.
10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, The battery pack includes any one of claims 1 to 9.