Battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and discloses a battery pack which comprises a shell, a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of protection structures, the shell is provided with an accommodating cavity; the battery cells are arranged in the accommodating cavity in rows, an anti-explosion valve is arranged on one side of each battery cell, and an exhaust channel is reserved between the side, provided with the anti-explosion valve, of each battery cell and the shell; the plurality of protection structures and the plurality of explosion-proof valves are arranged in one-to-one correspondence and are arranged in the exhaust channel, each protection structure comprises an elastic piece and a shielding piece connected with one end of the elastic piece, the other opposite end of the elastic piece is connected with the shell, and the shielding piece is arranged on the battery cell and covers the explosion-proof valves. According to the utility model, the anti-explosion valve of the battery cell is covered with the shielding piece, so that when the battery cell is subjected to thermal runaway, high-temperature substances sprayed by the anti-explosion valve are blocked by the shielding piece, and the high-temperature substances are prevented from being directly contacted with other surrounding normal battery cells; meanwhile, the elastic piece is stressed to contract, the shielding piece is driven to be separated from the anti-explosion valve, and high-temperature substances are guided to be discharged from the exhaust channel, so that the safety of the battery pack is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, battery packs typically contain multiple cells arranged closely according to certain rules. This is partly due to efficient space utilization, allowing more cells to be accommodated within the limited space of the battery pack, thereby increasing the overall energy density of the battery system. It also facilitates effective monitoring, heat dissipation, and circuit connection of each cell.

[0003] Battery cells are typically equipped with explosion-proof valves. In abnormal situations, these valves release excessive internal pressure, preventing catastrophic consequences such as cell explosions. To provide a relatively unified and reasonable pressure relief pathway for cells facing extreme conditions that could lead to thermal runaway, such as internal short circuits or overheating, the explosion-proof valves of each cell within the battery pack are often located adjacent to each other. This arrangement facilitates the orderly release of pressure and the activation of subsequent emergency response mechanisms.

[0004] When a cell in a battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the previously stable chemical reactions inside the cell become uncontrollable, generating a large amount of heat in a short period of time. This causes the internal temperature of the cell to rise sharply, accompanied by the decomposition and vaporization of substances such as the electrolyte. The high-temperature substances inside the cell will then be ejected outward through the explosion-proof valve.

[0005] Because the battery cells within the battery pack are tightly packed, and the explosion-proof valves are positioned adjacent to each other, the high-temperature substances emitted from the explosion-proof valves can easily impact surrounding normal battery cells and the explosion-proof valves themselves. This can cause the temperature of the surrounding battery cells to rise rapidly, posing a risk of thermal runaway. Furthermore, the impact of the high-temperature substances may damage the structure of adjacent explosion-proof valves, rendering them ineffective at relieving pressure and significantly increasing the likelihood of more serious safety accidents such as battery cell explosions. In addition, the high-temperature substances may carry byproducts from internal reactions within the battery cells, which can adhere to the surfaces of adjacent cells, further compromising the safety of the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a battery pack to solve the problem that in existing battery packs, thermal runaway of the battery cells can easily damage the surrounding battery cells, especially the explosion-proof valves of the surrounding battery cells, resulting in poor battery pack safety.

[0007] This utility model provides a battery pack, comprising:

[0008] The shell has a receiving cavity;

[0009] Multiple battery cells are arranged in a row in the receiving cavity. An explosion-proof valve is provided on one side of each battery cell. An exhaust channel is left between the side of the multiple battery cells with the explosion-proof valve and the housing.

[0010] Multiple protective structures are provided, each corresponding to one of the explosion-proof valves, and are located within the exhaust channel. Each protective structure includes an elastic element and a shielding element connected to one end of the elastic element. The other end of the elastic element is connected to the housing. The shielding element is located on the battery cell and covers the explosion-proof valve.

[0011] Beneficial effects: This utility model features a shielding component covering the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, the shielding component blocks the high-temperature material ejected from the explosion-proof valve, preventing direct contact between the high-temperature material and other normal battery cells, especially the explosion-proof valves on those cells. This prevents damage to the surrounding cells and valves caused by the high-temperature material, thus improving the safety of the battery pack. Simultaneously, the elastic component contracts under force, providing a buffering effect, reducing battery pack vibration and impact, and preventing damage or displacement of the shielding component. Furthermore, the elastic component can also separate the shielding component from the explosion-proof valve, guiding the high-temperature material out through the exhaust channel. This prevents the high-temperature material from adhering to adjacent battery cells and ensures sufficient release space for the explosion-proof valve, without affecting its normal operation.

[0012] In one alternative implementation, the shielding members on adjacent cells are partially stacked on top of each other, and a gap is left between adjacent elastic members.

[0013] Beneficial effects: When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, the high-temperature material in the explosion-proof valve first impacts the shielding component. The areas where the shielding components are not stacked are easy to detach from the explosion-proof valve, while the areas where the shielding components are stacked are more difficult to detach from the explosion-proof valve. This causes the shielding component to move to one side after being impacted and form a guide component, which can guide the high-temperature material from the outlet of the explosion-proof valve to the gap of the elastic component, and then to the exhaust channel, which is conducive to the rapid discharge of high-temperature material.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, the shielding members are stacked end to end sequentially along the arrangement direction of the battery cells.

[0015] Beneficial effects: Stacking the shielding components sequentially end to end along the cell arrangement direction can create a unidirectional airflow when multiple cells experience thermal runaway, improving airflow efficiency and preventing the high-temperature substances ejected from multiple explosion-proof valves from obstructing each other, thus further enhancing the safety of the battery pack.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the protective structure further includes a heat protection plate attached to the housing, and the end of the elastic member away from the shielding member is fixed to the heat protection plate.

[0017] Beneficial effects: By setting a heat protection plate at the end of the elastic element away from the shield, the high-temperature substances ejected by the explosion-proof valve can be effectively isolated, preventing heat from being transferred to the casing and its surroundings, thereby preventing damage to the battery pack.

[0018] In one alternative implementation, a plurality of the heat protection plates are connected in sequence.

[0019] Beneficial effects: Connecting multiple heat protection plates in sequence can improve their protective effect and allow them to be used as a whole, making them easy to install and remove.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the shielding member and / or the thermal protection plate is supported by a high-temperature resistant sheet, which includes a mica sheet.

[0021] Beneficial effects: Mica sheets have excellent high-temperature resistance and insulation properties, which can not only withstand the high-temperature substances ejected by the explosion-proof valve, but also prevent short-circuit faults between individual cells, thereby further improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the shielding element is connected to the battery cell via a buffer layer.

[0023] Beneficial effects: By setting a buffer layer between the battery cell and the shielding component, the wear of the shielding component on the battery cell or explosion-proof valve can be reduced.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, the elastic element is made of foam, including flame-retardant and fire-resistant foam.

[0025] Beneficial effects: Flame-retardant and fire-resistant foam has certain heat insulation properties, which can block heat transfer and further improve the protective effect of the protective structure on the battery cell and explosion-proof valve. Flame-retardant and fire-resistant foam can also effectively support the shielding components, ensuring their safety and stability.

[0026] In one alternative embodiment, the housing is further connected to a support plate, which is connected to the side of the battery cell where the explosion-proof valve is located.

[0027] Beneficial effects: The support plate is used to support the battery cell, thereby improving the stability of the battery cell within the casing.

[0028] In one optional embodiment, the support plate has through holes corresponding to a plurality of explosion-proof valves to connect the explosion-proof valves with the exhaust passage.

[0029] Beneficial effect: When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, the high-temperature material ejected by the explosion-proof valve is discharged to the shielding component through the through hole, and then enters the exhaust channel, thus preventing the support plate from obstructing the normal use of the explosion-proof valve. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view;

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial sectional view at point AA in the middle;

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the housing of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another partial structure of the housing of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 1. Housing; 2. Battery cell; 3. Explosion-proof valve; 4. Exhaust channel; 5. Protective structure; 501. Elastic component; 502. Shielding component; 503. Thermal protection plate; 6. Support plate; 601. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0041] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 7 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] According to embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a battery pack is provided, including: a housing 1, multiple battery cells 2, and multiple protective structures 5. The housing 1 has a receiving cavity. The multiple battery cells 2 are arranged in a row in the receiving cavity, and an explosion-proof valve 3 is provided on one side of each battery cell 2. An exhaust channel 4 is left between the side of the multiple battery cells 2 with the explosion-proof valve 3 and the housing 1. The multiple protective structures 5 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple explosion-proof valves 3 and are located in the exhaust channel 4. The protective structure 5 includes an elastic member 501 and a shielding member 502 connected to one end of the elastic member 501. The other end of the elastic member 501 is connected to the housing 1. The shielding member 502 is provided on the battery cell 2 and covers the explosion-proof valve 3.

[0043] Therefore, the battery pack provided in this embodiment of the present invention has a shielding member 502 covering the explosion-proof valve 3 of the battery cell 2. When the battery cell 2 experiences thermal runaway, the shielding member 502 blocks the high-temperature material ejected from the explosion-proof valve 3, preventing the high-temperature material from directly contacting other normal battery cells 2, especially the explosion-proof valve 3 on the surrounding normal battery cells 2. This prevents the high-temperature material from damaging the surrounding normal battery cells 2 and the explosion-proof valve 3, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack. At the same time, the elastic member 501 contracts under force, which on the one hand provides a buffering effect, reducing battery pack vibration and impact, and preventing the shielding member 502 from being damaged or shifted under force. On the other hand, the elastic member 501 can also drive the shielding member 502 to separate from the explosion-proof valve 3, guiding the high-temperature material out of the exhaust channel 4, preventing the high-temperature material from adhering to adjacent battery cells 2, and ensuring that the explosion-proof valve 3 has sufficient release space for exhaust, so as not to affect the normal use of the explosion-proof valve 3.

[0044] In addition, when the battery pack is subjected to external vibration and impact, the elastic element 501 can also absorb and disperse the external force to protect the shield 502.

[0045] Specifically, after thermal runaway occurs in cell 2, the high-temperature substance ejected by the explosion-proof valve 3 is mainly a gas-liquid mixture composed of electrolyte, electrolyte decomposition products, and thermal decomposition products inside cell 2. The housing 1 is also equipped with an exhaust port connected to the exhaust channel 4, through which the high-temperature substance ejected by the explosion-proof valve 3 is discharged from the housing 1. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, along the length of the housing 1, multiple battery cells 2 are arranged in a row and closely packed inside the housing cavity, and explosion-proof valves 3 are respectively provided on the same side of the multiple battery cells 2.

[0046] It should be noted that this utility model embodiment does not restrict the connection relationship between the elastic element 501 and the housing 1 and the shielding element 502. Any existing connection method can be selected as needed. For example, the two ends of the elastic element 501 can be welded to the housing 1 and the shielding element 502 respectively, so that the connection is firm and the structure is stable.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the shielding members 502 on adjacent cells 2 are partially stacked, and there is a gap between adjacent elastic members 501. This gap is connected to the exhaust channel 4. When thermal runaway occurs in cell 2, the high-temperature material from the explosion-proof valve 3 first impacts the shielding members 502. The areas of the shielding members 502 that are not stacked are easy to detach from the explosion-proof valve 3, while the areas of the shielding members 502 that are stacked are more difficult to detach from the explosion-proof valve 3. This causes the shielding members 502 to move to one side after being impacted, forming a guide member that can guide the high-temperature material from the outlet of the explosion-proof valve 3 to the gap of the elastic members 501, and then to the exhaust channel 4, which is conducive to the rapid discharge of the high-temperature material.

[0048] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the shielding components 502 are stacked end-to-end along the arrangement direction of the battery cells 2. The battery cells 2 are arranged in rows along the length direction of the casing 1. By stacking the shielding components 502 end-to-end along the arrangement direction of the battery cells 2, a unidirectional airflow can be formed when multiple battery cells 2 experience thermal runaway, improving the airflow efficiency and preventing the high-temperature substances ejected from multiple explosion-proof valves 3 from obstructing each other, thereby further improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the protective structure 5 also includes a heat protection plate 503. The heat protection plate 503 is attached to the housing 1, and the end of the elastic member 501 away from the shielding member 502 is fixed to the heat protection plate 503. By setting the heat protection plate 503 at the end of the elastic member 501 away from the shielding member 502, the high-temperature substances ejected from the explosion-proof valve 3 can be effectively isolated, preventing heat from being transferred to the housing 1 and its surroundings, thereby preventing damage to the battery pack.

[0050] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the connection relationship between the heat protection plate 503 and the housing 1. Any existing connection structure can be selected as needed. For example, the heat protection plate 503 can be bonded and fixed to the housing 1 with adhesive, which can ensure the tight fit between the heat protection plate 503 and the housing 1 and improve the installation stability of the heat protection plate 503.

[0051] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention does not restrict the connection relationship between the elastic element 501 and the heat protection plate 503, and any existing connection method can be selected as needed.

[0052] Furthermore, in one embodiment, multiple heat shields 503 are connected sequentially. Specifically, as shown... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, multiple heat protection plates 503 are integrally formed. Connecting multiple heat protection plates 503 in sequence can improve the protective effect of the heat protection plates 503, and the multiple heat protection plates 503 can be used as a whole, which is convenient for installation and disassembly.

[0053] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the material of the shielding member 502 and / or the heat protection plate 503, as long as the shielding member 502 and / or the heat protection plate 503 can withstand high temperature.

[0054] In one embodiment, the shield 502 and / or the thermal protection plate 503 are made of high-temperature resistant sheet, including mica sheet. Mica sheet has excellent high-temperature resistance and insulation properties, maintaining structural stability in high-temperature environments and resisting deformation and melting. It can withstand the high-temperature substances ejected from the explosion-proof valve 3 and prevent short-circuit faults between individual cells 2, thereby further improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0055] Since the shielding member 502 is made of a relatively hard material, in order to reduce the wear of the shielding member 502 on the battery cell 2 or the explosion-proof valve 3, in one embodiment, the shielding member 502 is connected to the battery cell 2 through a buffer layer. Specifically, the buffer layer can be made of foam.

[0056] It should be noted that the material of the elastic element 501 is not limited in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0057] In one embodiment, the elastic element 501 is made of foam, including flame-retardant and fire-resistant foam. The flame-retardant and fire-resistant foam has certain heat insulation properties, which can block heat transfer and further enhance the protective effect of the protective structure 5 on the battery cell 2 and the explosion-proof valve 3. The flame-retardant and fire-resistant foam can also effectively support the shielding element 502, ensuring the safety and stability of the shielding element 502.

[0058] Specifically, the elastic element 501 is compressible, with a compressibility of ≥50%, to ensure that sufficient space is released during the venting process of the explosion-proof valve 3.

[0059] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1 is also connected to a support plate 6, which is connected to the side of the battery cell 2 where the explosion-proof valve 3 is located. The support plate 6 is used to support the battery cell 2 to improve the stability of the battery cell 2 within the housing 1.

[0060] Specifically, the support plate 6 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing 1 around its perimeter, for example, by welding or gluing. A gap is left between the surface of the support plate 6 and the housing 1 to form an exhaust channel 4.

[0061] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the support plate 6 has through holes 601 corresponding to multiple explosion-proof valves 3 to connect the explosion-proof valves 3 with the exhaust channel 4. The through holes 601 are used to provide exhaust space for the explosion-proof valves 3. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 2, the high-temperature material ejected from the explosion-proof valves 3 is discharged through the through holes 601 to the shielding member 502 first, and then enters the exhaust channel 4, so as to prevent the support plate 6 from obstructing the normal use of the explosion-proof valves 3.

[0062] In some embodiments, multiple explosion-proof valves 3 may be selectively provided along the length of the battery cell 2 as needed.

[0063] For example, each battery cell 2 is provided with two explosion-proof valves 3 along its length, corresponding to, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the support plate 6 is provided with two sets of through holes 601, which correspond to the two explosion-proof valves 3 of the battery cell 2 respectively.

[0064] The working process of this utility model embodiment is as follows:

[0065] When thermal runaway occurs in cell 2, the high-temperature material discharged from the explosion-proof valve 3 is first discharged to the shielding member 502 through the through hole 601. Because the shielding member 502 is heat-resistant, it can withstand the high heat carried by the high-temperature material, preventing the high-temperature material from directly contacting the surrounding normal cell 2 or the explosion-proof valve 3. At the same time, the elastic member 501 is compressed after the shielding member 502 is impacted, causing the shielding member 502 to detach from the explosion-proof valve 3. The high-temperature material ejected from the explosion-proof valve 3 enters the exhaust channel 4 through the gap of the elastic member 501, and is finally discharged to the outside through the exhaust port of the housing 1.

[0066] When cell 2 is working normally, shielding component 502 covers explosion-proof valve 3.

[0067] To achieve the basic functions of the battery pack, the battery pack in this embodiment may also include other necessary modules or components, such as a battery control system and a thermal management system. It should be noted that any suitable existing structure can be selected from the other necessary modules or components included in the battery pack. To clearly and concisely illustrate the technical solution provided in this embodiment, the above-mentioned parts will not be repeated here, and the accompanying drawings have also been simplified accordingly. However, it should be understood that the scope of the embodiments of this utility model is not limited thereto.

[0068] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized by, The application relates to a battery pack. The battery pack comprises a shell provided with a containing cavity; a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row in the containing cavity, one side of the battery cells being provided with explosion-proof valves, and one side of the battery cells provided with the explosion-proof valves being left with exhaust passages between the battery cells and the shell; a plurality of protection structures corresponding to the explosion-proof valves one by one and arranged in the exhaust passages, the protection structure comprising an elastic member and a shielding member connected to one end of the elastic member, the other end of the elastic member being connected to the shell, and the shielding member being arranged on the battery cell and covering the explosion-proof valve. The shielding members on adjacent battery cells are partially stacked with each other, and a spacing is left between adjacent elastic members. Each shielding member is sequentially and end-to-end stacked along the arrangement direction of the battery cells.

2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The protection structure further comprises a heat protection plate, the heat protection plate being attached to the shell, and one end of the elastic member away from the shielding member being fixed to the heat protection plate.

3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, A plurality of heat protection plates are sequentially connected.

4. The battery pack of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The shielding member and / or the heat protection plate are made of high-temperature-resistant thin plates, and the high-temperature-resistant thin plates comprise mica thin plates.

5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein, The shielding member is connected to the battery cell through a buffer thin layer.

6. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein, The elastic member is made of foam, and the foam comprises fire-retardant fireproof foam.

7. The battery pack of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The shell is further connected to a support plate, and the support plate is connected to one side of the battery cell provided with the explosion-proof valve.

8. The battery pack of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The support plate is provided with through holes corresponding to a plurality of explosion-proof valves to connect the explosion-proof valves and the exhaust passages.

9. The battery pack of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, ​ 10. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein, ​

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