Battery cell support and battery module

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of battery modules, and discloses a battery cell support and a battery module, the battery cell support comprises a support body and a sealing ring, the support body is provided with an exhaust through hole and an annular groove arranged around the exhaust through hole; the sealing ring is arranged in the annular groove and is in sealing fit with the groove wall of the annular groove; the battery cell support can support the battery cell to enable the exhaust through hole to directly face the anti-explosion valve, and the sealing ring is in sealing fit with the outer wall of the battery cell, so that stable sealing is formed between the outer wall of the battery cell and the support body by arranging the sealing ring, polystyrene foam is prevented from leaking to the exhaust through hole when the polystyrene foam is poured, and opening of the anti-explosion valve is prevented from being influenced; due to the fact that the sealing ring is arranged in the annular groove, a matching structure does not need to be additionally arranged on the outer wall of the battery cell, sealing can be achieved by directly attaching the outer wall of the battery cell to the sealing ring, the requirement for machining precision is low, other machining processes do not need to be additionally arranged on the battery cell, and meanwhile the battery cell support can be suitable for battery cells of different structures.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In cylindrical battery modules, cylindrical cells are mounted on a plastic support at the bottom, with expanding foam injected between them for secure connection. The bottom wall of the cylindrical cell has an explosion-proof valve, and the plastic support has a vent. In the event of thermal runaway, the explosion-proof valve opens, allowing high-temperature gases to escape through the vent. However, if the seal between the bottom wall of the cylindrical cell and the plastic support is not tight, expanding foam can leak from between them during the injection process, potentially clogging the vent or adhering to the explosion-proof valve. This can prevent the valve from opening properly, compromising the safety of the battery module.

[0003] To address this, existing technology provides a battery module with a positioning protrusion ring on its bottom support, a structural sealing ring covering the positioning protrusion ring, and a positioning ring groove on the bottom wall of the battery cell. The positioning protrusion ring can be inserted into the positioning ring groove, thereby pressing the structural sealing ring against the bottom wall of the positioning ring groove to form a seal. However, the problem is that the positioning ring groove on the bottom wall of the battery cell needs to be matched with the positioning protrusion ring of the bottom support, which requires high machining precision. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a battery cell support to solve the problem in the prior art that the positioning ring groove on the bottom wall of the battery cell needs to be adapted to the positioning convex ring of the bottom support, which requires high processing precision.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A cell support bracket is used to support the battery cell, wherein the battery cell is equipped with an explosion-proof valve; the cell support bracket includes:

[0007] The bracket body has an exhaust port and an annular groove surrounding the exhaust port;

[0008] A sealing ring is disposed within the annular groove and is in sealing fit with the groove wall of the annular groove;

[0009] The cell support bracket can support the cell so that the vent hole is aligned with the explosion-proof valve and the sealing ring is in a sealed fit with the outer wall of the cell.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the cell support, the sealing ring is elastic, with a portion of the sealing ring disposed within the annular groove and the other portion of the sealing ring extending out of the annular groove.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the cell support, the annular groove has a rectangular cross-section and two parallel and spaced-apart sidewalls and a bottom wall located between the two sidewalls. The portion of the sealing ring located inside the annular groove simultaneously seals against the bottom wall and the two sidewalls. When the cell support is not supporting the cell, the portion of the sealing ring located outside the annular groove has a semi-circular cross-section.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the cell support, the support body is further provided with a groove communicating with the annular groove, and the bottom wall of the annular groove is flush with the bottom wall of the groove.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the cell support, the groove is disposed on the outside of the annular groove.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the cell support, the support body is further provided with a plurality of grooves, which are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the annular groove.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the battery cell support, the diameter of the vent hole is larger than the diameter of the explosion-proof valve.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the cell support, multiple vent holes, annular grooves, and sealing rings are provided. The multiple sealing rings are arranged one-to-one in the multiple annular grooves. The cell support is used to support multiple cells simultaneously, so that the multiple vent holes are arranged one-to-one with the explosion-proof valves of the multiple cells, and the multiple sealing rings are sealed and fitted one-to-one with the outer walls of the multiple cells.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module is provided, including the above-mentioned cell support and a cell, wherein the cell is provided with an explosion-proof valve, the cell support is capable of supporting the cell so that the vent hole is directly opposite the explosion-proof valve, and the sealing ring is sealed to the outer wall of the cell. The battery module also has a pressure relief cavity, and the vent hole is connected to the pressure relief cavity.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the battery module, the battery module further includes a housing, and the battery module and the housing are spaced apart to form the pressure relief cavity.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] This utility model provides a battery cell bracket for supporting a battery cell equipped with an explosion-proof valve. The battery cell bracket includes a bracket body and a sealing ring. The bracket body has a vent hole and an annular groove surrounding the vent hole. The sealing ring is disposed within the annular groove and seals against the groove wall. The battery cell bracket supports the battery cell so that the vent hole is aligned with the explosion-proof valve, and the sealing ring is tightly fitted against the outer wall of the battery cell. This sealing ring creates a stable seal between the outer wall of the battery cell and the bracket body, preventing leakage of expanding foam into the vent hole during foam injection, thus preventing interference with the opening of the explosion-proof valve. Furthermore, since the sealing ring is located within the annular groove, no additional fitting structure is needed on the outer wall of the battery cell; simply pressing the outer wall of the battery cell against the sealing ring achieves a seal. This reduces the requirements for processing precision and eliminates the need for additional processing steps on the battery cell. Moreover, this battery cell bracket is applicable to battery cells of different structures.

[0021] This utility model also provides a battery module, including the aforementioned cell support and a battery cell. The battery cell is equipped with an explosion-proof valve. The cell support supports the battery cell so that the vent hole is aligned with the explosion-proof valve, and the sealing ring is sealed to the outer wall of the battery cell. The battery module also has a pressure relief cavity, and the vent hole communicates with the pressure relief cavity. This cell support, by setting the sealing ring, forms a stable seal between the outer wall of the battery cell and the support body, preventing the foam from leaking into the vent hole during foam injection, thus preventing the explosion-proof valve from being affected. Furthermore, since the sealing ring is located within the annular groove, there is no need for additional mating structures on the outer wall of the battery cell; simply pressing the outer wall of the battery cell against the sealing ring achieves a seal. This reduces the requirements for processing precision and eliminates the need for additional processing steps on the battery cell. Moreover, this cell support is applicable to battery cells of different structures. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell support in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support body in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery cell support in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a first cross-sectional view of the battery module in this embodiment of the present invention (when the battery cell is not assembled on the battery cell bracket);

[0026] Figure 5 This is a second sectional view of the battery module in this embodiment of the present invention (after the battery cell is assembled with the battery cell bracket).

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Bracket body; 11. Vent hole; 12. Annular groove; 13. Groove; 14. Dividing protrusion;

[0029] 2. Sealing ring;

[0030] 100. Battery cell; 101. Explosion-proof valve; 200. Pressure relief cavity; 300. Outer shell; 400. Foam filling space. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0035] Cylindrical battery cells are fixed to a plastic bracket at the bottom by injecting expanding foam. If the seal between the bottom wall of the cylindrical battery cell and the plastic bracket is not tight, the expanding foam can easily leak from between the bottom wall of the cylindrical battery cell and the plastic bracket during the injection process, leading to blockage of the vent hole or adhesion to the explosion-proof valve. To address this, existing technology provides a battery module with a positioning protrusion ring on the bottom bracket, a structural sealing ring covering the positioning protrusion ring, and a positioning ring groove on the bottom wall of the battery cell. The positioning protrusion ring can be inserted into the positioning ring groove, thereby pressing the structural sealing ring against the bottom wall of the positioning ring groove to form a seal. However, the problem is that the positioning ring groove on the bottom wall of the battery cell needs to be compatible with the positioning protrusion ring on the bottom bracket, requiring high machining precision.

[0036] In response, this embodiment provides a cell support to solve the problem in the prior art where the positioning ring groove on the bottom wall of the cell needs to be matched with the positioning protrusion of the bottom support, which requires high processing precision. This can be used in the field of battery module technology.

[0037] Reference Figures 1-5 The cell support bracket supports the cell 100, and the cell 100 is equipped with an explosion-proof valve 101. In this embodiment, the cell 100 is specifically a cylindrical cell, while in other embodiments, the cell 100 can be other types of cells, such as a prismatic cell. Optionally, the explosion-proof valve 101 is disposed on the bottom wall of the cell 100. When the cell 100 experiences thermal runaway, the explosion-proof valve 101 opens to release the high-temperature gas inside the cell 100.

[0038] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The battery cell bracket includes a bracket body 1 and a sealing ring 2. The bracket body 1 has a vent hole 11 and an annular groove 12 surrounding the vent hole 11. The sealing ring 2 is disposed within the annular groove 12 and seals against the groove wall of the annular groove 12. The battery cell bracket supports the battery cell 100 so that the vent hole 11 is aligned with the explosion-proof valve 101, and the sealing ring 2 is sealed against the outer wall of the battery cell 100. Thus, by setting the sealing ring 2, a stable seal is formed between the outer wall of the battery cell 100 and the bracket body 1, preventing the foam from leaking into the vent hole 11 during foam injection, thereby preventing the opening of the explosion-proof valve 101 from being affected. Furthermore, since the sealing ring 2 is disposed within the annular groove 12, there is no need to set an additional mating structure on the outer wall of the battery cell 100; sealing can be achieved simply by tightly attaching the outer wall of the battery cell 100 to the sealing ring 2. This reduces the requirements for processing precision and eliminates the need for additional processing steps on the battery cell 100. Additionally, this battery cell bracket is applicable to battery cells 100 with different structures.

[0039] In this embodiment, the bottom wall surface of the battery cell 100 is flush with the support body 1, so that the position of the battery cell 100 relative to the support body 1 can be changed arbitrarily while ensuring that the exhaust hole 11 is aligned with the explosion-proof valve 101.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The sealing ring 2 is elastic, and a part of the sealing ring 2 is disposed in the annular groove 12, while the other part of the sealing ring 2 extends out of the annular groove 12. When assembling the battery cell 100, the sealing ring 2 can be elastically deformed by pressing the battery cell 100, so that the sealing ring 2 fits tightly against the outer wall of the battery cell 100 and is pressed against the groove wall of the annular groove 12.

[0041] Optionally, the sealing ring 2 is made of silicone rubber to give it good elasticity and enable it to achieve a stable seal with the outer wall of the cell 100 and the groove wall of the annular groove 12.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The annular groove 12 has a rectangular cross-section and two parallel and spaced-apart sidewalls, as well as a bottom wall located between the two sidewalls. A portion of the sealing ring 2 located within the annular groove 12 simultaneously seals against both the bottom wall and the two sidewalls. Specifically, the portion of the sealing ring 2 located within the annular groove 12 has a rounded rectangular cross-section. When the battery cell bracket does not support the battery cell 100, the portion of the sealing ring 2 located outside the annular groove 12 has a semi-circular cross-section. Therefore, when the sealing ring 2 is pressed against the outer wall of the battery cell 100, the sealing ring 2 tends to elastically deform along the pressing direction of the battery cell 100. This prevents the sealing ring 2 located outside the annular groove 12 from being laterally squeezed to other positions, thus avoiding any impact on the placement of the battery cell 100.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The bracket body 1 also has a groove 13 communicating with the annular groove 12, and the bottom wall of the annular groove 12 is flush with the bottom wall of the groove 13. This arrangement allows air to be expelled from the annular groove 12 through the groove 13 when the sealing ring 2 is placed inside, ensuring the sealing ring 2 can be smoothly placed within the annular groove 12. It also facilitates the removal of the sealing ring 2 from the annular groove 12. In this embodiment, the groove 13 has a semi-circular cross-section; however, in other embodiments, the groove 13 can have other shapes, such as square or triangular.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 A partition protrusion 14 is formed between the annular groove 12 and the exhaust hole 11. The partition protrusion 14 is flush with the upper surface of other parts of the bracket body 1. In this embodiment, the groove 13 is provided on the outside of the annular groove 12, which can avoid affecting the thickness of the partition protrusion 14 due to the groove 13, and thus avoid affecting the structural strength of the partition protrusion 14.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5The bracket body 1 also has multiple grooves 13, which are spaced apart along the circumference of the annular groove 12, so that air can be more easily discharged from the annular groove 12 when the sealing ring 2 is inserted. In this embodiment, four grooves 13 are provided, and the central angle between any two adjacent grooves 13 is 90°. In other embodiments, the grooves 13 can be set to two, three, five or more as needed.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The diameter of the exhaust port 11 is larger than the diameter of the explosion-proof valve 101, so that the opening of the explosion-proof valve 101 is not affected by the exhaust port 11, and the gas discharge efficiency of the battery cell 100 during thermal runaway can be increased as much as possible.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 Multiple exhaust holes 11, annular grooves 12, and sealing rings 2 are provided. Multiple sealing rings 2 are arranged one-to-one in multiple annular grooves 12. The cell bracket is used to support multiple cells 100 at the same time, so that multiple exhaust holes 11 are arranged one-to-one with the explosion-proof valves 101 of multiple cells 100, and multiple sealing rings 2 are sealed and fitted one-to-one with the outer wall of multiple cells 100, so that multiple cells 100 can be installed on the cell bracket at the same time.

[0048] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 This embodiment also provides a battery module, including the aforementioned cell support and a cell 100. The cell 100 is equipped with an explosion-proof valve 101. The cell support can support the cell 100 so that the vent hole 11 is directly opposite the explosion-proof valve 101, and the sealing ring 2 is sealed to the outer wall of the cell 100. The battery module also has a pressure relief cavity 200, and the vent hole 11 communicates with the pressure relief cavity 200. By setting the sealing ring 2, the cell support forms a stable seal between the outer wall of the cell 100 and the support body 1, preventing the foam from leaking into the vent hole 11 during the injection of foam, thereby preventing the opening of the explosion-proof valve 101 from being affected. Furthermore, since the sealing ring 2 is located inside the annular groove 12, there is no need to set an additional mating structure on the outer wall of the battery cell 100. The sealing can be achieved by directly pressing the outer wall of the battery cell 100 against the sealing ring 2. The requirements for processing precision are low, and there is no need to add other processing procedures to the battery cell 100. At the same time, the battery cell bracket can be used for battery cells 100 with different structures.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The battery module also includes a housing 300, which is spaced apart from the housing 300 to form a pressure relief cavity 200. For a design in which multiple battery cells 100 are mounted on a cell support, multiple vent holes 11 are provided, and all multiple vent holes 11 are connected to the pressure relief cavity 200 to simplify the overall structure of the battery module.

[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electrode holder, characterized by, The application relates to a support for supporting an electric core (100) provided with an explosion-proof valve (101), and the support comprises: a support body (1) provided with an exhaust hole (11) and a ring groove (12) surrounding the exhaust hole (11); a sealing ring (2) arranged in the ring groove (12) and sealingly matched with the groove wall of the ring groove (12); the support can support the electric core (100) so that the exhaust hole (11) is opposite to the explosion-proof valve (101), and the sealing ring (2) is sealingly matched with the outer wall of the electric core (100).

2. The cell holder of claim 1, wherein, The sealing ring (2) is elastic, and a part of the sealing ring (2) is arranged in the ring groove (12), and the other part of the sealing ring (2) extends out of the ring groove (12).

3. The cell holder of claim 2, wherein, The cross section of the ring groove (12) is rectangular, and the ring groove (12) is provided with two parallel and spaced side walls and a bottom wall between the two side walls, the part of the sealing ring (2) arranged in the ring groove (12) is sealingly matched with the bottom wall and the two side walls, and the cross section of the part of the sealing ring (2) arranged outside the ring groove (12) is semicircular when the support does not support the electric core (100).

4. The cell holder of claim 1, wherein, The support body (1) is further provided with a groove (13) communicating with the ring groove (12), and the bottom wall of the ring groove (12) is flush with the bottom wall of the groove (13).

5. The cell holder of claim 4, wherein, The groove (13) is arranged outside the ring groove (12).

6. The cell holder of claim 4, wherein, The support body (1) is further provided with a plurality of grooves (13) which are arranged along the circumferential direction of the ring groove (12).

7. The cell holder of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The diameter of the exhaust hole (11) is greater than the diameter of the explosion-proof valve (101).

8. The cell holder of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The exhaust hole (11), the ring groove (12) and the sealing ring (2) are provided in plurality, the sealing rings (2) are arranged in the ring grooves (12) in one-to-one correspondence, the support is used for supporting a plurality of electric cores (100) so that the exhaust holes (11) are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the explosion-proof valves (101) of the electric cores (100), and the sealing rings (2) are sealingly matched with the outer walls of the electric cores (100) in one-to-one correspondence.

9. A battery module, characterized by The application further relates to a battery module comprising the electric core support and an electric core (100) provided with an explosion-proof valve (101), the electric core support can support the electric core (100) so that the exhaust hole (11) is opposite to the explosion-proof valve (101), and the sealing ring (2) is sealingly matched with the outer wall of the electric core (100), and the battery module is further provided with a pressure relief cavity (200), and the exhaust hole (11) communicates with the pressure relief cavity (200).

10. The battery module of claim 9, wherein, The battery module is further provided with a shell (300), and the battery module and the shell (300) are arranged in space to form the pressure relief cavity (200).

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