Battery cell, battery cell housing, and battery housing

Abstract

This application provides a top cover for a battery casing, a battery casing, and a battery cell, relating to the field of battery technology. The top cover of the battery casing includes a cover plate and at least one support. At least one support is disposed on the cover plate. A channel extending along a first direction is formed between the support and the cover plate. At least one support member is disposed within the channel. The support and at least one support member are an integral structure. In the event of thermal runaway, the support member can effectively maintain the structural shape of the channel, thereby limiting excessive compression or blockage of the exhaust channel, and ensuring that the pressure relief mechanism can properly release pressure, thus reducing the risk of internal pressure buildup and explosion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to the top cover of a battery casing, the battery casing, and individual battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] Batteries, with their advantages of high energy density, high power output, and long cycle life, have been widely used in energy storage systems, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. With the rapid development of new energy vehicles and energy storage technologies, the safety performance of batteries, as the core power source of new energy vehicles and a key energy storage unit in energy storage systems, is receiving increasing attention. Under extreme operating conditions, batteries may experience thermal runaway, leading to a rapid increase in internal temperature and pressure. If this internal pressure is not released in a timely and effective manner, it can easily cause serious safety accidents such as explosions. Utility Model Content

[0003] Maintaining sufficient gas flow space inside a single battery cell during thermal runaway is a crucial means of improving battery safety.

[0004] In view of the above problems, in order to maintain the effectiveness of the venting channel under thermal runaway conditions and ensure sufficient gas flow space inside the battery, some embodiments of this application provide a top cover for a battery casing. The top cover of the battery casing includes a cover plate and at least one bracket. At least one bracket is disposed on the cover plate. A channel extending along a first direction is provided between the bracket and the cover plate. At least one support member is disposed within the channel. The bracket and the at least one support member are an integral structure.

[0005] The channels constitute at least a portion of the venting channels within the battery cell. This configuration allows the support structure to effectively maintain the structural shape of these channels during thermal runaway, thereby limiting excessive compression or blockage of the venting channels and ensuring the pressure relief mechanism can release pressure normally, reducing the risk of internal pressure buildup and explosion. Furthermore, the integrated structure reduces subsequent assembly processes, lowering manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0006] In some embodiments, at least one support member includes a strut.

[0007] In the event of thermal runaway, the strut can effectively limit excessive deformation of the exhaust passage, thereby maintaining sufficient exhaust space.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support member includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart along a first direction. The first surface and the second surface are connected by one or more through holes.

[0009] By setting through holes in the support, the weight of the support can be reduced while maintaining the necessary structural support strength in the event of thermal runaway. It can also reduce the obstruction of the support to airflow, thereby helping the gas to flow more quickly in the exhaust channel.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the through holes has a cross-section in the first plane that is one or more of the following: triangular, rectangular, rhomboid, or hexagonal. The angle between the first plane and the first direction is 75° to 90°.

[0011] The aforementioned polygonal cross-section through holes significantly improve the bending and compressive stiffness of the support. At the same time, combined with the directional arrangement where the first plane is nearly perpendicular to the first direction, it effectively reduces airflow resistance and optimizes the flow channel layout, thus balancing structural strength and exhaust efficiency with the same amount of material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ratio of the projected area of ​​at least one support member on the channel cross-section along the first direction to the channel cross-sectional area is 2% to 10%, and the channel cross-section is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In this way, sufficient support strength can be provided to limit excessive deformation of the exhaust channel of the top cover during thermal runaway, while ensuring sufficient gas flow area, thus achieving a balance between structural reliability and pressure relief efficiency, and significantly improving the safety performance of the battery.

[0014] In some embodiments, an insulating layer is provided on the side of the bracket away from the cover plate.

[0015] In high-temperature environments such as thermal runaway, the insulating layer can effectively isolate the electrode assembly from the metal support, reducing the risk of electrical short circuits caused by the electrode assembly and the metal support.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the integral structure is provided with a coating layer. The melting point of the coating layer is greater than the melting point of the integral structure.

[0017] During thermal runaway, the high-melting-point coating on the surface of the integrated structural support can remain solid and have a certain structural strength, thereby providing an additional thermal barrier and structural maintenance capability for the integrated structure, and enhancing the deformation resistance and collapse resistance of the support and supporting components at high temperatures.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one bracket is spaced apart on the cover plate along a first direction. One of the at least one brackets is disposed at a first end of the cover plate in the first direction, and the other of the at least one brackets is disposed at a second end of the cover plate in the first direction.

[0019] In the event of thermal runaway, the supports at both ends of the cover plate can effectively maintain the structural shape of the exhaust channel (e.g., the structural shape at both ends of the cover plate), thereby ensuring unobstructed exhaust path and maintaining sufficient exhaust space so that the pressure relief mechanism can release pressure normally, thereby reducing the risk of internal pressure buildup and explosion.

[0020] Some embodiments of this application provide a battery housing. The battery housing includes the top cover provided by any of the foregoing technical solutions.

[0021] Some embodiments of this application provide a battery cell. The battery cell includes a battery casing. The battery casing includes a top cover provided by any of the foregoing technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0022] This specification will be further described by way of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting; in these embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same structures, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of the structure of an exemplary vehicle shown in some embodiments of this specification;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of an exemplary battery cell according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover of an exemplary battery casing according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary bracket shown according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional diagram of the bracket installed on the cover plate;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary bracket shown according to other embodiments of this specification;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary bracket shown according to other embodiments of this specification;

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional diagram of the bracket mounted on the cover plate.

[0031] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0032] 1000, Vehicle; 1, Battery; 2, Controller; 3, Motor; 100, Battery Cell; 10, Top Cover; 20, Lower Housing; 30, Battery Housing; 40, Electrode Assembly; 50, Terminal Post; 60, Pressure Relief Mechanism; 110, Cover Plate; 120, Bracket; 121, Base Plate; 122, Support Component; 123, Side Plate; 130, Lower Plastic Part. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments in this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, these drawings can be applied to other similar scenarios without creative effort. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments are given merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement this specification, and are not intended to limit the scope of this specification in any way. Unless obvious from the linguistic context or otherwise, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same structures or operations.

[0034] It should be understood that the terms “system,” “device,” “unit,” and / or “module” used herein are one way to distinguish different components, elements, parts, sections, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, they may be replaced by other expressions.

[0035] As indicated in this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include plural forms. Generally, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of expressly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements. The term "based on" means "at least partially based on." The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment."

[0036] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," "third," or "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this specification, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] In the description of this specification, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this specification and for simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, the term "connection" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] The batteries and related technologies described in this application are applicable to a wide range of electrical devices, such as vehicles, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools. Batteries can serve as power sources for electrical devices and / or energy storage units for those devices. In energy storage applications, batteries can be a core component of an energy storage device, or the battery itself can function as an energy storage device. Exemplary energy storage devices include energy storage containers and energy storage cabinets.

[0041] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of this specification. The vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. It should be noted that the vehicle 1000 is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or variations based on the description in this specification. For example, the battery 1 can perform similar or different functions in other electrical devices. However, these changes and modifications will not depart from the scope of this specification.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 1000 internally houses a battery 1, a controller 2, and a motor 3. The battery 1 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 1 provides power to the vehicle 1000. Specifically, the battery 1 can function as a power source and / or energy storage unit for the vehicle 1000. In some embodiments, the battery 1 serves as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, supplying power to onboard electronic devices and control systems. In some embodiments, the battery 1 serves as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power. The controller 2, as the core unit for energy management and power distribution of the vehicle 1000, is responsible for receiving driving commands, monitoring the battery 1 and the vehicle's operating status, and precisely controlling the electrical energy output from the battery 1 to the motor 3 accordingly. The motor 3, as an actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, receives commands from the controller 2 and the electrical energy provided by the battery 1, and outputs torque to drive the vehicle.

[0044] In some embodiments, battery 1 includes a battery housing and one or more battery cells housed therein. The battery housing is used to encapsulate and protect the internal battery cells, and its structural design directly affects the mechanical strength, sealing performance, and safety of the battery system. Multiple battery cells can be connected in series, parallel, or a hybrid configuration to form a battery module or battery pack with the required voltage and capacity. A hybrid configuration refers to multiple battery cells being connected in both series and parallel. The battery cells can be rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries or sodium-ion batteries. A rechargeable battery is a battery cell that can be recharged after discharge to activate its active materials and continue to be used. The battery cells can be cylindrical, prismatic, pouch, or other shapes.

[0045] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a common square battery cell (a prismatic battery with a rectangular cross-section) as an example.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of an exemplary battery cell 100 according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 2As shown, the battery cell 100 is a cuboid. Let the height direction of the battery cell 100 be direction Z, the length direction be direction Y, and the thickness direction be direction X. Directions Z, Y, and X are all perpendicular to each other.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery cell 100 includes a battery housing 30 and an electrode assembly 40. The battery housing 30 may include a top cover 10 and a lower housing 20, which together define a sealed accommodating space for housing the electrode assembly 40, electrolyte, and other components. The top cover 10 may have through holes reserved for functional components such as terminals 50. The terminals 50 are electrically connected to the electrode assembly 40, serving as external electrical interfaces for the battery cell 100 to output or input electrical energy. The electrode assembly 40 includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator located between the positive and negative electrodes, and is integrated by winding or stacking.

[0048] The top cover 10 is also provided with a pressure relief mechanism 60 (e.g., an explosion-proof valve), which is actuated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 100 reaches a threshold to release the internal pressure. (See reference...) Figure 2 Inside the battery casing 30, the gas generated by the electrode assembly 40 can flow to the pressure relief mechanism 60 and be discharged in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow. This can be understood as the battery casing 30 having an exhaust channel as shown by the dashed arrow. To ensure smooth exhaust, the top cover 10 has a portion of this exhaust channel. However, in the event of thermal runaway, the intense airflow may push the electrode assembly 40 upwards in the Z direction, compressing or blocking the exhaust channel of the top cover 10. This could cause the pressure relief mechanism 60 to malfunction due to obstructed air intake, leading to internal pressure buildup and even an explosion risk. Therefore, maintaining sufficient gas flow space in the exhaust channel during thermal runaway is a crucial aspect of the top cover's structural design and an important means of improving battery safety.

[0049] This application provides a top cover for a battery housing in some embodiments. The top cover includes a cover plate and at least one bracket. The at least one bracket is disposed on the cover plate. A channel extending in a first direction is provided between the bracket and the cover plate. At least one support member is disposed within the channel. The bracket and the at least one support member are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the first direction may be direction Y. The channel constitutes at least a portion of the venting channel of the top cover 10.

[0050] In the event of thermal runaway, the support components within the channel effectively maintain its structural shape, thereby limiting excessive compression or blockage of the exhaust passage of the top cover 10. This ensures that the pressure relief mechanism 60 can release pressure normally, reducing the risk of internal pressure buildup and explosion. Furthermore, the integrated structure configuration reduces subsequent assembly processes, lowering manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover 10 of an exemplary battery housing 30 according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the top cover 10 of the battery casing 30 includes a cover plate 110 and at least one bracket 120. The cover plate 110 may be the outermost plate-like structure of the top cover 10 in the Z direction, and has terminal post through holes and a pressure relief mechanism 60 disposed thereon. At least one bracket 120 is disposed on the cover plate 110. A channel D extending in a first direction is provided between the bracket 120 and the cover plate 110. At least one support member is disposed within the channel D. The first direction may be the Y direction (i.e., the length direction of the battery cell 100). The channel D constitutes at least a part of the venting channel of the top cover 10. By providing a support member within the channel D, in the event of thermal runaway, the support member can effectively maintain the structural shape of the channel D, thereby limiting the venting channel of the top cover 10 from being excessively compressed or blocked, thus ensuring that the pressure relief mechanism 60 can release pressure normally, thereby reducing the risk of internal pressure buildup and explosion.

[0053] The bracket 120 and at least one support member are integrally formed. An integral structure means that the bracket 120 and the support member are integrally formed using a single material and a continuous molding process. There are no physical connection interfaces formed by welding, threaded connections, bonding, riveting, or other methods within the integral structure; that is, there is no physical connection interface between the bracket 120 and the support member. The material of the integral structure can be an engineering material with good heat resistance and strength, such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel, or high-strength, high-temperature resistant engineering plastics such as polyimide (PI). This integral structure design not only provides mechanical integrity under thermal runaway conditions but also reduces subsequent assembly processes, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0054] The bracket 120 is disposed on the side of the cover 110 near the electrode assembly 40. In some embodiments, the top cover 10 may also include other components such as a lower plastic part. For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 120 is disposed between the lower plastic part 130 and the cover plate 110. The lower plastic part 130 is disposed between the bracket 120 and the electrode assembly 40 to provide insulation protection for the electrode assembly 40. An exhaust passage for the top cover 10 may be formed between the cover plate 110 and the lower plastic part 130. In some embodiments, the lower plastic part 130 may include a plurality of exhaust holes to discharge gases generated by the electrode assembly 40 into the exhaust passage of the top cover 10.

[0055] In the event of thermal runaway, the gas generated by the electrode assembly 40 can be discharged to the pressure relief mechanism 60 through at least the first exhaust path P1 and the second exhaust path P2 inside the top cover 10. (Reference) Figure 3The first exhaust path P1 refers to the path from the lower plastic part 130 to the cover plate 110. The second exhaust path P2 refers to the path parallel to the first direction (or direction Y).

[0056] The bracket 120 is positioned on the cover plate 110 to avoid other components such as the pressure relief mechanism 60 and the pole 50, in order to avoid structural interference. In some embodiments, at least one bracket 120 is spaced apart on the cover plate 110 along a first direction. For example, brackets 120 may be provided at both ends of the cover plate 110 or in the side region of the pressure relief mechanism 60 in the middle of the cover plate along the first direction.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, one bracket 120 is disposed at the first end of the cover plate 110 in the first direction, and another bracket 120 is disposed at the second end of the cover plate 110 in the first direction. The first end and the second end refer to the two ends of the cover plate 110 along the first direction. In the event of thermal runaway, the supports on the brackets 120 at both ends of the cover plate 110 can effectively maintain the structural shape of the exhaust passage of the top cover 10 (such as the structural shape at both ends of the cover plate 110), thereby ensuring that the first exhaust path P1 and the second exhaust path P2 are unobstructed and maintaining sufficient exhaust space so that the pressure relief mechanism 60 can release pressure normally, thereby reducing the risk of internal pressure buildup and explosion.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary bracket 120 according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the bracket 120 mounted on the cover plate 110. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary bracket 120 according to other embodiments of this specification. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary bracket 120 according to other embodiments of this specification. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the bracket 120 mounted on the cover plate 110.

[0059] like Figures 4-8As shown, the bracket 120 includes a base plate 121. At least one support member 122 is disposed on the base plate 121. The base plate 121 of the bracket 120 cooperates with the cover plate 110 to form a channel D extending in a first direction. Specifically, at least a portion of the base plate 121 is disposed opposite and spaced from the cover plate 110 in the Z direction, thereby forming a channel D extending in the first direction between the base plate 121 and the cover plate 110. In some embodiments, the base plate 121 may be disposed on the lower plastic member 130. For example, the base plate 121 is disposed on the lower plastic member 130 through its second surface facing away from the cover plate 110. The base plate 121 and the lower plastic member 130 may be fixed and insulated by means of adhesive, snap-fit, or mechanical interlocking. The support member 122 is located on the first surface of the base plate 121 facing the cover plate 110 and extends in the Z direction to the lower surface of the cover plate 110 within the channel D. With this configuration, the bracket 120 forms a reinforced structure between the lower plastic part 130 and the cover plate 110. Its base plate 121 mainly undertakes the installation and basic support, while the support member 122 is directly responsible for maintaining the structural shape of the channel D, so as to prevent the bracket 120 from collapsing due to thermal deformation during thermal runaway.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the end of the support member 122 facing the cover plate 110 (referred to as the top end) and the surface of the cover plate 110 facing the bracket 120 (referred to as the inner surface) can be fixedly connected by welding, riveting, or bonding. This method makes the support member 122 and the cover plate 110 form a mechanical whole, which can directly and efficiently transfer the load pushed up by the electrode assembly 40 during thermal runaway to the cover plate 110, thereby actively resisting the compressive deformation of the channel D.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the top end of the support member 122 can be non-directly fixed to the inner surface of the cover plate 110, but rather maintain a preset small gap or be in a state of contact but not solidification. The support member 122 obtains fundamental support through its integral structure with the base plate 121. In the event of thermal runaway, the electrode assembly 40 moves toward the cover plate 110, and the top end of the support member 122 abuts against the cover plate 110, thereby limiting excessive deformation of the channel D in the Z direction. This design also allows for tolerance space for thermal expansion.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, at least one support member 122 may include a support rod. The support rod is a solid support column structure, integral with the bracket 120, to provide stable mechanical support under thermal runaway conditions. The cross-sectional shape of the support rod can be circular, rectangular, polygonal, or other regular and irregular shapes, such as cylindrical, prismatic, etc., and this specification does not limit its specific shape. Through the support rod structure, in the event of thermal runaway, the support rod can effectively limit excessive deformation of the channel D in the Z direction, thereby maintaining sufficient exhaust space.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, at least one support member 122 includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart along a first direction. The first surface and the second surface are connected by one or more through holes. The first surface and the second surface refer to the two surfaces of the first end and the second end of the support member 122 along the first direction. In this configuration, at least one support member 122 can be constructed as a hollow structure or a frame structure with through holes. This structure allows the gas generated by the electrode assembly 40 to flow directly through the through holes along the second exhaust path P2 to the pressure relief mechanism 60. By providing through holes in the support member 122, the weight of the support member 122 is reduced while maintaining the necessary structural support strength in the event of thermal runaway. It also reduces the obstruction of the support member 122 to the airflow, thereby facilitating the gas to flow into the exhaust channel more quickly.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least one of the through holes has a cross-section in the first plane that can be triangular, rectangular, rhomboid, hexagonal, or other regular or irregular shapes. The angle between the first plane and the first direction is 75° to 90°. For example, the first plane can be a plane perpendicular to the axis of the through hole. The aforementioned polygonal cross-section through holes significantly improve the bending and compressive stiffness of the support member 122. Combined with the near-perpendicular directional arrangement of the first plane and the first direction, it effectively reduces airflow resistance and optimizes the flow channel layout, thus balancing structural strength and exhaust efficiency with the same amount of material.

[0065] The arrangement, quantity, and cross-sectional dimensions of the support members 122 can be comprehensively designed based on the required support strength and the need to maintain the effective flow cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust channel of the top cover 10. The cross-sectional dimension of the support member 122 refers to its projected area along the first direction on the cross-section of the channel D. In some embodiments, the ratio of the projected area of ​​at least one support member 122 along the first direction on the cross-section of the channel D to the area of ​​the cross-section of the channel D is within a preset range. The cross-section of the channel D is perpendicular to the first direction. For ease of description, the projected area of ​​the support member 122 along the first direction on the cross-section of the channel D is referred to as the projected area of ​​the support member 122. The cross-section of the channel D refers to the section of the channel D cut in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. This section reflects the shape and size of the channel D in the direction perpendicular to the airflow in the channel D, and its area is used to assess the ability of the channel D to circulate gas. The projected area of ​​the support member 122 refers to the shadow area cast by the support member 122 on the cross-section of the channel D when projected orthogonally from the first direction (i.e., along the airflow direction or the opposite direction). If a plurality of support members 122 are provided in the channel D, then the projected area of ​​at least one support member 122 along the first direction on the cross-section of the channel D is the area of ​​the union of the projected areas of all support members 122.

[0066] In some embodiments, the ratio of the projected area of ​​at least one support member 122 along the first direction on the cross-section of channel D to the area of ​​the cross-section of channel D is 2% to 10%. In some embodiments, the ratio of the projected area of ​​at least one support member 122 along the first direction on the cross-section of channel D to the area of ​​the cross-section of channel D is 4% to 8%. In some embodiments, the ratio of the projected area of ​​at least one support member 122 along the first direction on the cross-section of channel D to the area of ​​the cross-section of channel D is 5% to 7%. By controlling the ratio of the total projected area of ​​the support members 122 to the area of ​​the channel cross-section within a suitable range (e.g., 2% to 10%), sufficient support strength can be provided to limit excessive deformation of channel D during thermal runaway, while ensuring sufficient gas flow area. This achieves a better balance between structural reliability and pressure relief efficiency, significantly improving the safety performance of the battery.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figures 6-7 As shown, the support 120 also includes at least one side plate 123. The side plate 123 is disposed on the edge of the base plate 121 (i.e., the end face connecting the first and second surfaces of the base plate 121). The end face of the base plate 121 includes two first end faces opposite each other along a first direction (i.e., direction Y) and two second end faces opposite each other along a direction X. The side plate 123 may be disposed on one or more end faces. In some embodiments, on a first end face, the extension length of the side plate 123 along its end face (i.e., its length along direction X) is less than the total length of that end face, thereby forming a channel between the side plate 123 and an adjacent structure for gas to flow to the pressure relief mechanism 60. In some embodiments, the top of the side plate 123 along direction Z may be connected to the inner surface of the cover plate 110 to provide auxiliary support. In other embodiments, the top of the side plate 123 along direction Z may not be connected to the inner surface of the cover plate 110. In some embodiments, the side plate 123 may be arc-shaped. As an example, the side plate 123 located on the side away from the pressure relief mechanism 60 can be bent into an arc shape toward the pressure relief mechanism 60 and maintain a distance from the inner surface of the cover plate 110, thereby guiding the airflow.

[0068] In some embodiments, an insulating layer is provided on the side of the support 120 opposite to the cover plate 110 (e.g., the second surface of the base plate 121). The insulating layer can be made of a high-temperature resistant insulating material. Exemplary high-temperature resistant insulating materials include polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ceramic-filled resin, etc. The insulating layer can specifically be a tape or coating made of a high-temperature resistant insulating material, which can be attached to the second surface of the base plate 121 by means of adhesive bonding, coating, or in-mold molding. In high-temperature environments such as thermal runaway, the insulating layer can effectively isolate the electrode assembly 40 from the metal support 120, reducing the risk of electrical short circuits caused by the electrode assembly 40 and the metal support 120.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the integral structure is provided with a coating layer. For example, the surface of the integral structure facing high-temperature gas or the impact-sensitive support member 122 may be provided with a coating layer, or the coating layer may completely cover or partially cover the surface of the bracket 120. The melting point of the coating layer is greater than the melting point of the integral structure.

[0070] The coating layer can be formed from high-temperature resistant ceramic coatings (such as alumina, boron nitride), high-melting-point engineering plastics (such as polyimide PI, polyether ether ketone PEEK), or metal composites through processes such as spraying, dipping, vapor deposition, or in-mold molding. For example, the raw materials for the coating layer include water glass (sodium silicate) as a binder, activated alumina powder as a high-temperature resistant aggregate, and borax as a flux. The preparation and coating process of this coating layer includes: mixing and grinding the above raw materials to form a uniform slurry, applying it to at least a portion of the surface of an integral structure by spraying, dipping, or brushing, and then heat-treating it at a temperature of about 300°C to solidify and form a dense and strongly adhesive high-temperature resistant ceramic film layer.

[0071] During thermal runaway, the high-melting-point coating layer on the surface of the integrated structure can remain solid and have a certain structural strength, thereby providing an additional thermal barrier and structural maintenance capability for the integrated structure, and enhancing the deformation resistance and collapse resistance of the integrated structure at high temperatures.

[0072] This specification provides a top cover for a battery housing, with some embodiments. The top cover includes a cover plate and two supports. The cover plate may be positioned along the height of the battery housing (i.e., Figure 2 The outermost plate-like structure (in the Z direction) has electrode through-holes and a pressure relief mechanism. Two supports run along the length of the battery cell (i.e., Figure 2 The directions (Y) are respectively set at both ends of the cover plate. The bracket includes a base plate and at least one side plate fixedly connected to the base plate. The bracket is fixed to the cover plate by the side plate. The base plate of the bracket and the cover plate cooperate to form a channel extending along the length direction of the battery cell. Multiple support members are arranged in the channel. The bracket and the multiple support members are an integral structure. The ratio of the projected area of ​​the multiple support members along the length direction on the cross-section of the channel to the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel is 2% to 10%. An insulating layer is provided on the surface of the base plate of the bracket facing away from the cover plate. A covering layer is provided on the surface of the integral structure.

[0073] The beneficial effects that the embodiments of this specification may bring include, but are not limited to: (1) a support is provided in the channel between the bracket and the cover plate 110. In the event of thermal runaway, the support can effectively maintain the structural form of the channel, thereby limiting the exhaust channel in the top cover from being excessively compressed or blocked, and thus ensuring that the pressure relief mechanism can release pressure normally, so as to reduce the risk of internal pressure buildup and explosion; (2) a support is provided at both ends of the cover plate. In the event of thermal runaway, the support at both ends can effectively maintain the structural form of the exhaust channel in the top cover (e.g., the structural form at both ends of the cover plate), thereby ensuring that the exhaust path is unobstructed and maintaining sufficient exhaust space, so that the pressure relief mechanism can release pressure normally, thereby reducing the risk of internal pressure buildup and explosion; (3) in high-temperature environments such as thermal runaway, the insulation layer at the bottom of the bracket can effectively isolate the electrode assembly from the metal bracket, reducing the risk of electrical short circuit caused by the electrode assembly and the metal bracket; (4) in the event of thermal runaway, the high melting point coating layer on the surface of the bracket can maintain solidity and a certain structural strength, thereby providing the bracket with additional thermal barrier and structural maintenance capability, and enhancing the bracket's resistance to deformation and collapse at high temperatures. It should be noted that different embodiments may produce different beneficial effects. In different embodiments, the beneficial effects may be any one or a combination of the above, or any other possible beneficial effects.

[0074] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this application, and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0075] Furthermore, this application uses specific terms to describe its embodiments. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this application do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this application can be appropriately combined.

[0076] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that aspects of this application can be described and illustrated in several patentable kinds or situations, including any new and useful combination of processes, machines, products or substances, or any new and useful improvements thereto.

[0077] Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of processing elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names described in this application are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods of this application. Although some embodiments that are currently considered useful have been discussed through various examples in the foregoing disclosure, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the substance and scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, while the system components described above can be implemented by hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely by software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0078] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of the present application and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application sometimes combines multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of the present application requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.

[0079] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of scope in some embodiments of this application are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0080] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this application are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments of this application. Other modifications may also fall within the scope of this application. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments of this application are considered as examples and not limitations, and are regarded as consistent with the teachings of this application. Accordingly, the embodiments of this application are not limited to the embodiments explicitly described and illustrated in this application.

Claims

1. A top cover for a battery casing, characterized in that, Includes a cover plate and at least one bracket; The at least one bracket is disposed on the cover plate, and a channel extending in a first direction is provided between the bracket and the cover plate; At least one support member is provided inside the channel; The bracket and the at least one support member are an integral structure.

2. The top cover of the battery casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one support member includes a support rod.

3. The top cover of the battery casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart along the first direction, and the first surface and the second surface are connected by one or more through holes.

4. The top cover of the battery casing according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the through holes has a cross-section in the first plane that is one or more of the following: triangular, rectangular, rhomboid, or hexagonal, and the angle between the first plane and the first direction is 75° to 90°.

5. The top cover of the battery casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the projected area of ​​the at least one support member on the cross-section of the channel along the first direction to the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel is 2% to 10%, and the cross-section of the channel is perpendicular to the first direction.

6. The top cover of the battery casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, An insulating layer is provided on the side of the bracket away from the cover plate.

7. The top cover of the battery casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the surface of the integral structure is provided with a coating layer, the melting point of which is greater than the melting point of the integral structure.

8. The top cover of the battery casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one bracket is spaced apart on the cover plate along the first direction; One of the at least one brackets is disposed at the first end of the cover plate in the first direction, and the other bracket of the at least one bracket is disposed at the second end of the cover plate in the first direction.

9. A battery casing, characterized in that, Includes the top cover of the battery casing as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A battery cell, comprising a battery casing, characterized in that, The battery housing includes a top cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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