Fire extinguishing device and battery pack

Abstract

The application relates to a fire extinguishing device and a battery pack, which comprise a shell and a release assembly. The shell comprises a filling cavity for filling fire extinguishing substances and a release hole in communication with the filling cavity. The release assembly comprises a cover, a sealing structure and an elastic structure. The cover is sealingly installed on the release hole and is provided with an opening. The sealing structure is movably arranged on one side of the cover close to the filling cavity in the opening direction of the release hole, and the elastic structure is connected with the sealing structure and can provide a pressing force for pressing the sealing structure against the cover in the opening direction to cut off the communication between the opening and the filling cavity. The sealing structure can be moved away from the opening under the external pressure of the shell to make the opening communicate with the filling cavity. The technical scheme can effectively extinguish the fire source when the battery pack is in thermal runaway, and the protection effect of the battery pack is improved. Moreover, the fire extinguishing device can be repeatedly used, and the utilization rate is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to fire extinguishing devices and battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal runaway of batteries, leading to heat propagation, fire, and explosion, poses a significant threat to the safe operation of electric vehicles. Preventing the hazards caused by battery thermal runaway has always been a design challenge for the battery industry. During thermal runaway, batteries generate large amounts of pyrophoric gases. Common protective measures include attaching mica sheets or paper to the battery pack casing and installing explosion-proof valves. While these methods can block heat propagation, they do not completely extinguish the ignition source, resulting in inadequate protection. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a fire extinguishing device and a battery pack to address the problem of poor thermal failure protection of battery packs.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a fire extinguishing device, comprising:

[0005] The housing includes a filling cavity for filling with extinguishing material and a release port communicating with the filling cavity; and

[0006] Release components, including:

[0007] A cover is sealed and installed at the release hole, and an opening is provided thereon;

[0008] A sealing structure is movably disposed on the side of the cover body near the filling cavity along the opening direction of the release hole;

[0009] An elastic structure connects the sealing structure and provides a clamping force that causes the sealing structure to press against the cover along its opening direction to cut off communication between the opening and the filling cavity;

[0010] The sealing structure can move away from the opening under external pressure, thereby making the opening communicate with the filling cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cover includes a cover portion and an enclosure portion that are adjacently connected along the opening direction, the cover portion is mounted on the release hole, the enclosure portion is disposed on the side of the cover portion facing the filling cavity, and the opening is disposed on the cover portion;

[0012] The enclosing portion forms an enclosing cavity around the opening direction, and the sealing structure is located in the enclosing cavity and is movable relative to the enclosing cavity in the opening direction;

[0013] The end of the enclosure portion opposite to the cover portion is provided with an anti-detachment protrusion, which is used to prevent the sealing structure from detaching from the enclosure cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sealing structure includes a base and a first sealing element, and the elastic structure connects the base; the first sealing element is disposed on the side of the base facing the cover, and under the action of the elastic structure, it can press the cover to cut off the communication between the opening and the filling cavity;

[0015] The substrate includes an edge portion surrounding the periphery of the first seal, the edge portion defining a transition channel that communicates with the filling cavity, and the opening communicating with the filling cavity through the transition channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the transition channel includes at least one of a transition gap and a transition hole, the transition gap being formed by the edge portion and the sidewall of the enclosing cavity being spaced apart, and the transition hole being formed in the edge portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, a first mounting groove is provided on the substrate, the first seal is installed in the first mounting groove, and extends beyond the substrate toward the cover portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sealing structure includes a snap-fit ​​portion located on the side of the sealing structure opposite to the opening;

[0019] The elastic structure includes a receiving member, an elastic member, and a limiting member. The receiving member has a receiving cavity inside, and one end of the receiving cavity is open in the opening direction. The limiting member is disposed in the receiving cavity. The engaging part passes through the open end of the receiving cavity and engages with the limiting member. The limiting member allows the engaging part to move in the opening direction.

[0020] The elastic element is sleeved outside the limiting element and abuts between the receiving element and the sealing structure.

[0021] In some embodiments, the latching portion includes a plurality of latches spaced apart around an axis parallel to the opening direction, and a deformation space located between all the latches, each latch being configured to elastically deform toward the deformation space;

[0022] The limiting member includes a limiting hole and a limiting protrusion disposed at the opening end of the limiting hole, wherein the limiting protrusion surrounds and forms a through opening.

[0023] The snap-fit ​​portion passes through the through opening, and all the snap hooks are located within the limiting hole. The size of the limiting hole along the opening direction is larger than the size of all the snap hooks in the opening direction. The limiting protrusion obstructs the side of all the snap hooks facing the cover.

[0024] In some embodiments, the resilient structure further includes a second seal held between the receiving member and the sealing structure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sealing structure includes a second mounting groove surrounding the snap-fit ​​portion, and the second seal is mounted in the second mounting groove.

[0026] In some embodiments, a plurality of release holes are provided, and the plurality of release holes are arranged side by side on the same side of the housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a filling valve for filling the filling cavity with fire extinguishing material.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cover is provided with a plurality of openings, all of which are spaced apart around an axis parallel to the opening direction, and each opening is arranged in a divergent pattern with the axis as the center.

[0029] In some embodiments, the filling cavity is filled with fire extinguishing material, and the pressure inside the filling cavity is greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0030] Secondly, this application provides a battery pack, comprising:

[0031] Box;

[0032] The battery cell is housed within the casing.

[0033] As described in the first aspect, the fire extinguishing device has the housing fixed within the enclosure, and the release assembly is positioned toward the battery cell.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] In the aforementioned fire extinguishing device and battery pack, when a single battery cell experiences thermal runaway, it releases hot smoke into the housing, causing an increase in internal pressure. This increased pressure acts on the release component, pushing the sealing structure away from the opening to overcome the clamping force of the elastic structure. This opens the connection between the opening and the filling chamber, allowing the extinguishing agent inside the filling chamber to be released into the housing through the opening. This cools and extinguishes the hot smoke inside the housing, effectively eliminating the fire source and improving the battery pack's protective effect. When the external pressure decreases, the sealing structure, under clamping force, can return to its original state of clamping the cover. In practical applications, the fire extinguishing device can be reused after refilling the filling chamber with extinguishing agent, resulting in high utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external appearance of a fire extinguishing device according to some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fire extinguishing device shown.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing device according to some embodiments.

[0040] Figure 4 An exploded view of the release component in some embodiments.

[0041] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the release component.

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0043] Figure 7 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the cover in the release assembly.

[0044] Figure 8 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the sealing structure in the release assembly.

[0045] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0046] 100. Fire extinguishing device; 10. Housing; 11. Filling cavity; 12. Release hole; F. Opening direction; 13. Filling valve; 20. Release assembly; 21. Cover; 21a. Cover part; a1. Opening; 21b. Enclosing part; b1. Enclosing cavity; 21c. Anti-detachment protrusion; 22. Sealing structure; 22a. Base; a2. First mounting groove; a3. Edge part; a31. Transition channel; a5. Second mounting groove; 22b. First sealing element; 22c. Snap-fit ​​part; c1. Hook; c2. Deformation space; 23. Elastic structure; 23a. Receiving element; a4. Receiving cavity; 23b. Elastic element; 23c. Limiting element; c3. Limiting hole; c4. Limiting protrusion; c5. Through-hole; 23d. Second sealing element. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be understood that, where they appear, 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 this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0049] Furthermore, where applicable, the terms "first" and "second" 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., shall be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they may 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 application according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] In 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.

[0052] It should be noted that, if an element is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is described as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0053] To improve the thermal failure protection effect of battery packs, this application proposes a fire extinguishing device and a battery pack.

[0054] The battery pack in this embodiment includes a housing, individual battery cells, and a fire extinguishing device. The individual battery cells are housed within the housing, and the fire extinguishing device is fixed within the housing. When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the device releases extinguishing material to extinguish the heat source. Multiple battery cells are disposed within the battery pack, and these cells can be electrically connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both. The individual battery cell is the smallest unit in the battery pack where electrochemical reactions occur; it can be a secondary or primary battery. The individual battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The individual battery cell can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0055] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes a housing, an end cap, and an electrode assembly. The housing and the end cap together form an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly. Specifically, the housing may have a receiving cavity formed therein, with at least one end open, and the end cap may be closed at the open end of the housing to seal the receiving cavity, and the electrode assembly may be mounted within the receiving cavity. The housing may be, but is not limited to, a metal housing, such as an aluminum housing or a steel housing.

[0056] Electrode assemblies typically include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator separating the positive and negative electrodes. An electrolyte can be injected into the battery cell, wetting the interior of the electrode assembly and providing ion migration pathways for electrochemical reactions, as well as conducting electricity. Electrode assemblies can be wound, stacked, etc. One or more electrode assemblies can be installed within a single battery cell.

[0057] The fire extinguishing device in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fire extinguishing device 100 in this embodiment includes a housing 10 and a release assembly 20. The housing 10 includes a filling cavity 11 for filling with fire extinguishing material and a release hole 12 communicating with the filling cavity 11. The release assembly 20 includes a cover 21, a sealing structure 22, and an elastic structure 23. The cover 21 is sealed and installed in the release hole 12, and has an opening a1 thereon. The sealing structure 22 is movably disposed on the side of the cover 21 near the filling cavity 11 along the opening direction F of the release hole 12. The elastic structure 23 is connected to the sealing structure 22 and can provide a clamping force that causes the sealing structure 22 to press against the cover 21 along its opening direction F to cut off the communication between the opening a1 and the filling cavity 11. The sealing structure 22 can move away from the opening a1 under the external pressure of the housing 10, so that the opening a1 communicates with the filling cavity 11.

[0059] The housing 10 has one or more filling cavities 11, each of which communicates with at least one release port 12, and each release port 12 is equipped with a release assembly 20. The filling cavity 11 is used to fill with extinguishing material, and the release assembly 20 is used to release the extinguishing material in the filling cavity 11 to the outside of the housing 10 for external fire suppression. The housing 10 is typically made of a high-temperature resistant material, such as metal, and is structurally stable in high-temperature environments.

[0060] Specifically, the release assembly 20 is sealed at the release hole 12 via its cover 21 to prevent pressure leakage from the release hole 12. The cover 21 has an opening a1, which can be one or more. If there are multiple openings a1, the opening direction of each opening a1 is the same. The opening direction of the opening a1 may or may not be the same as the opening direction F of the release hole 12. The sealing structure 22 is located inside the cover 21 and can move relative to the cover 21 along the opening direction F of the release hole 12. The elastic structure 23 connects to the sealing structure 22 and uses its own elastic force to provide a clamping force to the sealing structure 22, pressing the sealing structure 22 against the cover 21 to cut off the communication between the hole a1 and the filling cavity 11.

[0061] In practical applications, the fire extinguishing device 100 is installed inside the battery pack housing, and its release port 12 is configured corresponding to the individual battery cells. Specifically, each battery cell includes a pressure relief valve. When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the high-temperature smoke generated inside is discharged through the pressure relief valve, and the release port 12 is configured corresponding to the pressure relief valve.

[0062] When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, it releases hot fumes into the casing, causing an increase in internal pressure. This increased pressure acts on the release assembly 20, pushing the sealing structure 22 away from the opening a1, overcoming the clamping force of the elastic structure 23. This allows the opening a1 to connect with the filling cavity 11, releasing the extinguishing agent inside the filling cavity 11 into the casing. This cools and extinguishes the hot fumes inside the casing, effectively eliminating the fire source and improving the battery pack's protection. When the external pressure of the casing 10 decreases, the sealing structure 22, under the clamping force, can return to its original state of clamping the cover 21. In practical applications, the fire extinguishing device 100 can be reused after the filling cavity 11 is refilled with extinguishing agent, resulting in high utilization.

[0063] Specifically, in the embodiments, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The cover 21 includes a cover portion 21a and an enclosing portion 21b connected adjacent to each other along the opening direction F. The cover portion 21a is installed in the release hole 12, and the enclosing portion 21b is provided on the side of the cover portion 21a facing the filling cavity 11. An opening a1 is provided in the cover portion 21a. The enclosing portion 21b forms an enclosing cavity b1 around the opening direction F. The sealing structure 22 is located in the enclosing cavity b1 and is movable relative to the enclosing cavity b1 in the opening direction F. An anti-detachment protrusion 21c is provided at the end of the enclosing portion 21b opposite to the cover portion 21a to prevent the sealing structure 22 from detaching from the enclosing cavity b1.

[0064] The enclosing portion 21b and the cover portion 21a can be integrally connected or separately connected, and extend along the opening direction F. The enclosing portion 21b can be continuously arranged in a ring shape along the periphery of the cover portion 21a, or it can include multiple portions spaced apart along the periphery of the cover portion 21a. The end of the enclosing portion 21b opposite to the cover portion 21a is open, and an anti-detachment protrusion 21c is provided at the open end of the enclosing portion 21b. The anti-detachment protrusion 21c can be annularly protruding at the open end, or it can be spaced apart at the open end along the enclosing direction of the enclosing portion 21b, used to prevent the sealing structure 22 located in the enclosing cavity b1 from detaching from the enclosing cavity b1. The anti-detachment protrusion 21c can be a flange formed by folding the open end of the enclosing portion 21b inward, or it can be a protrusion structure separately connected to the open end.

[0065] The sealing structure 22 is disposed within the enclosing cavity b1. On one hand, the enclosing cavity b1 can be used to limit the installation of the sealing structure 22; on the other hand, the enclosing portion 21b can guide the movement of the sealing structure 22 in the opening direction F. Furthermore, the wall thickness of the enclosing portion 21b can be designed to be relatively small, requiring less material and helping to reduce the cost of the release assembly. The anti-detachment protrusion 21c is used to limit the maximum range of movement of the sealing structure 22, preventing the sealing structure 22 from detaching from the enclosing cavity b1.

[0066] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The sealing structure 22 includes a base 22a and a first sealing element 22b. An elastic structure 23 connects the base 22a. The first sealing element 22b is disposed on the side of the base 22a facing the cover portion 21a, and under the action of the elastic structure 23, it can press the cover portion 21a to cut off the communication between the opening a1 and the filling cavity 11. The base 22a includes an edge portion a3 surrounding the periphery of the first sealing element 22b. The edge portion a3 defines a transition channel a31, which communicates with the filling cavity 11. The opening a1 communicates with the filling cavity 11 through the transition channel a31.

[0067] The form of the first sealing element 22b is flexible and depends on the arrangement of the opening a1. For example, if the opening a1 is opened along the opening direction F of the release hole 12, the first sealing element 22b can be a sealing sheet whose projection along the opening direction F covers the entire opening a1. If the opening a1 is opened radially along the release hole 12 on the cover 21a, and a transition opening is provided on the inner side of the cover 21a, and the opening a1 connects to the filling cavity 11 through the transition opening, the first sealing element 22b can be a sealing sheet whose projection along the opening direction F covers the entire transition opening. Of course, if the transition opening is an annular opening, the first sealing element 22b can be annular.

[0068] The edge portion a3 surrounding the periphery of the first seal 22b means that the projection of the edge portion a3 along the opening direction F is located outside the projection of the first seal 22b along the opening direction F. The edge portion can be understood as the part of the substrate that extends beyond the outer contour of the first seal 22b. Specifically, the substrate can be a whole plate with an outer diameter exceeding that of the first seal 22b, or it can be an annular plate with an outer diameter exceeding that of the first seal 22b.

[0069] The edge portion a3 defines a transition channel a31 that connects with the filling cavity 11. "Defining" means that the edge portion a3 either participates in enclosing and forming the transition channel a31 or has its own transition channel a31. When the first seal 22b presses against the cover 21, it cuts off the transition channel a31 from the opening a1. When the first seal 22b moves away from the cover 21, the transition channel a31 connects the opening a1 and the filling cavity 11. The extinguishing material in the filling cavity 11 enters the opening a1 through the transition channel a31 and is finally discharged outside the housing 10.

[0070] Understandably, the substrate 22a and the first seal 22b are located in the enclosing cavity b1. The elastic structure 23 acts on the substrate 22a, causing the substrate 22a to drive the first seal 22b to press against the cover portion 21a, and the first seal 22b is in a compressed state. The anti-detachment protrusion 21c is located on the path of the edge portion a3 moving along the opening direction F, and is used to prevent the edge portion a3 from detaching from the enclosing cavity b1, thereby preventing the sealing structure 22 from detaching from the enclosing cavity b1.

[0071] In this way, the sealing structure 22 can seal the cover 21 while preventing the sealing structure 22 from falling out of the enclosing cavity b1 through the cooperation of the edge and the anti-detachment protrusion 21c. Moreover, the transition channel a31 is defined by the edge portion a3, which is simple and easy to implement.

[0072] In a further embodiment, the transition channel a31 includes at least one of a transition gap and a transition hole. The transition gap is formed by the edge portion a3 spaced from the sidewall of the enclosing cavity b1, and the transition hole is formed in the edge portion a3.

[0073] Specifically, the edge portion a3 is provided with annular transition gaps at various points along its circumference with the sidewall of the enclosing cavity b1 (e.g., Figure 6 As shown, the width of the transition gap should be smaller than the protrusion size of the anti-detachment protrusion 21c to prevent the edge portion a3 from detaching from the enclosing cavity b1. In this case, the size of the edge portion a3 only needs to be designed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the enclosing cavity b1, which can reduce processing steps and reduce manufacturing costs. It can also avoid the frictional force that exists when the enclosing portion 21b contacts the base 22a, which hinders the movement of the base 22a, so that the sealing structure 22 can more sensitively sense changes in external pressure and move more quickly. Specifically, a notch can also be formed around the periphery of the edge portion a3, and the inner wall of the notch and the side wall of the enclosing cavity b1 can be spaced apart to form a transition gap.

[0074] The transition hole can be, but is not limited to, a straight hole opened along the opening direction F of the release hole 12. Multiple transition holes can be spaced apart circumferentially on the edge portion a3. The transition holes can be arranged in a strip shape along the circumference of the edge portion a3. When the edge portion a3 connects the opening a1 and the filling cavity 11 through the transition hole, the edge portion a3 can be fitted against the sidewall of the enclosing cavity b1. Because the edge portion a3 is fitted against the sidewall of the enclosing cavity b1, the enclosing cavity b1 can provide better guidance for the movement of the substrate 22a, resulting in smoother movement of the substrate 22a.

[0075] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is understood that a first mounting groove a2 is provided on the base 22a, and a first sealing member 22b is installed in the first mounting groove a2 and is positioned beyond the base 22a towards the cover portion 21a.

[0076] The first mounting groove a2 is located on the side of the base 22a facing the cover 21. The thickness of the first sealing member 22b exceeds the depth of the first mounting groove a2. Part of it is installed in the first mounting groove a2, and the other part extends beyond the first mounting groove a2, thus pressing the cover 21a to achieve a seal. The shape of the first mounting groove a2 follows the first sealing member 22b, and is not specifically limited. When assembling the release assembly 20, the first mounting groove a2 is used to position and install the first sealing member 22b to ensure that the relative position of the first sealing member 22b and the cover 21a is accurate, and to ensure that the first sealing member 22b effectively presses and seals the cover 21a.

[0077] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 The sealing structure 22 includes a snap-fit ​​portion 22c, which is located on the side of the sealing structure 22 away from the hole a1. The elastic structure 23 includes a receiving member 23a, an elastic member 23b, and a limiting member 23c. The receiving member 23a forms a receiving cavity a4 inside, with one end of the receiving cavity a4 open in the opening direction F. The limiting member 23c is disposed in the receiving cavity a4. The snap-fit ​​portion 22c passes through the open end of the receiving cavity a4 and snaps against the limiting member 23c, allowing the snap-fit ​​portion 22c to move in the opening direction F. The elastic member 23b is sleeved outside the limiting member 23c and abuts between the receiving member 23a and the sealing structure 22.

[0078] The open end of the accommodating cavity a4 is located on the side of the accommodating cavity a4 near the cover 21. The snap-fit ​​portion 22c of the sealing structure 22 is inserted into the limiting member 23c inside the accommodating cavity a4 through the open end of the accommodating cavity a4 and snaps into the limiting member 23c. In terms of structural design, the snap-fit ​​portion 22c cannot disengage from the limiting member 23c, but it can move relative to the limiting member 23c in the opening direction F. Specifically, one of the snap-fit ​​portion 22c and the limiting member 23c may have a protrusion, and the other may have a recess. The protrusion is snapped into the recess in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction F, and the dimension of the protrusion in the opening direction F is smaller than the dimension of the recess in the opening direction F, so that the protrusion can move relative to the recess in the opening direction F.

[0079] The limiting member 23c can be assembled inside the receiving cavity a4, for example, by engaging with the bottom wall of the receiving cavity a4. The limiting member 23c and the receiving member 23a can also be integrally connected. In the direction perpendicular to the opening direction F, the limiting member 23c is spaced from the side wall of the receiving cavity a4. This space is used to accommodate the elastic member 23b, so that the elastic member 23b can be sleeved around the limiting member 23c, with one end abutting against the bottom wall of the receiving cavity a4 and the other end abutting against the sealing structure 22, and is in a compressed state.

[0080] Specifically, the snap-fit ​​portion 22c is formed on the base 22a of the sealing structure 22, and the elastic element 23b abuts against the base 22a. The elastic element 23b can be a spring, a rubber sleeve, etc.

[0081] In practical applications, when the battery pack does not experience thermal runaway and the external pressure on the housing 10 is relatively low, the compressed elastic element 23b provides a clamping force to the sealing structure 22, and the engaging portion 22c is located in a first position abutting against the limiting element 23c. When the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the external pressure on the housing 10 increases, pushing the sealing structure 22 to overcome the clamping force provided by the elastic element 23b and move away from the opening a1. During this process, the engaging portion 22c moves along the limiting element 23c toward a second position abutting against it, allowing the sealing structure 22 to move further away from the opening a1. The first position is positioned closer to the cover 21 in the opening direction F compared to the second position.

[0082] Further in the embodiments, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 8 The engaging portion 22c includes a plurality of hooks c1 spaced apart along an axis parallel to the opening direction F, and a deformation space c2 located between all the hooks c1. The limiting member 23c includes a limiting hole c3 and a limiting protrusion c4 disposed at the opening end of the limiting hole c3, the limiting protrusion c4 enclosing a through opening c5. The engaging portion 22c passes through the through opening c5, and all the hooks c1 are located within the limiting hole c3. The dimension of the limiting hole c3 along the opening direction F is larger than the dimension of all the hooks c1 in the opening direction F. The limiting protrusion c4 obstructs the side of all the hooks c1 facing the cover 21.

[0083] Specifically, each hook c1 is elastic and can elastically deform towards the deformation space c2 under the action of external force. All hooks c1 have an unfolded form and a retracted form that elastically deforms towards the deformation space c2. The projected outline size of all hooks c1 in the unfolded form is larger than the projected outline size of all hooks c1 in the retracted form.

[0084] When assembling the release assembly 20, the latching part 22c is inserted into the limiting hole c3 along the opening direction F. When all the latches c1 pass through the through-hole c5, they are compressed and change into a closed shape. When inserted into the limiting hole c3, they return to the unfolded state due to the elimination of the compression force. In the unfolded state, the projection of the limiting protrusion c4 along the opening direction F intersects with the projection of all the latches c1, thereby preventing all the latches c1 from facing the cover 21 and thus preventing the latches c1 from coming out of the limiting hole c3. Moreover, the size of the limiting hole c3 in the opening direction F is larger than the size of all the latches c1 in the opening direction F, so that when all the latches c1 are located in the limiting hole c3, there is extra space in the limiting hole c3 for the latches c1 to move along the opening direction F, so that the sealing structure 22 can move away from the hole a1 when subjected to external pressure, thus connecting the opening a1 and the filling cavity 11.

[0085] At this time, a flexible hook c1 is provided on the snap-fit ​​part 22c, which not only makes it convenient for the snap-fit ​​part 22c to be installed in the limiting hole c3, but also allows the snap-fit ​​part 22c to be effectively snapped into the limiting member 23c without disengaging.

[0086] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 The elastic structure 23 also includes a second seal 23d, which is sandwiched between the receiving member 23a and the sealing structure 22. Specifically, the second seal 23d is sandwiched between the open end of the receiving member 23a and the base 22a of the sealing structure 22. The second seal 23d is generally annular, and the space inside the annulus avoids the engaging portion 22c, so as not to interfere with the movement of the engaging portion 22c relative to the receiving member 23a. The second seal 23d can be a circular, square, or other annular structure.

[0087] The second seal 23d prevents the extinguishing material in the filling cavity 11 from entering the receiving cavity a4 through the interface between the receiving element 23a and the substrate 22a. If the extinguishing material is powder, it prevents the powdered extinguishing material from entering the receiving cavity a4 and the limiting hole c3, thus hindering the movement of the sealing structure 22 relative to the receiving element 23a. This would prevent the sealing structure 22 from opening the opening a1 in time, resulting in delayed release of the extinguishing material. If the extinguishing material is gas, it prevents the extinguishing material from entering the receiving cavity a4, thus preventing excessive gas pressure in the receiving cavity a4, which would hinder the movement of the sealing structure 22 and reduce the gas pressure of the extinguishing material in the filling cavity 11. This would prevent the sealing structure 22 from opening the opening a1 in time, and the extinguishing material from effectively exiting the filling cavity 11 for extinguishing and cooling, which is detrimental to the early prevention and control of thermal runaway in the battery pack.

[0088] Optionally, combined Figure 5 The sealing structure 22 includes a second mounting groove a5 surrounding the snap-fit ​​portion 22c, and a second sealing member 23d is installed within the second mounting groove a5. Specifically, the second mounting groove a5 is located on the side of the base 22a facing away from the cover 21. The second mounting groove a5 is circular and adapts to the shape of the second sealing member 23d. The thickness of the second sealing member 23d exceeds the depth of the second mounting groove a5, allowing it to be compressed between the base 22a and the receiving member 23a, thus providing a sealing effect. The second mounting groove a5 positions the second sealing member 23d, preventing it from shifting. The second sealing member 23d can be bonded to the side of the receiving member 23a facing the base 22a. The second mounting groove a5 also helps to position the relative positions of the receiving member 23a and the base 22a to a certain extent, facilitating faster insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion 22c into the limiting member 23c.

[0089] In other embodiments, the second mounting slot a5 may also be disposed on the receiving member 23a.

[0090] The specific construction of the sealing structure 22 and the elastic structure 23 is not limited to the schemes mentioned in the above embodiments. For example, the cover 21 has a mounting shaft located inside it, the sealing structure 22 includes a sealing cap sleeved on the mounting shaft, and the elastic structure 23 includes a spring plate, one end of which is connected to the cover 21 and the other end is connected to the sealing cap, providing a clamping force to the sealing cap to press it against the cover 21. When the external pressure of the housing 10 increases, the sealing cap, pushed by the external pressure, overcomes the action of the spring plate and moves relative to the mounting shaft to open the cover 21, opening the opening a1 and the filling cavity 11.

[0091] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 Multiple release holes 12 are provided, and the multiple release holes 12 are arranged side by side on the same side of the housing 10. In actual application, the release holes 12 are oriented towards the battery cells. By providing multiple release holes 12 on the same side of the housing 10, fire extinguishing materials can be sprayed and released towards different battery cells simultaneously, resulting in a good fire extinguishing effect.

[0092] Specifically, multiple release holes 12 can be arranged in multiple rows on the same side of the housing 10. Typically, multiple battery cells are arranged side by side to form a cell group. Each row of release holes 12 corresponds to a release hole 12 arranged for each battery cell in the same cell group. When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the release component 20 in the corresponding release hole 12 opens and sprays fire extinguishing material into the battery cell to prevent the spread of heat.

[0093] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 10 is equipped with a filling valve 13 for filling the filling chamber 11 with extinguishing material. With the side containing the release hole 12 as the front of the housing 10, the filling valve 13 is typically located on the side of the housing 10, and there can be one or more valves. When the extinguishing material in the fire extinguishing device 100 is depleted, it can be refilled into the filling chamber 11 through the filling valve 13, making the fire extinguishing device 100 recyclable and improving its utilization rate.

[0094] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 7 The cover 21 is provided with multiple openings a1, all of which are spaced around an axis parallel to the opening direction F, and each opening a1 is arranged in a divergent manner with the axis as the center.

[0095] Specifically, all openings a1 radiate outwards in different radial directions from the axis as the center. Alternatively, the size of opening a1 can increase from the end closest to the axis towards the radiating ends, so that the projection of opening a1 along the opening direction F is approximately triangular. In this case, the cover 21 has high structural strength, and the flow area formed by the openings a1 is large, resulting in high efficiency in releasing extinguishing materials. Typically, the cover 21 is made of high-strength materials, such as metal or high-strength plastic.

[0096] In some embodiments, the filling cavity 11 is filled with extinguishing material, and the pressure inside the filling cavity 11 is greater than atmospheric pressure. Specifically, the extinguishing material includes a gaseous substance, which increases the air pressure inside the filling cavity 11. When the opening a1 connects the filling cavity 11 to the outside, the extinguishing material inside the filling cavity 11 can quickly flow to the outside of the shell 10 under its own air pressure, accelerating the discharge of the extinguishing material. Typically, the cover 21 is made of a high-strength material, such as metal or high-strength plastic, to ensure structural stability under the action of the internal high-pressure extinguishing material and the external high-pressure environment.

[0097] In one specific embodiment of this application, reference is made to Figures 3 to 5 The cover 21 includes the aforementioned cover portion 21a and enclosing portion 21b. The sealing structure 22 includes the aforementioned first sealing element 22b, base 22a, and snap-fit ​​portion 22c. The snap-fit ​​portion 22c includes the aforementioned hook c1. The elastic structure 23 includes the aforementioned receiving element 23a, elastic element 23b, and limiting element 23c. The filling cavity 11 is filled with extinguishing material at a pressure exceeding that of air. Please refer to the above description for the fit / assembly relationships of each structure; they will not be repeated here.

[0098] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not conflict, the solutions in the above embodiments can be freely combined to obtain more embodiments.

[0099] In addition, this application embodiment also provides a battery pack, including a housing, individual battery cells, and the fire extinguishing device 100 described in the above embodiments. The housing 10 is fixed in the housing, and the release component 20 is positioned facing the individual battery cells. Specifically, the fire extinguishing device can be fixed to the inner wall of the housing or to the bottom of the housing, as long as the release component 20 faces the individual battery cells. This battery pack incorporates all the beneficial effects described in the above embodiments.

[0100] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0101] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing device (100), characterized in that, include: The housing (10) includes a filling cavity (11) for filling with fire extinguishing material and a release hole (12) communicating with the filling cavity (11); and Release component (20), including: The cover (21) is sealed and installed in the release hole (12), and an opening (a1) is provided thereon; A sealing structure (22) is movably disposed on the side of the cover (21) near the filling cavity (11) along the opening direction (F) of the release hole (12); The elastic structure (23) connects the sealing structure (22) and provides a clamping force that causes the sealing structure (22) to press against the cover (21) along its opening direction (F) to cut off the communication between the opening (a1) and the filling cavity (11); The sealing structure (22) can move away from the opening (a1) under the external pressure of the housing (10), so that the opening (a1) communicates with the filling cavity (11).

2. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover (21) includes a cover portion (21a) and an enclosure portion (21b) connected adjacent to each other along the opening direction (F). The cover portion (21a) is installed in the release hole (12), and the enclosure portion (21b) is provided on the side of the cover portion (21a) facing the filling cavity (11). The opening (a1) is provided in the cover portion (21a). The enclosure portion (21b) forms an enclosure cavity (b1) around the opening direction (F), and the sealing structure (22) is located in the enclosure cavity (b1) and is movable relative to the enclosure cavity (b1) in the opening direction (F); The enclosing portion (21b) is provided with an anti-detachment protrusion (21c) at the end opposite to the cover portion (21a) to prevent the sealing structure (22) from detaching from the enclosing cavity (b1).

3. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing structure (22) includes a base (22a) and a first sealing element (22b), and the elastic structure (23) connects the base (22a); the first sealing element (22b) is disposed on the side of the base (22a) facing the cover (21a), and under the action of the elastic structure (23), it can press the cover (21a) to cut off the communication between the opening (a1) and the filling cavity (11); The substrate (22a) includes an edge portion (a3) ​​surrounding the periphery of the first seal (22b), the edge portion (a3) ​​defining a transition channel (a31) that connects to the filling cavity (11), and the opening (a1) communicating with the filling cavity (11) through the transition channel (a31).

4. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transition channel (a31) includes at least one of a transition gap and a transition hole. The transition gap is formed by the edge portion (a3) ​​and the sidewall of the enclosing cavity (b1) spaced apart. The transition hole is opened in the edge portion (a3). And / or, the base (22a) is provided with a first mounting groove (a2), the first seal (22b) is mounted in the first mounting groove (a2) and is disposed beyond the base (22a) toward the cover (21a).

5. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sealing structure (22) includes a snap-fit ​​portion (22c), which is located on the side of the sealing structure (22) opposite to the opening (a1); The elastic structure (23) includes a receiving member (23a), an elastic member (23b), and a limiting member (23c). The receiving member (23a) forms a receiving cavity (a4) inside. The receiving cavity (a4) is open at one end in the opening direction (F). The limiting member (23c) is disposed in the receiving cavity (a4). The engaging part (22c) passes through the open end of the receiving cavity (a4) and engages with the limiting member (23c). The limiting member (23c) allows the engaging part (22c) to move in the opening direction (F). The elastic element (23b) is sleeved outside the limiting element (23c) and abuts between the receiving element (23a) and the sealing structure (22).

6. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The latching portion (22c) includes a plurality of latches (c1) spaced apart around an axis parallel to the opening direction (F), and a deformation space (c2) located between all the latches (c1), each latch (c1) being configured to elastically deform toward the deformation space (c2). The limiting member (23c) includes a limiting hole (c3) and a limiting protrusion (c4) disposed at the opening end of the limiting hole (c3), wherein the limiting protrusion (c4) surrounds and forms a through opening (c5). The latching part (22c) passes through the through opening (c5), and all the latches (c1) are located in the limiting hole (c3). The size of the limiting hole (c3) along the opening direction (F) is larger than the size of all the latches (c1) in the opening direction (F). The limiting protrusion (c4) obstructs the side of all the latches (c1) facing the cover (21).

7. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic structure (23) further includes a second seal (23d) which is held between the receiving member (23a) and the sealing structure (22).

8. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing structure (22) includes a second mounting groove (a5) surrounding the snap-fit ​​portion (22c), and the second seal (23d) is installed in the second mounting groove (a5).

9. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple release holes (12) are provided, and the multiple release holes (12) are arranged side by side on the same side of the housing (10); and / or, The housing (10) is provided with a filling valve (13) for filling the filling cavity (11) with fire extinguishing material; and / or, The cover (21) is provided with a plurality of openings (a1), all of which are spaced apart around an axis parallel to the opening direction (F), and each opening (a1) is arranged in a radiating pattern with the axis as the center; and / or, The filling cavity (11) is filled with fire extinguishing material, and the pressure inside the filling cavity (11) is greater than atmospheric pressure.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Box; The battery cell is housed within the casing. The fire extinguishing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing (10) is fixed in the box and the release assembly (20) is disposed toward the battery cell.

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