Battery devices and electrical equipment

Abstract

This application provides a battery device and an electrical appliance that can improve the performance of the battery device. The battery device includes: a housing, a plurality of battery cells, and an expansion structure. The plurality of battery cells are arranged along a first direction. Each battery cell includes a first wall perpendicular to the first direction, which is the wall with the largest area of ​​the battery cell. The expansion structure includes an airbag component and a gas-generating component that are interconnected. At least a portion of the airbag component is disposed between adjacent first and second battery cells among the plurality of battery cells. When the temperature or pressure of the first and / or second battery cells is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the gas-generating component is configured to generate gas to the airbag component, causing the airbag component to expand along the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery device and an electrical appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0003] In the development of battery technology, in addition to improving the electrical performance of battery devices, the propagation of thermal runaway is also a problem that cannot be ignored. For example, a battery cell experiencing thermal runaway can easily have a thermal impact on adjacent battery cells, significantly increasing the risk of thermal runaway in adjacent cells and thus reducing the overall performance of the battery device. Therefore, how to improve the performance of battery devices has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a battery device and an electrical appliance that can improve the performance of the battery device.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery device, comprising: a housing including a receiving cavity; a plurality of battery cells housed in the receiving cavity, the plurality of battery cells being arranged along a first direction, each battery cell including a first wall perpendicular to the first direction, the first wall being the wall with the largest area of ​​the battery cell; and an expansion structure housed in the receiving cavity, the expansion structure including an airbag component and a gas-generating component communicating with each other, at least a portion of the airbag component being disposed between adjacent first and second battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; wherein, when the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the gas-generating component is configured to generate gas to the airbag component to cause the airbag component to expand along the first direction.

[0006] In this embodiment, an expansion structure is provided in the battery device. This expansion structure includes an interconnected airbag component and a gas-generating component. At least a portion of the airbag component is disposed between adjacent first and second battery cells among a plurality of battery cells. When the temperature or pressure of the first and / or second battery cells is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, i.e., when the first and / or second battery cells experience thermal runaway, the gas-generating component is configured to generate gas to the airbag component, causing the airbag component to expand along the first direction. This increases the distance between adjacent first and second battery cells in the first direction, meeting the thermal propagation requirements of the battery device. This reduces the thermal impact of the thermally runaway battery cell on adjacent battery cells, effectively reducing the risk of thermal runaway in adjacent battery cells, thereby improving the performance of the battery device. Furthermore, compared to the prior art's technical solution of providing a liquid-containing heat insulation component between battery cells, generating gas to the airbag component through the gas-generating component effectively reduces the weight of the battery device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes two second walls opposite each other along a second direction, and the gas-generating component is connected to the second wall of the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the temperature of the second wall is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the gas-generating component is configured to generate gas to the airbag component so that the airbag component expands along the first direction.

[0008] In this embodiment, by configuring the gas-generating component to be connected to the second wall of the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell, when the temperature of the second wall is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, i.e. when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the heat of the battery cell experiencing thermal runaway is conducted to the gas-generating component through the second wall, thereby triggering the gas-generating component to generate gas for the airbag component, causing the airbag component to expand along the first direction. This increases the distance between adjacent first and second battery cells in the first direction, meets the thermal propagation requirements of the battery device, effectively reduces the risk of thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells, and thus improves the performance of the battery device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the height direction of the housing.

[0010] In this embodiment, by setting the second direction to be perpendicular to the first direction and the height direction of the housing, and the second wall being the two opposing walls of the battery cell along the second direction, compared to setting the gas-generating component to one side of the battery cell along the height direction of the housing, by setting the gas-generating component on the second wall, the size of the battery device in the height direction of the housing is reduced, the space utilization of the battery device is improved, and the assembly of the gas-generating component is facilitated, thereby improving the performance of the battery device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the expansion structure further includes a support member, at least a portion of which is disposed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and the support member is attached to the outer periphery of the airbag member, and the gas generating member communicates with the airbag member through the support member.

[0012] In this embodiment, by configuring the expansion structure to also include a support member, at least a portion of which is disposed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and the support member is attached to the outer periphery of the airbag member, the structural strength between the expansion structure, the first battery cell, and the second battery cell is improved, while the swaying of the airbag member under different operating conditions of the battery device is reduced, thereby improving the performance of the battery device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support member includes a first through hole extending in a first direction, the outer periphery of the airbag member is attached to the inner wall of the first through hole, the support member also includes a second through hole extending in a second direction, the second through hole communicating with the first through hole, and the gas generating member communicating with the airbag member through the second through hole.

[0014] In this embodiment of the application, by configuring the support component to include a first through hole extending along a first direction, the outer periphery of the airbag component is attached to the inner wall of the first through hole, and the support component also includes a second through hole extending along a second direction, the second through hole communicating with the first through hole, and the gas generating component communicating with the airbag component through the second through hole, so as to facilitate the assembly between the airbag component, the support component and the gas generating component, thereby improving the assembly performance of the battery device. At the same time, the structure is simple, which facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the battery device.

[0015] In some embodiments, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the support member lies within the orthographic projection of the first wall.

[0016] In this embodiment of the application, by setting the orthographic projection of the support member to be located within the orthographic projection of the first wall on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the influence of the portion of the support member extending beyond the first wall along the first direction on other components within the battery device is reduced, thereby improving the space utilization of the battery device. At the same time, it facilitates the assembly of the support member and the airbag member, thereby improving the assembly performance and usability of the battery device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the airbag component is bonded to the inner wall of the first through hole.

[0018] In this embodiment of the application, by bonding the outer periphery of the airbag component to the inner wall of the first through hole, the connection strength between the airbag component and the support component is improved, thereby reducing the risk of the airbag component shaking or falling off under different operating conditions of the battery device, and thus improving the performance of the battery device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the surface of the support member facing the first battery cell is bonded to the first battery cell, and / or the surface of the support member facing the second battery cell is bonded to the second battery cell.

[0020] In this embodiment of the application, by setting the surface of the support member facing the first battery cell to be bonded to the first battery cell, and / or setting the surface of the support member facing the second battery cell to be bonded to the second battery cell, the connection strength between the support member and the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell is improved, effectively reducing the risk of the support member and the airbag member shaking or falling off under different operating conditions of the battery device, thereby improving the performance of the battery device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the expansion structure includes a plurality of airbag components and a gas-generating component, wherein the plurality of airbag components are respectively disposed between any two adjacent battery cells along the first direction, and the plurality of airbag components are all connected to a gas-generating component.

[0022] In this embodiment, the expansion structure is configured to include multiple airbag components and a gas-generating component. The multiple airbag components are respectively disposed between any two adjacent battery cells along the first direction, and each of the multiple airbag components is connected to a gas-generating component. In the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell, the gas-generating component inflates the corresponding airbag component on the first wall of the thermally runaway battery cell through the connecting pipe. This increases the distance between the thermally runaway battery cell and the adjacent battery cells in the first direction, meets the thermal propagation requirements of the battery device, effectively reduces the risk of thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells, and thus improves the performance of the battery device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the expansion structure further includes an isolation component disposed in a communication conduit between the airbag component and the gas-generating component to isolate the airbag component and the gas-generating component. The isolation component is configured to rupture when the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, so that the airbag component and the gas-generating component are connected.

[0024] In this embodiment, the expansion structure further includes an isolation component disposed in the connecting pipe between the airbag component and the gas-generating component to isolate the airbag component and the gas-generating component. When the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the isolation component can rupture to connect the airbag component and the gas-generating component, allowing the gas from the gas-generating component to flow to the airbag component corresponding to the battery cell that has experienced thermal runaway. This effectively reduces the risk of the airbag component expanding when the battery device has not experienced thermal runaway, thereby improving the performance of the battery device.

[0025] In some embodiments, along the first direction, the size of the airbag component in the central region is larger than the size of the airbag component in the edge region.

[0026] In this embodiment of the application, by setting the size of the airbag component in the central region to be larger than the size of the airbag component in the edge region along the first direction, the uniformity of force between the airbag component and the surface of the first wall is improved in the event of thermal runaway of the battery device and expansion of the airbag component, thereby reducing the impact on the casing of the battery cells that have not runaway and improving the performance of the battery device.

[0027] In some embodiments, along the first direction, the size D1 of the airbag component before inflation satisfies: 1mm ≤ D1 ≤ 3mm.

[0028] In this embodiment of the application, along the first direction, the size D1 of the airbag component before inflation is set to satisfy: 1mm≤D1≤3mm, so as to take into account both the performance of the inflation structure and the space utilization of the battery device, thereby improving the energy density of the battery device and thus improving the performance of the battery device.

[0029] In some embodiments, the expansion structure further includes a heat insulation component disposed inside the airbag component.

[0030] In this embodiment, by configuring the expansion structure to include a heat insulation component disposed inside the airbag component, in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell, on the one hand, the gas-generating component can generate gas into the airbag component to cause the airbag component to expand along the first direction, increasing the distance between the thermally runaway battery cell and adjacent battery cells in the first direction, thereby reducing the thermal impact of the thermally runaway battery cell on adjacent battery cells. On the other hand, the heat insulation component can prevent the thermal runaway battery cell from spreading heat to adjacent battery cells, thereby further reducing the risk of thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells and improving the performance of the battery device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the support component is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or polyetheretherketone.

[0032] In this embodiment, by setting the material of the support component to polytetrafluoroethylene or polyetheretherketone, the connection strength between the support component and the battery cell and the weight of the battery device are balanced, while the high temperature resistance of the support component is improved, thereby improving the performance of the battery device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the airbag component is made of acrylic fabric or aluminum-plastic film.

[0034] In this embodiment, by setting the material of the airbag component to acrylic fabric or aluminum-plastic film, the expansion performance of the airbag component and the weight of the battery device are balanced, thereby improving the performance of the battery device and reducing the processing and manufacturing cost of the battery device.

[0035] In a second aspect, an electrical device is provided, comprising the battery device described in any one of the first aspects, the battery device being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0036] In some implementations, the electrical equipment can be a vehicle, a ship, or a spacecraft. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the expansion structure after assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell and an expansion structure after assembly, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a front view of an airbag component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell and an expansion structure after assembly, according to another embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a side view of a battery cell and expansion structure assembled according to an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a side view of a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of airbag components and a gas generating component assembled according to an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Vehicle; 10-Battery unit; 20-Battery cell; 30-Controller; 40-Motor; 11-Casing; 111-First part; 112-Second part; 112a-Base plate; 112b-Side plate; 21-Outer shell; 22-Electrode assembly; 211-Housing shell; 212-End cap; 222-Electrode tab; 222a-Positive electrode tab; 222b-Negative electrode tab; 213-Pressure relief mechanism; 214-Electrode terminal ; 214a - First electrode terminal; 214b - Second electrode terminal; 23 - Adapter component; 50 - Receiving cavity; 60 - First wall; 610 - First battery cell; 620 - Second battery cell; 70 - Expansion structure; 710 - Airbag component; 720 - Gas generation component; 730 - Support component; 740 - Isolation component; 750 - Heat insulation component; 731 - First through hole; 732 - Second through hole; 80 - Second wall; 90 - Connecting pipe.

[0049] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0052] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0055] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0056] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0057] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of this application can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0058] Unless otherwise specified, all technical features and optional technical features of this application may be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0059] In this embodiment, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged after discharge to activate the active materials and continue to be used. The battery device in this embodiment can also be called a battery.

[0060] The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0061] A single battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charging and discharging process of a single battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) repeatedly insert and extract between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator, positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal, etc.

[0063] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly has tabs that allow current to be drawn from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0064] In some embodiments, the battery cell may include a casing. The casing may be a steel casing, an aluminum casing, a plastic casing (such as a polypropylene casing), a composite metal casing (such as a copper-aluminum composite casing), or an aluminum-plastic film, etc. In some embodiments, the casing may be a sealed structure or a non-sealed structure. As an example, when the casing is a non-sealed structure, the casing serves to protect the electrode assembly, and a sealing bag is included between the casing and the electrode assembly to encapsulate the electrode assembly and electrolyte. Specifically, the sealing bag may be a bag-shaped insulating component or an aluminum-plastic film. When the casing is a sealed structure, it is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and electrolyte.

[0065] As an example, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or a battery cell of other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and multi-prismatic batteries, such as hexagonal prismatic batteries. This application does not have any particular limitations.

[0066] In some embodiments, at least one electrode terminal is provided on the housing, and the electrode terminal is electrically connected to the tab. The electrode terminal can be directly connected to the tab, or it can be indirectly connected to the tab through a current collector. The electrode terminal can be provided on the end cap or on the housing.

[0067] In some embodiments, a pressure relief mechanism is provided on the casing. The pressure relief mechanism is used to release the internal gas of the battery cell.

[0068] As an example, the internal pressure or temperature of a battery cell is actuated to release the internal pressure or temperature when it reaches a predetermined threshold. When the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches the predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism is activated or a weak structure in the pressure relief mechanism is broken, thereby creating an opening or channel for the internal pressure or temperature to be released. The threshold design varies depending on the design requirements. The threshold may depend on the materials of one or more of the positive electrode, negative electrode, electrolyte, and separator in the battery cell.

[0069] As an example, the pressure relief mechanism can be integrally molded with the housing.

[0070] As an example, the pressure relief mechanism can also be separately installed and connected to the housing.

[0071] The term "actuation" as used in this application refers to the activation or actuation of the pressure relief mechanism to a certain state, thereby releasing the internal pressure and temperature of the battery cell. The actions of the pressure relief mechanism may include, but are not limited to: movement of components within the mechanism to form an exhaust channel, rupture, breakage, tearing, or opening of at least a portion of the mechanism, etc. When the pressure relief mechanism is activated, the high-temperature, high-pressure substances inside the battery cell are discharged as waste from the activated portion. This method allows for pressure and temperature relief of the battery cell under controllable pressure or temperature, thereby preventing potentially more serious accidents.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the housing is a non-sealed structure, the pressure relief mechanism can be configured as a through hole for venting gas inside the battery cell.

[0073] The emissions from battery cells mentioned in this application include, but are not limited to: electrolyte, dissolved or split positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of separators, high-temperature and high-pressure gases generated by the reaction, flames, etc.

[0074] The battery device mentioned in the embodiments of this application may include one or more battery cell assemblies for providing voltage and capacity. A battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells, which are connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections via a busbar.

[0075] In some embodiments, a battery cell assembly is typically formed by arranging multiple battery cells.

[0076] As an example, a battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which is formed by arranging and fixing multiple battery cells together to form an independent module. As another example, a battery module can be formed by bundling multiple battery cells together with cable ties.

[0077] In some embodiments, the battery device may be a battery pack, which includes a housing and one or more individual battery cell assemblies housed within the housing.

[0078] As an example, the battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which can be housed in a housing by fixing the battery module in the housing.

[0079] As an example, battery cell assemblies can also be housed in a housing by directly fixing multiple battery cells to the housing.

[0080] As an example, the enclosure may include a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure and the second enclosure are fastened together to form a closed space inside the enclosure to house the individual battery cells. Here, "closed" refers to covering or closing, and can be either sealed or unsealed. The first enclosure may be a top cover or a bottom plate.

[0081] As an example, the enclosure may include a top cover, a frame, and a bottom plate. The top cover and bottom plate are connected to the frame, creating an enclosed space inside the enclosure to house the individual battery cells.

[0082] In some embodiments, the housing may be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For example, a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's floor, or a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0083] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to various electrical devices that use individual battery cells, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric toys, power tools, vehicles, ships, and spacecraft. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft.

[0084] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0085] In the development of battery technology, besides improving the electrical performance of battery devices, the propagation of thermal runaway is also a problem that cannot be ignored. For example, a battery cell experiencing thermal runaway can easily have a thermal impact on adjacent battery cells. That is, a battery cell experiencing thermal runaway can transfer heat to adjacent battery cells through thermal radiation and thermal conduction, causing the temperature of adjacent battery cells to rise and increasing the risk of thermal runaway in adjacent battery cells, thereby reducing the overall performance of the battery device. Therefore, how to improve the performance of battery devices has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field.

[0086] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a battery device and an electrical appliance. The battery device includes: a housing, a plurality of battery cells, and an expansion structure. The housing includes a receiving cavity in which the plurality of battery cells are received. The plurality of battery cells are arranged along a first direction. Each battery cell includes a first wall perpendicular to the first direction, which is the wall with the largest area of ​​the battery cell. The expansion structure is received in the receiving cavity. The expansion structure includes an airbag component and a gas-generating component that are interconnected. At least a portion of the airbag component is disposed between adjacent first and second battery cells among the plurality of battery cells. When the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the gas-generating component is configured to generate gas to the airbag component so that the airbag component expands along the first direction. Thus, in this embodiment, by providing an expansion structure in the battery device, the expansion structure includes an interconnected airbag component and a gas-generating component. At least a portion of the airbag component is disposed between adjacent first and second battery cells among the plurality of battery cells. When the temperature or pressure of the first and / or second battery cells is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, i.e., when thermal runaway occurs in the first and / or second battery cells, the gas-generating component is configured to generate gas to the airbag component, causing the airbag component to expand along the first direction. This increases the distance between adjacent first and second battery cells in the first direction, satisfying the thermal propagation requirements of the battery device, reducing the thermal impact of a thermally runaway battery cell on adjacent battery cells, effectively reducing the risk of thermal runaway in adjacent battery cells, thereby improving the performance of the battery device. Furthermore, compared to the prior art's technical solution of providing a liquid-containing heat-insulating component between battery cells, generating gas to the airbag component through the gas-generating component effectively reduces the weight of the battery device.

[0087] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to various electrical devices that use battery devices.

[0088] Electrical equipment can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the above-mentioned electrical equipment.

[0089] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are not limited to the electrical equipment described above, but can also be applied to all devices that use batteries. For the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments will be described in detail using a vehicle as an example of electrical equipment.

[0090] For example, such as Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of this application. Vehicle 1 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. A motor 40, a controller 30, and a battery device 10 can be installed inside vehicle 1. The controller 30 controls the battery device 10 to supply power to the motor 40. For example, the battery device 10 can be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1. The battery device 10 can be used to power vehicle 1. For example, the battery device 10 can serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1, for example, to meet the electrical system requirements of vehicle 1, such as for starting, navigation, and operation. In another embodiment of this application, the battery device 10 can not only serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1, but also as the driving power source for vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas to provide driving power for vehicle 1.

[0091] To meet different power demands, the battery device 10 in this embodiment may include at least one battery cell assembly, which comprises multiple battery cells. These multiple battery cells can be electrically connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form the battery device 10. A combination of series and parallel connections is used. The battery device 10 may also be referred to as a battery pack. For example, multiple battery cells can first be connected in series, parallel, or a combination to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form the battery device 10. That is, multiple battery cells can directly form the battery device 10, or they can first be assembled into battery modules, and then the battery modules can be assembled into the battery device 10.

[0092] For example, such as Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a battery device 10 according to an embodiment of this application. The battery device 10 may include multiple battery cells 20. The battery device 10 may also include a housing 11 (or cover), which has a hollow interior structure, and the multiple battery cells 20 are housed within the housing 11. For example, the multiple battery cells 20 may be connected in parallel, series, or a mixed configuration and then placed inside the housing 11.

[0093] like Figure 2As shown, the housing 11 may include two parts, referred to here as the first part 111 and the second part 112, which are fastened together. The shapes of the first part 111 and the second part 112 can be determined according to the combined shape of multiple battery cells 20. Both the first part 111 and the second part 112 may have an opening. For example, both the first part 111 and the second part 112 may be hollow cuboids with only one open face. The openings of the first part 111 and the second part 112 are opposite to each other, and the first part 111 and the second part 112 are fastened together to form a housing 11 with a closed cavity. The housing may include a bottom plate 112a, side plates 112b, and beams. Multiple battery cells 20 are connected in parallel, series, or mixed configurations and placed inside the housing 11 formed by the fastening of the first part 111 and the second part 112.

[0094] Optionally, the battery device 10 may also include other structures, which will not be described in detail here. For example, the battery device 10 may also include a busbar component for realizing the electrical connection between multiple battery cells 20, such as parallel, series, or mixed connection. Specifically, the busbar component can realize the electrical connection between battery cells 20 by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. Further, the busbar component can be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electrical energy of the multiple battery cells 20 can be further led out through the housing by a conductive mechanism. Optionally, the conductive mechanism may also be part of the busbar component.

[0095] The number of battery cells 20 can be set to any value depending on different power requirements. Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed to achieve a larger capacity or power. Since each battery device 10 may include a large number of battery cells 20, for ease of installation, the battery cells 20 can be grouped, with each group of battery cells 20 forming a battery module. The number of battery cells 20 included in a battery module is unlimited and can be set according to requirements.

[0096] In this embodiment, the number of battery cells 20 can be set to any value according to different power requirements. Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection to achieve a larger capacity or power. Since each battery device 10 may include a large number of battery cells 20, for ease of installation, the battery cells 20 can be grouped, with each group of battery cells 20 forming a battery module. The number of battery cells 20 included in a battery module is not limited and can be set according to requirements. The battery device 10 may include multiple battery modules, which can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection.

[0097] Figure 3This diagram shows an exploded view of the battery cell 20 provided in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 An exploded structural diagram of a battery cell 20 according to another embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell 20 in this embodiment may include: a housing 21 and an electrode assembly 22. The housing 21 has a closed receiving space, and the electrode assembly 22 is placed in the receiving space within the housing 21. The housing 21 may include a shell 211 and an end cap 212. The shell 211 is a hollow structure with at least one opening; the end cap 212 is used to fasten with the shell 211 to form the housing 21 with a closed receiving space.

[0098] In some embodiments, the end cap 212 may be a plate-like structure used to cover the opening of the housing 211. In other embodiments, the end cap 212 has a similar structure to the housing 211, that is, both the housing 211 and the end cap 212 are hollow structures with one opening, and the two openings are joined together to form an outer shell 21 with a closed accommodating space.

[0099] It should be understood that if the end cap 212 is a plate-like structure, the shell 211 can be a hollow structure with an opening at one or more ends. For example, if the shell 211 is a hollow structure with an opening at one end, the end cap 212 can be set as one; if the shell 211 is a hollow structure with openings at opposite ends, the end cap 212 can be set as two, with the two end caps 212 respectively covering the openings at both ends of the shell 211.

[0100] The outer shell 21 can be of various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, or other polyhedrons. For example, ... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the description mainly takes the outer shell 21 as a cuboid structure.

[0101] It should be understood that the end cap 212 in this embodiment is used to cooperate with the housing 211 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. The shape of the end cap 212 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 211, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the shell 211 has a cuboid structure, and the end cap 212 has a rectangular plate structure that is adapted to the shell 211.

[0102] The material of the housing 211 in this embodiment may include one or more materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc. The material of the end cap 212 may also be one or more materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc. The material of the end cap 212 may be the same as or different from that of the housing 211; the materials of the different walls of the housing 211 may also be the same or different.

[0103] The end cap 212 in this embodiment can be any wall of the outer shell 21. For example, the end cap 212 can be the wall with the largest area among the multiple walls included in the outer shell 21, or the wall with the smallest area, or it can be other walls. This embodiment is not limited to this. Alternatively, the end cap 212 can also be other structures. For example, the end cap 212 can also be a groove with an opening to cover the opening of the housing 211. This embodiment is not limited to this.

[0104] It should be understood that the battery cell 20 also includes electrode terminals 214. In this embodiment, the electrode terminals 214 are used for electrical connection with the electrode assembly 22 inside the battery cell 20 to output the electrical energy of the battery cell 20. Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the battery cell 20 may include at least two electrode terminals 214, which may include at least one first electrode terminal 214a and at least one second electrode terminal 214b. Exemplarily, if the first electrode terminal 214a is a positive electrode terminal, it is used for electrical connection to the positive electrode tab 222a of the electrode assembly 22; if the second electrode terminal 214b is a negative electrode terminal, it is used for electrical connection to the negative electrode tab 222b of the electrode assembly 22. The first electrode terminal 214a and the positive electrode tab 222a can be directly connected or indirectly connected, as can the second electrode terminal 214b and the negative electrode tab 222b. Exemplarily, the first electrode terminal 214a can be electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 222a via an adapter 23, and the second electrode terminal 214b can be electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 222b via an adapter 23. It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the positive electrode tab 222a and the negative electrode tab 222b can be collectively referred to as electrode tab 222.

[0105] In this embodiment, the wall of the housing 211 and the wall of the end cap 212 are both referred to as the wall of the battery cell 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4The rectangular battery cell 20 shown has a housing 211 with a bottom wall and four side walls. The housing 211 is shaped according to the combination of one or more electrode assemblies 22. For example, the housing 211 can be a hollow cuboid, cube, or cylinder, and one face of the housing 211 has an opening to allow one or more electrode assemblies 22 to be placed inside. For example, when the housing 211 is a hollow cuboid or cube, one plane of the housing 211 is an open face, meaning that this plane has no wall, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 211. When the housing 211 is a hollow cylinder, the end face of the housing 211 is an open face, meaning that this end face has no wall, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 211. An end cap 212 covers the opening and connects to the housing 211 to form a closed cavity for placing the electrode assemblies 22. The housing 211 is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolyte solution.

[0106] In this battery cell 20, the electrode assembly 22 is the component in which the electrochemical reaction occurs. Depending on actual usage requirements, the electrode assembly 22 within the casing 211 can be one or multiple. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, two electrode assemblies 22 are disposed within the battery cell 20. The electrode assembly 22 can be a cylinder, a cuboid, etc. If the electrode assembly 22 is a cylindrical structure, the housing 211 can also be a cylindrical structure; if the electrode assembly 22 is a cuboid structure, the housing 211 can also be a cuboid structure. In this embodiment, the material of the housing 211 may include the following materials: copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0107] A pressure relief mechanism 213 may also be provided on the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated to release the internal pressure or temperature when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold.

[0108] The pressure relief mechanism 213 can be any of the possible pressure relief mechanisms 213. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be a temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism, which is configured to melt when the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold; and / or, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism, which is configured to rupture when the internal gas pressure of the battery cell 20 with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold.

[0109] Figure 5 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the assembled structure of a first battery cell 610, a second battery cell 620, and an expansion structure 70 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell 20 and an expansion structure 70 after assembly according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 A front view of an airbag component 710 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0110] In some implementations, such as Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the battery device 10 includes: a housing 11, a plurality of battery cells 20, and an expansion structure 70. The housing 11 includes a receiving cavity 50, in which the plurality of battery cells 20 are received. The plurality of battery cells 20 are arranged along a first direction. Each battery cell 20 includes a first wall 60 perpendicular to the first direction, which is the wall with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 20. The expansion structure 70 is received in the receiving cavity 50. The expansion structure 70 includes an airbag component 710 and a gas-generating component 720 that are in communication with each other. At least a portion of the airbag component 710 is disposed between adjacent first battery cells 610 and second battery cells 620 among the plurality of battery cells 20. When the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the gas-generating component 720 is configured to generate gas to the airbag component 710 so that the airbag component 710 expands along the first direction.

[0111] It should be understood that, for ease of description, three directions are defined here: a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. The first direction may be the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells 20, or it may be the width direction of the battery cell 20. For example, the first direction may be... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The direction X shown in the diagram; the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction, for example, the second direction may be... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The direction Y or direction Z shown in the diagram, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. For example, the third direction may be... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The direction shown is Y or Z. For example, when the second direction is direction Y, the third direction is direction Z; when the second direction is direction Z, the third direction is direction Y. It should also be understood that direction Y may be the length direction of the battery cell 20, and direction Z may be the height direction of the battery cell 20, or direction Z may also be the height direction of the housing 11.

[0112] It should also be understood that the expansion structure 70 including the interconnected airbag component 710 and gas-generating component 720 can mean that the airbag component 710 and the gas-generating component 720 are connected via a connecting pipe 90. Gas generated by the gas-generating component 720 flows through the connecting pipe 90 into the interior of the airbag component 710 to achieve expansion of the airbag component 710 in the first direction. The material of the connecting pipe 90 in this embodiment can be the same as or different from the material of the airbag component 710. For example, the material of the connecting pipe 90 can be one of the following: acrylic fabric, aluminum-plastic film, neoprene rubber, copper, aluminum, or steel.

[0113] It should also be understood that at least a portion of the airbag component 710 being disposed between adjacent first battery cells 610 and second battery cells 620 among the plurality of battery cells 20 can mean that, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, there is an overlapping area between the orthographic projection of the airbag component 710 and the orthographic projection of the first wall 60 of the battery cell 20. In some implementations, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the airbag component 710 lies within the orthographic projection of the first wall 60 of the battery cell 20.

[0114] It should also be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the surface of the airbag component 710 facing the first battery cell 610 may be fixedly connected to the surface of the first battery cell 610 facing the airbag component 710, and / or, the surface of the airbag component 710 facing the second battery cell 620 may be fixedly connected to the surface of the second battery cell 620 facing the airbag component 710. Exemplarily, the surface of the airbag component 710 facing the first battery cell 610 may be adhesively connected to the surface of the first battery cell 610 facing the airbag component 710, and / or, the surface of the airbag component 710 facing the second battery cell 620 may be adhesively connected to the surface of the second battery cell 620 facing the airbag component 710.

[0115] It should also be understood that when the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the gas-generating component 720 is configured to generate gas to the airbag component 710 to cause the airbag component 710 to expand along the first direction. This can mean that when the temperature of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, or when the pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the gas-generating component 720 can generate gas to the airbag component 710 to cause the airbag component 710 to expand along the first direction. The preset threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery cell 20 in this embodiment can be set according to actual needs, and the preset threshold corresponding to the pressure of the battery cell 20 in this embodiment can be set according to actual needs. As an example, this embodiment does not limit this.

[0116] It should also be understood that the gas-generating component 720 in this embodiment can be either actively triggered or passively triggered. In the actively triggered mode, the gas-generating component 720 can be electrically connected to the battery management system in the battery device 10. When the battery management system detects that the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the gas-generating component 720 to generate gas to the airbag component 710. In the passively triggered mode, the gas-generating material in the gas-generating component 720 can undergo thermal decomposition at high temperatures to generate gas to the airbag component 710. For example, the gas-generating component 720 can be in direct contact with the casing 211 of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620. When the temperature of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 reaches a preset threshold, that is, when the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 experiences thermal runaway, the casing 211 transfers heat to the gas-generating component 720, so that the gas-generating component 720 generates gas to the airbag component 710.

[0117] It should also be understood that the gas-generating material in the gas-generating component 720 in the embodiments of this application can be set according to actual needs. For example, the gas-generating material can be set as sodium trinitride or guanidine nitrate and silicon dioxide.

[0118] It should also be understood that the material of the airbag component 710 in the embodiments of this application can be set according to actual needs. For example, the material of the airbag component 710 can be set to one of the following: polyamide, polyester fiber, polyetheretherketone, polyurethane, aluminum-plastic film, and neoprene rubber.

[0119] In this embodiment, an expansion structure 70 is provided in the battery device 10. The expansion structure 70 includes an airbag component 710 and a gas-generating component 720 that are interconnected. At least a portion of the airbag component 710 is disposed between adjacent first battery cells 610 and second battery cells 620 among the plurality of battery cells 20. When the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, i.e., when thermal runaway occurs in the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620, the gas-generating component 720 is configured to generate gas into the airbag component 710. This allows the airbag component 710 to expand along the first direction, increasing the distance between adjacent first battery cells 610 and second battery cells 620 in that direction. This satisfies the thermal propagation requirements of the battery device 10, reducing the thermal impact of a battery cell 20 experiencing thermal runaway on adjacent battery cells 20. This effectively reduces the risk of thermal runaway in adjacent battery cells 20, thereby improving the performance of the battery device 10. Furthermore, compared to the prior art where a heat-insulating component containing liquid is placed between battery cells 20, the air-generating component 720 generates gas to the airbag component 710, effectively reducing the weight of the battery device 10.

[0120] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the battery cell 20 includes two second walls 80 opposite each other along a second direction. The gas generating component 720 is connected to the second wall 80 of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the temperature of the second wall 80 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the gas generating component 720 is configured to generate gas to the airbag component 710 so that the airbag component 710 expands along the first direction.

[0121] It should be understood that the gas-generating component 720 in this embodiment can abut against or be fixedly connected to the second wall 80. Exemplarily, the surface of the gas-generating component 720 facing the second wall 80 can be bonded to the surface of the second wall 80 facing the gas-generating component 720.

[0122] It should also be understood that the second wall 80 in the embodiments of this application can be the wall of the battery cell 20 without electrode terminals 214, or the second wall 80 can be the wall of the battery cell 20 without pressure relief mechanism 213, so as to reduce the impact of the gas generating component 720 on the performance of the electrode terminals 214 and pressure relief mechanism 213.

[0123] In this embodiment, by configuring the gas-generating component 720 to be connected to the second wall 80 of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620, when the temperature of the second wall 80 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, i.e. when the battery cell 20 experiences thermal runaway, the heat from the thermally runaway battery cell 20 is conducted to the gas-generating component 720 through the second wall 80, thereby triggering the gas-generating component 720 to generate gas for the airbag component 710, causing the airbag component 710 to expand along the first direction. This increases the distance between adjacent first battery cells 610 and second battery cells 620 in the first direction, satisfying the thermal propagation requirements of the battery device 10, effectively reducing the risk of thermal runaway in adjacent battery cells 20, and thus improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0124] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the height direction of the box 11.

[0125] It should be understood that the second direction, perpendicular to the first direction and the height direction of the housing 11, can refer to the second direction being... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The direction Y shown in the figure indicates that the gas generating component 720 can be connected to the side wall of the battery cell 20 along the width direction of the battery cell 20, thereby reducing the size occupied by the battery device 10 in the height direction of the housing 11, improving the space utilization of the battery device 10, and facilitating the assembly of the gas generating component 720.

[0126] In this embodiment, by setting the second direction to be perpendicular to the first direction and the height direction of the housing 11, and the second wall 80 being the two opposing walls of the battery cell 20 along the second direction, compared to setting the gas generating component 720 to one side of the battery cell 20 along the height direction of the housing 11, by setting the gas generating component 720 on the second wall 80, the size of the battery device 10 in the height direction of the housing 11 is reduced, the space utilization of the battery device 10 is improved, and the assembly of the gas generating component 720 is facilitated, thereby improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0127] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell 20 and an expansion structure 70 after assembly is shown in another embodiment of this application. Figure 9 A side view of a battery cell 20 and an expansion structure 70 assembled according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0128] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the expansion structure 70 also includes a support member 730, at least a portion of which is disposed between the first battery cell 610 and the second battery cell 620, and the support member 730 is attached to the outer periphery of the airbag member 710. The gas generating member 720 communicates with the airbag member 710 through the support member 730.

[0129] It should be understood that at least a portion of the support member 730 being disposed between the first battery cell 610 and the second battery cell 620 can mean that, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, there is an overlapping area between the orthographic projection of the support member 730 and the orthographic projection of the first wall 60 of the battery cell 20. For example, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the support member 730 lies within the orthographic projection of the first wall 60 of the battery cell 20.

[0130] It should also be understood that the support member 730 being attached to the outer periphery of the airbag member 710 can mean that the support member 730 is disposed around the outer periphery of the airbag member 710 to limit and fix the airbag member 710. When the support member 730 is configured as a ring structure, the support member 730 can be configured as a continuous ring structure or an intermittent ring structure. As an example, the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0131] For example, when the support member 730 is configured as an intermittent ring structure, the ring structure may include multiple substructures, and the distance between any two adjacent substructures may be set to be equal.

[0132] It should also be understood that the gas generating component 720 being connected to the airbag component 710 via the support component 730 means that the support component 730 is provided with a passage that enables the gas generating component 720 and the airbag component 710 to communicate. For example, the support component 730 is provided with a through hole structure, through which the airbag component 710 communicates with the gas generating component 720.

[0133] In this embodiment, by configuring the expansion structure 70 to also include a support member 730, at least a portion of which is disposed between the first battery cell 610 and the second battery cell 620, and the support member 730 is attached to the outer periphery of the airbag member 710, the structural strength between the expansion structure 70, the first battery cell 610 and the second battery cell 620 is improved, while the shaking of the airbag member 710 under different operating conditions of the battery device 10 is reduced, thereby improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0134] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8As shown, the support member 730 includes a first through hole 731 extending along a first direction, and the outer periphery of the airbag member 710 is attached to the inner wall of the first through hole 731. The support member 730 also includes a second through hole 732 extending along a second direction, and the second through hole 732 communicates with the first through hole 731. The gas generating member 720 communicates with the airbag member 710 through the second through hole 732.

[0135] It should be understood that the shape of the first through hole 731 in the embodiments of this application in the direction perpendicular to the first direction can be set according to actual needs. For example, the shape of the first through hole 731 can be set as a circle, a rounded rectangle, a polygon, etc. It should also be understood that the shape of the second through hole 732 in the embodiments of this application in the direction perpendicular to the second direction can be set according to actual needs. For example, the shape of the second through hole 732 can be set as a circle, a rounded rectangle, a polygon, etc.

[0136] It should also be understood that the outer periphery of the airbag component 710 being attached to the inner wall of the first through hole 731 can mean that the surface of the airbag component 710 facing the inner wall of the first through hole 731 is in direct contact or bonded to the inner wall of the first through hole 731.

[0137] It should also be understood that the gas generating component 720 being connected to the airbag component 710 through the second through hole 732 means that a portion of the connecting pipe 90 can extend through the second through hole to the first through hole 731 where the airbag component 710 is located, so that the gas generating component 720 is connected to the airbag component 710 through the connecting pipe 90.

[0138] In this embodiment, the support member 730 is configured to include a first through hole 731 extending along a first direction, the outer periphery of the airbag member 710 is attached to the inner wall of the first through hole 731, and the support member 730 also includes a second through hole 732 extending along a second direction, the second through hole 732 communicating with the first through hole 731, and the gas generating member 720 communicating with the airbag member 710 through the second through hole 732, so as to facilitate the assembly between the airbag member 710, the support member 730 and the gas generating member 720, thereby improving the assembly performance of the battery device 10. At the same time, the structure is simple, which facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the battery device 10.

[0139] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8As shown, on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the support member 730 lies within the orthographic projection of the first wall 60. Thus, in this embodiment, by setting the orthographic projection of the support member 730 to lie within the orthographic projection of the first wall 60 on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the impact of the portion of the support member 730 extending beyond the first wall 60 along the first direction on other components within the battery device 10 is reduced, improving the space utilization of the battery device 10. Simultaneously, it facilitates the assembly of the support member 730 and the airbag member 710, improving the assembly and usability of the battery device 10.

[0140] In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the airbag component 710 is bonded to the inner wall of the first through hole 731. Thus, in this embodiment, by bonding the outer periphery of the airbag component 710 to the inner wall of the first through hole 731, the connection strength between the airbag component 710 and the support component 730 is improved, thereby reducing the risk of the airbag component 710 shaking or falling off under different operating conditions of the battery device 10, and thus improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0141] In some embodiments, the surface of the support member 730 facing the first battery cell 610 is bonded to the first battery cell 610, and / or, the surface of the support member 730 facing the second battery cell 620 is bonded to the second battery cell 620. Thus, in this embodiment, by setting the surface of the support member 730 facing the first battery cell 610 to be bonded to the first battery cell 610, and / or setting the surface of the support member 730 facing the second battery cell 620 to be bonded to the second battery cell 620, the connection strength between the support member 730 and the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is improved, effectively reducing the risk of the support member 730 and the airbag member 710 shaking or falling off under different operating conditions of the battery device 10, thereby improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0142] Figure 10 A side view of a plurality of battery cells 20, a plurality of airbag components 710 and a gas generating component 720 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0143] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the expansion structure 70 includes a plurality of airbag components 710 and a gas generating component 720. The plurality of airbag components 710 are respectively disposed between any two adjacent battery cells 20 along the first direction, and the plurality of airbag components 710 are all connected to a gas generating component 720.

[0144] It should be understood that the multiple airbag components 710 being respectively disposed between any two adjacent battery cells 20 along the first direction can mean that a gap for assembling the airbag component 710 is formed between any two adjacent battery cells 20, and the multiple airbag components 710 can be respectively disposed at the corresponding gaps. For example, when the multiple battery cells 20 are configured as four battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction, three gaps can be formed between any two adjacent battery cells 20 among the four battery cells 20, and three airbag components 710 can be disposed at these three gaps.

[0145] It should also be understood that the multiple airbag components 710 are all connected to one gas-generating component 720. This can mean that each of the multiple airbag components 710 can be connected to the gas-generating component 720 through its own connecting pipe 90. The connecting pipes 90 corresponding to each airbag component 710 can be interconnected or independently configured. As an example, this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, the connecting pipes 90 corresponding to each airbag component 710 can converge at one end near the gas-generating component 720 to form a single connecting pipe 90.

[0146] In this embodiment, the expansion structure 70 is configured to include a plurality of airbag components 710 and a gas-generating component 720. The plurality of airbag components 710 are respectively disposed between any two adjacent battery cells 20 along the first direction, and the plurality of airbag components 710 are all connected to a gas-generating component 720. In the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell 20, the gas-generating component 720 inflates the corresponding airbag component 710 on the first wall 60 of the thermally runaway battery cell 20 through the connecting pipe 90, thereby increasing the distance between the thermally runaway battery cell 20 and the adjacent battery cells 20 in the first direction, satisfying the thermal propagation requirements of the battery device 10, effectively reducing the risk of thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells 20, and thus improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0147] In some embodiments, such as Figures 6 to 10 As shown, the expansion structure 70 also includes an isolation component 740, which is disposed in the communication conduit 90 between the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720 to isolate the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720. The isolation component 740 is configured to rupture when the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, so that the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720 are connected.

[0148] It should be understood that the isolation component 740 is configured to rupture when the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, so that the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720 are connected. This can mean that the melting point of the material of the isolation component 740 is lower than the preset temperature, and when the temperature of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is higher than the preset temperature, the isolation component 740 can melt and detach to achieve the connection between the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720.

[0149] It should also be understood that, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the isolation component 740 can be located within the orthographic projection of the first wall 60. The surface of the isolation component 740 may have a weak area. When the pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 exceeds the preset threshold, the weak area of ​​the isolation component 740 will rupture under the compression of the first battery cell 610 and the second battery cell 620, thereby achieving communication between the airbag component 710 and the gas-generating component 720.

[0150] It should also be understood that the specific location of the isolation component 740 in the connecting pipe 90 between the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720 can be set according to actual needs. For example, the isolation component 740 can be set on the side of the connecting pipe 90 closer to the airbag component 710.

[0151] It should also be understood that the isolation component 740 can be fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting pipe 90, and, schematically, the isolation component 740 can be adhesively connected or snap-fitted to the inner wall of the connecting pipe 90.

[0152] In this embodiment, by further configuring the expansion structure 70 to include an isolation component 740, which is disposed in the connecting pipe between the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720, the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720 are isolated. When the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the isolation component 740 can rupture to connect the airbag component 710 and the gas generating component 720, allowing the gas from the gas generating component 720 to flow to the airbag component 710 corresponding to the battery cell 20 that has experienced thermal runaway. This effectively reduces the risk of the airbag component 710 expanding when the battery device 10 has not experienced thermal runaway, thereby improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0153] In some embodiments, along the first direction, the size of the airbag component 710 in the central region is larger than the size of the airbag component 710 in the edge region.

[0154] It should be understood that, along the first direction, the size of the airbag component 710 in the central region can refer to the minimum, maximum, or average size of the central region of the airbag component 710 before inflation in the first direction. Similarly, the size of the airbag component 710 in the edge region along the first direction can refer to the minimum, maximum, or average size of the edge region of the airbag component 710 before inflation in the first direction.

[0155] It should also be understood that the areas of the central and edge regions of the airbag component 710 on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction can be set according to actual needs. It should also be understood that the portions corresponding to the central region and the edge regions of the airbag component 710 can be integrally formed or separately formed; as an example, this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0156] In this embodiment, along the first direction, by setting the size of the airbag component 710 in the central region to be larger than the size of the airbag component 710 in the edge region, the uniformity of force between the airbag component 710 and the surface of the first wall 60 is improved when the battery device 10 experiences thermal runaway and the airbag component 710 expands, thereby reducing the impact on the casing 211 of the battery cell 20 that has not experienced runaway, and thus improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0157] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, along the first direction, the size D1 of the airbag component 710 before inflation satisfies: 1mm≤D1≤3mm.

[0158] It should be understood that, along the first direction, the size D1 of the airbag component 710 before inflation can refer to the maximum size, minimum size, or average size of the airbag component 710 in the first direction before inflation. As an example, this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0159] For example, along the first direction, the size D1 of the airbag component 710 before inflation can be set to: 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, 2.2mm, 2.4mm, 2.6mm, 2.8mm, 3mm, etc., or its value is within the range obtained by any combination of the above two values.

[0160] In this embodiment of the application, along the first direction, the size D1 of the airbag component 710 before inflation is set to satisfy: 1mm≤D1≤3mm, so as to take into account both the performance of the inflation structure 70 and the space utilization of the battery device 10, thereby improving the energy density of the battery device 10 and thus improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0161] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the expansion structure 70 also includes a heat insulation component 750, which is disposed inside the airbag component 710.

[0162] It should be understood that the heat insulation component 750 being disposed inside the airbag component 710 can mean that the heat insulation component 750 can be connected to the inner wall of the airbag component 710; for example, the heat insulation component 750 is adhesively connected to the inner wall of the airbag component 710. It should also be understood that the heat insulation component 750 may not be connected to the inner wall of the airbag component 710, and the heat insulation component 750 may be filled inside the airbag component 710.

[0163] It should also be understood that the material of the heat insulation component 750 in the embodiments of this application may be one of the following: aerogel, ceramicized silicone, or glass wool. When the material of the heat insulation component 750 is aerogel, the aerogel may include at least one of the following materials: silica aerogel, alumina aerogel, carbon aerogel, graphene aerogel, polyimide aerogel, or cellulose aerogel.

[0164] In this embodiment, the heat insulation component 750 is disposed inside the airbag component 710. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 20, on the one hand, the gas generating component 720 can generate gas into the airbag component 710 to cause the airbag component 710 to expand along the first direction, increasing the distance between the thermally runaway battery cell 20 and the adjacent battery cell 20 in the first direction, thereby reducing the thermal impact of the thermally runaway battery cell 20 on the adjacent battery cell 20. On the other hand, the heat insulation component 750 can prevent the thermal runaway battery cell 20 from spreading heat to the adjacent battery cell 20, thereby further reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the adjacent battery cell 20 and improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0165] In some embodiments, the support member 730 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or polyetheretherketone. Thus, in this embodiment, by setting the material of the support member 730 to polytetrafluoroethylene or polyetheretherketone, it is possible to balance the connection strength between the support member 730 and the battery cell 20 with the weight of the battery device 10, while simultaneously improving the high-temperature resistance of the support member 730, thereby improving the performance of the battery device 10.

[0166] In some embodiments, the airbag component 710 is made of acrylic fabric or aluminum-plastic film. Thus, in this embodiment, by setting the material of the airbag component 710 to acrylic fabric or aluminum-plastic film, the inflation performance of the airbag component 710 and the weight of the battery device 10 are balanced, thereby improving the performance of the battery device 10 and reducing the processing and manufacturing costs of the battery device 10.

[0167] According to some embodiments of this application, this application also provides an electrical device including the battery device 10 in any of the above embodiments, the battery device 10 being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device. Specifically, the electrical device can be as described above. Figure 1 The vehicle 1 shown can also be any electrical device that uses the battery device 10.

[0168] The electrical equipment can be any of the aforementioned devices or systems that utilize the battery device 10.

[0169] According to some embodiments of this application, see Figures 2 to 9This application provides a battery device 10, which includes: a housing 11, a plurality of battery cells 20, and an expansion structure 70. The housing 11 includes a receiving cavity 50, in which the plurality of battery cells 20 are received. The plurality of battery cells 20 are arranged along a first direction. Each battery cell 20 includes a first wall 60 perpendicular to the first direction, which is the wall with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 20. The expansion structure 70 is received in the receiving cavity 50 and includes an airbag component 710 and a gas-generating component 720 that are in communication with each other. At least a portion of the airbag component 710 is disposed between adjacent first battery cells 610 and second battery cells 620 among the plurality of battery cells 20. When the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the gas-generating component 720 is configured to generate gas to the airbag component 710 so that the airbag component 710 expands along the first direction. The battery cell 20 includes two second walls 80 opposite each other along a second direction. The gas-generating component 720 is connected to the second walls 80 of the first battery cell 610 and / or the second battery cell 620. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the height direction of the housing 11. When the temperature of the second wall 80 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the gas-generating component 720 is configured to generate gas to the airbag component 710 so that the airbag component 710 expands along the first direction. The expansion structure 70 also includes a support component 730, at least a portion of which is disposed between the first battery cell 610 and the second battery cell 620, and is attached to the outer periphery of the airbag component 710. The gas-generating component 720 communicates with the airbag component 710 through the support component 730. The support member 730 includes a first through hole 731 extending along a first direction. The outer periphery of the airbag member 710 is attached to the inner wall of the first through hole 731. The support member 730 also includes a second through hole 732 extending along a second direction. The second through hole 732 communicates with the first through hole 731. The gas generating member 720 communicates with the airbag member 710 through the second through hole 732.

[0170] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery device, characterized by, include: The housing (11) includes a receiving cavity (50); Multiple battery cells (20) are housed in the receiving cavity (50). The multiple battery cells (20) are arranged along a first direction. Each battery cell (20) includes a first wall (60) perpendicular to the first direction. The first wall (60) is the wall with the largest area of ​​the battery cell (20). An expansion structure (70) is housed in the receiving cavity (50). The expansion structure (70) includes an airbag component (710) and a gas-generating component (720) that are in communication with each other. At least a portion of the airbag component (710) is disposed between adjacent first battery cell (610) and second battery cell (620) among the plurality of battery cells (20). Wherein, when the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell (610) and / or the second battery cell (620) is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the gas generating component (720) is configured to generate gas to the airbag component (710) so that the airbag component (710) expands along the first direction, and along the first direction, the size D1 of the airbag component (710) before expansion satisfies: 1mm≤D1≤3mm.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized by The battery cell (20) includes two second walls (80) opposite each other along a second direction. The gas-generating component (720) is connected to the second wall (80) of the first battery cell (610) and / or the second battery cell (620). The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the temperature of the second wall (80) is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the gas generating component (720) is configured to generate gas to the airbag component (710) so that the airbag component (710) expands in the first direction.

3. The battery device of claim 2, wherein The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the height direction of the box (11).

4. The battery device of claim 1, wherein The expansion structure (70) further includes a support member (730), at least a portion of which is disposed between the first battery cell (610) and the second battery cell (620), and the support member (730) is attached to the outer periphery of the airbag member (710), and the gas generating member (720) communicates with the airbag member (710) through the support member (730).

5. The battery device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support component (730) includes a first through hole (731) extending along a first direction. The outer periphery of the airbag component (710) is attached to the inner wall of the first through hole (731). The support component (730) also includes a second through hole (732) extending along a second direction. The second through hole (732) communicates with the first through hole (731). The gas generating component (720) communicates with the airbag component (710) through the second through hole (732).

6. The battery device of claim 4, wherein On a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the support member (730) lies within the orthographic projection of the first wall (60).

7. The battery device of claim 5, wherein The outer periphery of the airbag component (710) is bonded to the inner wall of the first through hole (731).

8. The battery device of claim 4, wherein, The surface of the support member (730) facing the first battery cell (610) is bonded to the first battery cell (610), and / or the surface of the support member (730) facing the second battery cell (620) is bonded to the second battery cell (620).

9. The battery device of claim 1, wherein, The expansion structure (70) includes a plurality of airbag components (710) and a gas generating component (720). The plurality of airbag components (710) are respectively disposed between any two adjacent battery cells (20) along the first direction, and the plurality of airbag components (710) are all connected to a gas generating component (720).

10. The battery device of claim 9, wherein, The expansion structure (70) further includes an isolation component (740) disposed in a communication conduit (90) between the airbag component (710) and the gas generating component (720) to isolate the airbag component (710) and the gas generating component (720). The isolation component (740) is configured to rupture if the temperature or pressure of the first battery cell (610) and / or the second battery cell (620) is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, so that the airbag component (710) and the gas generating component (720) are connected.

11. The battery device of claim 1, wherein Along the first direction, the size of the airbag component (710) in the central region is larger than the size of the airbag component (710) in the edge region.

12. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion structure (70) also includes a heat insulation component (750) disposed inside the airbag component (710).

13. The battery device of claim 4, wherein, The material of the support component (730) is polytetrafluoroethylene or polyetheretherketone.

14. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, The airbag component (710) is made of acrylic fabric or aluminum-plastic film.

15. An electrical device, characterized by include: The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the battery device is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

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