Battery cell thermal insulation frame, battery cell thermal insulation structure, battery module, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model belongs to vehicle technical field discloses electric core heat insulation frame, electric core heat insulation structure, battery module, battery package and vehicle. Among them, electric core heat insulation frame includes frame body, frame body is equipped with the heat insulation hole along the first direction extension, frame body is equipped with the outer peripheral wall of the inner peripheral wall outer peripheral wall of heat insulation hole still, outer peripheral wall is equipped with the liquid cooling hole of the inner wall of heat insulation hole, at least part side wall of frame body along the first direction's at least one side forms the first connecting surface. The electric core heat insulation frame simple structure, and on the basis of not increasing the volume of electric core heat insulation frame, the effect and efficiency of the management electric core thermal runaway have been effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to cell heat insulation frame, cell heat insulation structure, battery module, battery pack and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] When a single battery cell experiences thermal runaway due to internal defects and / or damage from external structures, its temperature rises sharply, and it rapidly releases high-temperature flammable gases and / or liquids and / or solid ejecta, which can ignite adjacent single battery cells. To address this phenomenon, related technologies typically employ cell insulation structures to separate adjacent single battery cells, thereby reducing the risk of a single cell igniting other single battery cells when it experiences thermal runaway due to internal defects and / or damage from external structures.

[0003] For cell insulation structures made of U-shaped frames, solid silicone, foamed silicone, or foam are usually used to make the U-shaped frame into a solid frame. After the U-shaped frame is assembled between two adjacent individual cells, it is usually in a state of compression. Therefore, the U-shaped frame and the individual cell are basically in close contact, which means that the effect of managing cell thermal runaway through the U-shaped frame needs to be improved. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a cell heat insulation frame, a cell heat insulation structure, a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the cell heat insulation structure in related technologies.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A cell heat insulation frame includes a frame body, the frame body having a heat insulation hole extending along a first direction, the frame body also having an outer peripheral wall surrounding the inner peripheral wall of the heat insulation hole, the outer peripheral wall having a liquid cooling hole penetrating to the inner wall of the heat insulation hole, and at least a portion of the sidewall of the frame body along at least one side of the first direction forming a first connecting surface.

[0007] As an alternative to the aforementioned cell insulation frame, the liquid cooling hole is located at the top of the frame body.

[0008] As an alternative to the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, the extension direction of the liquid cooling hole is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] As an alternative to the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, the heat insulation hole penetrates the frame body along the first direction.

[0010] As an alternative to the aforementioned cell insulation frame, the frame is made of an elastic material;

[0011] The maximum dimension of the liquid cooling hole along the first direction is the first dimension, the heat insulation hole is used to accommodate the heat insulation component, the maximum dimension of the heat insulation component along the first direction is the second dimension, and the first dimension > (2 × the second dimension - the minimum thickness of the frame body).

[0012] As an alternative to the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, the frame body is a one-piece molded part.

[0013] The cell insulation structure includes the aforementioned cell insulation frame.

[0014] As an optional solution to the above-mentioned cell heat insulation structure, the cell heat insulation structure further includes a heat insulation component disposed within the heat insulation hole.

[0015] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned cell heat insulation structure, the maximum dimension of the heat insulation component along the first direction is the second dimension, and the minimum dimension of the heat insulation hole along the first direction after the frame body is sandwiched between two adjacent individual cells is the third dimension, and the third dimension is greater than the second dimension.

[0016] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned cell thermal insulation structure, the thermal insulation component includes:

[0017] The liquid-absorbing section is capable of absorbing at least a portion of the coolant;

[0018] An encapsulation layer is encapsulated on the outer periphery of the liquid-absorbing portion and exposes at least a portion of the liquid-absorbing portion adjacent to the liquid-cooling hole.

[0019] As an alternative to the above-mentioned cell thermal insulation structure, the encapsulation layer is made of a polymer material, the melting point or thermal decomposition temperature of which is greater than or equal to 100°C and less than the minimum thermal runaway temperature of a single cell.

[0020] The battery module includes the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, or includes the aforementioned cell heat insulation structure.

[0021] The battery pack includes the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, or the aforementioned cell heat insulation structure, or the aforementioned battery module.

[0022] The vehicle includes the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, or the aforementioned cell heat insulation structure, or the aforementioned battery module, or the aforementioned battery pack.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] This utility model provides a cell heat insulation frame, a cell heat insulation structure, a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle. The cell heat insulation frame includes a frame body with heat insulation holes extending along a first direction. The frame body also has an outer peripheral wall surrounding the inner peripheral wall of the heat insulation holes. The outer peripheral wall has liquid cooling holes penetrating to the inner wall of the heat insulation holes. At least a portion of the sidewall of the frame body along at least one side of the first direction forms a first connecting surface.

[0025] The frame body is sandwiched between two adjacent individual battery cells. By setting liquid cooling holes through the inner wall of the frame body to the heat insulation hole on the outer peripheral wall, when either of the two individual battery cells set on both sides of the frame body along the first direction experiences thermal runaway, coolant is supplied to the liquid cooling holes. The coolant flows from the liquid cooling holes to the heat insulation hole and comes into contact with the individual battery cell. The coolant vaporizes when heated and absorbs heat, which can actively cool the individual battery cell while further preventing the spread of thermal runaway. Therefore, compared with the existing technology, it can effectively improve the effect and efficiency of managing battery cell thermal runaway.

[0026] Therefore, the structure of the cell thermal insulation frame is simple, and it effectively improves the effect and efficiency of managing cell thermal runaway without increasing the volume of the cell thermal insulation frame. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the integrally molded frame body provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a front view of the integrally molded frame body provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view of the integrally molded frame body provided in a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a left view of the integrally molded frame body provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the battery cell heat insulation structure when the frame body is integrally formed according to a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the cell heat insulation structure when the first and second parts of the frame body are separately formed according to a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the battery pack provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 1. Frame body; 11. Insulation hole; 12. Liquid cooling hole; 13. First part; 14. Second part;

[0036] 2. Thermal insulation components;

[0037] 3. Individual battery cell;

[0038] 4. Connectors;

[0039] 5. Double-sided tape;

[0040] 6. Battery box; 61. Box body; 62. Box cover. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions. Moreover, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0045] When a single battery cell experiences thermal runaway due to internal defects and / or damage from external structures, its temperature rises sharply, and it rapidly releases high-temperature flammable gases and / or liquids and / or solid ejecta, igniting adjacent single battery cells. To address this, related technologies typically employ cell insulation structures to separate adjacent cells, reducing the risk of ignition when a single cell experiences thermal runaway due to internal defects and / or external structural damage. However, for cell insulation structures using a U-shaped frame, the frame is usually made of solid silicone, foamed silicone, or foam, and is typically compressed when assembled between adjacent cells. Therefore, the U-shaped frame and the cells are in near-close contact, meaning the effectiveness of managing cell thermal runaway using the U-shaped frame needs improvement.

[0046] This utility model provides a heat insulation frame for battery cells, such as Figure 1-6 As shown, the device includes a frame body 1, which has a heat insulation hole 11 extending along a first direction. The frame body 1 also has an outer peripheral wall surrounding the inner peripheral wall of the heat insulation hole 11. The outer peripheral wall has a liquid cooling hole 12 penetrating to the inner wall of the heat insulation hole 11. At least a portion of the sidewall of the frame body 1 along at least one side of the first direction forms a first connecting surface. Specifically, the first connecting surface is used to connect the cell heat insulation frame to the adjacent individual cell along the first direction.

[0047] like Figure 1-7 As shown, taking the cell insulation frame sandwiched between two adjacent individual cells 3 along a first direction, where the first direction is the thickness direction of the frame body 1, as an example, after sandwiching the frame body 1 between two adjacent individual cells 3, the frame body 1 can both position the relative positions between the two adjacent individual cells 3 and provide insulation. Typically, the frame body 1 is clamped tightly between two adjacent individual cells 3.

[0048] By providing a liquid cooling hole 12 that extends through the inner wall of the heat insulation hole 11 on the outer peripheral wall of the frame body 1, when either of the two individual battery cells 3 on both sides of the thickness direction of the frame body 1 experiences thermal runaway, coolant is supplied into the liquid cooling hole 12. The coolant flows from the liquid cooling hole 12 into the heat insulation hole 11 and comes into contact with the individual battery cell 3. The coolant vaporizes upon heating and absorbs heat, thereby enabling active cooling of the individual battery cell 3 while further preventing the spread of thermal runaway. This effectively improves the effect and efficiency of managing battery cell thermal runaway compared to existing technologies.

[0049] Therefore, the structure of the cell thermal insulation frame is simple, and it effectively improves the effect and efficiency of managing cell thermal runaway without increasing the volume of the cell thermal insulation frame.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, liquid cooling hole 12 is a through hole.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the heat insulation hole 11 can be either a through hole that penetrates the frame body 1 along its thickness direction or a blind hole that does not penetrate the frame body 1 along its thickness direction. Therefore, for a through hole 11, the inner wall of the heat insulation hole 11 only includes the inner peripheral wall of the heat insulation hole 11; for a blind hole 11, the inner wall of the heat insulation hole 11 includes both the inner peripheral wall and the inner bottom wall of the heat insulation hole 11.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, for cases where no heat insulation component 2 is installed inside the heat insulation hole 11, when the individual battery cell 3 is operating normally, the air inside the heat insulation hole 11 forms an air insulation layer, and the frame body 1 and the air insulation layer work together to provide heat insulation. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the heat insulation component 2 is installed inside the heat insulation hole 11, the heat insulation component 2 inside the heat insulation hole 11 and the frame body 1 work together to provide heat insulation during normal operation of the individual battery cell 3. It can be understood that whether or not to install the heat insulation component 2 inside the heat insulation hole 11 can be adaptively selected according to the actual operating conditions.

[0053] Optionally, in this embodiment, the coolant is water. Water can absorb heat when heated to its boiling point, and it can also absorb heat of vaporization when it vaporizes after boiling, thereby further improving the effect and efficiency of active cooling of the individual battery cell 3.

[0054] In other embodiments, the coolant includes water, and also includes at least one of ethanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc. The coolant is capable of absorbing heat and preventing freezing.

[0055] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the liquid cooling hole 12 is located at the top of the frame body 1. This arrangement allows the coolant to automatically fall into the heat insulation hole 11 under its own gravity when coolant is supplied to the liquid cooling hole 12, which can further improve the efficiency of managing cell thermal runaway and reduce energy consumption caused by supplying coolant.

[0056] In other embodiments, the liquid cooling hole 12 may also be disposed in at least a portion of the area between the top and bottom of the frame body 1.

[0057] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the extending direction of the liquid cooling hole 12 is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the frame body 1. This minimizes the axial length of the liquid cooling hole 12, allowing the coolant delivered to the liquid cooling hole 12 to flow quickly and efficiently into the heat insulation hole 11, thereby further improving the efficiency of managing cell thermal runaway. In this case, the axial direction of the liquid cooling hole 12 is parallel to its extending direction.

[0058] In other embodiments, the extension direction of the liquid cooling hole 12 may be not perpendicular to the thickness direction of the frame body 1, or the liquid cooling hole 12 may be a non-straight hole.

[0059] Further optional, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, there are at least two liquid cooling holes 12, which are spaced apart on the top of the frame body 1. By simultaneously supplying coolant into the heat insulation hole 11 through at least two liquid cooling holes 12, the efficiency of managing cell thermal runaway can be further improved.

[0060] Further optional, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, at least two liquid cooling holes 12 are evenly distributed on the top of the frame body 1. Taking the frame body 1 sandwiched between two individual battery cells 3, with the end faces of the two individual battery cells 3 close to each other as the large surface, this arrangement allows for roughly uniform cooling of the large surface of the individual battery cell 3 when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, thereby further improving the effect of managing the thermal runaway of the battery cell.

[0061] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, an example is taken where twelve liquid cooling holes 12 are evenly distributed on the top of the frame body 1. It can be understood that the number of liquid cooling holes 12 can be increased or decreased according to actual working conditions.

[0062] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the heat insulation hole 11 penetrates the frame body 1 along its thickness direction. This arrangement maximizes the size of the heat insulation hole 11 along the thickness direction of the frame body 1, effectively increasing the amount of coolant that can be contained within the heat insulation hole 11, thereby further improving the efficiency and effectiveness of managing cell thermal runaway. In other embodiments, the heat insulation hole 11 may also be provided without penetrating the other end of the frame body 1 along its thickness direction.

[0063] Specifically, the maximum dimension of the liquid cooling hole 12 along the thickness direction of the frame body 1 is the first dimension. When the heat insulation hole 11 contains the heat insulation element 2, the maximum dimension of the heat insulation element 2 along the thickness direction of the frame body 1 is the second dimension. After the frame body 1 is sandwiched between two adjacent individual battery cells 3, the minimum dimension of the heat insulation hole 11 along the thickness direction of the frame body 1 is the third dimension.

[0064] Alternatively, in this embodiment, for the frame body 1 to be made of an elastic material, the minimum thickness of the frame body 1 > the first dimension > (2 × the second dimension - the minimum thickness of the frame body 1). This arrangement ensures that after the frame body 1 is sandwiched between two adjacent individual battery cells 3, the dimension of the liquid cooling hole 12 along the thickness direction of the frame body 1 is greater than zero, thereby ensuring that coolant can be effectively delivered to the heat insulation hole 11 through the liquid cooling hole 12.

[0065] Optionally, for the heat insulation component 2 housed within the heat insulation hole 11, the third dimension is greater than the second dimension. This arrangement ensures that the heat insulation component 2 will not damage the individual battery cells 3 during the assembly of the frame body 1, the heat insulation component 2, and the two individual battery cells 3. Furthermore, after assembly, a certain gap exists between the heat insulation component 2 and at least one of the two adjacent individual battery cells 3, preventing the heat insulation component 2 from affecting the thermal expansion of the individual battery cells 3, thereby effectively improving the safety and reliability of the individual battery cells 3 during normal operation. It is understood that the minimum thickness of the frame body 1 is greater than the second dimension.

[0066] Further, optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 1-5 As shown, for the frame body 1 made of elastic material, the frame body 1 is integrally molded using the same elastic material. Specifically, the frame body 1 is integrally molded using a mold. This reduces the number of parts and facilitates assembly.

[0067] In other embodiments, when the frame body 1 is made of an elastic material, the portion of the frame body 1 with liquid cooling holes 12 is the first part 13, and the remaining portion is the second part 14. The first part 13 and the second part 14 are separately formed and then connected by a connector 4, or the second part 14 is integrally formed onto the first part 13 after the first part 13 is formed. Further, using a connector 4 for connection means that the connector 4 is glued to the first part 13 and connected to the second part 14. Alternatively, the connector 4 is connected to the first part 13 and the second part 14 using double-sided adhesive 5. Further, the liquid cooling holes 12 on the frame body 1 can be directly formed by a mold, or subsequently punched. Further, the type of elastic material used in the first part 13 and the type of elastic material used in the second part 14 can be the same or different. Further, the elastic material is MPP foam, PU foam, rubber, or plastic, etc. MPP foam is a microporous foam material formed from polypropylene. PU foam is a foam material formed from polyurethane. It is understandable that, for the frame body 1 made of elastic material, the frame body 1 can also be adapted to be divided into three parts according to the actual working conditions, and the three parts can be made of the same or different materials.

[0068] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the portion of the frame body 1 with liquid cooling holes 12 is the first part 13, and the remaining portion is the second part 14. The first part 13 is made of rigid materials such as PC or aluminum, and the second part 14 is made of elastic materials such as MPP foam, PU foam, rubber, or plastic. Further, as... Figure 6 As shown, the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 are connected into a whole using connectors 4, etc. Further, using connectors 4 means that connectors 4 are glued to the first part 13 and connected to the second part 14 after being glued. Or, as... Figure 6As shown, the connector 4 is connected to the first part 13 by double-sided adhesive 5, and the connector 4 is also bonded to the second part 14. Further, along the thickness direction of the frame body 1, after the frame body 1 is sandwiched between two individual battery cells 3, the first part 13 is located between the two ends of the second part 14, or at least one end of the first part 13 is approximately flush with the corresponding end on the second part. This is to avoid the relatively hard first part 13 causing damage or even destruction to the individual battery cells 3. Further, for the heat insulation hole 11 containing the heat insulation member 2, and the heat insulation hole 11 being a through hole, the maximum dimension of the heat insulation member 2 along the thickness direction of the frame body 1 is less than the minimum dimension along the thickness direction of the frame body 1. This configuration further ensures that the heat insulation component 2 will not damage the individual battery cells 3 during the assembly of the frame body 1, the heat insulation component 2, and the two individual battery cells 3. Secondly, it further ensures that after assembly, there is a certain gap between the heat insulation component 2 and at least one of the two adjacent individual battery cells 3, so that the heat insulation component 2 will not affect the thermal expansion of the individual battery cell 3, thereby effectively improving the safety and reliability of the individual battery cell 3 during normal operation. Furthermore, for the first part 13 and the second part 14: the first part 13 can be divided into at least two first sub-parts according to actual operating conditions, and the at least two first sub-parts of the first part 13 may be made of the same or different materials; and / or, the second part 14 can be divided into at least two second sub-parts according to actual operating conditions, and the at least two second sub-parts of the second part 14 may be made of the same or different materials.

[0069] Optionally, the number of heat insulation holes 11 is at least two, and the at least two heat insulation holes 11 are spaced apart. Optionally, the at least two heat insulation holes 11 are evenly distributed on the frame body 1. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, an example is provided by setting a heat insulation hole 11.

[0070] The frame body 1 forms a first connecting surface on at least a portion of the sidewall on at least one side along its thickness direction.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, for the integrally formed frame body 1, the frame body 1 is connected to the individual battery cell 3 through the first connecting surface. Specifically, the first connecting surface and the individual battery cell 3 are connected by means of applying glue or double-sided adhesive 5.

[0072] like Figure 6As shown, when the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 are connected by the connector 4, the first connecting surface connects the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 into a whole, thereby improving the connection reliability of the connector 4 connecting the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1. Exemplarily, the first connecting surface of the frame body 1 along its thickness direction includes at least a portion of the sidewall of the first side of the first part 13 and at least a portion of the sidewall of the first side of the second part 14 along the thickness direction of the frame body 1. Specifically, the connector 4 is connected to the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 by means of adhesive or double-sided tape 5.

[0073] In this embodiment, as Figure 1-5 As shown, the exemplary configuration of the heat insulation hole 11, the outer contour of the frame body 1, and the shape of the heat insulation element 2 are all cuboid, suitable for square-shaped single battery cells 3. The thickness is the same at all points on the frame body 1. It can be understood that, in this embodiment, as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the frame body 1 is a U-shaped frame; the thickness direction of the frame body 1 is parallel to the thickness direction of the heat insulation component 2. The shape of the frame body 1 can also be adaptively adjusted according to actual working conditions to suit cylindrical battery cells. It is understood that the shape of the heat insulation hole 11 and the outer contour shape of the frame body 1 can be adaptively adjusted according to the shape of the individual battery cell 3.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two sidewalls of the frame body 1 along its thickness direction each form a first connecting surface, and the two first connecting surfaces are connected one-to-one with the end faces of two adjacent individual battery cells 3. This effectively improves the connection reliability of connecting the frame body 1 and the two adjacent individual battery cells 3 into a whole.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, for the connection of the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 using connectors 4, it is preferable that both sidewalls of the frame body 1 along its thickness direction form first connecting surfaces, and two connectors 4 are used. The two first connecting surfaces and the two connectors 4 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence to improve the connection reliability of connecting the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 into a whole. Furthermore, along the thickness direction of the frame body 1, the mutually distant end faces of the two connectors 4 form second connecting surfaces, and the two second connecting surfaces are connected to the close end faces of two adjacent individual cells 3 in a one-to-one correspondence. This also effectively improves the connection reliability of connecting the frame body 1 and two adjacent individual cells 3 into a whole. Specifically, the connectors 4 are connected to the individual cells 3 by means of applying glue or double-sided tape 5.

[0076] This utility model also provides a cell thermal insulation structure, including the aforementioned cell thermal insulation frame. By adopting the aforementioned cell thermal insulation frame, the effect and efficiency of managing cell thermal runaway are effectively improved without increasing the volume of the cell thermal insulation frame.

[0077] Optionally, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cell insulation structure also includes a heat insulation component 2, which is disposed within the heat insulation hole 11. This further enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of the cell insulation structure in managing cell thermal runaway compared to using air insulation.

[0078] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, for the frame body 1 integrally formed, or for the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 connected by the connector 4, the heat insulation component 2 includes a liquid absorption portion, which can absorb at least a portion of the coolant; the encapsulation layer is encapsulated on the outer periphery of the liquid absorption portion, and at least the portion of the liquid absorption portion adjacent to the liquid cooling hole 12 is exposed. With this configuration, after the frame body 1, the heat insulation component 2, and the two individual battery cells 3 are assembled, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cells, the liquid absorption portion can absorb a portion of the coolant to further improve the heat insulation effect of the heat insulation component 2, thereby further improving the effect and efficiency of thermal runaway management. Furthermore, along the thickness direction of the frame body 1, one sidewall of the encapsulation layer is connected to one of the two adjacent individual battery cells 3 by applying adhesive or double-sided adhesive 5, etc., to further improve the reliability of connecting the frame body 1, the heat insulation component 2, and the two individual battery cells 3 into a whole. The purpose of not connecting the two sidewalls of the encapsulation layer to the adjacent end faces of the two individual cells 3 along the thickness direction of the frame body 1 is to avoid the encapsulation layer being stretched or even torn due to cold shrinkage of the two adjacent individual cells 3.

[0079] Alternatively, the encapsulation layer is made of a polymer material with a melting point or thermal decomposition temperature greater than or equal to 100°C and less than the minimum thermal runaway temperature of the single cell 3.

[0080] Polymer materials are lightweight, thermoplastic, and thermosetting. Therefore, using polymer materials to make the encapsulation layer can reduce the weight of the heat insulation component 2 and allow the encapsulation layer to undergo a phase change upon heating, becoming molten or softening. Specifically, for encapsulation layers made of polymer materials with melting points, the encapsulation layer will change from a solid to a molten state upon heating, exposing the liquid-absorbing part; for encapsulation layers made of polymer materials capable of thermal decomposition, the encapsulation layer will soften, deform, or even burn upon heating, forming ash with coke, exposing the liquid-absorbing part.

[0081] Therefore, when a single cell 3 experiences thermal runaway due to its internal defects and / or damage from external structures, the encapsulation layer absorbs heat and undergoes a phase change after being heated. For encapsulation layers made of polymer materials with melting points, the encapsulation layer will change from a solid state to a molten state and flow after being heated, exposing the liquid-absorbing part. For encapsulation layers made of polymer materials that can undergo thermal decomposition, the encapsulation layer will soften, deform, or even burn after being heated, forming ash with coke and exposing the liquid-absorbing part. The liquid-absorbing part that absorbs coolant can effectively increase the contact area between the coolant and the single cell 3, and the liquid-absorbing part that absorbs coolant can directly provide heat insulation. Furthermore, the coolant on the liquid-absorbing part can be heated and vaporized to absorb heat, thereby further improving the effect and efficiency of managing cell thermal runaway.

[0082] Specifically, the polymer material is polyethylene terephthalate or latex, etc. Melting point refers to the temperature at which a substance changes from a solid to a molten state. Thermal decomposition temperature refers to the temperature at which a substance changes from a solid to a soft state or even burns, forming ash accompanied by coke. Phase change refers to the encapsulation layer changing from a solid to a molten state; or, the encapsulation layer changing from a solid to a soft state or even burning, forming ash accompanied by coke.

[0083] It is understandable that the minimum thermal runaway temperature of a single battery cell 3 differs for different types and specifications. Therefore, the specific type of polymer material used to fabricate the encapsulation layer is selected based on the minimum thermal runaway temperature of the single battery cell 3.

[0084] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 are connected by the connector 4, the heat insulation component 2 includes a liquid absorption part. When the connector 4 is bonded to the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the frame body 1 by applying adhesive or double-sided adhesive 5, the liquid absorption part is simultaneously encapsulated in the heat insulation hole 11. Preferably, the connector 4 is also made of a polymer material, and the melting point or thermal decomposition temperature of the polymer material is greater than or equal to 100°C and less than the minimum thermal runaway temperature of the individual battery cell 3. Thus, when managing the thermal runaway of the battery cell, when the connector 4 undergoes a phase change due to heat, exposing the liquid absorption part, the liquid absorption part, which absorbs some coolant, can effectively increase the contact area between the coolant and the individual battery cell 3. Furthermore, the liquid absorption part, which absorbs coolant, can directly provide heat insulation, and the coolant on the liquid absorption part can vaporize and absorb heat, thereby further improving the effect and efficiency of managing thermal runaway. Furthermore, along the thickness direction of the frame body 1, the connector 4 on one side is connected to one of the two adjacent individual cells 3 by means of glue or double-sided tape 5, so as to further improve the reliability of connecting the frame body 1, the heat insulation component 2 and the two individual cells 3 into a whole.

[0085] In other embodiments, the heat insulation element 2 may also be made directly from heat insulation materials such as aerogel.

[0086] This utility model also provides a battery module, including the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, or including the aforementioned cell heat insulation structure. By adopting the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame or the aforementioned cell heat insulation structure, the effect and efficiency of managing cell thermal runaway are effectively improved without increasing the volume of the cell heat insulation frame.

[0087] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the battery module includes at least one cell group, and the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame is sandwiched between at least two adjacent individual cells 3 in the at least one cell group. Further, when the number of cell groups is at least two, the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame is sandwiched between at least one adjacent cell group. Then, depending on actual operating conditions, a heat insulation element 2 may be selectively provided or not provided within the heat insulation holes 11 of the cell heat insulation frame.

[0088] This utility model also provides a battery pack, including the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, or the aforementioned cell heat insulation structure, or the aforementioned battery module. By adopting the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, cell heat insulation structure, or battery module, the safety of the battery pack can be effectively improved.

[0089] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the battery pack also includes a battery box 6, which includes a box body 61 and a box cover 62 connected to each other. An accommodating space is formed between the box body 61 and the box cover 62, and the assembled battery module is housed in the accommodating space.

[0090] This utility model also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, or the aforementioned cell heat insulation structure, or the aforementioned battery module, or the aforementioned battery pack. By employing the aforementioned cell heat insulation frame, cell heat insulation structure, battery module, or battery pack, the safety of vehicle use can be effectively improved.

[0091] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cell heat insulation frame, characterized in that, The frame body (1) includes a frame body (1) having a heat insulation hole (11) extending along a first direction. The frame body (1) also has an outer peripheral wall surrounding the inner peripheral wall of the heat insulation hole (11). The outer peripheral wall has a liquid cooling hole (12) penetrating to the inner wall of the heat insulation hole (11). The frame body (1) has at least a portion of its sidewalls along at least one side of the first direction forming a first connecting surface.

2. The cell heat insulation frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid cooling hole (12) is located on the top of the frame body (1).

3. The cell heat insulation frame according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The extension direction of the liquid cooling hole (12) is perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The cell heat insulation frame according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The heat insulation hole (11) penetrates the frame body (1) along the first direction.

5. The cell heat insulation frame according to claim 4, characterized in that, The frame body (1) is made of elastic material; The maximum dimension of the liquid cooling hole (12) along the first direction is the first dimension, the heat insulation hole (11) is used to accommodate the heat insulation component (2), the maximum dimension of the heat insulation component (2) along the first direction is the second dimension, and the first dimension > (2 × the second dimension - the minimum thickness of the frame body (1)).

6. The cell heat insulation frame according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The frame body (1) is a one-piece molded part.

7. A cell thermal insulation structure, characterized in that, Includes the cell heat insulation frame as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The cell thermal insulation structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cell insulation structure also includes an insulation element (2) disposed within the insulation hole (11).

9. The cell thermal insulation structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The maximum dimension of the heat insulation component (2) along the first direction is the second dimension, and the minimum dimension of the heat insulation hole (11) along the first direction after the frame body (1) is sandwiched between two adjacent single cells (3) is the third dimension, and the third dimension is greater than the second dimension.

10. The cell thermal insulation structure according to any one of claims 8-9, characterized in that, The heat insulation component (2) includes: The liquid-absorbing section is capable of absorbing at least a portion of the coolant; An encapsulation layer is encapsulated on the outer periphery of the liquid-absorbing portion and exposes at least a portion of the liquid-absorbing portion adjacent to the liquid-cooling hole (12).

11. The cell thermal insulation structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The encapsulation layer is made of a polymer material with a melting point or thermal decomposition temperature greater than or equal to 100°C and less than the minimum thermal runaway temperature of the single cell (3).

12. A battery module, characterized in that, It includes the cell heat insulation frame as described in any one of claims 1-6, or the cell heat insulation structure as described in any one of claims 7-11.

13. A battery pack, characterized in that, It includes the cell heat insulation frame as described in any one of claims 1-6, or the cell heat insulation structure as described in any one of claims 7-11, or the battery module as described in claim 12.

14. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the cell heat insulation frame according to any one of claims 1-6, or the cell heat insulation structure according to any one of claims 7-11, or the battery module according to claim 12, or the battery pack according to claim 13.

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