Battery, device and battery manufacturing device

Abstract

Battery, characterized by: a first battery cell; a second battery cell arranged adjacent to the first battery cell, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell; and a first thermal insulation element that is arranged between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy storage technologies, in particular a battery, a device and a battery manufacturing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Energy saving and emission reduction are key to sustainable development in the automotive industry. In this context, electric vehicles have become an important component of sustainable development due to their advantages in terms of energy saving and emission reduction. Battery technology is a crucial factor in the development of electric vehicles. Alongside performance improvements, battery safety is another aspect that cannot be overlooked. If battery safety cannot be guaranteed, the battery is unusable. Therefore, an urgent solution to improve battery safety is needed in the field of battery technology. SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the above problem, embodiments of this application provide a battery, a device, and a battery manufacturing device to improve the safety of the battery in use.

[0004] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the embodiments of this application offer the following technical solutions.

[0005] A first aspect of the embodiments of this application provides for a battery comprising the following: a first battery cell; a second battery cell arranged adjacent to the first battery cell, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell; and a first thermal insulation element that is arranged between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0006] Compared to the prior art, the battery provided in the embodiments of this application has the following advantages.

[0007] The battery provided in the embodiments of this application comprises a first battery cell and a second battery cell, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell, the thermal stability of the first battery cell is lower than that of the second battery cell, and the thermal failure response of the first battery cell is more severe than that of the second battery cell. After a thermal failure occurs in the first battery cell, the first battery cell generates high-temperature gas, and the temperature of the first battery cell rises sharply.However, a first thermal insulation element is arranged between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and the first thermal insulation element can effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between the first battery cell and the second battery cell in order to effectively reduce the likelihood of the first battery cell triggering a chain reaction in the second battery cell, thereby improving the safety of the battery in use.

[0008] In some implementations, the first thermal insulation element includes a hollow section. This hollow section extends through the first thermal insulation element in the thickness direction and is designed to provide a space for the first and / or second battery cells to swell. Therefore, if the first or second battery cell swells, the excess volume can be filled into the hollow section to effectively cushion the swelling force of the battery.

[0009] In some implementations, the first thermal insulation element is constructed as a square frame structure, which facilitates the production of the hollow section.

[0010] In some implementations, the first thermal insulation element further includes a filler element configured to fill the hollow section. The filler element is elastic, allowing it to reliably secure the first and second battery cells when no thermal failure occurs, and providing a space for the first and second battery cells to swell and deform if thermal failure does occur.

[0011] In some implementations, the filling element is selected from at least one of the following materials: foam, rubber, thermal insulation wool, or aerogel thermal insulation padding. The filling elements made of different materials can be selected depending on the type of the first and second battery cells, ensuring that the filling element meets the usage and safety requirements.

[0012] In some implementations, the ratio of the energy density E1 of the first battery cell to the energy density E2 of the second battery cell is in the range of 1.26 ≤ E1 / E2 ≤ 2.14. This can ensure the battery's operational safety and also improve its capacity.

[0013] In some implementations, the first and second battery cells are arranged alternately in an array of n first and m second battery cells, where n ≥ 1 and m ≥ 1. This alternating arrangement of the first and second battery cells, which have different energy densities, helps to reduce thermal diffusion and improve battery safety.

[0014] In some implementations, at least two first battery cells are provided, and a second thermal insulation element is placed between the two adjacent first battery cells. The second thermal insulation element can effectively delay or stop heat transfer between adjacent first battery cells, reducing the likelihood of a first battery cell triggering a chain reaction with its neighbors, thereby improving battery safety.

[0015] In some implementations, at least two secondary battery cells are provided, and a third thermal insulation element is positioned between the two adjacent secondary battery cells. This third thermal insulation element can effectively delay or stop heat transfer between the adjacent secondary battery cells, thereby reducing the likelihood of a secondary battery cell triggering a chain reaction and improving battery safety.

[0016] In some implementations, a first pressure relief mechanism is located at the first battery cell. This mechanism is configured to activate when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell reaches a threshold, releasing the internal pressure. A second pressure relief mechanism is located at the second battery cell. This second pressure relief mechanism is configured to activate when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell reaches a threshold, releasing the internal pressure. The area of ​​the first pressure relief mechanism is larger than the area of ​​the second pressure relief mechanism. The first pressure relief mechanism is located at the first battery cell so that the first battery cell can release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell reaches the threshold.The second pressure relief mechanism is located on the second battery cell, allowing it to also release internal pressure when either the internal pressure or temperature reaches a threshold. The energy density of the first battery cell is greater than that of the second, and the thermal failure response of the first battery cell is more severe than that of the second.The area of ​​the first pressure relief mechanism is limited to be larger than the area of ​​the second pressure relief mechanisms, so that the first battery cell, experiencing a more severe failure response, can effectively release the pressure in a timely manner using the larger area of ​​the first pressure relief mechanism. This effectively reduces the sharp temperature rise of the first battery cell and the likelihood of a chain reaction due to thermal failure of the first battery cell, thereby improving the overall safety of the battery.

[0017] In some implementations, the battery further includes a vent channel, the vent channel being located opposite the first and / or second pressure relief mechanism, and configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell when the first pressure relief mechanism is actuated, and / or emissions from the second battery cell when the second pressure relief mechanism is actuated. The vent channel is positioned to allow timely release of internal pressure from the first and / or second battery cell if the internal pressure or temperature of the first and / or second battery cell reaches a threshold, thereby making the battery safer to use.

[0018] In some implementations, at least two drain channels are provided, with the drain channels spaced apart and the first and second pressure relief mechanisms facing the different drain channels. Emissions from the first and second battery cells can all be drained from the battery in a timely and effective manner, reducing the likelihood of the drain channels becoming blocked by solid substances released from the first and second battery cells, thereby improving the battery's operational safety.

[0019] In some implementations, at least two first battery cells are provided, and the first pressure relief mechanisms of the two adjacent first battery cells are each oriented towards different vent channels. Therefore, the different first battery cells can vent emissions via their respective vent channels, allowing emissions from the first battery cells to be vented from the battery in a timely and effective manner. Furthermore, this effectively reduces the probability that a thermal failure of one first battery cell will cause a thermal failure of an adjacent first battery cell, thus helping to prevent a chain reaction of thermal failures and improving battery operational safety.

[0020] In some implementations, at least two secondary battery cells are provided, and the secondary pressure relief mechanisms of the two adjacent secondary battery cells are each oriented towards different venting channels. Therefore, the different secondary battery cells can vent emissions via their respective venting channels, allowing emissions from the secondary battery cells to be vented from the battery in a timely and effective manner. Furthermore, this effectively reduces the probability of a thermal failure of a primary battery cell causing a thermal failure of an adjacent secondary battery cell, thus helping to prevent a chain reaction of thermal failures and improving battery operational safety.

[0021] In some implementations, the battery further comprises a housing, the housing having a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls being configured to enclose a receiving space for receiving the first and second battery cells, wherein a cavity is provided in at least one of the plurality of walls and the cavity is configured to form the drain channel. A base housing is configured to protect the first and second battery cells arranged in the receiving space. The cavity forming the drain channel is provided in at least one of the plurality of walls of the base housing, such that when a threshold value of the internal pressure or temperature of the first and second battery cells is reached, emissions from the first and second battery cells can be drained into the cavity.Therefore, emissions from the first and second battery cells can be released from the battery in a timely and effective manner during a thermal failure, thus improving the battery's operational safety.

[0022] In some implementations, the multiple walls include a bottom wall, which is configured to support the first and second battery cells and incorporates a cavity. Emissions from the first battery cell are vented downwards and into the cavity at the bottom via the first pressure relief mechanism, and emissions from the second battery cell are also vented downwards and into the cavity at the bottom via the second pressure relief mechanism. With this battery arrangement, once installed in a vehicle battery compartment, the battery can vent emissions towards the vehicle floor rather than into a passenger compartment located above the battery compartment, further enhancing battery safety.

[0023] In some implementations, the at least one wall is designed to break when the first pressure relief mechanism and / or the second pressure relief mechanism is activated, so that emissions from the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell can pass through the at least one wall into the corresponding drain channel.In this way, when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell reaches a threshold, the first pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is actuated and emissions from the first battery cell are released; and / or when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell reaches a threshold, the second pressure relief mechanism of the second battery cell is actuated and emissions from the second battery cell are released, whereby the emissions released from the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell may act on at least one wall of the base casing, so that a part of the base casing facing the first pressure relief mechanism and / or a part of the base casing facing the second pressure relief mechanism is damaged.The hollow chamber of the base housing is connected to the first pressure relief mechanism and / or the second pressure relief mechanism, so that emissions in the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell can be released into the drain channel in a timely and effective manner, further improving the operational safety of the battery.

[0024] In some implementations, a first through-hole is provided in at least one wall, and this first through-hole is designed to connect to the drain channel so that emissions from the first and / or second battery cell can pass through the first through-hole into the corresponding drain channel when the first and / or second battery cell is actuated. In this way, when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell reaches a threshold, the first pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is actuated and the emissions from the first battery cell are discharged; and / or when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell reaches a threshold, the second pressure relief mechanism of the second battery cell is actuated and the emissions from the second battery cell are discharged.Emissions released from the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell pass through the first through-hole into the hollow chamber of the base housing, so that the emissions in the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell can be released into the drain channel in a timely and effective manner, further improving the operational safety of the battery.

[0025] In some implementations, the battery further includes a thermal management component configured to receive fluid to regulate the temperature of the first and second battery cells. This thermal management component is located between the first and second battery cells and at least one wall. It is designed to rupture upon activation of the first and / or second pressure relief mechanism, allowing the fluid to escape. This enables emissions from the first and / or second battery cells to pass through the damaged thermal management component and into the drain channel.Furthermore, if the thermal management component breaks, the fluid can leak out, so that the internal temperature of the battery is quickly lowered by the fluid, which helps to mitigate the chain reaction of thermal failure and improve the battery's operational safety.

[0026] In some implementations, a second through-hole is provided in the thermal management section. This second through-hole is designed to connect to the exhaust duct, allowing emissions from the first and / or second battery cell to pass through this second through-hole into the corresponding exhaust duct when the first and / or second pressure relief mechanism is activated. This ensures that emissions from the first and / or second battery cell can quickly and smoothly pass through the second through-hole into the exhaust duct, thereby improving battery operational safety.

[0027] In some implementations, the second through-hole is connected to the exhaust duct via the first through-hole. Therefore, emissions released from the first and / or second battery cell can quickly and smoothly pass through the second through-hole into the first through-hole and subsequently into the exhaust duct, thus improving battery operational safety.

[0028] A second aspect of the embodiments of this application relates to a device comprising the aforementioned battery, wherein the battery is configured to supply electrical energy.

[0029] The device in this application is powered by the aforementioned battery. Therefore, the first thermal insulation element can be used to effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, thereby effectively reducing the probability that the first battery cell will trigger a chain reaction in the second battery cell and thus improving the battery's operational safety.

[0030] A third aspect of the embodiments of this application relates to a manufacturing process for a battery, comprising the following steps: Configuring a first battery cell; Configuring a second battery cell adjacent to the first battery cell, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell; and Configuring a first thermal insulation element, wherein the first thermal insulation element is positioned between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0031] In the battery manufacturing process provided in this embodiment, the first battery cell is configured with a higher energy density and the second battery cell with a lower energy density; and the first thermal insulation element is configured between the adjacent first battery cell and the second battery cell. In this way, even if the first battery cell has lower thermal stability and a more severe thermal failure response than the second battery cell, the configured first thermal insulation element can effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between the first and second battery cells after a thermal failure occurs in the first battery cell, thereby effectively reducing the probability that the first battery cell will trigger a chain reaction in the second battery cell and thus improving the battery's operational safety.

[0032] A fourth aspect of the embodiments of this application provides for a battery manufacturing apparatus comprising the following: a first battery cell configuration module that is configured to configure a first battery cell; a second battery cell configuration module configured to configure a second battery cell adjacent to the first battery cell, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell; and a first thermal insulation element configuration module configured to configure a first thermal insulation element, wherein the first thermal insulation element is located between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0033] In the manufacturing apparatus of a battery according to this embodiment, the first battery cell configuration module is used to configure the first battery cell; the second battery cell configuration module is used to configure the second battery cell, wherein the configured second battery cell is arranged adjacent to the first battery cell and the energy density of the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell; and the first thermal insulation element configuration module is used to configure the first thermal insulation element, wherein the configured first thermal insulation element is arranged between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.In this way, even if the first battery cell has lower thermal stability and a more severe thermal failure response than the second battery cell, the first thermal insulation element can effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between the first and second battery cells after a thermal runaway occurs in the first battery cell, effectively reducing the likelihood of the first battery cell triggering a chain reaction in the second battery cell and thereby improving the battery's operational safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic structure diagram of a vehicle according to this application; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic structure diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic structure diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 4 is a first exploded view of a battery according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic structure diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. 6 is a main view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. 7 is a right-side view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. 8 is a top view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 9 is a first schematic structure diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. 10 is a second schematic structure diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 11 is a third schematic structure diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. 12a is a schematic structure diagram of a first battery cell according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. 12b is a schematic structure diagram of a second battery cell according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 13 is a second exploded view of a battery according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 14 is a third exploded view of a battery according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 15 is a first schematic structural diagram of a floor wall according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. 16 is a second schematic structural diagram of a floor wall according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. 17 is a schematic structure diagram of a heat management part according to an embodiment of this application; Fig. Figure 18 is a first schematic structural diagram of a floor wall according to a further embodiment of this application; Fig. 19 is a second schematic structural diagram of a floor wall according to a further embodiment of this application; and Fig. Figure 20 is a schematic structure diagram of a heat management part according to a further embodiment of this application. Reference mark: 1 vehicle; 11 Battery; 111 First battery cell; 1111 First pressure relief mechanism; 1112 positive electrode connection; 1113 Negative electrode connection; 1114 Housing; 112 Second battery cell; 1121 Second pressure relief mechanism; 113 Basic housing 1131 Floor wall; 1132 Side wall; 1133 First through-bore; 114 First thermal insulation element; 1141 Hollow section; 115 Second thermal insulation element; 116 Third thermal insulation element; 117 Drainage channel; 118 Thermal management section; 1181 Second through hole; 12 Control unit; and 13 Engine. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0034] A battery is a device for converting chemical energy into electrical energy and is widely used in the fields of new energy vehicles, energy storage power plants and the like.

[0035] An existing battery type comprises a casing and a plurality of battery cells arranged within the casing, wherein the plurality of battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel. The plurality of battery cells comprises a first battery cell and a second battery cell, wherein the energy density of the first battery cell is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell.

[0036] However, the inventors of this application have discovered through investigations that the thermal stability of the first battery cell is lower than that of the second battery cell, and that in the event of a thermal failure, the failure reaction of the first battery cell is more severe than that of the second battery cell, i.e., that the amount of high-temperature gas produced by the first battery cell is far greater than the amount of high-temperature gas produced by the second battery cell, which easily triggers a chain reaction leading to thermal diffusion, an increased frequency of hazards such as fire and explosion, and a safety problem in the use of the battery.

[0037] To address the problems of the first battery cell initiating a chain reaction and the resulting thermal diffusion, the increased frequency of hazards such as fire and explosion, and the safety concerns associated with battery use, this application provides a battery, a device, a battery manufacturing process, and a battery manufacturing apparatus. A first thermal insulation element is arranged between the adjacent first battery cell and the second battery cell to effectively delay or stop heat transfer between them.Therefore, if a thermal failure occurs in the first battery cell, the first thermal insulation element can prevent the heat from being transferred from the first battery cell to the second battery cell, effectively reducing the likelihood of a chain reaction caused by the second battery cell absorbing the heat generated by the thermal failure of the first battery cell, thereby improving the overall safety of the battery in use.

[0038] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application become clearer. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art in this field could achieve based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] The present application provides a device and a battery. The device provided in this application comprises the battery, which is configured to supply electrical energy. The device provided in this application is, for example, a mobile phone, a portable device, a laptop, an electric scooter, an electric vehicle, a steamship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, or a power tool. The spacecraft is, for example, an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, or a spacecraft. The electric toy includes, for example, a stationary or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric vehicle toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy.Power tools include, for example, electric metal cutting tools, electric grinding tools, electric assembly tools and electric railway-specific tools, such as an electric drill, an electric grinder, an electric wrench, an electric screwdriver, an electric hammer, an electric impact drill, a concrete vibrator and an electric planer.

[0040] The battery described in this application is not limited to the electrical devices described above. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments are all described using an electric vehicle as an example.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1 is a simple schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment. The vehicle 1 can be an oil-powered vehicle, a gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a battery-powered electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an extended-range electric vehicle, or the like. A battery 11 can be arranged in the vehicle 1. In a specific example, the battery 11 can be located at the bottom, at the front, or at the rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 11 can be configured to supply power to the vehicle 1. For example, the battery can be used as the operating power supply for the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 can further include a control unit 12 and a motor 13. The control unit 12 is configured, for example, to control the battery 11 to supply power to the motor 13.Battery 11 can be configured to start and control vehicle 1. Of course, battery 11 can also be configured to power vehicle 1, replacing all or part of the fuel or natural gas needed to supply vehicle 1 with propulsion energy.

[0042] The battery 11 mentioned in this embodiment can be a Fig. 2 battery module shown, one in Fig. The battery pack shown in Figure 3, or the like, is a basic structural unit of the battery module and battery pack. Battery cells are the fundamental structural units of the battery module and battery pack. A variety of battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel using electrode terminals for use in various electrical devices. The battery module protects the battery cells from external influences, heat, vibration, and the like. A specific number of battery cells are electrically connected and placed in a frame to form the battery module. The battery pack is the final component of a battery system installed in an electric vehicle. Most existing battery packs are formed by mounting various control and protection systems, such as a battery management system and a thermal management component, onto one or more battery modules. With technological advancements, the battery module can be omitted, i.e.,The battery pack is formed directly using battery cells. This improvement increases the energy density per unit weight and the energy density per unit volume of the battery system, while significantly reducing the number of components.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the battery 11 in this application comprises: a first battery cell 111, a second battery cell 112 and a first thermal insulation element 114, wherein the second battery cell 112 is arranged adjacent to the first battery cell 111, the energy density of the first battery cell 111 is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell 112, and the first thermal insulation element 114 is arranged between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112.

[0044] The first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 in this application can be lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, or the like. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application. The first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 can have a cylindrical shape, a flat body shape, a cuboid shape, or other shapes. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application. With regard to packaging types, the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 are generally divided into three types: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and softpack battery cells. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0045] As in Fig. 5 to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first battery cell 111 generally comprises an electrode assembly (not shown) and an electrolyte (not shown), wherein the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator arranged between the positive and negative electrode plates, and the first battery cell 111 operates mainly depending on the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode plates. The positive electrode plate comprises a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is applied to a surface of the positive electrode current collector.A current collector not coated with the positive electrode active material layer protrudes from a current collector coated with the positive electrode active material layer, and the current collector not coated with the positive electrode active material layer is used as the positive tab. Using the lithium-ion battery as an example, the positive electrode current collector material could be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material could be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate oxide, or the like. The negative electrode plate comprises a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is applied to a surface of the negative electrode current collector.A current collector not coated with the negative electrode active material layer protrudes from a current collector coated with the negative electrode active material layer, and the current collector not coated with the negative electrode active material layer serves as a negative tab. The negative electrode current collector material can be copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon, silicon, or similar materials. To allow a large current to flow without melting, multiple positive tabs and multiple negative tabs are provided and stacked on top of each other. The separator material can be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or similar materials. Furthermore, the electrode array can have a wound or laminated structure. There can be one or more electrode arrays.This is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application. The first battery cell 111 further comprises a housing 1114, wherein the electrode arrangement and the electrolyte are both housed in the housing 1114, the housing 1114 being a hollow cuboid, cube, or cylinder, and wherein the housing 1114 is made of aluminum or steel and their alloys, or of a plastic material or an aluminum-plastic film. A positive electrode terminal 1112 and a negative electrode terminal 1113 are further arranged on the housing 1114, the positive terminal being electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 1112 and the negative terminal being electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 1113 to output electrical energy.

[0046] It is understood that the second battery cells 112 and the first battery cells 111 have the same structure. This will not be described again here.

[0047] The battery 11 provided in the embodiments of this application comprises the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell 112 is lower than that of the first battery cell 111, the thermal stability of the first battery cell 111 is lower than that of the second battery cell 112, and the thermal failure response of the first battery cell 111 is more severe than that of the second battery cell 112. After the occurrence of thermal runaway in the first battery cell 111, the first battery cell 111 generates high-temperature gas, and the temperature of the first battery cell 111 rises sharply.However, a first thermal insulation element 114 is arranged between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, and the first thermal insulation element 114 can effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 in order to effectively reduce the probability that the first battery cell 111 will trigger a chain reaction of the second battery cell 112, thereby improving the safety of the battery in use.

[0048] It should be noted that, due to the lower thermal stability of the first battery cell 111 compared to the second battery cell 112, a thermal failure typically occurs first in the first battery cell 111. In this case, the first thermal insulation element 114 can prevent the heat generated by the thermal failure of the first battery cell 111 from being transferred to the second battery cell 112, thus reducing the likelihood of the first battery cell 111 triggering a chain reaction in the second battery cell 112. However, this does not mean that a thermal failure in the first battery cell 111 will definitely occur before in the second battery cell 112. If an external force acts only on the second battery cell 112, a thermal failure may occur first in the second battery cell 112.In this case, the first thermal insulation element 114 can also prevent the heat generated by the thermal failure of the second battery cell 112 from being transferred to the first battery cell 111, thus reducing the probability that the second battery cell 112 will trigger a chain reaction in the first battery cell 111. Since a thermal failure is more likely to occur first in the first battery cell 111, for the sake of simplicity, it is described as occurring first in the first battery cell 111.

[0049] In the battery of this application, the first thermal insulation element 114 comprises a hollow section 1141, wherein the hollow section 1141 extends through the first thermal insulation element 114 in the thickness direction of the first thermal insulation element 114, and the hollow section 1141 is designed to provide a space in which the first battery cell 111 and / or the second battery cell 112 can swell. Therefore, when the first battery cell 111 or the second battery cell 112 swells, the excess volume of the swelling first battery cell 111 or the second battery cell 112 can be filled into the hollow section 1141 to effectively cushion the swelling force of the battery 11. In some embodiments, the first thermal insulation element 114 is designed as a square frame structure, which facilitates the fabrication of the hollow section 1141 of the first thermal insulation element 114.In some other embodiments, the first thermal insulation element 114 further comprises a filler element (not shown in the figure) configured to fill the hollow section 1141, the filler element being elastic. The filler element is selected from at least one of foam, rubber, thermal insulation wool, or aerogel thermal insulation padding. Therefore, the filler element material can be selected based on specific factors such as the type and cost of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112.

[0050] In the battery 11 of this embodiment, the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 are arranged alternately in an arrangement mode of n first battery cells 111 and m second battery cells 112, where n ≥ 1, m ≥ 1 and n and m are each an integer.

[0051] The values ​​of n and m can be the same or different. For example, in some embodiments, such as in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the values ​​of n and m both being 1, i.e., n = 1 and m = 1. In this case, the first battery cells 111 and the second battery cells 112 are arranged alternately to form a row or a column, i.e., a second battery cell 112 is arranged between two adjacent first battery cells 111, and a first battery cell 111 is arranged between two adjacent second battery cells 112. In another example, in some embodiments, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows the values ​​of n and m, both 6, i.e., n = 6 and m = 6. In this case, six first battery cells 111 and six second battery cells 112 form an arrangement unit; three arrangement units are provided, the three arrangement units are in a Fig. 3 shown in the Y-axis direction, the six first battery cells 111 and the six second battery cells 112 in each arrangement unit in a Fig. 3 are arranged in the X-direction shown, and in the two adjacent arrangement units, the first battery cells 111 and the second battery cells 112 are arranged offset. In another example, in some other embodiments, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, n and m each have a value of 2, i.e., n = 2 and m = 2. In this case, the first battery cells 111 and the second battery cells 112 are arranged in a row or a column, with each pair of first battery cells 111 separated by a pair of second battery cells 112. This means that arrangement units, each comprising two first battery cells 111 and two second battery cells 112, are arranged in a row or a column. It is understood that the values ​​of n and m can alternatively take other values. These are not listed here.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, when at least two first battery cells 111 are provided in the battery 11, i.e., n ≥ 2, a second thermal insulation element 115 is arranged between the two adjacent first battery cells 111. The second thermal insulation element 115 can effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between a first battery cell 111 and its adjacent first battery cell 111, thereby effectively reducing the probability that the first battery cell 111 will trigger a chain reaction in the adjacent first battery cell 111 and thus improving the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0053] In some other embodiments of the application, when at least two second battery cells 112 are provided in the battery 11 of this application, i.e., m ≥ 2, a third thermal insulation element 116 is arranged between the two adjacent second battery cells 112. The third thermal insulation element 116 can effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between a second battery cell 112 and its adjacent second battery cell 112, in order to effectively reduce the probability that the second battery cell 112 will trigger a chain reaction of the adjacent second battery cell 112 and thereby improve the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0054] It should be noted that in some embodiments only the first thermal insulation element 114 may be arranged between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112. In some embodiments, the first thermal insulation element 114 may be arranged between the adjacent first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, and the second thermal insulation element 115 is arranged between the two adjacent first battery cells 111. In some embodiments, the first thermal insulation element 114 may be arranged between the adjacent first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, and the third thermal insulation element 116 is arranged between the two adjacent second battery cells 112.In some embodiments, the second thermal insulation element 115 is arranged between the two adjacent first battery cells 111, the first thermal insulation element 114 is arranged between the adjacent first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, and the third thermal insulation element 116 is arranged between the adjacent second battery cells 112.

[0055] It should be noted that the structure of the second thermal insulation element 115 and the structure of the third thermal insulation element 116 may be the same as, or different from, that of the first thermal insulation element 114. For example, in some embodiments, such as in Fig. Figure 4 shows the first thermal insulation element 114 and the second thermal insulation element 115 constructed as a square frame structure. Optionally, the first thermal insulation element 114 and the second thermal insulation element 115 further comprise a filler element configured to fill the hollow section, wherein the filler element is elastic and is selected from at least one of foam, rubber, thermal insulation wool, or aerogel thermal insulation padding.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first battery cell 111 in the battery 11 of this application further comprises a first pressure relief mechanism 1111, wherein the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is configured to be actuated when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a threshold in order to release the internal pressure of the first battery cell 111; the second battery cell 112 further comprises a second pressure relief mechanism 1121, wherein the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is configured to be actuated when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell 112 reaches a threshold in order to release the internal pressure of the second battery cell 112; and an area of ​​the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is larger than an area of ​​the second pressure relief mechanism 1121.

[0057] The first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is a component or part that can be actuated when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a preset threshold in order to release the internal pressure and / or internal substances. The first pressure relief mechanism 1111 may, in particular, be in the form of an explosion-proof valve, a gas valve, a pressure relief valve, a safety valve, or the like, or, in particular, be a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive component or structure. More precisely, when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a preset threshold, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 performs actions, or a weak structure within the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is destroyed to form an opening or channel for releasing the internal pressure.

[0058] It is understood that the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is a component or part that can be actuated when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell 112 reaches a preset threshold in order to release the internal pressure and / or internal substances. The second pressure relief mechanism 1121 may, in particular, be in the form of an explosion-proof valve, a gas valve, a pressure relief valve, a safety valve, or the like, or, more specifically, be a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive component or structure. More precisely, when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell 112 reaches a preset threshold, the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 performs actions, or a weak structure within the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is destroyed, to create an opening or channel for releasing the internal pressure.

[0059] The threshold in this application can be a pressure threshold or a temperature threshold. The design of the threshold varies depending on the different design requirements. For example, the threshold can be designed or determined based on an internal pressure or temperature value of the first battery cell 111 that is considered hazardous or a runaway risk. Furthermore, the threshold can depend, for example, on the material of one or more positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, an electrolyte, and a separator in the first battery cell 111. In another example, the threshold can be designed or determined based on an internal pressure or temperature value of the second battery cell 112 that is considered hazardous or a runaway risk.Furthermore, the threshold value can depend, for example, on the material of one or more positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, an electrolyte and a separator in the second battery cell 112.

[0060] The term “actuate” as used in this application means that the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 performs actions or is brought into a certain state so that the internal pressure of the first battery cell 111 can be released, and that the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 performs actions or is brought into a certain state so that the internal pressure of the second battery cell 112 can be released. The actions produced by the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 may include, but are not limited to, breaking, shattering, tearing, or opening at least part of the first pressure relief mechanism 1111. When the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is actuated, substances at high temperature and high pressure in the first battery cell 111 are released as emissions from the actuated part.In this way, the first battery cell 111 can release pressure at a controllable pressure or temperature, thereby avoiding potential and more serious accidents. The emissions from the first battery cell 111 mentioned in this application include, but are not limited to: electrolyte, fragments of positive and negative electrode plates and separators due to dissolution or breakage, high-temperature and high-pressure gases and flames generated by reactions, and the like.

[0061] The high-temperature and high-pressure emissions are released in the direction in which the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is located on the first battery cell 111; more precisely, they can be released in the direction of an actuated area of ​​the first pressure relief mechanism 1111. The force and destructive effect of the emissions can be very large and even so great as to rupture one or more parts in this direction. Likewise, the actions generated by the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 can include, but are not limited to, rupturing, breaking, tearing, or opening at least a part of the second pressure relief mechanism 1121. When the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is actuated, substances of high temperature and high pressure in the second battery cell 112 are released as emissions from the actuated part.In this way, the second battery cell 112 can release pressure at a controllable pressure or temperature, thereby preventing potential and more serious accidents. The emissions from the second battery cell 112 mentioned in this application include, but are not limited to: electrolyte, fragments of positive and negative electrode plates and separators due to dissolution or breakage, high-temperature and high-pressure gases and flames generated by reactions, and the like. The high-temperature and high-pressure emissions are released in the direction in which the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is arranged on the second battery cell 112; more precisely, they can be released in the direction of an actuated area of ​​the second pressure relief mechanism 1121.The force and destructive effect of the emissions can be very large and even so large that they can break through one or more parts in that direction.

[0062] In the first battery cell 111, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 can be arranged at any position on the housing 1114. For example, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 can be located on the top, bottom, or side of the housing 1114, or the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 can be located between the positive electrode terminal 1112 and the negative electrode terminal 1113. This is not specifically limited in this application, as long as the internal pressure of the first battery cell 111 can be released. Likewise, the second pressure relief mechanism 1121, which is arranged on the second battery cell 112, can be similar to the second pressure relief mechanism 1111, which is arranged on the first battery cell 111. Details are not described again here.

[0063] In some embodiments, the ratio of the energy density E1 of the first battery cell 111 to the energy density E2 of the second battery cell 112 is: 1.26 ≤ E1 / E2 ≤ 2.14. Energy density refers to the energy released by the battery per unit mass or unit volume, namely a weight-based energy density or a volumetric energy density. In some embodiments, the first battery cell 111 is, for example, a ternary lithium battery, such as a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide battery or a lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide battery. The second battery cell 112 is, for example, a lithium iron phosphate battery or a lithium cobalt oxide battery. It should be noted that the energy density of the first battery cell 111 is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell 112 and that the thermal failure response of the first battery cell 1115 is usually more severe than the failure response of the second battery cell 112.The first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 are arranged simultaneously, which helps to reduce the chain reaction of thermal failure and decrease thermal diffusion, thereby further improving the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0064] In some embodiments, the ratio of an area A1 of the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 to an area A2 of the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 satisfies the following condition: 1.5 ≤ A1 / A2 ≤ 4, so that the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 can both effectively and in a timely manner discharge energy, thereby improving the safety of use of the battery.

[0065] In the battery 11 provided for in this application, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is arranged on the first battery cell 111, so that when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a threshold, the first battery cell 111 can release the internal pressure; and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is arranged on the second battery cell 112, so that when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell 112 reaches a threshold, the second battery cell 112 can also release the internal pressure. The energy density of the first battery cell 111 is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell 112, and the thermal failure response of the first battery cell 111 is more severe than the thermal failure response of the second battery cell 112.The area of ​​the first pressure relief mechanisms 1111 is limited to be larger than the area of ​​the second pressure relief mechanisms 1121, so that the first battery cell 111, which experiences more severe failure reactions, can effectively release the pressure in a timely manner using the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 with its larger area, thus effectively reducing the probability that the first battery cell 111 will trigger a chain reaction due to a failure to release the internal pressure in a timely manner and thereby improving the overall operational safety of the battery 11.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the battery 11 in the embodiments of this application further comprises a drain channel 117, wherein the drain channel 117 is arranged opposite the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 and / or the second pressure relief mechanism 1121, and the drain channel 117 is configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell 111 when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is actuated, and / or to collect emissions from the second battery cell 112 when the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is actuated. The drain channel is arranged such that the internal pressure of the first battery cell 111 and / or the second battery cell 112 can be released in a timely manner when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 and / or the second battery cell 112 reaches a threshold value, thereby making the battery 11 safer to use.

[0067] In some embodiments, the drain channel 117 is arranged opposite the first pressure relief mechanism 1111, and the drain channel 117 is configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell 111 when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is actuated. In some embodiments, the drain channel 117 is arranged facing the second pressure relief mechanism 1121, and the drain channel 117 is configured to collect emissions from the second battery cell 112 when the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is actuated. In some other embodiments, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the drain channel 117 faces both the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112, and the drain channel 117 is configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 are actuated. Accordingly, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 is located exactly in the center, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. Figure 12a shows the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112, which is also located exactly in the middle.

[0068] In a Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, at least two drain channels 117 are provided, wherein the drain channels 117 are arranged at a distance from one another and the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 are each arranged facing the different drain channels 117. For example, the first battery cells 111 and the second battery cells 112 are arranged in a column, and the first battery cells 111 and the second battery cells 112 can have substantially the same length and width and the same thickness or different thicknesses.Furthermore, the distance from the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 on the first battery cell 111 to a side edge of the first battery cell 111 is one-quarter of the width of the first battery cell 111, and the distance from the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 on the second battery cell 112 to a side edge of the second battery cell 112 is one-quarter of the width of the second battery cell 112. The first pressure relief mechanism 1111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 are non-collinear, i.e., the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 on the first battery cell 111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 on the second battery cell 112 are offset in an arrangement direction of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112.In this way, when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a threshold, emissions in the first battery cell 111 are released via one of the drain channels 117, and when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell 112 reaches a threshold, emissions in the second battery cell 112 are released via one of the drain channels 117, so that the emissions from the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cells 112 can all be effectively released from the battery 11 in a timely manner, thereby improving the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0069] Naturally, in an alternative embodiment of the above design, as in Fig. 12a and Fig. As shown in Figure 12b, the distance from the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 on the first battery cell 111 to a side edge of the first battery cell 111 is half the width of the first battery cell 111, and the distance from the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 on the second battery cell 112 to a side edge of the second battery cell 112 is one-quarter the width of the second battery cell 112. In this case, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 on the first battery cell 111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 on the second battery cell 112 are not collinear, i.e., the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 on the first battery cell 111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 on the second battery cell 112 are offset in an arrangement direction of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112.

[0070] In some implementations, at least two first battery cells 111 are provided, and the first pressure relief mechanisms 1111 of the two adjacent first battery cells 111 are each arranged facing the different drain channels 117. Therefore, the different first battery cells 111 can each discharge emissions via the different drain channels 117, so that the emissions from the first battery cells 111 can be discharged from the battery 11 in a timely and effective manner. Furthermore, a thermal failure of one first battery cell 111 caused by a thermal failure of an adjacent first battery cell 111 can be effectively reduced, thereby preventing a chain reaction and improving the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0071] In some embodiments, at least two secondary battery cells 112 are provided, and the secondary pressure relief mechanisms 1121 of the two adjacent secondary battery cells 112 are each arranged facing the different drain channels 117. Therefore, emissions from the different secondary battery cells 112 can be discharged via the different drain channels 117, so that the emissions from the secondary battery cells 112 can be effectively discharged from the battery 11 in a timely manner. Furthermore, a thermal failure of the adjacent secondary battery cell 112 caused by a thermal failure of a secondary battery cell 112 can be effectively reduced to prevent a chain reaction and thereby improve the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. 13 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the battery 11 further comprises a base housing 113. The base housing 113 has a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls being configured to enclose a receiving space for receiving the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, wherein a hollow chamber is provided in at least one of the plurality of walls and the hollow chamber is configured to form the drain channel 117. The base housing 113 can be sealed or unsealed. In a specific example, the base housing 113 comprises a top cover wall (not shown), a bottom bottom wall 1131, and an annular side wall 1132 arranged around a circumference of the bottom wall 1131, the top wall and the bottom wall 1131 each covering openings at two ends of the side wall 1132 to enclose the receiving space together with the side wall 1132.Naturally, the side wall 1132 can be formed by joining four secondary side walls end to end or be an integral part. The base housing 113 is configured to protect the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, which are arranged in the receiving space. The hollow chamber for forming the drain channel 117 is provided in at least one of the plurality of walls of the base housing 113.This allows the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112 to be arranged so that they face the respective cavity, so that when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a threshold, emissions from the first battery cell 111 can be released into the cavity, and when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell 112 reaches a threshold, emissions from the second battery cell 112 can be released into the cavity, in order to effectively reduce the risk of fire and explosion and thereby improve the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0073] Furthermore, the bottom wall 1131 is configured to support the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, and the cavity is provided in the bottom wall 1131. Accordingly, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112 are arranged at the bottom of their respective housings 1114. Therefore, emissions in the first battery cell 111 are released downwards and enter the cavity at the bottom via the first pressure relief mechanism 1111, and emissions in the second battery cell 112 are released downwards and enter the cavity at the bottom via the second pressure relief mechanism 1121.With this arrangement of the battery 11, the battery 11, after being placed in a battery compartment of a vehicle 1, can release emissions towards the floor of the vehicle 1 instead of releasing emissions into a passenger compartment located above the battery compartment, thereby further improving the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 and the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112 are configured to communicate with the corresponding drain channel 117, enabling the timely and effective discharge of emissions from the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 into the drain channel 117. A connection mode for the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 and the cavity forming the drain channel 117 on the base housing 113, and a connection mode for the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112 and the cavity forming the drain channel 117 on the base housing 113, are described in the following two embodiments.It should be noted that the following two embodiments are merely examples of two possible embodiments, but do not restrict the connection mode of the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 and the cavity and the connection mode of the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112 and the cavity.

[0075] In one embodiment, at least one wall of the base housing 113 of the battery 11 is designed such that it breaks upon actuation of the first pressure relief mechanism 1111, allowing emissions from the first battery cell 111 to pass through the at least one wall and enter the corresponding drain channel 117. In other words, the cavity is provided in the at least one wall of the base housing 113, which may be the top wall, the bottom wall 1131, or the side wall 1132. A portion of the base housing 113 facing the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 has a solid wall surface when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is not actuated, i.e., when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is not activated.A portion of the base housing 113 facing the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 has no perforated structure communicating with the cavity when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is not actuated. However, when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a threshold, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 is actuated, and emissions from the first battery cell 111 are released. These released emissions can then act upon at least one wall of the base housing 113, causing the portion of the base housing 113 facing the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell 111 to fracture (become damaged or broken), thus connecting the interior of the cavity of the base housing 113 with the first pressure relief mechanism 1111.In this way, emissions from the first battery cell 111 can be discharged into the drain channel 117 in a timely and effective manner. Likewise, at least one wall of the base casing 113 of the battery 11 is designed to rupture when the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is actuated, allowing emissions from the second battery cell 112 to pass through the at least one wall and enter the corresponding drain channel 117. The connection mode of the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112 and the cavity is the same as the connection mode of the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 and the cavity. Details are not described again here.

[0076] In another embodiment, a first through-hole 1133 is provided in at least one wall of the base housing 113 of the battery 11, which may be the top wall, the bottom wall 1131, or the side wall 1132. The first through-hole 1133 is designed to be connected to the drain channel 117 so that emissions from the first battery cell 111 can pass through the first through-hole 1133 into the drain channel 117 when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 is actuated. When the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a threshold value, the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell 111 is actuated, and the emissions in the first battery cell 111 are released, with the released emissions from the first battery cell 111 passing through the first through-hole 1133 into the hollow chamber of the base housing 113.In this way, emissions from the first battery cell 111 can be discharged into the drain channel 117 in a timely and effective manner. Likewise, a first through-hole 1133 is provided in at least one wall of the base housing 113 of the battery 11, which can be the top wall, the bottom wall 1131, or the side wall 1132. The first through-hole 1133 is designed to communicate with the drain channel 117 so that emissions from the second battery cell 112 can enter the drain channel 117 via the first through-hole 1133 when the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is actuated. The connection mode of the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112 and the cavity is the same as the connection mode of the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 and the cavity. Details are not described again here.

[0077] The battery 11 further comprises a thermal management unit 118, which is configured to hold fluid to regulate the temperature of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112. The thermal management unit 118 is arranged between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 and at least one wall. This arrangement of the thermal management unit 118 allows the temperature of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 to be regulated, enabling more efficient and safer charging and discharging of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112. The fluid can be liquid or gaseous.

[0078] "Temperature regulation" refers to heating or cooling the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112. In the case of cooling or temperature reduction of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, the thermal management element 118 is configured to hold cooling fluid to lower the temperature of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112. In this case, the thermal management element 118 can also be referred to as a cooling element, cooling system, cooling plate, or the like, and the fluid held therein can also be referred to as a cooling medium or cooling fluid, and more specifically, as a cooling liquid or cooling gas. Furthermore, the thermal management element 118 can also be configured to hold heating fluid to increase the temperature of the battery cell 111. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the fluid can circulate to achieve better temperature regulation.Optionally, the fluid can be water, a mixture of water and glycol, air, or similar.

[0079] The thermal management component 118 is designed to be ruptured (damaged or broken) when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 and / or the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is actuated to allow fluid to escape. More precisely, when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 reaches a threshold and a high-temperature, high-pressure gas must be released, the emissions released by the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 act upon the thermal management component 118, damaging it so that the emissions from the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 can escape through the damaged thermal management component 118 into the drain channel 117 (i.e., the hollow chamber of the base housing 113).Furthermore, due to damage to the thermal management part 118, the outgoing fluid, such as coolant, absorbs a large amount of heat and evaporates, rapidly lowering the internal temperature of the battery 11, which helps to prevent the chain reaction of thermal failure and improve the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0080] For example, as in Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 14 shows the thermal management section 118, for example, a water-cooled plate. A fluid channel is provided in the water-cooled plate; one end of the fluid channel forms a water inlet and the other end of the water flow channel forms a water outlet. When the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 are functioning correctly, the water temperature in the water-cooled plate is adjusted to regulate the ambient temperature of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 so that the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 are charged and discharged within a suitable temperature range, thereby improving the charging and discharging efficiency of the battery 11.If a thermal failure occurs in the first battery cell 111, or a thermal failure occurs in the second battery cell 112, or a thermal failure occurs in both the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, the internal pressure released by the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 damages the water-cooled plate, causing water in the water-cooled plate to evaporate in order to absorb the heat of the high-temperature gas released by the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, thereby further reducing the probability of fire and explosion of the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 and improving the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0081] Optionally, a second through-hole 1181 is provided in the thermal management section 118, and the second through-hole 1181 can be designed to communicate with the drain channel 117 so that emissions from the first battery cell 111 and / or the second battery cell 112 can pass through the second through-hole 1181 into the corresponding drain channel 117 when the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 and / or the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 is actuated. Optionally, the area of ​​the second through-hole 1181 can be set to be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the first pressure relief mechanism 1111, which is located on the first battery cell 111, and / or greater than or equal to the area of ​​the second pressure relief mechanism 1121, which is located on the second battery cell 112.Therefore, when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 111 reaches a threshold, the first pressure relief mechanism 1111 of the first battery cell 111 is actuated and the emissions in the first battery cell 111 are released, with the released emissions of the first battery cell 111 passing quickly and smoothly through the second through-hole 1181 into the drain channel 117 (i.e., into the hollow chamber of the base housing 113), so that the emissions in the first battery cell 111 can be released into the drain channel 117 in a timely and effective manner.Likewise, when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell 112 reaches a threshold value, the second pressure relief mechanism 1121 of the second battery cell 112 is actuated and the emissions in the second battery cell 112 are released, the released emissions of the second battery cell 112 passing quickly and smoothly through the second through-hole 1181 into the drain channel 117 (i.e. into the hollow chamber of the base housing 113), so that the emissions in the second battery cell 112 can be released into the drain channel 117 in a timely and effective manner.

[0082] Furthermore, a first through-hole 1133 is provided in at least one wall of the base housing 113, and the first through-hole 1133 is designed to communicate with the drain channel 117. In this case, the second through-hole 1181 communicates with the drain channel 117 via the first through-hole 1133. The emissions discharged from the first battery cell 111 and / or the second battery cell 112 pass sequentially into the drain channel 117 (i.e., into the hollow chamber of the base housing 113) via the second through-hole 1181 and the first through-hole 1133. In this way, the emissions from the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 can be discharged into the drain channel 117 in a timely and effective manner.

[0083] It should be noted that in the foregoing embodiment, the second through-holes 1181 must correspond to the first through-holes 1133. For example, two drain channels 117 in a Fig. The floor wall 1131 shown in Figure 15 provides a multitude of first through-holes 1133, which are connected to two drainage channels 117, in a Fig. 16 shown in the floor wall 1131, and accordingly a plurality of second through holes 1181, each corresponding to the first through holes 1133, are provided in a Fig. The heat management section 118 shown in section 17 is provided. For example, a drain channel 117 is provided in a Fig. The floor wall 1131 shown in Figure 18 provides a plurality of first through holes 1133, which are connected to a drainage channel 117, in a Fig. 19 shown in the floor wall 1131, and accordingly a plurality of second through holes 1181, each corresponding to the first through holes 1133, are provided in a Fig. 20 depicted heat management section 118 is provided.

[0084] The foregoing describes the battery 11 in the embodiments of this application with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 20. The following describes a manufacturing process and a device for a battery in the embodiments of this application. For any part not described in detail, reference may be made to the preceding embodiments.

[0085] One embodiment of this application provides for a manufacturing process for a battery, comprising the following steps: Configuring a first battery cell 111; Configuring a second battery cell 112 adjacent to the first battery cell 111, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell 112 is lower than that of the first battery cell 111; and Configuring a first thermal insulation element 114, wherein the first thermal insulation element 114 is arranged between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112.

[0086] In the manufacturing process for a battery provided in this embodiment, the first battery cell 111 is configured with a higher energy density and the second battery cell 112 with a lower energy density; and the first thermal insulation element 114 is configured between the adjacent first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112.In this way, even if the first battery cell 111 has lower thermal stability and a more severe thermal failure response than the second battery cell 112, the configured first thermal insulation element 114 can effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 after a thermal failure occurs in the first battery cell 111, in order to effectively reduce the probability that the first battery cell 111 will trigger a chain reaction in the second battery cell 112 and thereby improve the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0087] A fourth aspect of the embodiments of this application provides for a battery manufacturing apparatus comprising the following: a first battery cell configuration module configured to configure a first battery cell 111; a second battery cell configuration module configured to configure a second battery cell 112 adjacent to the first battery cell 111, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell 112 is lower than that of the first battery cell 111; and a first thermal insulation element configuration module configured to configure a first thermal insulation element 114, wherein the first thermal insulation element 114 is arranged between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112.

[0088] In the manufacturing apparatus of a battery according to this embodiment, the first battery cell configuration module is used to configure the first battery cell 111; the second battery cell configuration module is used to configure the second battery cell 112, wherein the configured second battery cell 112 is arranged adjacent to the first battery cell 111 and the energy density of the second battery cell 112 is lower than that of the first battery cell 111; and the first thermal insulation element configuration module is used to configure the first thermal insulation element 114, wherein the configured first thermal insulation element 114 is arranged between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112.In this way, even if the first battery cell 111 has lower thermal stability and a more severe thermal failure response than the second battery cell 112, the first thermal insulation element 114 can effectively delay or stop the heat transfer between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112 after a thermal failure occurs in the first battery cell 111, in order to effectively reduce the probability that the first battery cell 111 will trigger a chain reaction in the second battery cell 112 and thereby improve the operational safety of the battery 11.

[0089] The manufacturing apparatus for a battery in this embodiment can be applied to the manufacturing process for a battery in the preceding embodiment. That is to say, the manufacturing process for a battery in the preceding embodiment can specifically be implemented using the manufacturing apparatus for a battery in this embodiment.

[0090] In summary, in the battery 11, the device, the battery manufacturing process and the battery manufacturing device provided in this application, the first thermal insulation element 114 is arranged between the first battery cell 111 with a higher energy density and the second battery cell 112 with a lower energy density, thereby effectively delaying or stopping the heat transfer between the first battery cell 111 and the second battery cell 112, thereby effectively reducing the probability that the first battery cell 111 will trigger a chain reaction in the second battery cell 112 and thus improving the safety of use of the battery 11.

[0091] The embodiments or implementations in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the difference from other embodiments, and identical and similar parts between the embodiments may refer to each other.

[0092] In this specification, references to the terms "an implementation," "some implementations," "an example of the implementation," "an example," "a specific example," or "some examples" mean that certain features, structures, materials, or properties described in connection with the implementations or examples are included in at least one implementation or example of this application. In this specification, the descriptions of examples for the aforementioned terms do not necessarily refer to the same implementation or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or properties may be combined in one or more implementations or examples in a suitable manner.

[0093] Finally, it should be noted that each of the foregoing embodiments serves only to describe the technical solutions of this application, not to limit it. Although this application is described in detail with reference to each of the foregoing embodiments, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that they may nevertheless make changes to the technical solutions described in each of the foregoing embodiments or replace some or all of their technical features with equivalent substitute solutions without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of each embodiment of this application.

Claims

[1] Battery, characterized by : a first battery cell; a second battery cell arranged adjacent to the first battery cell, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell; and a first thermal insulation element that is arranged between the first battery cell and the second battery cell. [2] Battery according to claim 1, characterized by that the first thermal insulation element comprises a hollow section, wherein in a thickness direction of the first thermal insulation element the hollow section extends through the first thermal insulation element and the hollow section is designed to provide a space that allows the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell to swell. [3] Battery according to claim 2, characterized by , that the first thermal insulation element is constructed as a square frame structure. [4] Battery according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the first thermal insulation element further comprises a filling element configured to fill the hollow section, wherein the filling element is elastic. [5] Battery according to claim 4, characterized by that the filling element is selected from at least one of foam, rubber, thermal insulation wool or aerogel thermal insulation padding. [6] Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the ratio of the energy density E1 of the first battery cell to the energy density E2 of the second battery cell is in the range of 1.26 ≤ E1 / E2 ≤ 2.

14. [7] Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the first battery cell and the second battery cell are arranged alternately in an arrangement mode of n first battery cells and m second battery cells, where n ≥ 1 and m ≥ 1. [8] Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat at least two first battery cells are provided and a second thermal insulation element is arranged between the two adjacent first battery cells. [9] Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that at least two second battery cells are provided and a third thermal insulation element is arranged between the two adjacent second battery cells. [10] Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that a first pressure relief mechanism is arranged at the first battery cell and the first pressure relief mechanism is configured to be actuated when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell reaches a threshold in order to release the internal pressure; that a second pressure relief mechanism is arranged on the second battery cell, and the second pressure relief mechanism is configured to be actuated when the internal pressure or temperature of the second battery cell reaches a threshold in order to release the internal pressure; and where one area of ​​the first pressure relief mechanism is larger than one area of ​​the second pressure relief mechanism. [11] The battery according to claim 10, characterized by , that it further comprises a drain channel, wherein the drain channel is arranged opposite the first pressure relief mechanism and / or the second pressure relief mechanism, and the drain channel is configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell when the first pressure relief mechanism is actuated, and / or to collect emissions from the second battery cell when the second pressure relief mechanism is actuated. [12] Battery according to claim 11, characterized by that at least two drain channels are provided, wherein the drain channels are arranged at a distance from each other and the first pressure relief mechanism and the second pressure relief mechanism are each arranged facing the different drain channels. [13] Battery according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that at least two first battery cells are provided and the first pressure relief mechanisms of the two adjacent first battery cells are each arranged facing the different drain channels; and / or at least two second battery cells are provided and the second pressure relief mechanisms of the two adjacent second battery cells are each arranged facing the different drain channels. [14] The battery according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized bythat the battery further comprises a base housing, wherein the base housing has a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls being configured to enclose a receiving space for receiving the first battery cell and the second battery cell, wherein a hollow chamber is provided in at least one of the plurality of walls and the hollow chamber being configured to form the drain channel. [15] Battery according to claim 14, characterized by , that the multitude of walls includes a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall is configured to support the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and the hollow chamber is provided in the bottom wall. [16] Battery according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by, that the at least one wall is constructed in such a way that it breaks when the first pressure relief mechanism and / or the second pressure relief mechanism is actuated, so that the emissions from the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell can pass through the at least one wall into the corresponding drain channel. [17] Battery according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by , that at least one wall has a first through-hole and that the first through-hole is designed to be connected to the drain channel so that emissions from the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell can pass through the first through-hole into the corresponding drain channel when the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell is activated. [18] The battery according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized by, that the battery further comprises a thermal management part configured to receive fluid to regulate the temperature of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, wherein the thermal management part is located between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and the at least one wall, and the thermal management part is designed to break upon actuation of the first pressure relief mechanism and / or the second pressure relief mechanism so that the fluid can flow out. [19] Battery according to claim 18, characterized by, that a second through-hole is provided in the thermal management part, wherein the second through-hole is designed to be connected to the drain channel so that emissions from the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell can pass through the second through-hole into the appropriate drain channel when the first pressure relief mechanism and / or the second pressure relief mechanism is actuated. [20] Battery according to claim 19, characterized by that the second through-hole is connected to the drain channel via the first through-hole. [21] Device, characterized by , that it comprises the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the battery is configured to supply electrical energy. [22] Battery manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a first battery cell configuration module that is configured to configure a first battery cell; a second battery cell configuration module configured to configure a second battery cell adjacent to the first battery cell, wherein the energy density of the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell; and a first thermal insulation element configuration module configured to configure a first thermal insulation element, wherein the first thermal insulation element is located between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

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