Steam chamber, battery and battery module

Abstract

A vapor chamber applied to a battery, characterized in that it comprises: a first body (1) with a first end (11); and a second body (2) which is connected to the first end (11) and is arranged at an angle to the first body (1), wherein in an extension direction of the first body (1) the second body (2) has a first surface (21) facing away from the first body (1), and wherein the first surface (21) is provided with a through groove (3).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of battery heat dissipation, in particular to a vapor chamber, a battery and a battery module. State of the art

[0002] In related technologies, a large amount of heat is generated during battery operation, so heat accumulation is prone to occur. If heat accumulates excessively in the battery, thermal runaway may occur, which may ultimately lead to a fire or even an explosion. This triggers a chain reaction within a battery module, causing neighboring batteries to also experience thermal runaway, thus causing serious safety issues and personal injury and property damage. Disclosure of the utility model

[0003] In the embodiments of the present application, a vapor chamber, a battery, and a battery module are provided that can eliminate the technical problem of thermal runaway of the battery caused by heat accumulation within the battery.

[0004] In a first aspect, in the embodiments of the present application, there is provided a vapor chamber applied to a battery, comprising: a first body having a first end; and a second body connected to the first end and arranged at an angle to the first body, wherein in an extension direction of the first body the second body has a first surface facing away from the first body, and wherein the first surface is formed with a through groove.

[0005] In one embodiment, it is provided that the first body and the second body are connected in an L-shape.

[0006] In one embodiment, it is provided that the through groove comprises a first groove, wherein in a first direction the first groove extends through two opposite sides of the second body, wherein the first groove also extends through a side surface of a side of the second body connected to the first body.

[0007] In one embodiment, it is provided that the through groove further comprises a second groove, wherein the second groove is arranged at an angle to the first groove and is in communication therewith; and / or that in a second direction the second groove extends through two opposite sides of the second body.

[0008] In one embodiment, it is provided that at least one reinforcing rib is provided in the second groove, wherein an extension direction of the at least one reinforcing rib runs parallel to an axial direction of the second groove.

[0009] In one embodiment, it is provided that an end of the at least one reinforcing rib facing away from the first groove is flush with a side of the second body facing away from the first groove; and / or that the at least one reinforcing rib has a length that is shorter than the length of the second groove.

[0010] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery comprising the vapor chamber described above and further comprising: a housing; a cell pack arranged in the housing and having a first heat dissipation surface and a second heat dissipation surface connected to each other, wherein the vapor chamber is arranged in the housing, wherein the first body is in contact with the first heat dissipation surface and the second body is in contact with the second heat dissipation surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, it is provided that the housing has a second surface, wherein the second surface faces the through groove, wherein the battery further has an explosion-proof valve, and wherein the explosion-proof valve is arranged on the second surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, it is provided that the battery comprises two vapor chambers, wherein the first bodies of the two vapor chambers are in contact with each other, wherein the second bodies of the two vapor chambers are in contact with each other, and wherein the through grooves of the two vapor chambers are in communication with each other.

[0013] In one embodiment, it is provided that two through grooves form an exhaust gas area, wherein in a third direction a projection of the explosion-proof valve is located in the exhaust gas area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cell pack comprises a third surface, a fourth surface, and a fifth surface, wherein the first heat dissipation surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface are sequentially connected and are each connected to the second heat dissipation surface, the battery further comprising an insulating film, the insulating film covering the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second heat dissipation surface comprises a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, wherein the first region is in contact with the second body; and wherein the second region is covered with the insulating film.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing has an opening, the battery further comprising a top cover assembly, the top cover assembly closing the opening.

[0017] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery module comprising the battery described above.

[0018] Advantageous effects of the embodiments of the present application: In the embodiments of the present application, by arranging the first body at an angle to the second body, the vapor chamber can be fully contacted with the cell pack, thus dissipating the heat of the cell pack and reducing the risk of thermal runaway due to heat accumulation in the cell pack. By providing a through groove on the first surface of the second body facing away from the first body, the problem of the highly heated gas not being able to be released in time due to the narrowing of an exhaust duct (or even the blockage of an explosion-proof valve) under the effect of the gravity of the cell pack, thus increasing the safety risk, can be avoided in the event of thermal runaway of the battery. Short description of the characters

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required to describe the embodiments are briefly presented below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description represent only some embodiments of the present application. A person skilled in the art can also obtain further drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vapor chamber according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a steam chamber according to some further embodiments of the present application; Fig. 3 shows a side view of the Fig. 2 shown steam chamber; Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of the Fig. 2 shown steam chamber; Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of the structure of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of the structure of a housing of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of an exhaust region according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. 8 shows a bottom view of a cell pack according to some embodiments of the present application; and Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the structure of a battery according to some further embodiments of the present application. List of reference symbols:

[0020] 1. First body; 2. Second body; 3. Through groove; 4. Cell pack; 5. Casing; 6. Explosion-proof valve; 7. Insulating film; 8. Top cover assembly; 11. First end; 21. First surface; 22. First groove; 23. Second groove; 24. Reinforcing rib; 41. First heat dissipation surface; 42. Second heat dissipation surface; 51. Second surface; 200. Exhaust area; X. First direction; Y. Second direction; Z. Third direction. Detailed embodiments

[0021] In the following, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the application are described clearly and completely with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the application. Of course, the described embodiments do not represent all, but a part of the embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art from the embodiments of the application without inventive steps also belong to the scope of protection of the application. It should also be understood that the detailed embodiments described herein serve only to illustrate and explain the present application, without limiting the present application. Unless otherwise stated, the positional terms used in the present application, such as "top" and "bottom", generally refer to the actual application state.Operating state of a device, particularly the drawing plane of the figures. The terms "inside" and "outside" are used to refer to the contour of a device.

[0022] As used in this application, the word "exemplary" means "by way of example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" in this application is not necessarily to be understood as more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. In order to enable any person skilled in the art to implement and utilize this application, the following description is provided. In the following description, details are set forth for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that the present application can be practiced without these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and operations are not described in detail so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.Therefore, the present application is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is in accordance with the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed by the present application.

[0023] Reference is made to Fig. 1 taken. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vapor chamber according to some embodiments of the present application. Embodiments of the present application provide a vapor chamber applied to a battery, the vapor chamber comprising: a first body 1 having a first end 11; and a second body 2 connected to the first end 11 and arranged at an angle to the first body 1, wherein, in an extension direction of the first body 1, the second body 2 has a first surface 21 facing away from the first body 1, the first surface 21 being formed with a through groove 3.

[0024] When a battery is in operation, a large amount of heat and gas is generated within the battery, and heat accumulation can easily occur between cell packs 4, which can even cause fires and explosions, resulting in danger to persons and property damage. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent heat accumulation inside the battery as much as possible. With reference to Fig. 1, the vapor chamber in this embodiment comprises a first body 1 and a second body 2 arranged at an angle, wherein both the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be in contact with the cell pack 4, thereby effectively equalizing the heat of the cell pack 4. At the same time, the through groove 3 formed on the first surface 21 of the second body 2 contributes to the rapid venting of gas inside the battery, so that in the event of thermal runaway of the battery, the problem of the highly heated gas not being able to be vented in time due to the narrowing of an exhaust duct (or even the blockage of an explosion-proof valve) under the effect of the gravity of the cell pack 4, thus increasing the safety risk, can be avoided. For example, the vapor chamber in this embodiment can be a liquid cooling plate.

[0025] Reference is made to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 taken. Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a steam chamber according to some further embodiments of the present application. Fig. 3 shows a side view of the Fig. 2 shown steam chamber, and Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of the Fig. 2. In one embodiment of the present application, it is provided that the first body 1 and the second body 2 are connected in an L-shape.

[0026] In the embodiment of the present application, by connecting the first body 1 and the second body 2 in an L-shape, the contact area between the first body 1 and the second body 2 and the cell pack 4 is increased, so that the utilization of the first body 1 and the second body 2 for balancing the heat of the cell pack 4 can be maximized and the risk of thermal runaway due to the heat accumulation of the cell pack 4 can be reduced.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present application, it is provided that the through groove 3 comprises a first groove 22, wherein in a first direction the first groove 22 runs through two opposite sides of the second body 2, wherein the first groove 22 also runs through a side surface of a side of the second body 2 connected to the first body 1.

[0028] In the event of a battery thermal runaway, a large amount of heat and gas is generated. This heat causes the electrolyte fluid inside the battery to rapidly evaporate, resulting in a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery. Because the battery's internal space is limited, a large amount of gas, if released improperly, can cause the battery to deform or explode. Therefore, this gas must be released as quickly as possible. The cell pack inside the battery, under the influence of gravity, can constrict an exhaust passage (or even block an exhaust port), ultimately impairing the gas discharge.In this embodiment, by forming a first groove 22 on the second body 2, which cannot be blocked or occupied by the cell pack, gas can be discharged from the battery through the first groove 22, which ultimately reduces the risk of thermal runaway of the battery.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present application, it is provided that the through-groove 3 further comprises a second groove 23, wherein the second groove 23 is arranged at an angle to the first groove 22 and is in communication therewith; and / or that in a second direction the second groove 23 extends through two opposite sides of the second body 2.

[0030] With further reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the second groove 23 and the first groove 22 are arranged at an angle, which contributes to gases from different directions collecting at the through groove 3; the first groove 22 and the second groove 23 communicate with each other, which facilitates the flow of gases in the through groove 3, can accelerate the discharge of gases from different directions within the battery, and contributes to ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0031] For example, the angle between the first groove 22 and the second groove 23 in this embodiment is 90°, and the first groove 22 is symmetrical to the second groove 23. Obviously, the angle between the first groove 22 and the second groove 23 in the above embodiment, as well as the position of the second groove 23 on the second body 2, are only exemplary and do not represent a limitation of the present application.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present application, it is provided that at least one reinforcing rib 24 is provided in the second groove 23, wherein an extension direction of the at least one reinforcing rib 24 runs parallel to an axial direction of the second groove 23.

[0033] In order to increase the discharge rate of the battery, in the embodiment of the present application, a second groove 23 is formed on the second body 2. The second body 2 has a smaller thickness at a position where the second groove 23 is formed, and its strength is also compromised. Therefore, a large amount of heat and gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery may cause deformation at the second groove 23 and affect the discharge rate of the battery. Therefore, in this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 24 is provided in the second groove 23 to reduce the probability of deformation in the second groove 23 and ensure the discharge rate of the battery. With further reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, in this embodiment, three reinforcing ribs 24 are provided in the second groove 23, wherein these three reinforcing ribs 24 are evenly distributed in the second groove 23, whereby the strength difference at different locations in the second groove 23 can be reduced and the likelihood of deformation in the second groove 23 can be further reduced. Obviously, the number and position of the reinforcing ribs 24 in the above embodiment are only exemplary and do not represent a limitation of the present application.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present application, it is provided that an end of the at least one reinforcing rib 24 facing away from the first groove 22 is flush with a side of the second body 2 facing away from the first groove 22; and / or that the at least one reinforcing rib 24 has a length that is shorter than the length of the second groove 23.

[0035] A large amount of gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery is released from the battery through the second groove 23. Therefore, the arrangement of the reinforcing ribs 24 in the second groove 23 is intended to reduce or eliminate the influence of the reinforcing ribs 24 on the gas release capability of the second groove 23. With reference to Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the length of the reinforcing rib 24 is shorter than the length of the second groove 23, which can ensure not only the strength of the second body 2 at the second groove 23, but also the gas-discharging ability of the second groove 23. At the same time, in this embodiment, by having an end of the reinforcing rib 24 facing away from the first groove 22 flush with a side surface of the second body 2 facing away from the first groove 22, the influence of the reinforcing rib 24 on the gas-discharging ability of the first groove 22 can be avoided, and ultimately, the risk of thermal runaway of the battery can be reduced.

[0036] In a further aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery comprising the vapor chamber described above and further comprising: a housing 5; a cell pack 4 arranged in the housing 5 and having a first heat dissipation surface 41 and a second heat dissipation surface 42 connected to each other; wherein the vapor chamber is arranged in the housing 5, wherein the first body 1 is in contact with the first heat dissipation surface 41 and the second body 2 is in contact with the second heat dissipation surface 42.

[0037] In related technologies, a heat dissipation assembly is typically provided outside the battery. However, this heat dissipation method has little effect on alleviating heat accumulation within the battery. Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of the structure of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to Fig. 5 In this embodiment, the vapor chamber is arranged inside the battery, wherein both the first body 1 and the second body 2 of the vapor chamber are in contact with the cell pack 4, whereby the contact area between the cell pack 4 and the vapor chamber can be increased in order to compensate for the heat of the cell pack 4 and thereby reduce the risk of thermal runaway of the battery.

[0038] Reference is made to Fig. 6 taken. Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of the structure of a housing of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application. In one embodiment of the present application, the housing 5 has a second surface 51, wherein the second surface 51 faces the through groove 3. The battery further comprises an explosion-proof valve 6, and wherein the explosion-proof valve 6 is arranged on the second surface 51.

[0039] A mounting hole is provided on the second surface 51 of the housing 5, and the explosion-proof valve 6 is mounted in the mounting hole. In this embodiment, by mounting the explosion-proof valve 6 on the second surface 51 facing the through-groove 3, the gas in the through-groove 3 can be quickly discharged from the battery via the explosion-proof valve 6, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present application, it is provided that the battery comprises two vapor chambers, wherein the first bodies 1 of the two vapor chambers are in contact with each other, wherein the second bodies 2 of the two vapor chambers are in contact with each other, and wherein the through grooves 3 of the two vapor chambers are in communication with each other.

[0041] In this embodiment, the through-grooves 3 of the two vapor chambers are brought into communication, which contributes to the gas in the through-groove 3 flowing to the explosion-proof valve 6 and then being discharged via the explosion-proof valve 6. At the same time, since the first bodies 1 of the two vapor chambers are in contact and two cell packs 4 that are in contact with the two vapor chambers are no longer in contact with each other, the heat between the cell packs 4 can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery.

[0042] Reference is made to Fig. 7 taken. Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of an exhaust gas region according to some embodiments of the present application. In one embodiment of the present application, two through-grooves 3 form an exhaust gas region 200, with a projection of the explosion-proof valve 6 located in the exhaust gas region 200 in a third direction.

[0043] By having the through grooves 3 of the two vapor chambers form an exhaust region 200 and the explosion-proof valve 6 arranged at a position corresponding to the exhaust region 200, the gas in the exhaust region 200 can be quickly discharged via the explosion-proof valve 6, ultimately reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery.

[0044] To improve the efficiency of discharging the gas within the battery, the exhaust gas flow rate of the explosion-proof valve 6 should be increased. For example, in this embodiment, the explosion-proof valve 6 is arranged in the communication area of ​​the two second through grooves 3 of the two vapor chambers.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present application, it is provided that the cell pack 4 has a third surface, a fourth surface and a fifth surface, wherein the first heat dissipation surface 41, the third surface, the fourth surface and the fifth surface are connected one after the other and are each connected to the second heat dissipation surface 42, wherein the battery further comprises an insulating film 7, wherein the insulating film 7 covers the first heat dissipation surface 41, the third surface, the fourth surface and the fifth surface.

[0046] To ensure the performance and stability of the battery, in this embodiment, the first heat dissipation surface 41, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface of the cell pack 4 are covered with an insulating film 7. For example, in this embodiment, one side of the insulating film 7 is made of an insulating material, and the other side is a self-adhesive. The insulating film 7 is adhered to the first heat dissipation surface 41, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface by means of the self-adhesive.

[0047] Reference is made to Fig. 8 taken. Fig. 8 shows a bottom view of a cell pack according to some embodiments of the present application. In one embodiment of the present application, the second heat dissipation surface 42 comprises a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, wherein the first region is in contact with the second body 2; and wherein the second region is covered with the insulating film 7.

[0048] By covering the surface of the cell pack 4 with the insulating film 7, the performance and stability of the battery can be ensured. To ensure the connection stability between the insulating film 7 and the cell pack 4, the width of the insulating film 7 should not be too narrow, thereby reducing the likelihood of the insulating film 7 slipping from the second heat dissipation surface 42. It is also not appropriate for the insulating film 7 to cover the first surface 21 of the second body 2. If the insulating film 7 covers the first surface 21, the heat dissipation and exhaust effects of the second body 2 will be impaired.

[0049] By way of example, in this embodiment, the width of the second region is greater than or equal to 3 mm.

[0050] Reference is made to Fig. 9 taken. Fig.Figure 9 shows a schematic view of the structure of a battery according to some further embodiments of the present application. In one embodiment of the present application, the housing 5 has an opening, and the battery further comprises a top cover assembly 8, the top cover assembly 8 closing the opening.

[0051] In this embodiment, the top cover assembly 8 and the explosion-proof valve 6 are arranged on two opposite surfaces of the housing 5, so that it can be enabled that the exhaust capacity is not impaired during normal operation of the battery.

[0052] To ensure the performance and stability of the battery, the insulating film 7 is bonded to a lower part of the upper cover assembly 8 with an adhesive height of at least 2 mm. The distance between the insulating film 7 and a cover plate made of aluminum sheet included in the upper cover assembly 8 is greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0053] In a further aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery module comprising the battery described above.

[0054] The embodiments of the present application are presented in detail above. The principles and embodiments of the present application are explained herein using specific examples. The above description of the embodiments is merely helpful for understanding the method of the present application and its core idea. At the same time, those skilled in the art may make changes to the detailed embodiments and the scope of application in accordance with the ideas of the present application. In summary, the contents of the description should not be construed as limiting the present application.

Claims

[1] Vapor chamber applied to a battery, characterized by that it includes: a first body (1) having a first end (11); and a second body (2) which is connected to the first end (11) and is arranged at an angle to the first body (1), wherein in an extension direction of the first body (1), the second body (2) has a first surface (21) facing away from the first body (1), and wherein the first surface (21) is provided with a through groove (3). [2] Steam chamber according to claim 1, characterized by that the first body (1) and the second body (2) are connected in an L-shape. [3] Steam chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byin that the through groove (3) comprises a first groove (22), wherein in a first direction (X) the first groove (22) extends through two opposite sides of the second body (2), and wherein the first groove (22) also extends through a side surface of a side of the second body (2) connected to the first body (1). [4] Steam chamber according to claim 3, characterized by that the through groove (3) further comprises a second groove (23), wherein the second groove (23) is arranged at an angle to the first groove (22) and is in communication therewith; and / or that in a second direction (Y) the second groove (23) extends through two opposite sides of the second body (2). [5] Steam chamber according to claim 4, characterized by that at least one reinforcing rib (24) is provided in the second groove (23), wherein an extension direction of the at least one reinforcing rib (24) is parallel to an axial direction of the second groove (23). [6] Steam chamber according to claim 5, characterized by that an end of the at least one reinforcing rib (24) facing away from the first groove (22) is flush with a side of the second body (2) facing away from the first groove (22); and / or that the at least one reinforcing rib (24) has a length that is shorter than the length of the second groove (23). [7] Battery, characterized by that it comprises a steam chamber according to one of claims 1 to 6 and further comprises: a housing (5); a cell pack (4) arranged in the housing (5) and having a first heat dissipation surface (41) and a second heat dissipation surface (42) connected to each other; wherein the vapor chamber is arranged in the housing (5), and wherein the first body (1) is in contact with the first heat dissipation surface (41) and the second body (2) is in contact with the second heat dissipation surface (42). [8] Battery according to claim 7, characterized by in that the housing (5) has a second surface (51), the second surface (51) facing the through groove, the battery further comprising an explosion-proof valve (6), and the explosion-proof valve (6) is arranged on the second surface (51). [9] Battery according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the battery comprises two vapor chambers, wherein the first bodies (1) of the two vapor chambers are in contact with each other, wherein the second bodies (2) of the two vapor chambers are in contact with each other, and wherein the through grooves (3) of the two vapor chambers are in communication with each other. [10] Battery according to claim 9, characterized by that the two through grooves (3) form an exhaust gas area (200), wherein in a third direction (Z) a projection of the explosion-proof valve (6) is located in the exhaust gas area (200). [11] Battery according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized byin that the cell pack (4) has a third surface, a fourth surface and a fifth surface, wherein the first heat dissipation surface (41), the third surface, the fourth surface and the fifth surface are sequentially connected end-to-end and are each connected to the second heat dissipation surface (42), wherein the battery further comprises an insulating film (7), and wherein the insulating film (7) is wrapped on the third surface, the fourth surface and the fifth surface. [12] Battery according to claim 11, characterized by that the second heat dissipation surface (42) comprises a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, wherein the first region is in contact with the second body (2), and wherein the second region is covered with the insulating film (7). [13] Battery according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized bythat the housing (5) has an opening, wherein the battery further comprises a top cover assembly (8), and wherein the top cover assembly (8) closes the opening. [14] Battery module, characterized by that it comprises a battery according to one of claims 7 to 13.

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