Battery and Electrical Equipment

Abstract

The present application provides a battery and an electric device. The battery includes a battery cell having a pressure relief mechanism installed on a first wall thereof, and a case that is attached to a second wall of the battery cell different from the first wall thereof and includes a thermal management component for regulating the temperature of the battery cell, an electrical cavity for accommodating the battery cell and the thermal management component, and a collection cavity for collecting waste from the battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism is activated. The battery and the electric device of the present application can improve the safety of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority of International Patent Application PCT / CN2022 / 071536, filed on January 12, 2022, with the title "Battery Case, Battery, Electrical Device, Method and Apparatus for Manufacturing a Battery", and all of the content of the said application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and particularly to batteries and electrical equipment.

Background Art

[0003] Energy conservation and emission reduction are the key points for the sustainable development of the automotive industry. In such a situation, electric vehicles have become an important component of the sustainable development of the automotive industry due to their energy - saving and environmental protection advantages. For electric vehicles, battery technology is an important element involved in their development.

[0004] In the development of battery technology, in addition to improving battery performance, safety issues are also problems that cannot be ignored. If the safety of the battery cannot be ensured, the battery cannot be used. Therefore, how to improve the safety of the battery has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in battery technology.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a battery and an electrical device that can improve the safety of the battery.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a battery is provided, the battery includes: a battery cell with a pressure - releasing mechanism installed on a first wall; a thermal management component mounted on a second wall of the battery cell, different from the first wall, for adjusting the temperature of the battery cell; an electrical cavity for accommodating the battery cell and the thermal management component; and a case including a collection cavity for collecting emissions from the battery cell when the pressure - releasing mechanism operates.

[0007] Therefore, in the battery of the embodiment of the present application, since the second wall where the thermal management component is mounted is not the first wall of the battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism is installed, thus, when the battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, the emissions of the battery cell discharged through the pressure relief mechanism are discharged in a direction away from the thermal management component. Therefore, it is difficult for the emissions to break through the thermal management component, and the thermal management component can cool down the thermally runaway battery cell, avoid heat diffusion, and enhance the safety of the battery.

[0008] In some embodiments, the area of the second wall is equal to or greater than the area of the first wall. Since the contact area between the thermal management component and the battery cell is relatively large, when the battery cell operates normally, the effect on the temperature regulation of the battery cell is relatively significant.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second wall is the wall with the largest area of the battery cell, so as to better regulate the temperature of the battery cell and improve the efficiency of temperature rise or fall by increasing the contact area between the thermal management component and the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the battery includes multiple rows of battery cells arranged along a first direction, and each row of battery cells in the multiple rows of battery cells includes at least one battery cell arranged along a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction and the second wall. In this way, multiple battery cells inside the battery are arranged in an array manner, which can facilitate the assembly of the battery and also improve the space utilization rate of the multiple battery cells inside the battery.

[0011] In some embodiments, the thermal management component is mounted on the second wall of at least one battery cell in at least one row of the multiple rows of battery cells. In this way, at least one thermal management component exists inside the battery, and the thermal management component can regulate the temperature of at least one battery cell on which it is mounted so as to be used for temperature regulation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes two second walls that are disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, and at least one row of battery cells among a plurality of rows of battery cells is respectively provided with heat management components mounted on the two second walls of at least one battery cell along both sides of the first direction. In this way, by simultaneously adjusting the temperature of one row of battery cells by two heat management components, the temperature adjustment efficiency can be improved, and the safety of the battery can be improved.

[0013] In some embodiments, the same heat management component is installed between at least two adjacent rows of battery cells among a plurality of rows of battery cells, and in this way, the temperature adjustment effect can be improved.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of heat management components arranged along a first direction so as to improve the temperature adjustment efficiency.

[0015] In some embodiments, the plurality of heat management components are installed at intervals along the first direction such that at least one battery cell is installed between two adjacent heat management components, thereby not only improving the space utilization rate of the battery but also improving the temperature adjustment efficiency.

[0016] In some embodiments, a heat exchange channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium is installed in the heat management component, and the heat exchange channels of the plurality of heat management components communicate with each other. In this way, the plurality of heat management components communicate with each other. On the one hand, it is easy to manage and control, improving the integration and safety of the battery. On the other hand, when the temperature change of some heat management components in the battery is relatively large, heat exchange can be realized by the heat exchange channel, thereby relatively reducing the temperature difference between the plurality of heat management components and improving the temperature adjustment efficiency.

[0017] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a support disposed in the collection cavity for improving the compressive strength of the collection cavity. Since the support provides a supporting effect in the collection cavity with respect to the cavity structure, the collection cavity in which the support is disposed has better compressive strength. In other words, when an external pressure acts on the battery, the collection cavity in which the support is disposed can withstand most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the influence of the external pressure on components such as battery cells and thermal management components in the electrical cavity, and improving the pressure resistance and safety of the battery.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support includes channels for allowing at least a portion of the emissions to pass through. The support can be used to form channels for allowing the emissions of the battery cells to pass through so as to perform a supporting function and improve the emission efficiency of the emissions.

[0019] In some embodiments, the channels are used to allow the gas in the emissions to pass through, and the regions other than the channels in the support are used to block the solids in the emissions. The channels can allow the high-temperature gas and / or high-temperature liquid in the emissions to pass through, and the other regions of the support can block the high-temperature solids in the emissions. That is, the channels in the support filter the high-temperature solids in the emissions, block the high-temperature solids inside the support, and prevent the high-temperature solids in the emissions from being discharged outside the case to cause safety hazards, thereby improving the safety of the battery and the electrical equipment in which it is installed.

[0020] In some embodiments, the support is provided with apertures for forming channels in the support. The channels formed by the apertures are easy to process.

[0021] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a separating component for separating the electrical cavity and the collection cavity, which is mounted on the first wall. Separating the electrical cavity and the collection cavity by the separating component can prevent at least some of the emissions from entering the electrical cavity from the collection cavity, and heat diffusion can be avoided.

[0022] In some embodiments, the separating component is provided with a pressure relief area for discharging the emissions to the collection cavity through the pressure relief area when the pressure relief mechanism operates, further avoiding the destruction of other battery cells in the electrical cavity by the emissions, avoiding heat diffusion, and improving the safety of the battery.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support is installed corresponding to the non-pressure relief area of the separating component so as to form a channel for the emissions to pass outside the support. When the support is installed corresponding to the non-pressure relief area, the emissions discharged through the pressure relief area are outside the support, thereby forming a channel for the emissions from the battery cell to pass outside the support. For example, a channel can be formed between a plurality of supports or between the support and the wall of the collection cavity so that the emissions are collected by the collection cavity.

[0024] In some embodiments, the support abuts against the non-pressure relief area of the separating component. The support can contact the non-pressure relief area of the separating component to ensure a good supporting effect of the support on the separating component.

[0025] In some embodiments, the support is provided with a first aperture installed corresponding to the pressure relief area, so that the emissions passing through the pressure relief area are discharged through the first aperture. In this way, while the support realizes the supporting function, the first aperture of the support is liable to receive the emissions of the battery cell discharged through the pressure relief mechanism and the pressure relief area. After passing through the first aperture, the emissions are collected in the collection cavity of the case, and the influence of the emissions on the components in the electrical cavity can be prevented.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first aperture communicates with a corresponding pressure relief region so as to achieve a good conduction effect on the discharge through the first aperture.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the first aperture is greater than or equal to the area of the pressure relief region so as to further improve the good conduction effect on the discharge through the first aperture and avoid blocking the entry of the discharge into the collection cavity by the first aperture.

[0028] In some embodiments, the pressure relief region is a fragile region that is broken when the pressure relief mechanism operates so that the discharge penetrates the fragile region and enters the collection cavity. If the pressure relief region is set as a fragile region, when the pressure relief mechanism does not operate, for example, during the normal use process of the battery, the separated components can be relatively sealed, and the pressure relief mechanism can be effectively protected from being broken by external force and becoming ineffective. Moreover, when the pressure relief mechanism operates, the strength of the fragile region is smaller than that of other regions of the separated component other than the pressure relief region, so the fragile region is easily broken. As a result, the discharge from the battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism is installed can penetrate the fragile region and be discharged from the electrical cavity, for example, can penetrate the fragile region and enter the collection cavity.

[0029] In some embodiments, the pressure relief region is a first through-hole for the discharge to enter the collection cavity through the first through-hole when the pressure relief mechanism operates. When the pressure relief region is the first through-hole, on the one hand, it is easy to process, and on the other hand, the discharge discharged through the pressure relief mechanism can be released more quickly.

[0030] In some embodiments, the case forms a collection cavity together with the separated component and further includes a protection member for protecting the separated component.

[0031] In some embodiments, the support abuts against the separation component and / or the protection member. The support can provide a supporting effect to the protection member and / or the separation component, thereby improving the compressive strength of the entire protection member and / or separation component. Particularly, when the support abuts against the protection member and the separation component simultaneously, by improving the compressive strength of the entire protection member and separation component at the same time, it is possible to prevent external pressure from affecting components such as battery cells in the electrical cavity.

[0032] In some embodiments, the connection surface of the support abuts against the separation component and / or the protection member, and on the non-connection surface of the support, a channel for allowing the discharge of waste through the support is formed, and a second aperture is installed so as to increase the discharge path of the waste passing through the battery cell.

[0033] In some embodiments, the protection member and the support are of an integrated structure to facilitate subsequent installation.

[0034] In some embodiments, the minimum distance between the area corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism in the separation component and the protection member is 7 mm or more. If the distance is too small, it will affect the operation of the pressure relief mechanism. Also, if the distance is set too small, after the separation component is deformed, it will directly contact the lower protection member, resulting in an overly small gap between the separation component and the protection member, or even no gap. Furthermore, it will affect the discharge of the waste in the pressure relief mechanism, easily cause the explosion of the thermally runaway battery cell, cause heat diffusion, and reduce the safety of the battery.

[0035] In some embodiments, the support has a hollow structure. Compared with a support having a solid structure, the support with a hollow structure provides support to the collection cavity, improves the compressive strength, and has a relatively small weight of the support itself, without additionally increasing a relatively large weight to the battery, thereby improving the energy density of the battery.

[0036] In some embodiments, the support is a tubular structure with relatively high axial rigidity, and its radial size can adapt to the height of the collection cavity, thereby providing good support to the collection cavity.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the tubular structure is a polygon with 4 or more sides to improve the stability of the tubular structure in the collection cavity.

[0038] In some embodiments, the tubular structure is rod-shaped or annular to facilitate processing and installation.

[0039] In some embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of tubular structures spaced apart from each other in the collection cavity. The plurality of supports spaced apart from each other can uniformly improve the compressive strength of the collection cavity in an all-round manner by providing uniform all-round support to the collection cavity.

[0040] In some embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of tubular structures with a honeycomb-shaped cross-section that are stacked on each other. By installing a honeycomb-type tubular support with a single-point yield property, relatively high axial rigidity, and relatively high compressive strength in the collection cavity of the battery case, the compressive strength of the collection cavity can be improved, thereby improving the safety of the battery and the electrical equipment on which it is installed.

[0041] In some embodiments, on the connection surfaces of two tubular structures connected to each other, there are second through holes for forming channels that penetrate the connection surfaces of the two tubular structures and allow the discharge to pass through the two tubular structures. In addition to the relatively large number of supports that are connected to each other and provide relatively stable support to the collection cavity, the second through holes installed on the supports can provide channels between the supports connected to each other and channels between the supports and the collection cavity. Therefore, according to the embodiments, a relatively large number of channels can be formed in the supports, increasing the discharge path of the discharges of the battery cells in the channels, reducing the temperature of the discharges discharged from the collection cavity, and improving the safety of the battery.

[0042] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electrical device including the battery according to the first aspect, and the battery is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electrical device is a vehicle, a ship, or a spacecraft.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044]

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[0045] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn according to the actual scale.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0046] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present application will be described in more detail by combining the drawings and the examples. The following detailed description of the examples and the drawings are for exemplarily explaining the principle of the present application, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application. That is, the present application is not limited to the described examples.

[0047] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more. The terms indicating orientation or positional relationship such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", and "outer" do not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation and must be configured and operated in a specific orientation. Instead, they are only for the purpose of easily explaining the present application and simplifying the description, and should not be understood as limitations of the present application. Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used only for the purpose of description and should not be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance. "Vertical" does not mean vertical in a strict sense, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" does not mean parallel in a strict sense, but is within the allowable error range.

[0048] The terms indicating orientation appearing in the following description are all in the directions shown in the drawings and do not limit the specific structure of the present application. In the description of the present application, unless there are separate clear regulations or limitations, the terms "mounting", "connecting", and "attaching" should be understood broadly. For example, they may be connected so as to be fixed, detachably connected, or integrally connected. They may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate member. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application may be understood according to specific situations.

[0049] In the embodiments of the present application, the same reference numerals represent the same components. And for the sake of brevity, in different embodiments, the detailed description of the same components is omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, sizes such as length and width, and the overall thickness and sizes such as length and width of the integrated device of various components in the embodiments of the present application shown in the attached drawings are only exemplary descriptions and do not constitute any limitations to the present application.

[0050] In this application, the battery cell may include a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a magnesium-ion battery, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it thereto. The battery cell may have a cylindrical shape, a flat shape, a rectangular shape, or other shapes, and the embodiments of this application do not limit it thereto. Generally, the battery cell is divided into three types: a cylindrical battery cell, a cubic rectangular battery cell, and a pouch battery cell in a packaging manner, and the embodiments of this application do not limit it thereto.

[0051] The battery referred to in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide a higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack, etc. Generally, the battery includes a case for packaging one or more battery cells. The case can avoid liquid or other foreign substances from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cell.

[0052] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly is composed of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The battery cell mainly operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The current collector without the positive electrode active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the positive electrode active material layer coated thereon. The current collector without the positive electrode active material layer is used as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material may be lithium cobaltate, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate, etc. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The current collector without the negative electrode active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the negative electrode active material layer coated thereon. The current collector without the negative electrode active material layer is used as the negative electrode tab. The material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper, and the negative electrode active material may be carbon or silicon, etc. To prevent fusing even when a large current flows, the number of positive electrode tabs is stacked in plural, and the number of negative electrode tabs is stacked in plural. The material of the separator may be polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), etc. Also, the electrode assembly may have a wound structure or a laminated structure, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0053] The development of battery technology must simultaneously consider a variety of design factors, such as performance parameters like energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge-discharge rate, etc., and it is also necessary to consider the safety of the battery.

[0054] For a battery cell, the main safety hazards stem from the charging and discharging processes. At the same time, with an appropriate environmental temperature design to effectively avoid unnecessary losses, generally, there are at least three protection measures for the battery cell. Specifically, the protection measures include at least a switching element, the selection of an appropriate separator membrane material, and a pressure relief mechanism. The switching element refers to an element that can stop the charging or discharging of the battery when the temperature or resistance inside the battery cell reaches a certain threshold. The separator membrane is used to separate the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. When the temperature rises to a certain value, the micron-order (even nanometer-order) micropores attached to it are automatically dissolved, so that metal ions cannot pass through the separator membrane, and the internal reaction of the battery cell ends.

[0055] The pressure relief mechanism refers to an element or component that operates to release the internal pressure or temperature when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold. The design of the threshold varies according to design needs. The threshold may depend on one or more of the materials of the positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate, electrolyte, and separator membrane in the battery cell. The pressure relief mechanism may adopt forms such as an explosion-proof valve, a gas valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, etc., and specifically, a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive element or structure may also be adopted. That is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism executes an operation, or a fragile structure installed in the pressure relief mechanism is destroyed, thereby forming an opening or channel for releasing the internal pressure or temperature.

[0056] The "operation" mentioned in this application refers to the release of the internal pressure and temperature of the battery cell by the pressure relief mechanism operating or being activated to a certain state. The operation generated by the pressure relief mechanism may include, but is not limited to, at least one part of the pressure relief mechanism being ruptured, crushed, torn, or opened, etc. When the pressure relief mechanism operates, the high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell are discharged outward from the operating part as emissions. In this way, when the pressure or temperature is controllable, the pressure or temperature of the battery cell can be released, thereby avoiding the occurrence of potentially more serious accidents.

[0057] The emissions of the battery cells mentioned in this application include, but are not limited to, electrolytes, dissolved or fragmented positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of the separator membrane, high-temperature and high-pressure gases generated by reactions, flames, etc.

[0058] The pressure relief mechanism on the battery cell has an important impact on the safety of the battery. For example, when phenomena such as short circuit and overcharging occur, thermal runaway may occur inside the battery cell, causing the pressure or temperature to rise rapidly. In such cases, by the operation of the pressure relief mechanism, the internal pressure and temperature can be released outward to prevent the explosion and ignition of the battery cell.

[0059] In the battery assembly method, the thermal management component can be mounted on the wall of the battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism is installed. In this way, when the battery cell operates normally, the thermal management component can adjust the temperature of the battery cell. However, since the pressure relief mechanism is generally installed on the wall with a relatively small area of the battery cell, when the battery cell operates normally, the effect on the temperature regulation of the battery cell is not significant. In addition, when the battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, for example, when the pressure relief mechanism of the battery cell operates, the power and destructive force of the emissions of the battery cell discharged through the pressure relief mechanism may be large enough to break through the thermal management component in the direction, which may cause safety problems.

[0060] In view of this, this application provides a battery and an electrical device including a battery cell with a pressure relief mechanism installed on a first wall and a thermal management component mounted on a second wall of the battery cell different from the first wall. Since the second wall on which the thermal management component is mounted is not the first wall of the battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism is installed, in this way, when the battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, the emissions of the battery cell discharged through the pressure relief mechanism are discharged in a direction away from the thermal management component. Therefore, it is difficult for the emissions to break through the thermal management component, and the thermal management component can cool down the thermally runaway battery cell, avoid heat diffusion, and enhance the safety of the battery.

[0061] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can all be applied to various electrical devices using batteries.

[0062] The electrical device may be a vehicle, a mobile phone, a portable device, a notebook computer, a ship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, and an electric tool, etc. The vehicle may be a gasoline vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a range extender vehicle, etc. The spacecraft includes airplanes, rockets, aircraft, and spaceships, etc. The electric toy includes fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game machines, electric vehicle toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. The electric tool includes metal cutting electric tools, grinding electric tools, assembly electric tools, and railway electric tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric drivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not impose special restrictions on the above electrical devices.

[0063] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments will be described by taking the electrical device as a vehicle as an example.

[0064] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 may be a fuel oil vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a range extender vehicle, etc. Inside the vehicle 1, a motor 40, a controller 30, and a battery 10 may be installed. The controller 30 is for controlling the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 40. For example, the battery 10 may be installed at the bottom, the front, or the rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 can be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1 and is used in the electrical circuit system of the vehicle 1. For example, it is used for the operating power requirements during the start, navigation, and driving of the vehicle 1. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 can not only be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1, but also be used as the driving power source of the vehicle 1 to provide driving power to the vehicle 1 instead of gasoline or natural gas, or instead of a part of them.

[0065] To meet different power consumption requirements, the battery may include a plurality of battery cells, where the plurality of battery cells may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a series-parallel connection, and the series-parallel connection refers to a mixture of series connection and parallel connection. The battery may also be called a battery pack. For example, a plurality of battery cells are first connected in series, in parallel, or in a series-parallel connection to form a battery module, and then a plurality of battery modules are connected in series, in parallel, or in a series-parallel connection to form a battery. That is, a plurality of battery cells may directly form a battery, or first form a battery module, and then form a battery with the battery module.

[0066] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the local structure of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 shows an exploded schematic view of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Here, the battery 10 shown in FIG. 2 may be a part of the battery 10 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows a local enlarged view of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the region B shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, the battery 10 shown in FIG. 5 may be a schematic view of the battery 10 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a battery cell 20 with a pressure relief mechanism 213 installed on a first wall 21a, a thermal management component 12 mounted on a second wall 21b of the battery cell 20 different from the first wall 21a for adjusting the temperature of the battery cell 20, an electrical cavity 11a for accommodating the battery cell 20 and the thermal management component 12, and a collection cavity 11b for collecting emissions from the battery cell 20 when the pressure relief mechanism 213 operates, and may include a case 11.

[0067] It should be understood that the shape of the battery cell 20 in the embodiments of the present application can be set according to the actual use. For example, the battery cell 20 may be a polyhedron structure formed by enclosing with a plurality of walls, and therefore, the battery cell 20 may include a plurality of walls. Here, a pressure relief mechanism 213 is installed on the first wall 21a of the battery cell 20, and the second wall 21b of the battery cell 20 faces the thermal management component 12. The first wall 21a and the second wall 21b may be any two different walls of the battery cell 20. For example, the first wall 21a and the second wall 21b may intersect or may not intersect, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0068] It should be understood that the thermal management component 12 in the embodiments of the present application is used to adjust the temperature of the battery cell 20. For example, the thermal management component 12 can accommodate a fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material to adjust the temperature of a plurality of battery cells 20. Further, for example, the thermal management component 12 may include a flow path 121 that can be used to accommodate a fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material. Specifically, the fluid may be a liquid or a gas, the original state of the solid-liquid phase change material is a solid, and it can change to a liquid after absorbing heat. Adjusting the temperature refers to heating or cooling a plurality of battery cells 20. When cooling or reducing the temperature of the battery cell 20, the thermal management component 12 is used to accommodate a cooling fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material to lower the temperature of a plurality of battery cells 20. At this time, the thermal management component 12 may be referred to as a cooling component, a cooling system, a cooling plate, etc., and the accommodated fluid may be referred to as a cooling medium or a cooling fluid, and more specifically, it may be referred to as a coolant or a cooling gas. Also, the thermal management component 12 can also be used to heat and raise the temperature of a plurality of battery cells 20, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. Optionally, the fluid circulates to achieve a higher temperature adjustment effect. Optionally, the fluid may be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or air, etc.

[0069] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the connection method between the heat management component 12 and the battery cell 20. For example, the heat management component 12 and the battery cell 20 may be fixed and connected by an adhesive, or the heat management component 12 may be sandwiched and fixed between two adjacent battery cells 20.

[0070] It should be understood that the electrical cavity 11a of the embodiments of the present application can be used to accommodate the battery cell 20 and the heat management component 12, and there is no limit to the quantity of the accommodated battery cells 20 and the heat management component 12. Further, a structure for fixing the battery cell 20 and / or the heat management component 12 may be installed in the electrical cavity 11a.

[0071] Optionally, the shape of the electrical cavity 11a may be determined according to the accommodated battery cell 20 and / or the heat management component 12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the electrical cavity 11a may be a hollow rectangular parallelepiped and may be formed by being surrounded by at least six walls to facilitate processing.

[0072] It should be understood that the collection cavity 11b of the embodiments of the present application is used to collect the emissions of the battery cell 20. Specifically, the collection cavity 11b may contain air or other gases. Alternatively, the collection cavity 11b may contain a liquid, such as a cooling medium, or a component for accommodating a fluid, so as to further cool the emissions entering the collection cavity 11b. Further optionally, the gas or liquid in the collection cavity 11b may circulate and flow.

[0073] It should be understood that the electrical cavity 11a of the embodiments of the present application may be sealed or non-sealed. Similarly, the collection cavity 11b of the embodiments of the present application may be sealed or non-sealed, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0074] Therefore, in the battery 10 of the embodiment of the present application, the second wall 21b to which the thermal management component 12 is attached is not the first wall 21a of the battery cell 20 where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is installed, and the electrical cavity 11a can be used to accommodate the battery cell 20 and the thermal management component 12. There is no need to install the thermal management component 12 in the collection cavity 11b. Thus, when the battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, the emissions of the battery cell 20 discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 213 are discharged in a direction away from the thermal management component 12. Therefore, it is difficult for the emissions to break through the thermal management component 12, and the thermal management component 12 can cool down the thermally runaway battery cell 20, avoid heat diffusion, and enhance the safety of the battery 10.

[0075] Optionally, the second wall 21b of the embodiment of the present application may be any one of the walls of the battery cell 20. For example, the area of the second wall 21b is greater than or equal to the area of the first wall 21a, that is, the area of the second wall 21b is not less than the area of the first wall 21a. In this way, the contact area between the thermal management component 12 and the battery cell 20 is relatively large. When the battery cell 20 operates normally, the effect on the temperature regulation of the battery cell 20 is relatively significant. For example, the second wall 21b may be the wall with the largest area of the battery cell 20, the first wall 21a may be the wall with the smallest area of the battery cell 20, or the areas of the first wall 21a and the second wall 21b may be equal. For example, both are the walls with the largest area of the battery cell 20. The embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, the second wall 21b is a wall with the largest area of the battery cell 20 so as to better regulate the temperature of the battery cell 20 and improve the efficiency of temperature rise or fall by increasing the contact area between the thermal management component 12 and the battery cell 20. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows an exploded structural schematic diagram of the battery cell 20 of the embodiment of the present application. For example, the battery cell 20 shown in FIG. 6 may be any one of the battery cells 20 included in the battery 10 in FIGS. 2 to 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the battery cell 20 includes a housing 21 that may include a plurality of walls. Here, the second wall 21b may be a wall with the largest area of the battery cell 20. And the battery cell 20 may include a plurality of walls with equal areas. For example, when the housing 21 of the battery cell 20 is a cuboid, the battery cell 20 includes two walls with equal and largest areas installed opposite to each other, and the second wall 21b may be any one of them.

[0077] The housing 21 may include a housing body 211 and a cover plate 212. The walls of the housing body 211 and the cover plate 212 are both called the walls of the battery cell 20. The shape of the housing body 211 can be determined according to the shape after assembling one or more internal electrode assemblies 22. For example, the housing body 211 may be a hollow cuboid, cube or cylinder, and at least one surface of the housing body 211 has an opening so that one or more electrode assemblies 22 can be placed inside the housing body 211. For example, when the housing body 211 is a hollow cuboid or cube, at least one plane of the housing body 211 is an opening surface. That is, the plane has no wall body and communicates the inside and outside of the housing body 211. When the housing body 211 can be a hollow cylinder, each of the two end faces of the housing body 211 may be an opening surface. That is, the end face has no wall body and communicates the inside and outside of the housing body 211. By installing at least one cover plate 212, at least one opening of the housing body 211 can be covered, and each cover plate 212 is connected to the housing body 211 so as to form a sealed cavity for arranging the electrode assembly 22. The housing body 211 is filled with an electrolyte, for example, an electrolytic solution.

[0078] On the first wall 21a of the battery cell 20 of the embodiment of the present application, a pressure relief mechanism 213 is installed to operate when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold value and release the internal pressure or temperature. Optionally, the first wall 21a may be any one of the walls of the battery cell 20. For example, the first wall 21a may be the wall with the largest area of the battery cell 20. In this way, since the area of the second wall 21b is greater than or equal to the area of the first wall 21a, the first wall 21a and the second wall 21b may have equal areas, and both are the walls with the largest area of the battery cell 20. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first wall 21a may be the wall with the smallest area of the battery cell 20. For example, the first wall 21a may be the bottom wall of the housing 211 to facilitate installation. For ease of illustration, in FIG. 6, the first wall 21a and the housing 211 are separated, but this does not limit whether there is an opening on the bottom side of the housing 211, that is, the bottom wall and the side wall of the housing 211 may have an integral structure, or two independent parts may be connected to each other.

[0079] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressure relief mechanism 213 may be a part of the first wall 21a so as to be fixed on the first wall 21a by, for example, welding, or may have a structure separate from the first wall 21a. When the pressure relief mechanism 213 is a part of the first wall 21a, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be integrally formed with the first wall 21a, and the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be formed by a method of installing a score or a groove on the first wall 21a. The score makes the thickness of the area of the first wall 21a where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located smaller than the thickness of the other areas of the first wall 21a outside the pressure relief mechanism 213. When there is too much gas generated from the battery cell 20, the internal pressure of the housing 211 rises and reaches the threshold value, or when the inside of the battery cell 20 reacts to generate heat and the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 rises and reaches the threshold value, the battery cell 20 can rupture at the score to communicate the inside and outside of the housing 21, and the gas pressure and temperature can be released to the outside by the splitting of the pressure relief mechanism 213, further avoiding the occurrence of an explosion of the battery cell 20.

[0080] Optionally, the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the embodiments of the present application may have various possible pressure relief structures, but the embodiments of the present application do not limit it. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 may be a temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism arranged to be melted when the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is installed reaches a threshold value, and / or the pressure relief mechanism 213 may be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism arranged to burst when the internal air pressure of the battery cell 20 where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is installed reaches a threshold value.

[0081] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is installed on the first wall 21a of the battery cell 20, the electrode terminal 214 can be installed on the third wall of the battery cell 20, and the third wall and the first wall 21a may be the same or different. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the embodiment of the present application will be described by taking the case where the third wall and the first wall 21a are different as an example. For example, the third wall is installed opposite to the first wall 21a. The first wall 21a may be the bottom wall of the battery cell 20, and the third wall may be the cover plate 212 of the battery cell 20. Thereby, the discharge product discharged by the battery cell 20 through the pressure relief mechanism 213 can avoid short circuit without affecting the electrode terminal 214 and improve the safety of the battery cell 20.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the battery cell 20 may include at least two electrode terminals 214 that may be installed on the same wall or different walls. FIG. 6 takes the case where the battery cell 20 includes two electrode terminals 214 installed on a flat cover plate 212 as an example. The at least two electrode terminals 214 may include at least one positive electrode terminal 214a and at least one negative electrode terminal 214b.

[0083] The electrode terminal 214 of the embodiment of the present application is used to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 22 so as to output electrical energy. For example, one connection member 23, also called a current collecting member 23, may be correspondingly installed on each electrode terminal 214. It is located between the cover plate 212 and the electrode assembly 22 and is used to realize the electrical connection between the electrode assembly 22 and the electrode terminal 214.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6, each electrode assembly 22 has a first tab 221a and a second tab 222a. The first tab 221a and the second tab 222a have opposite polarities. For example, if the first tab 221a is a positive electrode tab, the second tab 222a is a negative electrode tab. The first tab 221a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 is connected to one electrode terminal via one connection member 23, and the second tab 222a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 is connected to another electrode terminal via another connection member 23. For example, the positive electrode terminal 214a is connected to the positive electrode tab via one connection member 23, and the negative electrode terminal 214b is connected to the negative electrode tab via another connection member 23.

[0085] In the battery cell 20, one or more electrode assemblies 22 may be installed according to the actual usage requirements. However, as shown in FIG. 6, four independent electrode assemblies 22 are installed in the battery cell 20, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0086] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the battery cell 20 may further include a pad 24, which is located between the electrode assembly 22 and the bottom wall of the housing 211, can play a role in supporting the electrode assembly 22, and can further effectively prevent interference between the electrode assembly 22 and the fillet around the bottom wall of the housing 211. Also, one or more through holes may be provided on the pad 24. For example, a plurality of uniformly arranged through holes may be provided, or when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is installed on the bottom wall of the housing 211, through holes may be provided at positions corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213, thereby facilitating the conduction of the electrolyte or gas. Specifically, in this way, the spaces on the upper and lower surfaces of the pad 24 are communicated, and the gas and electrolyte generated inside the battery cell 20 can freely penetrate the pad 24.

[0087] It should be understood that, for the sake of easy description, the embodiments of the present application mainly take the example that the second wall 21b is the wall with the largest area of the battery cell 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the battery 10 includes a plurality of rows of battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction X. Each row of battery cells 20 among the plurality of rows of battery cells 20 includes at least one battery cell 20 arranged along the second direction Y. The first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y and the second wall 21b. In this way, the plurality of battery cells 20 in the battery 10 are arranged in an array manner, facilitating the assembly of the battery 10 and improving the space utilization rate of the plurality of battery cells 20 inside the battery 10. Here, since the first direction X is perpendicular to the second wall 21b, when the thermal management component 12 is mounted on the second wall 21b, the first direction X is also perpendicular to the thermal management component 12.

[0088] Optionally, the thermal management component 12 is mounted on the second wall 21b of at least one battery cell 20 in at least one row among the plurality of rows of battery cells 20. For the plurality of rows of battery cells 20, the thermal management component 12 is correspondingly installed on at least one battery cell 20 in at least one row among the plurality of rows of battery cells 20, and the thermal management component 12 can adjust the temperature of the at least one battery cell 20 to which it is mounted. In this way, at least one thermal management component 12 exists inside the battery 10, and each thermal management component 12 can be used to adjust the temperature of at least one battery cell 20.

[0089] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 20 includes two second walls 21b installed opposite to each other along the first direction X. Among the plurality of rows of battery cells 20, at least one row of battery cells 20 has thermal management components 12 respectively installed on the two second walls 21b of at least one battery cell 20 along both sides of the first direction X. Among the plurality of rows of battery cells 20, for any one row of battery cells 20 in at least one row of battery cells 20, the row of battery cells 20 includes two second walls 21b installed opposite to each other along the first direction X, and thermal management components 12 are correspondingly installed on both of the two second walls 21b, that is, there is at least one row of battery cells 20 that satisfies the condition of being sandwiched between two thermal management components 12. Therefore, the two thermal management components 12 can simultaneously adjust the temperature of the row of battery cells 20, improve the temperature adjustment efficiency, and improve the safety of the battery 10. For example, when two thermal management components 12 are correspondingly installed on each row of battery cells 20 among the plurality of rows of battery cells 20 in the battery 10, the temperature adjustment efficiency can be significantly improved. For example, when the battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, it can cool down more effectively, avoid heat diffusion, and improve the safety of the battery 10.

[0090] In the embodiments of the present application, the same heat management component 12 is installed between at least two adjacent rows among the multiple rows of battery cells 20. In this way, among the multiple battery cells 20, there are two adjacent rows of battery cells 20 that satisfy the condition that the same heat management component 12 is installed between the two rows of battery cells 20 to facilitate the processing and assembly of the battery 10. For example, along the first direction X, there can be some battery cells 20 that satisfy the condition that the same heat management component 12 is installed between two adjacent rows of battery cells 20, and there are also some battery cells 20 where no heat management component 12 is installed between two adjacent rows of battery cells 20, which satisfies the improvement of the space utilization rate within the battery 10. Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, by making each battery cell 20 correspond to at least two heat management components 12, the heat management component 12 can be installed between each two adjacent rows among the multiple rows of battery cells 20 to improve the temperature regulation effect.

[0091] It should be understood that the quantity of the heat management components 12 inside the battery 10 in the embodiments of the present application can be set according to the actual application. For example, based on the size and quantity of the battery cells 20, the quantity of the heat management components 12 inside the battery 10 can be selected.

[0092] For example, the battery 10 includes a plurality of heat management components 12 arranged along the first direction X to improve the temperature regulation efficiency.

[0093] Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the multiple heat management components 12 are installed at intervals along the first direction X such that at least one battery cell 20 is installed between two adjacent heat management components 12, which can not only improve the space utilization rate of the battery 10 but also improve the temperature regulation efficiency.

[0094] In the embodiment of the present application, a heat exchange channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium is provided in the heat management component 12, and the heat exchange channels of a plurality of heat management components 12 communicate with each other. In this way, between the plurality of heat management components 12, they communicate with each other. On the one hand, it is easy to manage and control, improving the integration and safety of the battery 10. On the other hand, when the temperature change of some heat management components 12 in the battery 10 is relatively large, heat exchange can be realized by the heat exchange channel, thereby making the temperature difference between the plurality of heat management components 12 relatively small and improving the temperature adjustment efficiency. Also, in order to increase the heat exchange area between the heat management component 12 and the battery cell 20 and improve the temperature adjustment efficiency, a plurality of heat exchange channels can be installed in each heat management component 12 at intervals along the height direction Z.

[0095] It should be understood that the contact area between each heat management component 12 and the second wall 21b of the battery cell 20 in the embodiment of the present application can be set according to the actual application. The contact area refers to the area of the region where the heat management component 12 and the second wall 21b of the battery cell 20 perform heat exchange. Here, contact may refer to the heat management component 12 directly contacting the second wall 21b, or may refer to the indirect contact between the heat management component 12 and the second wall 21b through a thermally conductive adhesive, a thermally conductive pad, etc. For example, the range that can be taken by the ratio of the thickness D of the heat management component 12 along the first direction X to the area occupancy ratio S which is the ratio of the area of the second wall 21b in contact with the heat management component 12 to the area of the second wall 21b is [0.5 mm, 200 mm].

[0096] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of any one row of battery cells 20 of the battery 10 in the embodiment of the present application and the corresponding heat management component 12 installed. FIG. 8 shows a schematic local cross-sectional view of the battery 10 in the embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG. 8 may be a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery 10 along the C-C' direction shown in FIG. 7. Each heat management component 12 can correspond to a plurality of battery cells 20. For the sake of easy explanation, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the embodiment of the present application takes any one heat management component 12 as an example and any one battery cell 20 in contact with the heat management component 12 as an example.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the thermal management component 12 of the embodiment of the present application may include at least a part of the region in contact with the second wall 21b, and may also include a part of the region not in contact with the second wall 21b. Specifically, taking the height direction Z of the battery cell 20 as an example, the height H1 of the second wall 21b may be equal to or greater than the height H2 of the thermal management component 12, or may be smaller than that. The height H3 of the region where the thermal management component 12 contacts the second wall 21b may be equal to or less than the height H1 of the second wall 21b, and the height H3 of the region where the thermal management component 12 contacts the second wall 21b may also be equal to or less than the height H2 of the thermal management component 12. Correspondingly, the area of the second wall 21b may be equal to or greater than the area of the thermal management component 12, or may be smaller than that. The area of the region where the thermal management component 12 contacts the second wall 21b may be equal to or less than the area of the second wall 21b, and the area of the region where the thermal management component 12 contacts the second wall 21b may also be equal to or less than the area of the thermal management component 12. Thereby, at least a part of the region of the thermal management component 12 contacts at least a part of the region of the second wall 21b.

[0098] It should be understood that since the thermal management component 12 can correspond to a plurality of battery cells 20, the area of the thermal management component 12 described above represents the area of the thermal management component 12 corresponding to one battery cell 20. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the thermal management component 12 can correspond to six battery cells 20, and the area of the thermal management component 12 described above is the total area of the surface of the thermal management component 12 facing the second wall 21b of the battery cell 20 divided by 6, that is, it represents the area of the thermal management component 12 corresponding to one battery cell 20.

[0099] Since the thermal management component 12 can be partially in contact with the second wall 21b, the range of the possible values of the area occupancy ratio S of the embodiment of the present application can be set to [0.1, 1] so that at least a part of the region of the thermal management component 12 is in contact with the second wall 21b.

[0100] Optionally, the thickness D of the heat management component 12 of the embodiments of the present application may refer to the average thickness of the heat management component 12, or may refer to the average thickness of the region of the heat management component 12 corresponding to the second wall 21b of the battery cell 20, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. For example, for ease of processing, the heat management component 12 of the embodiments of the present application is usually a plate-like structure with a uniform thickness.

[0101] The possible range of the thickness D of the heat management component 12 of the embodiments of the present application can usually be set to [0.5 mm, 20 mm]. If the thickness D is set too small, the processing difficulty of the heat management component 12 is relatively large, and the strength is too small, making it easy to break during assembly and reducing the processing efficiency of the battery 10. Conversely, if the thickness D is set too large, the occupied space of the heat management component 12 is relatively large, reducing the space utilization rate of the battery 10 and also reducing the energy density of the battery 10. Therefore, the thickness D of the heat management component 12 should not be set too large or too small.

[0102] It should be understood that the value of D / S in the embodiments of the present application should also not be set too large or too small. If D / S is set too small, when the value of the area occupancy rate S is constant, the thickness D of the heat management component 12 becomes too small, the processing difficulty of the heat management component 12 is relatively large, and the strength is too small, making it easy to break during assembly and reducing the processing efficiency of the battery 10. Conversely, if D / S is set too large, on the one hand, the thickness D of the heat management component 12 may be relatively large, the occupied space of the heat management component 12 is relatively large, reducing the space utilization rate of the battery 10 and reducing the energy density of the battery 10, and it may also affect the power needs of the battery 10. On the other hand, the area occupancy rate S may become too small, that is, when the contact area between the heat management component 12 and the second wall 21b of the battery cell 20 is too small, the temperature regulation efficiency becomes relatively low.

[0103] Therefore, the range of the ratio of the thickness D to the area occupancy S of the heat management component 12 in the embodiments of the present application can usually be set to [0.5 mm, 200 mm]. For example, the ratio of the thickness D to the area occupancy S of the heat management component 12 may be equal to 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, or 200 mm. Further, for example, the ratio of the thickness D to the area occupancy S of the heat management component 12 can also be set to other values. For example, the range of the ratio can be set to [0.5 mm, 4 mm] or [1 mm, 4 mm].

[0104] It should be understood that the electrical cavity 11a of the embodiments of the present application has been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, the collection cavity 11b of the embodiments of the present application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0105] In the embodiments of the present application, the battery 10 further includes a support 14 installed in the collection cavity 11b for improving the compressive strength of the collection cavity 11b. Since the support 14 provides a supporting effect in the collection cavity 11b with respect to the cavity structure, the collection cavity 11b in which the support 14 is installed has better compressive strength. In other words, when an external pressure acts on the battery 10, the collection cavity 11b in which the support 14 is installed can withstand most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the influence of the external pressure on components such as the battery cell 20 and the heat management component 12 in the electrical cavity 11a, and improving the pressure resistance and safety of the battery 10.

[0106] In some application scenarios, the battery 10 is attached to the chassis of an electric vehicle and can provide power for the running of the electric vehicle. Specifically, the collection cavity 11b of the battery 10 faces the electric cavity 11a towards the chassis of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle may be subject to problems such as shaking and impact from flying stones during running, and impacts and bottom ball strikes may occur on the chassis of the electric vehicle or the battery 10 attached on the chassis. According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the support 14 in the collection cavity 11b can provide good shock prevention and bottom ball strike prevention functions, reduce or eliminate the influence on the battery 10 caused by the problems encountered by the electric vehicle during running, reinforce the pressure resistance and safety of the battery 10, thereby further improving the safety of the electric vehicle.

[0107] As can be understood, FIGS. 3 and 5 are only examples and show possible schematic diagrams of the support 14 installed in the collection cavity 11b. It does not limit the protection scope of the present application. The support 14 according to the embodiment of the present application may be in other forms in addition to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, and / or may be installed at other positions of the collection cavity 11b so as to provide support for the collection cavity 11b and reinforce the compression strength of the collection cavity 11b. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the form and position of the support 14.

[0108] To provide good support performance, FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a plurality of supports 14 according to the present application. As shown in the two supports 14 on the left side in FIG. 9, the support 14 of the embodiment of the present application may be in a rod-shaped structure, for example, a rectangular rod or a rhombic rod. The rod-shaped structure is relatively easy to process and can be flexibly attached to cavities with regular or irregular shapes. For example, if the collection cavity 11b is a cuboid, the rod-shaped support 14 is easily attached to the collection cavity 11b parallel to the long side or the short side of the collection cavity 11b.

[0109] As shown in the two supports 14 on the right side in FIG. 9, the support 14 of the embodiment of the present application may have an annular structure, for example, a circular ring structure or a rectangular ring structure. The annular support 14 can be applied to a cavity with a regular shape and can provide overall support for the cavity. For example, if the collection cavity 11b is rectangular, the annular support 14 can be installed corresponding to the center of the collection cavity 11b.

[0110] Optionally, the support 14 includes channels for allowing at least some of the emissions to pass through. The support 14 can be used not only to provide a supporting function but also to form channels for allowing the emissions of the battery cell 20 to pass through. Specifically, by installing the support 14, the support 14 can be made to include at least a part of the channels, or channels for allowing the emissions to pass through can be formed between the support 14 and the cavity wall of the collection cavity 11b, or if the number of supports 14 is plural, channels for allowing the emissions to pass through can also be formed between the plural supports 14.

[0111] In the embodiment, the installation of the support 14 in the collection cavity 11b ensures the safety of the battery cell 20 by not affecting the discharge of the emissions in the battery cell 20. Also, compared with the collection cavity 11b of the cavity, the channels formed by the support 14 can also extend the discharge path of the emissions in the collection cavity 11b, reduce the temperature after it is discharged from the case 11, and further improve the safety of the battery 10 and the electrical equipment in which it is installed.

[0112] Optionally, in some embodiments, apertures 140 may be installed in the support 14 of the embodiment of the present application, and the apertures 140 are used to form channels in the support 14 so that the emissions discharged from the battery cell 20 through the pressure relief mechanism 213 can pass through.

[0113] Optionally, there are multiple installation methods for the apertures 140 for forming channels. For example, if the support 14 is a support with an inner structure, the apertures may be apertures that penetrate the support 14 and are used to form channels for allowing the emissions of the battery cell 20 to pass through. If the support 14 has a hollow structure, the apertures 140 can be installed as a wall penetrating the support 14, and the apertures 140 can be used to communicate the inner cavity of the support 14 with the collection cavity 11b. Both the apertures 140 and the cavities are used to form channels for allowing the emissions of the battery cell 20 to pass through.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present application, the support 14 has a hollow structure. Compared with the support 14 with an inner structure, the support 14 with a hollow structure provides support for the collection cavity 11b, improves the compressive strength, and has a relatively small weight of the support 14 itself, without additionally increasing a relatively large weight to the battery 10, thereby improving the energy density of the battery 10. Moreover, the support 14 with a hollow structure having the apertures 140 can ensure sufficient space for accommodating and collecting the emissions of the battery cell 20 in the collection cavity 11b without occupying excessive space in the collection cavity 11b. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application are described by taking the support 14 having a hollow structure as an example.

[0115] Optionally, the support 14 has a tubular structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the support 14 in the embodiments of the present application may have a tubular structure with a hollow interior, having relatively large axial rigidity, and the radial size can adapt to the height of the collection cavity 11b, thereby providing good support for the collection cavity 11b.

[0116] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the tubular structure is a polygon with 4 or more sides so as to improve the stability of the tubular structure in the collection cavity 11b. In some other embodiments, the cross-section of the tubular structure may be an annular shape, a track shape or other shapes, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0117] As an example, the tubular structure is rod-shaped or annular. Specifically, as shown in the two supports 14 on the left side in FIG. 9, the support 14 may be a rod-shaped tubular structure. For example, the cross-section of the support 14 may be a hollow hexagon or a hollow quadrilateral. As shown in the two supports 14 on the right side in FIG. 9, the support 14 may be an annular tubular structure, and the cross-section of the support 14 is circular or a hollow quadrilateral.

[0118] Optionally, the wall thickness of the support 14 of the tubular structure according to the embodiment of the present application may be between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, which can not only ensure the rigidity and compressive strength of the support 14 of the tubular structure, but also does not occupy a relatively large space in the collection cavity 11b.

[0119] Also, the material of the support 14 according to the embodiment of the present application may be a material having good ductility and high strength, which can buffer and withstand external pressure and has a relatively high compressive strength. As an example, the material of the support 14 may be a metal material such as copper or aluminum. Or, the material of the support 14 may be a non-metal material having a certain strength such as mica or ceramic.

[0120] Therefore, the support 14 according to the embodiment of the present application has good ductility, relatively high axial rigidity, and relatively high compressive strength, thus providing good support to the collection cavity 11b and improving the compressive strength of the collection cavity 11b. And if the support 14 is a hollow structure, such as a tubular structure, the support 14 can not only improve the compressive strength of the collection cavity 11b, but also form a channel for the discharge of the battery cell 20 to pass through the support 14, and it is easy to ensure sufficient space for collecting the discharge in the collection cavity 11b.

[0121] Based on the support 14 shown in FIG. 9 above, FIG. 10 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of another two supports 14 according to the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, the support 14 is provided with apertures 140 for forming channels in the support 14. Specifically, the support 14 having a tubular structure is provided with apertures 140 that can be installed on at least a part of the tube wall of the tubular structure. For example, the apertures 140 can be installed on the multi-sided tube walls of a hexagonal tubular structure or a quadrilateral tubular structure, and a plurality of apertures 140 arranged along the axial direction of the tubular structure can be installed on each side tube wall. Optionally, the shape of the apertures 140 can be a rounded rectangle, a circle, or any other arbitrary shape.

[0122] Based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the support 14 has a tubular structure. When the internal cavity of the tubular structure provides a channel for the discharge, a channel for the discharge to pass through is also formed between the apertures 140 and the cavity of the tubular structure. And if the number of the apertures 140 is plural, a channel for the discharge to pass through can also be formed between the plurality of apertures 140 installed on the tubular structure.

[0123] As can be understood, FIG. 10 is merely schematic and shows a plurality of possible installation methods of the apertures 140 when the support 14 is a tubular structure. If the support 14 is another hollow structure, the installation method of the apertures 140 may similarly refer to the relevant descriptions in the context. Also, when the support 14 is a solid structure, the apertures 140 may be apertures penetrating the support 14. In addition to the difference in the depth of the apertures, other related technical solutions may also refer to the relevant descriptions in the context, and the description here is omitted.

[0124] Optionally, the channels of the support 14 are used to allow the gas in the exhaust to pass through, and the regions other than the channels in the support 14 are used to block the solids in the exhaust. For example, the channels formed by the apertures 140 in the support 14 can be used to allow the gas and / or liquid in the exhaust to pass through, and the other regions of the support 14 can be used to block the solids in the exhaust. As described above, the exhaust from the battery cell 20 includes, but is not limited to, electrolyte, dissolved or fragmented positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of the separator membrane, high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by the reaction, and sparks. All of the exhausts are high-temperature substances. Here, if solid substances such as high-temperature positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of the high-temperature separator membrane, and sparks are directly discharged outside the case 11 through the exhaust valve, there is a relatively large safety risk. According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the apertures 140 can allow the high-temperature gas and / or high-temperature liquid in the exhaust to pass through, and the other regions of the support 14 can block the high-temperature solids in the exhaust. That is, the apertures 140 in the support 14 filter the high-temperature solids in the exhaust, block the high-temperature solids inside the support 14, and prevent the high-temperature solids in the exhaust from being discharged outside the case 11 and causing a safety risk, thereby improving the safety of the battery 10 and the electrical equipment in which it is installed.

[0125] To improve the filtering effect of the apertures 140, the mesh number of the apertures 140 in the support 14 may be 5 meshes or more. And the aperture diameter of the apertures 140 in the support 14 may be within 4 mm so as to avoid the discharge of relatively large-sized particles. Here, the mesh number refers to the number of holes on the screen mesh per inch. The higher the mesh number, the more holes there are. In the embodiment of the present application, the apertures 140 on the support 14 are 5 meshes or more, that is, the aperture diameter is smaller than about 4 mm, and thus does not substantially affect the support strength of the support 14.

[0126] Optionally, the number of apertures 140 in the support 14 may be greater than a preset threshold value, forming channels in the support 14 that are greater than a preset number, while improving the fluidity of the discharge in the support 14 and forming a sufficiently long discharge path to reduce the temperature of the discharge discharged from the case 11, thereby improving the safety of the battery 10 and the electrical equipment in which it is installed. On the other hand, a sufficiently large number of channels can better filter the high-temperature solids in the discharge, further improving the safety of the battery 10 and the electrical equipment in which it is installed.

[0127] Furthermore, in order to achieve the temperature reduction effect on the discharge by the channels formed in the support 14, a temperature reduction material can be installed in the support 14 to further cool the discharge passing through the channels, thereby improving the safety of the battery 10 and the electrical equipment in which it is installed.

[0128] Optionally, in some embodiments, the temperature reduction material may be installed on the surface of the support 14, for example, it may be coated on the surface of the support 14. In some other embodiments, the support 14 has a hollow structure, and the temperature reduction material may also be installed in the hollow structure.

[0129] As an example, the temperature reduction material employed in the embodiments of the present application may be a phase change material (PCM) coating. The phase change material can melt after contacting the high-temperature discharge, absorb a large amount of heat, and can cool the discharge.

[0130] According to the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, a temperature reduction material is installed on the support 14. When the collection cavity 11b collects the high-temperature discharge of the battery cell, the temperature reduction material installed on the support 14 can cool the high-temperature discharge and prevent the safety risks caused by the high-temperature discharge, thereby improving the safety of the battery and the electrical equipment in which it is installed.

[0131] Furthermore, the support 14 has a hollow structure, and the cavity of the hollow structure not only provides a channel for the discharge. Also, a cooling material can be installed using the space in the cavity and / or the surface of the hollow structure. When the discharge passes through the channel, the cooling material cools the discharge.

[0132] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the installation position and installation method of the support 14 in the embodiments of the present application will be described.

[0133] FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery 10 in the embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG. 11 may be a possible schematic cross-sectional view of the battery 10 shown in FIG. 3. The cross-section is perpendicular to the first direction X. For example, FIG. 11 may be a schematic cross-sectional view along the A-A' direction shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 12 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the battery 10 in the embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG. 12 may be an enlarged view of the region D shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the battery 10 further includes a separation component 13 mounted on the first wall 21a for separating the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b. Here, the so-called "separation" means separation, and it does not have to be sealed. Specifically, the separation component 13 is adopted to separate the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b, that is, the electrical cavity 11a for accommodating the battery cell 20 and the thermal management component 12 and the collection cavity 11b for collecting the discharge are spatially separated from each other. In this way, at least part of the discharge can be prevented from entering the electrical cavity 11a from the collection cavity 11b, and heat diffusion can be avoided.

[0134] In the embodiments of the present application, the separation component 13 includes a wall common to the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the separation component 13 (or a part thereof) may directly serve as a wall common to the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b. In this way, the distance between the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b can be reduced as much as possible, saving space and improving the space utilization rate of the case 11.

[0135] Optionally, the separation component 13 of the embodiment of the present application may be a thermal management component for adjusting the temperature of the battery cell 20. Specifically, the separation component 13 can be used to accommodate a fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material so as to adjust the temperature of the battery cell 20. When the temperature of the battery cell 20 is to be lowered, the separation component 13 can accommodate a cooling medium to adjust the temperature of the battery cell 20. At this time, the separation component 13 may be referred to as a cooling component, a cooling system, a cooling plate, or the like.

[0136] It should be understood that the case 11 of the embodiment of the present application can be realized in a plurality of ways, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. For example, taking FIGS. 11 and 12 as examples, for the electrical cavity 11a, the case 11 may include a first cover body having an opening, and the separation component 13 covers the opening of the first cover body so as to form the electrical cavity 11a. In this way, the wall for forming the electrical cavity 11a includes the first cover body and the separation component 13. Here, the first cover body can also be realized in a plurality of ways. For example, the first cover body 110 may be a hollow integral structure with one end open, or the first cover body 110 may include a first portion 111 and a second portion 112 having openings on both opposite sides. The first portion 111 covers the opening on one side of the second portion 112 so as to form a first cover body with one end open, and the separation component 13 covers the opening on the other side of the second portion 112 so as to form the electrical cavity 11a. Corresponding to the collection cavity 11b, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the case 11 further includes a protection member 113 for forming the collection cavity 11b together with the separation component 13. Further, the protection member 113 can be further used to protect the separation component 13, that is, the wall of the collection cavity 11b includes the protection member 113 and the separation component 13.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, different from the methods shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 above, Case 11 may include a sealed second cover body, and the second cover body can be used to form the electric cavity 11a, or by installing the separation component 13 inside the second cover body, the electric cavity 11a can be separated from the inside of the second cover body, and further, the collection cavity 11b can be separated. Here, the second cover body can also be realized in multiple ways. For example, the second cover body may include a third part and a fourth part. One side of the fourth part has an opening so as to form a semi-sealed structure. The separation component 13 is installed inside the fourth part, and the third part covers the opening of the fourth part to further form a sealed second cover body.

[0138] In the embodiment of the present application, a pressure relief area 131 is installed in the separation component 13. The pressure relief area 131 is used to discharge the discharge from the pressure relief area 131 to the collection cavity 11b when the pressure relief mechanism 213 operates, further avoiding the destruction of other battery cells 20 in the electric cavity 11a by the discharge, avoiding heat diffusion, and improving the safety of the battery 10.

[0139] Optionally, the separation component 13 further includes a non-pressure relief area 132, which is an area other than the pressure relief area 131 in the separation component 13. For example, a flow path can be installed in the non-pressure relief area 132 to accommodate a fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material inside the flow path to adjust the temperature of the battery cell 20.

[0140] Optionally, as an example, the support 14 is installed corresponding to the non-pressure-release region 132 of the separation component 13 so as to form a channel for allowing the discharge to pass outside the support 14. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the embodiment of the present application, when the support 14 is installed corresponding to the non-pressure-release region 132, the discharge discharged through the pressure-release region 131 is outside the support 14, whereby a channel for allowing the discharge from the battery cell 20 to pass outside the support 14 is formed. For example, a channel can be formed between a plurality of supports 14 or between the support 14 and the wall of the collection cavity 11b, so that the discharge can be collected in the collection cavity 11b.

[0141] According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the support 14 is installed corresponding to the non-pressure-release region 132 of the separation component 13, avoiding the influence of the support 14 on the pressure-release region 131 in the separation component 13 and its opposing pressure-release mechanism 213. For example, the support 14 can avoid blocking the discharge from the inside of the battery cell 20 discharged through the pressure-release mechanism 213 and the pressure-release region 131, so that the discharge can be collected by the collection cavity 11b. Therefore, the support 14 installed based on the embodiment of the present application improves the compression strength of the collection cavity 11b and does not affect the safety of the battery cell 20.

[0142] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the support 14 abuts against the non-pressure-release region 132 of the separation component 13. Specifically, the support 14 can contact the non-pressure-release region of the separation component 13 so as to ensure a good supporting effect of the support 14 on the separation component 13. For example, in the height direction Z of the case 11, the support 14 can be installed below the non-pressure-release region 132.

[0143] Optionally, as an example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, among a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged along the second direction Y, the same support 14 can be correspondingly installed between two adjacent battery cells 20. The extending direction of the support 14 is the first direction X, that is, two rows of battery cells 20 extending along the first direction X may share the same support 14. In this way, by correspondingly installing the support 14 between two adjacent rows of battery cells 20, not only is the installation facilitated by using a relatively small number of supports 14, but also the weight of the battery 10 can be reduced in a situation where the support effect is good.

[0144] FIG. 13 shows an exploded structural schematic diagram of the battery 10 according to another embodiment of the present application. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the battery 10 according to another embodiment of the present application. For example, the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 14 may be the cross-sectional view of the battery 10 shown in FIG. 13, and the cross-section is perpendicular to the first direction X. FIG. 15 shows a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the battery 10 according to another embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG. 15 may be an enlarged view of the region E shown in FIG. 14. It should be understood that although the cross-section of the support 14 is rectangular in FIG. 13 as an example, the support 14 can also be set to other shapes, such as the shapes shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0145] Optionally, as another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the support 14 is provided with a first opening 141 installed corresponding to the pressure relief region 131, so that the discharged matter passing through the pressure relief region 131 is discharged through the first opening 141. The support 14 may be a tubular structure, the first opening 141 is installed on the tube wall of the support 14, and the first opening 141 is installed opposite to the pressure relief region 131 in the separation component 13. In this way, while the support 14 realizes the support function, the first opening 141 of the support 14 is easy to receive the discharged matter of the battery cell 20 discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the pressure relief region 131. After passing through the first opening 141, the discharged matter is collected in the collection cavity 11b of the case 11, and the influence of the discharged matter on the components in the electrical cavity 11a can be prevented.

[0146] It should be understood that the first aperture 141 communicates with the corresponding pressure relief region 131 so as to achieve a good conduction effect on the discharge through the first aperture 141.

[0147] Also, the cross-sectional area of the first aperture 141 is not less than the area of the pressure relief region 131 so as to further improve the good conduction effect on the discharge through the first aperture 141 and avoid blocking the entry of the discharge into the collection cavity 11b by the first aperture 141.

[0148] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the same rod-shaped support 14 may be correspondingly installed on a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction X. When the support 14 of each rod-shaped structure is correspondingly installed below the pressure relief mechanism 213 of each row of battery cells 20, a good supporting effect can be realized by using a relatively small number of supports 14 that are easy to install.

[0149] It should be understood that for each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, the pressure relief region 131 of the separation component 13 in the embodiments of the present application can be realized in a plurality of ways. For example, the pressure relief region 131 in the separation component 13 may not require any special treatment. The embodiments of the present application are for showing a part of the region in the separation component 13 facing the pressure relief mechanism 213, and this part is referred to as the pressure relief region 131 for distinction.

[0150] Furthermore, for example, the pressure relief region 131 in the separation component 13 may be specially treated so as to be easily broken when the pressure relief mechanism 213 operates.

[0151] As an example, the pressure release area 131 is a fragile area. The fragile area is used so that when the pressure release mechanism 213 operates, the discharge can penetrate the fragile area and enter the collection cavity 11b. By setting the pressure release area 131 as a fragile area, when the pressure release mechanism 213 does not operate, for example, during the normal use process of the battery 10, the separation component 13 can be in a relatively sealed state, and the pressure release mechanism 213 can be effectively protected from being damaged by an external force and becoming ineffective. Moreover, when the pressure release mechanism 213 operates, the strength of the fragile area is smaller than that of other areas of the separation component 13 other than the pressure release area 131. Therefore, the fragile area is easily broken, and thereby, the discharge from the battery cell 20 where the pressure release mechanism 213 is installed can penetrate the fragile area and be discharged from the electrical cavity 11a, for example, it can penetrate the fragile area and enter the collection cavity 11b.

[0152] Optionally, a concave groove is installed on the separation component 13 opposite to the pressure release mechanism 213, and a fragile area is formed on the bottom wall of the concave groove. Since the bottom wall of the concave groove is more fragile than other areas of the separation component 13 and is easily broken by the discharge, when the pressure release mechanism 213 operates, the discharge can break the bottom wall of the concave groove and enter the collection cavity 11b.

[0153] Optionally, a fragile area can be formed as the pressure release area 131 on the separation component 13 in other ways. For example, by installing a score on the separation component 13 to form a fragile area, etc., the present application does not specifically limit it.

[0154] As another example, the pressure release area 131 is a first through hole for allowing the discharge to pass through the first through hole and enter the collection cavity 11b when the pressure release mechanism 213 operates. When the pressure release area 131 is the first through hole, on the one hand, it is easy to process, and on the other hand, the discharge discharged through the pressure release mechanism 213 can be released more quickly.

[0155] In the embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, the support 14 abuts against the separation component 13 and / or the protection member 113. In this way, the support 14 can provide a supporting effect on the protection member 113 and / or the separation component 13 so as to improve the compressive strength of the entire protection member 113 and / or the separation component 13. Particularly, when the support 14 abuts against both the protection member 113 and the separation component 13 simultaneously, by improving the compressive strength of the entire protection member 113 and the separation component 13 at the same time, it is possible to prevent the external pressure from affecting components such as the battery cell 20 in the electrical cavity 11a.

[0156] Optionally, the connection surface of the support 14 abuts against the separation component 13 and / or the protection member 113, and a second opening 142 is provided on the non-connection surface of the support 14 so as to form a channel for allowing the discharge to pass through the support 14. Specifically, the connection surface of the support 14 is the surface that contacts the separation component 13 and / or the protection member 113. Conversely, the non-connection surface of the support 14 is the surface of the support 14 that does not contact the separation component 13 and does not contact the protection member 113. A second opening 142 can be provided on the non-connection surface of the support 14 to form a channel for allowing the discharge to pass through the support 14 and increase the discharge path for the discharge of the battery cell 20.

[0157] Optionally, if the support 14 has a quadrilateral tubular structure, the first opening 141 may be provided on any one side wall of the quadrilateral tubular structure, and the second opening 142 may be provided on the other side wall of the quadrilateral tubular structure. Both the first opening 141 and the second opening 142 can be used to form a discharge channel for allowing the discharge of the battery cell 20 to pass through. If the support 14 has a hexagonal tubular structure, similar to the quadrilateral tubular structure, the first opening 141 may be provided on one side wall of the hexagonal tubular structure, and the second opening 142 may be provided on the other side wall of the hexagonal tubular structure.

[0158] Optionally, the sizes of the first aperture 141 and the second aperture 142 may be different or the same. For example, the size of the first aperture 141 may be larger than the size of the second aperture 142, whereby the relatively large-sized first aperture 141 can smoothly pass the discharged matter discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 213, and without blocking the discharge of the discharged matter, the relatively small-sized second aperture 142 can perform a filtering function, that is, the second aperture 142 allows the high-temperature gas and / or high-temperature liquid in the discharged matter to pass through, and the support 14 blocks the high-temperature solid in the discharged matter, preventing the high-temperature solid in the discharged matter from being discharged outside the case 11 and causing a safety hazard, thereby improving the safety of the battery and the electrical equipment in which it is installed.

[0159] Optionally, the shapes of the first aperture 141 and the second aperture 142 may be the same or different. For example, the shape of the first aperture 141 may coincide with the pressure relief mechanism 213 or the pressure relief area 131 to facilitate the smooth and immediate passage of the discharged matter, and the shape of the second aperture 142 is usually set to be rectangular or circular to facilitate processing.

[0160] Optionally, the numbers of the first aperture 141 and the second aperture 142 may be the same or different. For example, the number of the first apertures 141 may coincide with the corresponding pressure relief mechanism 213 or the pressure relief area 131 such that the first apertures 141 correspond one-to-one to the pressure relief mechanism 213 or the pressure relief area 131, and the number of the second apertures 142 can be flexibly set according to the actual application.

[0161] It should be understood that the support 14 in the embodiment of the present application can be installed in the collection cavity 11b by a plurality of fixing methods so as to prevent the support 14 from moving within the collection cavity 11b and affecting the reliability of the battery 10.

[0162] For example, in one embodiment, the protective member 113 and the support 14 have an integrated structure. Optionally, the support 14 and the protective member 113 can form an integrated structure by a process such as welding to facilitate subsequent attachment.

[0163] Also for example, in another embodiment, a fixture for fixing the support 14 to the separating component 13 and / or the protective member 113 that forms the collection cavity 11b is provided. Optionally, the fixture includes, but is not limited to, a rubber layer, bolts, locking grooves, etc.

[0164] As an example, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, taking the rod-shaped support 14 as an example, a U-shaped groove 1131 can be provided on the protective member 113 so that the rod-shaped support 14 is installed in the U-shaped groove 1131. The rod-shaped support 14 extends along the first direction X. Correspondingly, the rod-shaped U-shaped groove 116 also extends along the first direction X. The length of the rod-shaped U-shaped groove 116 corresponds to the length of the rod-shaped support 14. Similarly, the width of the U-shaped groove 1131 also corresponds to the width of the support 14 so that the support 14 is fixedly installed on the protective member 113. However, the depth of the U-shaped groove 1131 is less than or equal to the height of the support 14 so as to reduce the processing difficulty and the occupied space of the U-shaped groove 1131. According to the embodiment, the attachment method of the support 14 is simple, and the removal and replacement of the support 14 are easy, improving the attachment efficiency and maintenance efficiency of the case 11 of the battery 10.

[0165] Optionally, the U-shaped groove 1131 can be realized in a plurality of ways. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the protective member 113 has a protrusion 1132 formed facing the inside of the case 11, and a U-shaped groove 1131 can be formed between adjacent protrusions 1132. According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the protrusion 1132 and the U-shaped groove 1131 are directly formed by using the protective member 113, and the formation of the U-shaped groove 1131 by using an additional structural member is avoided, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, the adverse effects of the additional structural member on the protective member 113, the support 14, and other parts of the case 11 can be prevented, and the safety and reliability of the battery 10 can be improved.

[0166] Alternatively, as an alternative embodiment, in the embodiment of the present application, the U-shaped groove 1131 can also be formed on the protective member 113 by installing an additional structural member on the protective member 113.

[0167] It should be understood that FIGS. 13 to 15 schematically show only the schematic diagrams of the rod-shaped support 14 and the rod-shaped U-shaped groove 116. If the support 14 has other shapes, such as an annular shape or a square annular shape, the U-shaped groove 116 may be set as an annular U-shaped groove in the same way to adapt to the annular support 14.

[0168] In addition, the support 14 can be fixedly installed to the protective member 113 by the U-shaped groove 1131, and the support 14 can also be fixed by other types of fixtures such as bolts. For example, fixing bolts are installed on the protective member 113, and the bolts can penetrate through the support 14 so as to support and fix the support 14. Optionally, the bolts can penetrate through the apertures on the support 14 and be connected to other structural members of the case 11 so as to reinforce the stability of the support 14. In some embodiments, the bolts can penetrate through the apertures of the support 14 and then through the separate component 13, and subsequently be fixed to the separate component 13. Depending on the embodiment, the bolts can not only fix and reinforce the support 14, but also reinforce and fix the separate component 13. This can reinforce the overall stability of the case 11, prevent relative movement between the support 14 and the separate component 13, avoid the support 14 from affecting the separate component 13, and improve the safety of the battery 10.

[0169] Hereinafter, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the installation method of the support 14 in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail. In the embodiments of the present application, the installation method of the support 14 in the collection cavity 11b is related to the position of the battery cell 20. Specifically, the installation method of the support 14 in the collection cavity 11b is related to the position of the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the battery cell 20 and is also related to the pressure relief area 131 of the separate component 13.

[0170] Optionally, as an example, the battery 10 includes a plurality of tubular structures installed at intervals in the collection cavity 11b. The plurality of supports 14 installed at intervals can provide uniform and comprehensive support for the collection cavity 11b, thereby uniformly and comprehensively improving the compressive strength of the collection cavity 11b.

[0171] Optionally, for supports 14 of different shapes, they can be installed at intervals in the collection cavity 11b in different ways. For example, for the rod-shaped support 14, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a plurality of rod-shaped supports 14 are installed at intervals in the collection cavity 11b, and the axial directions of the plurality of supports 14 may all be parallel to the first direction X. Alternatively, the plurality of rod-shaped supports 14 may be installed in the collection cavity 11b in other ways. For example, the axial directions of the plurality of supports 14 may be parallel to the second direction Y. Here, the first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0172] Furthermore, for example, FIGS. 16 and 17 respectively show other possible installation methods of the support 14 in the collection cavity 11b of the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 16, in the embodiment, a plurality of supports 14 are in a square ring shape or a frame shape. The plurality of supports 14 are installed so as to surround the center of the collection cavity 11b. The size of the support 14 close to the center of the collection cavity 11b is relatively small, and the size of the support 14 away from the center of the collection cavity 11b is relatively large. Moreover, there is a gap between two adjacent supports 14 so that the plurality of supports 14 are installed in the collection cavity 11b at intervals.

[0173] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 17, in the embodiment, a plurality of supports 14 are in an annular shape. The installation method of the plurality of annular supports 14 is similar to the installation method of the plurality of square annular supports 14 above and will not be described further for the sake of brevity.

[0174] Optionally, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 above, the square annular or annular support 14 may be a hollow tubular structure. Optionally, openings may be formed in the support 14. For example, it may include a first opening 141 and / or a second opening 142 and will not be described further for the sake of brevity.

[0175] Optionally, the plurality of supports 14 may be symmetrically installed with respect to the collection cavity 11b, thereby improving the stability of the collection cavity 11b and thus improving the mounting stability of the case 11 in the device. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the plurality of rod-shaped supports 14 may be symmetrically distributed within the collection cavity 11b along the first direction X, or may be symmetrically distributed within the collection cavity 11b along the second direction Y. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, among the plurality of annular supports 14, each support 14 is installed so as to surround the center of the collection cavity 11b, and each support is symmetrically installed with respect to the center of the collection cavity 11b.

[0176] Optionally, as another embodiment, the plurality of supports 14 may be stacked on each other within the collection cavity 11b. FIG. 18 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery 10 according to still another embodiment of the present application. The cross-section is perpendicular to the first direction X. For example, the difference between the battery 10 shown in FIG. 18 and the battery 10 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 lies in the structure of the support 14. FIG. 19 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the battery 10 according to still another embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG. 19 may be an enlarged view of the region F shown in FIG. 18.

[0177] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the battery 10 includes a plurality of tubular structures having a honeycomb-shaped cross-section that are stacked on each other. By installing a honeycomb-type tubular support 14 having a single-point yielding property in the collection cavity 11b of the case 11 of the battery 10, having relatively high axial rigidity, and relatively high compressive strength, the compressive strength of the collection cavity 11b can be improved, thereby improving the safety of the battery 10 and the electrical device in which it is installed.

[0178] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the plurality of supports 14 may be hexagonal tubular structures, and the plurality of hexagonal tubular structure supports 14 may be stacked and connected to each other. The axial directions of the plurality of hexagonal tubular structure supports 14 are parallel to the first direction X such that the cross-sections of the plurality of hexagonal tubular structure supports 14 exhibit a honeycomb-type structure.

[0179] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the first direction X, the length of each of the plurality of hexagonal tubular support bodies 14 is close to the length of the collection cavity 11b, and in the second direction Y, the overall width of the plurality of hexagonal tubular support bodies 14 is close to the width of the collection cavity 11b. In other words, in the embodiments of the present application, the plurality of hexagonal tubular support bodies 14 can completely cover the collection cavity 11b in the first direction X and the second direction Y. Further, the plurality of hexagonal tubular support bodies 14 are connected to each other, and the density of the support bodies 14 in the collection cavity 11b is relatively high, thereby comprehensively and tightly improving the compressive strength of the collection cavity 11b.

[0180] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the plurality of tubular support bodies 14 are installed in the protective member 113 of the case 11. Among the plurality of hexagonal tubular support bodies 14, at least some of the support bodies 14 are in contact with the separation part 13. For example, there are some support bodies 14 that are in contact with the pressure release area 131 corresponding to the pressure release mechanism 213 of the battery cell in the separation part 13.

[0181] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, a second through hole 143 may be installed in the support body 14 to form a channel for allowing the discharge to pass through. Specifically, on the connection surface of two mutually connected tubular structures, a second through hole 143 is installed that penetrates the connection surface of the two tubular structures and forms a channel for allowing the discharge to pass through the two tubular structures.

[0182] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the embodiments of the present application, the second through hole 143 may be installed on the tube wall of the tubular support body 14. For example, the second through holes 143 corresponding to each other are installed on the connection surfaces of the mutually connected support bodies 14. The mutually corresponding second through holes 143 are used to form a channel for allowing the discharge to pass through the two tubular support bodies 14. Further, the second through holes 143 on the non-connection surfaces of the support bodies 14 can form a channel between the support bodies 14 and the collection cavity 11b.

[0183] According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the number of the supports 14 is relatively large and they are interconnected to provide stable support for the collection cavity 11b. In addition, the second through holes 143 installed on the supports 14 can provide channels between the interconnected supports 14 and between the supports 14 and the collection cavity 11b. Therefore, according to the embodiment, a relatively large number of channels are formed in the supports 14, increasing the discharge path of the emissions of the battery cells 20 in the channels, reducing the temperature of the emissions discharged from the collection cavity 11b, and improving the safety of the battery 10.

[0184] FIG. 20 shows a possible local cross-sectional schematic view of the battery 10 according to the embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG. 20 shows a local schematic view of a battery cell 20 and the corresponding collection cavity 11b in any one normal use state within the battery 10. FIG. 21 shows another possible local cross-sectional schematic view of the battery 10 according to the embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG. 21 shows a local schematic view of any one thermally runaway battery cell 20 and the corresponding collection cavity 11b within the battery 10. Optionally, the battery 10 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 may be the battery 10 in any one embodiment of the present application.

[0185] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the normal use state, the minimum distance between the region corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the separation component 13 and the protection member 113 is H. When the battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, the pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated, and the separation component 13 deforms along with the battery cell 20, causing the separation component 13 to deform towards the collection cavity 11b. In this case, the minimum distance between the region of the separation component 13 corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the protection member 113 becomes H'. Here, the distance H is greater than the distance H', and the deformation amount of the separation component 13 is the difference between the distance H and the distance H'.

[0186] In the embodiment of the present application, the minimum distance H between the region corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the separation component 13 and the protection member 113 is 7 mm or more, to avoid the distance H from being too small, which may affect the operation of the pressure relief mechanism 213. Also, if the distance H is too small, after the separation component 13 is deformed, it will directly contact the lower protection member 113, resulting in an overly small gap between the separation component 13 and the protection member 113, or even no gap at all. Furthermore, it will affect the discharge of the discharge substances in the pressure relief mechanism 213, easily cause the explosion of the thermally runaway battery cell 20, cause thermal diffusion, and reduce the safety of the battery 10.

[0187] Conversely, the value of the distance H in the embodiment of the present application should not be set too large. Otherwise, the distance between the separation component 13 and the protection member 113 will be relatively large, the space of the collection cavity 11b will become large, the space occupied by the case 11 will be too much, the space utilization rate inside the case 11 will be relatively low, and furthermore, it will affect the energy density of the battery 10.

[0188] Therefore, the distance H in the embodiment of the present application should not be set too large or too small. For example, the distance H may be set to 7 mm or more, or the distance H may be set to 20 mm or less. For example, the value of the distance H may be equal to 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, or 20 mm.

[0189] The present application has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, various improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present application, and the components thereof can be replaced with equivalents. In particular, as long as there is no structural contradiction, any of the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification, but includes all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell (20) having a pressure release mechanism (213) installed on a first wall (21a); A thermal management component (12) attached to a second wall (21b) of the battery cell (20), different from the first wall (21a), for regulating the temperature of the battery cell (20); An electrical cavity (11a) for housing the battery cell (20) and the thermal management component (12), and a collection cavity (11b) for collecting emissions from the battery cell (20) when the pressure release mechanism (213) operates, a case (11) including the same; Including: A battery (10), characterized in that.

2. The area of the second wall (21b) is greater than or equal to the area of the first wall (21a); The battery (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The second wall (21b) is the wall with the largest area of the battery cell (20); The battery (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The battery (10) includes a plurality of rows of battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction, Each row of battery cells (20) in the plurality of rows of battery cells (20) includes at least one battery cell (20) arranged along a second direction, The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction and the second wall (21b); The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. The thermal management component (12) is attached to the second wall (21b) of at least one battery cell (20) in at least one row of the plurality of rows of battery cells (20); The battery (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The battery cell (20) includes two second walls (21b) installed opposite to each other along the first direction, and at least one row of battery cells (20) in the plurality of rows of battery cells (20) has thermal management components (12) respectively installed on the two second walls (21b) of at least one battery cell (20) along both sides of the first direction; The battery (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The same thermal management component (12) is installed between at least two adjacent rows of battery cells (20) in the plurality of rows of battery cells (20); The battery (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that.

8. The battery (10) includes a plurality of the heat management components (12) arranged along the first direction. The battery (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that.

9. The plurality of the heat management components (12) are installed at intervals along the first direction. The battery (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. A heat exchange channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium is installed in the heat management component (12), and the heat exchange channels of the plurality of the heat management components (12) communicate with each other. The battery (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that.

11. The battery (10) is installed in the collection cavity (11b) and further includes a support (14) for improving the compressive strength of the collection cavity (11b). The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

12. The support (14) includes a channel for allowing at least a part of the discharge to pass through. The battery (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that.

13. The channel is used to allow the gas in the discharge to pass through, and the region other than the channel in the support (14) is used to block the solid in the discharge. The battery (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that.

14. An opening (140) for forming the channel in the support (14) is installed in the support (14). The battery (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that.

15. The battery (10) is mounted on the first wall (21a) and further includes a separation component (13) for separating the electrical cavity (11a) and the collection cavity (11b). The battery (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that.

16. A pressure release region (131) is installed in the separation component (13), and when the pressure release mechanism (213) operates, the discharge is discharged into the collection cavity (11b) through the pressure release region (131). The battery (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that.

17. The support (14) is installed corresponding to the non-pressure release region (132) of the separation component (13) so as to form a channel for allowing the discharge to pass through outside the support (14). The battery (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that.

18. The support body (14) abuts against the non-pressure-releasing region (132) of the separation component (13). The battery (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that.

19. Since a first opening (141) corresponding to the pressure-releasing region (131) is provided in the support body (14), the discharge passing through the pressure-releasing region (131) is discharged through the first opening (141). The battery (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that.

20. The first opening (141) communicates with the corresponding pressure-releasing region (131). The battery (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that.

21. The cross-sectional area of the first opening (141) is equal to or larger than the area of the pressure-releasing region (131). The battery (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that.

22. The pressure-releasing region (131) is a fragile region and is broken when the pressure-releasing mechanism (213) operates so that the discharge penetrates the fragile region and enters the collection cavity (11b). The battery (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that.

23. The pressure-releasing region (131) is a first through-hole, and when the pressure-releasing mechanism (213) operates, the discharge passes through the first through-hole and enters the collection cavity (11b). The battery (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that.

24. The case (11) further includes a protective member (113) for forming the collection cavity (11b) together with the separation component (13). The battery (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that.

25. The support body (14) abuts against the separation component (13) and / or the protective member (113). The battery (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that.

26. The connection surface of the support body (14) abuts against the separation component (13) and / or the protective member (113), and a second opening (142) is provided on the non-connection surface of the support body (14) so as to form a channel for allowing the discharge to pass through the support body (14). The battery (10) according to claim 25, characterized in that.

27. The protective member (113) and the support body (14) are of an integrated structure. The battery (10) according to claim 25, characterized in that.

28. The minimum distance between the region corresponding to the pressure-releasing mechanism (213) in the separation component (13) and the protective member (113) is 7 mm or more. The battery (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that...

29. The support (14) has a hollow structure, The battery (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that...

30. The support (14) has a tubular structure, The battery (10) according to claim 29, characterized in that...

31. The cross-section of the tubular structure is a polygon with 4 or more sides, The battery (10) according to claim 30, characterized in that...

32. The tubular structure is rod-shaped or annular, The battery (10) according to claim 30, characterized in that...

33. The battery (10) includes a plurality of the tubular structures spaced apart from each other in the collection cavity (11b), The battery (10) according to claim 30, characterized in that...

34. The battery (10) includes a plurality of the tubular structures stacked on each other and having a honeycomb-shaped cross-section, The battery (10) according to claim 30, characterized in that...

35. On the connection surface of two mutually connected tubular structures, a second through-hole for forming a channel that penetrates the connection surfaces of the two tubular structures and allows the discharge to pass through the two tubular structures is provided, The battery (10) according to claim 34, characterized in that...

36. An electrical device including the battery (10) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery (10) is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device, An electrical device, characterized in that...

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