Battery modules and battery packs

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of power batteries, such as battery modules and battery packs. The battery module includes an outer frame and a plurality of cells, which are stacked to form a cell assembly. The outer frame includes a bottom plate, an upper cover, and an outer peripheral plate, the bottom plate and the upper cover are respectively provided on the bottom and upper part of the outer peripheral plate, the outer peripheral plate includes two opposing side plates and two opposing end plates, the two end plates are provided at an interval along the length direction of the side plate, the two end plates, the two side plates, the bottom plate, and the upper cover together surround a receiving cavity, the cell assembly is provided in the receiving cavity, and the upper cover is provided with heat dissipation holes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of power batteries, for example, battery modules and battery packs. [Background technology]

[0002] With growing concern about environmental protection issues, new energy electric vehicles are becoming more popular. The energy density of a battery pack is related to the driving range of an electric vehicle. To meet high energy requirements, current battery packs use multiple secondary batteries in a series-parallel configuration. As the energy density of battery packs becomes higher and higher, their thermal safety issues become more serious. Battery pack safety directly affects the safety of electric vehicles and their passengers, so battery pack safety has become an obstacle to promoting the widespread use of electric vehicles.

[0003] In the prior art, after a thermal failure of a battery module with a compact lateral space, it is difficult to dissipate heat from the box body, and how to effectively solve the safety issue of the battery pack has become an urgent technical challenge. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present application proposes a battery module and a battery pack that can dissipate uncontrollable heat from the battery module through a box body in a situation where the lateral space is relatively compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This application adopts the following technical proposal:

[0006] a plurality of cells arranged in a stack to form a cell assembly; an outer frame including a bottom plate, an upper cover, and an outer peripheral plate; The bottom plate and the top cover are respectively provided on the bottom and top of the outer peripheral plate, the outer peripheral plate having two opposing side plates and two opposing end plates, the two end plates being spaced apart along the length of the side plates, the two end plates, the two side plates, the bottom plate and the top cover jointly enclosing the two end plates to form a housing cavity, the cell assembly being provided in the housing cavity, and the top cover having heat dissipation holes.

[0007] The present application further provides a battery pack including the battery module. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided in embodiment 1 of the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded schematic view of a battery module provided in Embodiment 1 of the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided in embodiment 2 of the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of a battery module provided in Embodiment 2 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0010] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "coupled," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediary, an internal communication between two components, or an interactive relationship between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the terms in this application in specific situations.

[0011] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, in this application, a first feature "above" or "below" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them, without direct contact. Furthermore, a first feature "above," "above," or "on the upper surface" of a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply being horizontally higher than the second feature. A first feature "below," "below," or "on the lower surface" of a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply being horizontally lower than the second feature.

[0012] In the description of the present embodiment, technical terms such as "upper," "lower," and "right" indicating orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are used solely for the convenience and simplification of the description. The description of the operation does not indicate or imply that the referred devices or components have a specific orientation or are required to be configured and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for the purpose of distinction in the description and have no special meaning.

[0013] In conventional battery modules, when the internal space is laterally compact, it is difficult to dissipate the heat generated by the cells after thermal runaway occurs within the cells, increasing the risk to the entire battery module. Therefore, this embodiment provides a battery pack that can timely and effectively dissipate heat outside the battery module box. The battery pack includes a battery module, and the battery module can timely dissipate heat, thereby quickly dissipating high-temperature smoke from inside and slowing the spread of heat.

[0014] Embodiment 1

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the battery module includes an outer frame 1, tab holders 4, bus bars, and a plurality of cells. The cells are stacked to form cell assemblies, and the cells are connected in series or parallel via tabs. The outer frame 1 includes a bottom plate, an upper cover 11, and an outer peripheral plate. The bottom plate and upper cover 11 are respectively attached to the bottom and top of the outer peripheral plate. The outer peripheral plate includes two opposing side plates 13 and two opposing end plates 12. The two end plates 12 are spaced apart along the length of the side plates 13. The two end plates 12, the two side plates 13, the bottom plate, and the upper cover 11 collectively surround a receiving cavity. The cell assemblies are mounted in the receiving cavity, and the upper cover 11 has heat dissipation holes 111. The tab holders 4 and bus bars are both disposed between the cell assemblies and the end plates 12, and the tab holders 4 are disposed between the cell assemblies and the bus bars. The tabs of the cells extend from the tab holders 4 and are connected to the bus bars. Two output poles 5 are provided at the same end of the cell assembly, and the output poles 5 are connected to the bus bars, and the bus bars are provided to connect the cells and the output poles 5 to realize the output of electrical energy.

[0016] When high-temperature smoke is generated due to thermal runaway of a cell, the heat dissipation holes 111 provided in the upper cover 11 allow the high-temperature smoke generated during thermal runaway to be quickly discharged through the heat dissipation holes 111 located in the upper cover 11, preventing it from affecting other cells, and the heat dissipation holes 111 are the main exhaust path, allowing a large amount of high-temperature smoke to be discharged from the upper cover 11. By providing the heat dissipation holes 111 in the upper cover 11, high-temperature smoke generated by a battery module with a compact lateral space can be effectively and quickly discharged outside the box, reducing the risk of the battery module.

[0017] Optionally, in this embodiment, an output electrode 5 is provided at one end of the cell assembly, two output electrodes 5 are provided at one end of the cell assembly, and the heat dissipation holes 111 may include a first heat dissipation hole, and a plurality of first heat dissipation holes may be provided at one end of the upper cover 11 remote from the output electrodes 5. The upper cover 11 is far from the output electrodes. By providing the first heat dissipation hole, high-temperature smoke can be mainly emitted from the vicinity of the non-output electrodes, preventing it from affecting high-voltage components at the same end as the output electrodes 5, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway in the battery module.

[0018] Optionally, the heat dissipation holes in this embodiment may further include second and third heat dissipation holes (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), with multiple second heat dissipation holes provided at both ends of the upper cover 11 and multiple third heat dissipation holes provided in the center of the upper cover 11. The multiple second and third heat dissipation holes can quickly exhaust high-temperature smoke to the outside of the outer frame 1. In this embodiment, the end plate 12 only has holes for the output pole 5 and low-voltage assembly to pass through, and neither of the two end plates 12 has any heat dissipation holes 111, which prevents high-temperature smoke from flowing toward both sides of the module during thermal runaway and affecting the output pole 5 and other structures.

[0019] A first heat dissipation hole is provided between the second heat dissipation hole and the third heat dissipation hole, and the distance between the first heat dissipation hole and the second heat dissipation hole adjacent to the first heat dissipation hole is shorter than the distance between the first heat dissipation hole and the third heat dissipation hole. The first heat dissipation hole is provided near the second heat dissipation hole, and its purpose is to create a favorable diversion effect for high-temperature smoke, thereby directing the high-temperature smoke away from the output terminal 5 and preventing the high-voltage assembly on the same end as the output terminal 5 from being affected by the high-temperature smoke.

[0020] Optionally, at least some of the heat dissipation holes 111 in this embodiment are elongated holes, and the length of the elongated holes 111 coincides with the length of the cells. Providing elongated holes facilitates processing, increases the opening area compared to circular exhaust holes, and allows high-temperature smoke to be exhausted in a timely manner. In this embodiment, the length of the third heat dissipation hole and the first heat dissipation hole coincides with the length of the cells, allowing high-temperature smoke to be quickly dispersed along the length of the cells and preventing high-temperature smoke from concentrating along the length of the cells. There are multiple third heat dissipation holes and multiple first heat dissipation holes, and the third heat dissipation holes and the first heat dissipation holes are arranged in a row.

[0021] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2 , the battery module further includes a fireproof gasket 2, which is disposed between the cell and the end plate 12. The fireproof gasket 2 is disposed between the end plate 12 and the cell assembly, for example, between the tab holder 4 and the end plate 12. The fireproof gasket 2 is made of silicone foam, and its thickness is greater than the distance between the tab holder 4 and the end plate 12, effectively preventing high-temperature smoke from penetrating between the tab holder 4 and the end plate 12, thereby achieving a sealing effect and effectively preventing the occurrence of busbar arc short circuit problems. Because the fireproof gasket 2 is made of silicone foam, it can be used instead of the traditional end mica plate, reducing weight and cost.

[0022] Optionally, in this embodiment, the fireproof gasket 2 adjacent to the output pole 5 is provided with an output pole receiving hole 3. Correspondingly, the end plate 12 is also provided with an output pole receiving hole 3, and the shape of the output pole receiving hole 3 may be different and is provided according to actual needs. The output pole receiving hole 3 can prevent the output pole 5 from interfering with the assembly process of the end plate 12 and affecting the assembly, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0023] Optionally, in this embodiment, a low-pressure connection hole is provided in the fireproof gasket 2 remote from the output electrode 5. Correspondingly, a low-pressure connection hole is also provided in the end plate 12 remote from the output electrode 5, and the shape of the low-pressure connection hole may be different and provided according to actual needs. The provision of the low-pressure connection hole prevents the low-pressure assembly from interfering with the end plate 12 during the box assembly process, and the output electrode receiving hole 3 and the low-pressure connection hole can also guide high-temperature smoke after it is generated, thereby achieving the effect of heat dissipation.

[0024] The battery module of this embodiment includes an outer frame and a plurality of cells, which are stacked to form a cell assembly. The outer frame includes a bottom plate, a top cover, and an outer peripheral plate. The bottom plate and top cover are respectively attached to the bottom and top of the outer peripheral plate. The outer peripheral plate includes two opposing side plates and two opposing end plates, which are spaced apart along the length of the side plates. The two end plates, two side plates, the bottom plate, and the top cover collectively surround a receiving cavity. The cell assembly is mounted within the receiving cavity, and the top cover is provided with heat dissipation holes. If a cell experiences thermal runaway and generates high-temperature smoke, the heat dissipation holes in the top cover can quickly vent the high-temperature smoke to prevent it from affecting other cells. The heat dissipation holes can also exhaust a large amount of high-temperature smoke from the top cover. The provision of heat dissipation holes in the top cover allows high-temperature smoke generated by a battery module with a compact lateral space to be efficiently and quickly vented outside the box, reducing risk.

[0025] Embodiment 2

[0026] 3 and 4, the battery module includes a housing having a receiving cavity and a plurality of cells disposed within the housing. The plurality of cells are stacked in series or parallel to form a cell assembly, and the cell assembly is provided with an output electrode 5 for outputting electrical energy. Optionally, the housing includes a bottom plate, an upper cover 11, side plates 13, and end plates 12. The bottom plate is provided with a side plate 13 on each side, and an end plate 12 on each end, i.e., both ends of the end plate 12 are connected to the side plates 13, respectively. The bottom plate, the upper cover 11, the two side plates 13, and the two end plates 12 together form a surrounding receiving cavity. An exhaust path is provided on the inner wall of each side plate 13, a heat dissipation hole 111 is provided on the upper cover 11, and end exhaust holes 121 are provided on both end plates 12. By providing heat dissipation holes and end exhaust holes on the upper cover 11 and end plate 12, the high-temperature smoke generated by the battery module, which has a compact horizontal and vertical space, can be effectively and quickly discharged outside the box, thereby reducing the risk of fire.

[0027] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the heat dissipation holes 111 include second heat dissipation holes (not shown in Figures 3 and 4) provided at both ends of the upper cover 11, a first heat dissipation hole provided at one end of the upper cover 11 away from the output pole 5, and a third heat dissipation hole provided in the center of the upper cover 11, and the first heat dissipation hole is provided between the third heat dissipation hole and the second heat dissipation hole, and the distance between the first heat dissipation hole and the second heat dissipation hole adjacent to the first heat dissipation hole is smaller than the distance between the first heat dissipation hole and the third exhaust.

[0028] After the cell experiences thermal runaway and generates high-temperature smoke, the high-temperature smoke can be guided to the end plate 12 through the exhaust path provided in the side plate 13, and the end exhaust hole 121 of the end plate 12 can discharge the high-temperature smoke in a timely manner. The upper cover 11 is provided with heat dissipation holes 111, which include a first heat dissipation hole, a second heat dissipation hole, and a third heat dissipation hole. The second heat dissipation holes, which are provided at both ends of the upper cover 11, can quickly discharge high-temperature smoke during thermal runaway, thereby preventing it from affecting other cells. The first heat dissipation hole, which is provided at one end away from the output electrode 5, can discharge high-temperature smoke mainly from the vicinity of the non-output electrode, thereby preventing the high-temperature smoke from affecting the high-voltage assembly on the output electrode 5 side. The third heat dissipation hole is provided in the center of the upper cover 11, and the path from the thermal runaway cell to the third heat dissipation hole is the main exhaust path, and the third heat dissipation hole can discharge a large amount of high-temperature smoke from the upper cover 11.

[0029] In this embodiment, at least the top cover 11 is made of a non-metallic material, and the entire box body or a portion of the box body may be made of a non-metallic material. By providing the top cover 11 with the first, second, and third heat dissipation holes, it is possible to prevent high-temperature smoke from melting the non-metallic top cover 11 and causing the entire battery module to fail.

[0030] Optionally, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the battery module further includes a tab holder 4 and a bus bar. The tab holder 4 is located inside the housing (i.e., within the housing cavity) and between the end plate 12 and the cell assembly, and the bus bar is located between the tab holder 4 and the end plate 12. The cell tabs extend from the tab holder 4 and are connected to the bus bar. The tab holder 4 is provided with a plurality of holder exhaust holes 41, and the plurality of holder exhaust holes 41 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of end exhaust holes 31. The holder exhaust holes 41 enable timely exhaust of high-temperature smoke from the housing cavity of the housing. Two output terminals 5 are provided at one end of the cell assembly, and the two output terminals 5 are provided at the same end of the cell assembly, making it easy to guide and exhaust high-temperature smoke to the other end without the output terminals 5. The output terminals 5 are connected to the bus bar, which connects the cells and the output terminals 5 to output electrical energy.

[0031] Optionally, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the battery module further includes a fireproof gasket 2 disposed between the tab holder 4 and the end plate 12. The fireproof gasket 2 is made of silicone foam, and the thickness of the fireproof gasket 2 is greater than the distance between the tab holder 4 and the end plate 12, effectively preventing high-temperature smoke from penetrating between the tab holder 4 and the end plate 12, thereby achieving a sealing effect and effectively preventing the occurrence of busbar arc short circuit problems. Because the fireproof gasket 2 is made of silicone foam, it can be used instead of the traditional end mica plate, reducing weight and cost.

[0032] In order to allow high-temperature smoke to escape from the fire-resistant gasket 2, the fire-resistant gasket 2 is provided with a fire-resistant pad exhaust hole 21, and a plurality of the fire-resistant pad exhaust holes 21 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of the end exhaust holes 31. The high-temperature smoke passes from the cells through the holder exhaust hole 41, the fire-resistant pad exhaust hole 21, and the end exhaust hole 31 in that order, and is then exhausted to the outside of the housing cavity of the box, preventing the high-temperature smoke from concentrating inside the box, affecting other cells, and accelerating thermal runaway.

[0033] In this embodiment, the end plate 12 further includes an output pole end plate and a non-output pole end plate. The output pole end plate is located at the end of the cell assembly that has the output pole 5, and the non-output pole end plate is located at the end of the cell assembly that does not have the output pole 5. That is, it can be understood that the output pole 5 is also located at one end of the cell assembly. To prevent the output pole 5 from affecting the end plates during the box assembly process, in this embodiment, the output pole end plate and the fireproof gasket 2 located on the same side as the output pole end plate are both provided with an output pole receiving hole 3. The output pole receiving hole 3 prevents the output pole 5 from interfering with the assembly process of the end plate 12 and affecting assembly, improving assembly efficiency. A low-voltage assembly is also connected to the cell. In this embodiment, the low-voltage assembly and the output pole 5 are located at both ends of the cell assembly, respectively. Therefore, the non-output pole end plate and the fireproof gasket 2 located on the same side as the non-output pole end plate are both provided with a low-voltage connection hole. The provision of the low-voltage connecting hole prevents the low-voltage assembly from interfering with the end plate during the box assembly process, and the output pole accommodating hole 3 and the low-voltage connecting hole can also guide high-temperature smoke after it is generated, thereby achieving the effect of heat dissipation.

[0034] Optionally, in this embodiment, at least some of the heat dissipation holes 111 are elongated holes, and at least one of the end vent holes 121, holder vent holes 41, and fire-resistant pad vent holes 21 is elongated hole. When the heat dissipation holes 111 are elongated holes, the lengths of the heat dissipation holes 111 all extend along the length of the cells. The end vent holes 121, holder vent holes 41, and fire-resistant pad vent holes 21 all extend along the height of the end plate 12. Providing elongated holes is advantageous for processing and provides a larger hole area, which is larger than that of circular vent holes and is advantageous for timely exhaust of high-temperature smoke.

[0035] The battery module in this embodiment includes an outer frame and a plurality of cells, stacked to form a cell assembly. The outer frame includes a bottom plate, an upper cover, and an outer peripheral plate. The bottom plate and the upper cover are respectively attached to the bottom and upper part of the outer peripheral plate. The outer peripheral plate includes two opposing side plates and two opposing end plates, the two end plates being spaced apart along the length of the side plates. The bottom plate, the upper cover, the two end plates, and the two side plates together form a surrounding receiving cavity. The cell assembly is mounted in the receiving cavity. An exhaust path is provided on the inner wall of the side plate, a heat dissipation hole is provided on the upper cover, and an end exhaust hole is provided on the end plate.

[0036] The battery module in this embodiment comprises a box body (i.e., an outer frame) having an accommodating cavity and a plurality of cells arranged within the box body, the plurality of cells being stacked to form a cell assembly, and the cell assembly being provided with an output electrode. The box body comprises a bottom plate, an upper cover, side plates and end plates, with side plates provided on both sides of the bottom plate and end plates provided on both ends of the bottom plate, and the bottom plate, upper cover, two side plates and two end plates jointly surround and form the accommodating cavity, with an exhaust path provided on the inner wall of each side plate, a heat dissipation hole provided in the upper cover, and end exhaust holes provided in the two end plates. When a cell generates high-temperature smoke due to overheating, the smoke can be guided to the end plate through the exhaust path provided in the side plate. The end exhaust holes in the end plate can expel the high-temperature smoke in a timely manner. The upper cover is provided with heat dissipation holes, so that the high-temperature smoke generated during thermal runaway can be quickly guided away and prevented from affecting other cells. By providing heat dissipation holes and end exhaust holes on the upper cover and end plate, the high-temperature smoke generated by the battery module, which has compact horizontal and vertical space, can be effectively and quickly exhausted outside the box, reducing the risk of fire. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1. Outer frame 11. Top cover 111, heat radiation hole 12, end plate 121, end exhaust hole 13. Side panel 2. Fireproof gasket 21. Fireproof pad exhaust hole 3. Output pole housing hole 4. Tab holder 41. Holder exhaust hole 5. Output pole

Claims

1. a plurality of cells arranged in a stack to form a cell assembly; An outer frame (1) including a bottom plate, an upper cover (11), and an outer peripheral plate; The bottom plate and the top cover (11) are respectively provided at the bottom and top of the outer peripheral plate, the outer peripheral plate having two opposing side plates (13) and two opposing end plates (12), the two end plates (12) being spaced apart along the length direction of the side plate (13), the two end plates (12), the two side plates (13), the bottom plate and the top cover (11) together surroundingly form a storage cavity, the cell assembly is provided in the storage cavity, and the top cover (11) is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes (111), An output pole (5) is provided at one end of the cell assembly, and the heat dissipation holes (111) include a first heat dissipation hole, which is provided at one end of the upper cover (11) away from the output pole (5), The heat dissipation hole (111) is an elongated hole, and the length direction of the heat dissipation hole (111) is the same as the length direction of the cell; An exhaust path is provided on the inner wall of each of the side plates (13), and an end exhaust hole (121) is provided in each of the end plates (12); The device further includes a tab holder (4), the tab holder (4) being located within the receiving cavity and between the end plate (12) and the cell assembly, the tab of the cell extending from the tab holder (4), the tab holder (4) being provided with a plurality of holder exhaust holes (41), and the plurality of holder exhaust holes (41) being provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of end exhaust holes (121). Battery module.

2. 2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation holes (111) further include a second heat dissipation hole and a third heat dissipation hole, the second heat dissipation hole being provided at both ends of the upper cover (11), and the third heat dissipation hole being provided in the center of the upper cover (11).

3. 3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the first heat dissipation hole is provided between the second heat dissipation hole and the third heat dissipation hole, and the distance between the first heat dissipation hole and the second heat dissipation hole adjacent to the first heat dissipation hole is smaller than the distance between the first heat dissipation hole and the third heat dissipation hole.

4. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein neither of the two end plates (12) is provided with the heat dissipation holes (111).

5. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a fireproof gasket (2), the fireproof gasket (2) being provided between the tab holder (4) and the end plate (12).

6. 6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the fireproof gasket (2) is provided with a fireproof pad exhaust hole (21), and the plurality of fireproof pad exhaust holes (21) and the plurality of end exhaust holes (121) are provided in one-to-one correspondence.

7. 6. The battery module according to claim 5, further comprising a bus bar, wherein two output poles (5) are provided at one end of the cell assembly, the two output poles (5) are provided at the same end of the cell assembly, the two output poles (5) are connected to the bus bar, and the bus bar is provided between the tab holder (4) and the fireproof gasket (2).

8. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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