Battery module, battery, and power receiving device

Abstract

The present application provides a battery module, a battery, and a power receiving device, and belongs to the technical field of batteries. Here, the battery module includes a first protector member and a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells are arranged along a first direction, and a decompression mechanism is provided at one end of the battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that the internal pressure of the battery cells leaks out and is released when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cells reaches a threshold value. The first protector member includes a first protector portion that covers the end where the decompression mechanism of the plurality of battery cells is provided, and the first protector portion has a plurality of exhaust ports that are offset from the decompression mechanism in the second direction. In a battery including such a battery module, the first protector member reduces the phenomenon in which hot air flying out of the decompression mechanism directly impacts the battery case when the battery cell goes into thermal runaway, and reduces the possibility of the battery case melting or catching fire, which is advantageous in reducing the risk of using the battery.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] cross reference This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202220039932.7, entitled "Battery Module, Battery and Power Receiving Device," filed on January 7, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of batteries, and more particularly to battery modules, batteries, and power receiving devices. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, new energy vehicles have made great strides. In the field of electric vehicles, power batteries play an irreplaceable and important role as the power source for electric vehicles. A battery consists of a case and a plurality of battery modules housed within the case, and the battery module consists of a plurality of battery cells. As a core component of new energy vehicles, batteries naturally require high safety. Currently, the safety performance of battery modules is attracting industry attention. However, battery modules in conventional technologies are highly susceptible to battery fires due to thermal runaway of battery cells, which poses significant safety concerns during battery use and is detrimental to the safety of consumers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a battery module, a battery, and a power receiving device that can effectively reduce safety concerns that exist during the use of batteries.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery module including a first protector member and a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being arranged along a first direction, and a decompression mechanism being provided at one end of the battery cells in a second direction mutually perpendicular to the first direction, the decompression mechanism being arranged to release the internal pressure of the battery cells when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cells reaches a threshold value, the first protector member including a first protector portion covering the end of the plurality of battery cells where the decompression mechanism is provided, and the first protector portion having a plurality of exhaust ports opened therein and offset in the second direction from the decompression mechanism.

[0006] In the above technical solution, one end of the multiple battery cells, where the decompression mechanism is provided in the second direction, is covered by the first protector part of the first protector member, and multiple exhaust ports are opened in the first protector part, and the exhaust ports are arranged in the second direction offset from the decompression mechanism of the battery cells. In a battery equipped with such a battery module, when a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, hot air escaping from the decompression mechanism can be preferentially received by the first protector part before being released through the exhaust port. This reduces the phenomenon in which hot air escaping from the decompression mechanism when a battery cell experiences thermal runaway directly impacts the battery case, protects the battery case, and effectively reduces the possibility of the battery case melting or catching fire when impacted by hot air, and is also advantageous in reducing the risks of long-term battery use.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of exhaust outlets comprises at least one row of exhaust outlets, each row of exhaust outlets comprising a plurality of said exhaust outlets spaced apart along the first direction.

[0008] In the above technical solution, by arranging the multiple exhaust ports in the first protector part in at least one row and arranging the exhaust ports in each row at intervals in the first direction, it is advantageous to make it easier to process the exhaust ports in the first protector part and reduce the difficulty of processing, while effectively ensuring uniform processing between the first protector members of each battery module.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plurality of vents includes a row of vents, one vent provided between the pressure relief mechanisms of two adjacent battery cells in the first direction.

[0010] In the above technical solution, exhaust ports are arranged in a row in the first protector section, and each exhaust port is arranged in a first direction between the decompression mechanisms of two adjacent battery cells, thereby enabling the exhaust ports and decompression mechanisms to be offset in a second direction, resulting in a simple structure and easy implementation.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of exhaust ports includes two rows of exhaust ports, the two rows of exhaust ports being located on opposite sides of the depressurization mechanism in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0012] In the above technical solution, two rows of exhaust ports are provided in the second protector part, and the two rows of exhaust ports are provided on both sides of the decompression mechanism in the third direction; that is, the decompression mechanism is located between the two rows of exhaust ports in the third direction, thereby realizing the exhaust ports and the decompression mechanism to be offset in the second direction, which has a simple structure and is easy to implement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first protector portion comprises multiple layers of mica paper arranged in a stacked configuration, and the thickness of the first protector portion is 3 mm or greater.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the first protector made of mica paper can provide better flame retardancy to effectively mitigate the risk of the battery module catching fire by reducing the melting of the first protector due to the impact of the high-temperature airflow emitted from the decompression mechanism during thermal runaway of the battery cells, while providing good insulation between the battery module and other components to reduce the risk of a short circuit in the battery module. Furthermore, by laminating multiple layers of mica paper on the first protector with a thickness of 3 mm or more, the first protector can have relatively good impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of the first protector being punctured or damaged by the high-temperature airflow emitted from the decompression mechanism and advantageously ensuring the normal use of the first protector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery module has two side plates facing each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and the first protector member further includes two second protector portions connected to both ends of the first protector portion in the third direction and covering the outer surfaces of the two side plates, respectively.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the second protector part covers the outer surfaces of both side plates of the battery module, thereby providing good protection for the battery module and further isolating the battery cells. This allows the second protector part to increase the creepage distance of the side plates of the battery module and effectively shield the insulating members inside the battery module from impacts caused by external high-temperature airflow, which is advantageous in reducing the risk of insulation failure in the battery module and further improves the safety of use of the battery module.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second protector portion includes a first reinforcing plate and a first protector layer arranged in a stacked manner, the first protector layer being provided on a side of the first reinforcing plate away from the side plate.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the second protector part is provided with a first reinforcing plate and a first protector layer, and the first protector layer can protect the side plate while the first reinforcing plate can increase the hardness and impact resistance of the second protector part, which is advantageous for facilitating installation of the second protector part and increasing the stability of the second protector part covering the side plate. Furthermore, the second protector part employing such a structure can ensure the impact resistance of the first protector part with only the first reinforcing plate without increasing the thickness of the first protector layer, which is advantageous for reducing the manufacturing cost of the second protector part.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery module has two end plates facing each other in a first direction, and the battery module further includes two second protector members corresponding to the end plates, and the second protector members include third protector portions at least partially covering outer surfaces of the end plates.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the battery module is further provided with a second protector member, and a third protector part of the second protector member covers the outer surface of the end plate of the battery module, thereby further enhancing the protective effect on the battery module. The third protector part can increase the creepage distance of the end plate of the battery module and further shield the insulating member inside the battery module from impact caused by external high-temperature airflow, which is advantageous in reducing the risk of insulation failure in the battery module and further reduces safety concerns during use of the battery module.

[0021] In some embodiments, the third protector portion includes a second reinforcing plate and a second protector layer arranged in a stacked manner, the second protector layer being provided on a side of the second reinforcing plate away from the end plate.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the third protector part includes a second reinforcing plate and a second protector layer stacked together, and the second protector layer functions to protect the end plate while the second reinforcing plate increases the hardness and impact resistance of the third protector part, which is advantageous for facilitating installation of the third protector part and for increasing the stability of the third protector part covering the end plate. Furthermore, a third protector part employing this structure can ensure the impact resistance of the third protector part with only the second reinforcing plate without increasing the thickness of the second protector layer, which is advantageous for reducing the manufacturing cost of the third protector part.

[0023] In some embodiments, the end plate includes a main body portion and a mounting portion, the main body portion having a mounting surface on an upper portion in the second direction, the mounting portion for mounting a conductive member electrically connected to the battery cell being protruded from the mounting surface, and a portion of the third protector portion covering the mounting surface.

[0024] In the above technical solution, since it is necessary to attach conductive members to the end plates for electrically connecting them to the battery cells, by providing notches between the mounting portion of the end plate and the main body portion of the end plate on both sides in the third direction, part of the third protector portion covers the position on the mounting surface of the main body portion that corresponds to the notch, which is advantageous in further enhancing the protective effect of the end plates.

[0025] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes an insulating cover disposed between the end plate and the plurality of battery cells in the first direction and having a blank area not obstructed by the end plate, and the second protector member further includes a fourth protector portion at least partially covering the blank area of ​​the insulating cover.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the fourth protector part covers the blank area of ​​the insulating cover, thereby protecting the part of the insulating cover that is not blocked by the end plate with the fourth protector part, and reducing the phenomenon of the insulating cover being damaged or melted when hit by high-temperature airflow from outside, effectively reducing the risk of the insulating cover catching fire. At the same time, it is advantageous to lengthen the creepage distance of the insulating cover, which improves the insulating effect of the insulating cover and mitigates the phenomenon of poor insulation in the insulating cover, thereby reducing the risk of high-voltage short circuits and arc discharges occurring between the battery cells and the end plates.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fourth protector portion includes a third reinforcing plate and a third protector layer arranged in a stacked manner, and the third protector layer is provided on a side of the third reinforcing plate away from the insulating cover.

[0028] In the above technical solution, the fourth protector part is provided with a third reinforcing plate and a third protector layer arranged in a stacked manner, and the third protector layer can protect the insulating cover while the third reinforcing plate can increase the hardness and impact resistance of the fourth protector part, which is advantageous for facilitating installation of the fourth protector part and increasing the stability of the fourth protector part covered by the insulating cover. Furthermore, the fourth protector part employing this structure can ensure the impact resistance of the fourth protector part with only the third reinforcing plate without increasing the thickness of the third protector layer, which is advantageous for reducing the manufacturing cost of the fourth protector part.

[0029] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a battery including a case and the above-described battery module housed within the case.

[0030] According to a third aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a power receiving device, including the above battery for supplying power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] In order to more clearly explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings necessary for the embodiments will be briefly described below. However, the following drawings only illustrate some embodiments of the present application, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can also obtain other related drawings from these drawings without making any inventive efforts.

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded view of a battery configuration provided in some embodiments of the present application. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a battery module configuration provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module (after removing a first protector member and a second protector member) provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first protector member provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural view of a first protector member provided in yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second protector portion of a first protector member provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a connection between a second protector member and an end plate provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 11] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a third protector portion of a second protector member provided in some embodiments of the present application. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an end plate of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 13] 1 is an exploded view of a second protector member configuration provided in some embodiments of the present application. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic diagram of a third protector portion of a second protector member provided in some embodiments of the present application. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth protector portion of a second protector member provided in some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In order to clarify the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application are clearly described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, but it is clear that the described embodiments are not all embodiments but some embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without any inventive efforts belong to the scope of the present application.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Terms used in the specification of this application are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The terms "comprises," "has," and any variations thereof in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. Terms such as "first," "second," and the like in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are not intended to describe a particular order or hierarchy, but are used to distinguish between different objects.

[0035] References herein to an "embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearances of the phrase in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor are they mutually exclusive of other embodiments as separate or alternative embodiments.

[0036] In the description of this application, it is necessary to explain the following, and unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "attached," "coupled," "connected," and "packaging" should be broadly understood, and may refer to, for example, fixed connection, detachable connection, integral connection, direct connection, indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application according to specific circumstances.

[0037] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a relational relationship for describing related objects, and indicates that three types of relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can indicate three situations: only A exists, A and B exist simultaneously, or only B exists. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and for the sake of simplicity, detailed descriptions of the same elements will be omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the dimensions such as thickness, length, and width of various elements in the embodiments of the present application and the overall dimensions such as thickness, length, and width of the integrated device shown in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and do not limit the configuration of the present application.

[0039] As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to two or more (including two).

[0040] 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, or a magnesium ion battery, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. The battery cell may have a cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shape, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Battery cells are generally classified into three types based on the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, a battery refers to a single physical module containing one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a case for packaging one or more battery cells or multiple battery modules. The case can prevent liquids and other foreign objects from affecting the charging and discharging of the battery cells.

[0042] A battery cell includes a case for housing the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, the electrode assembly, and the electrolyte. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The battery cell operates primarily by relying on the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector without the positive electrode active material layer protrudes beyond the positive electrode current collector with the positive electrode active material layer coated thereon, and the positive electrode current collector without the positive electrode active material layer is referred to as a positive electrode tab. In the case of a lithium-ion battery, the positive electrode current collector may be made of aluminum, and the positive electrode active material may be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide. The negative electrode sheet includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector, with the negative electrode current collector without the negative electrode active material layer protruding from the negative electrode current collector with the negative electrode active material layer coated thereon, and the negative electrode current collector without the negative electrode active material layer serving as a negative electrode tab. The material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper, and the negative electrode active material may be carbon, silicon, or the like. To ensure that they do not melt even when a large current flows, multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked, and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked.

[0043] The separator may be made of a material such as PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), etc. The electrode assembly may have a wound structure or a stacked structure, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0044] In recent years, new energy vehicles have made great strides, and in the field of electric vehicles, power batteries play an irreplaceable and important role as the power source for electric vehicles. A battery consists of a case and a number of battery modules housed within the case, and the battery module consists of a number of battery cells. Here, as a core component of new energy vehicles, batteries are naturally required to have high safety, and the safety performance of the battery module determines the safety of the battery during use.

[0045] The inventors discovered that during battery use, battery cells within a battery module may experience thermal runaway, and thermal expansion of the battery cells may lead to risks such as battery explosion. Therefore, to address safety concerns such as battery explosion, conventional technologies typically provide a pressure relief mechanism in the battery cells. When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the hot airflow inside the battery cell breaks through the pressure relief mechanism, releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell and reducing the risk of explosion due to battery cell expansion. However, in batteries with this structure, when thermal runaway occurs, the hot airflow inside the battery cell breaks through the pressure relief mechanism and directly impacts the battery case or other components, causing damage or melting of the battery case or other components and even battery fire, posing significant safety concerns during battery use and being detrimental to consumer safety.

[0046] In view of the above, in order to solve the problem that batteries pose significant safety concerns over long-term use and are disadvantageous to safe use by consumers, the inventors have conducted extensive research and have designed a battery module, which includes a first protector member and a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, each battery cell having a decompression mechanism at one end in a second direction, the first protector member having a first protector part for covering one end of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction, the first protector part having a plurality of exhaust ports, and each exhaust port and each decompression mechanism being offset in the second direction.

[0047] In a battery having such a battery module, one end of the multiple battery cells, where the depressurization mechanism is provided in the second direction, is covered by the first protector part of the first protector member, and multiple exhaust ports are opened in the first protector part, and the exhaust ports are arranged in the second direction offset from the depressurization mechanism of the battery cells.This allows the hot air that escapes from the depressurization mechanism when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway to be preferentially received by the first protector part before being released through the exhaust port.This reduces the phenomenon in which the hot air that escapes from the depressurization mechanism when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway directly impacts the battery case, protects the battery case, effectively reduces the possibility of the battery case melting or catching fire when impacted by hot air, and is also advantageous for reducing the risks of using the battery for a long period of time.

[0048] The batteries disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be used in, but are not limited to, power receiving devices for vehicles, ships, aircraft, etc. The power supply system of the power receiving device can be configured to include the battery modules and batteries disclosed in the present application, which is advantageous in reducing damage or melting of the battery case and other components and improving the safety of the battery.

[0049] An embodiment of the present application provides a power receiving device that uses a battery as a power source, which may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a steamship, a spacecraft, etc. Here, the electric toy includes stationary or mobile electric toys, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric steamship toy, and an electric airplane toy, and the spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spaceship, etc.

[0050] In the following embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, a case will be described in which the power receiving device according to an embodiment of the present application is a vehicle 1000 as an example.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The vehicle 1000 may be a fuel-powered vehicle, a gas-powered 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. A battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be provided at the bottom, head, or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be used to supply power to the vehicle 1000, for example, the battery 100 may be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300, and the controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, for starting the vehicle 1000, navigation, and operational power needs during driving.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can provide not only the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0053] 2 and 3, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery module 20 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery 100 includes a case 10 and a battery module 20, and the case 10 has an assembly space for accommodating the battery module 20. The case 10 can have various structures. In some embodiments, the case 10 can include a first case body 11 and a second case body 12 that are closed together to jointly define an assembly space for accommodating the battery module 20. The second case body 12 may have a hollow structure with one end open, and the first case body 11 may have a plate-like structure, and the first case body 11 is closed to the open side of the second case body 12 so that the first case body 11 and the second case body 12 jointly define an assembly space, or the first case body 11 and the second case body 12 may both have a hollow structure with one end open, and the open side of the first case body 11 may be closed to the open side of the second case body 12. Of course, the case 10 formed by the first case body 11 and the second case body 12 may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical body or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0054] The battery 100 may have one or more battery modules 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the battery 100 includes a plurality of battery modules 20, which can be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel, where series-parallel means that the battery modules 20 can be connected in series or parallel. The battery modules 20 may also be connected in direct series, parallel, or series-parallel, and the entire battery module set made up of the plurality of battery modules 20 is housed within a case 10. The battery 100 further includes conductive members (such as copper bars or aluminum bars) for achieving electrical connection between the plurality of battery modules 20.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present application, reference is made to FIG. 3 , and further to FIGS. 4 and 5 . FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the configuration of a battery module 20 provided in some embodiments of the present application, and FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery module 20 (after removing the first protector member 21 and the second protector member 27) provided in some embodiments of the present application. The present application provides a battery module 20 including the first protector member 21 and a plurality of battery cells 22 (not shown in FIG. 5 ; refer to FIG. 6 , which is a schematic structural diagram of the battery cells 22 provided in some embodiments of the present application). The plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged along a first direction X, and a pressure relief mechanism 221 is provided at one end of the battery cells 22 in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, so as to release internal pressure of the battery cells 22 when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cells 22 reaches a threshold. The first protector member 21 includes a first protector portion 211 that covers one end where a decompression mechanism 221 of the multiple battery cells 22 is provided, and the first protector portion 211 has multiple exhaust ports 2111 that are offset from the decompression mechanism 221 in the second direction Y.

[0056] Here, the exhaust ports 2111 and the decompression mechanisms 221 are provided offset in the second direction Y, that is, the projection of each exhaust port 2111 in the second direction Y does not overlap with the projection of any of the decompression mechanisms 221 in the second direction Y (they have never intersected). In other words, in the second direction Y, there is no exhaust port 2111 provided opposite any of the decompression mechanisms 221.

[0057] In some embodiments, the battery module 20 further includes two side plates 23 arranged opposite to each other with a gap in the third direction Z (i.e., the width direction of the battery module 20) and two end plates 24 arranged opposite to each other with a gap in the first direction X (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the battery module 20) (i.e., an enclosure in the prior art), and the two side plates 23 and the two end plates 24 enclose and form a storage space for storing the battery cells 22. However, two of the first direction X, two of the second direction Y, and two of the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0058] In the battery module 20, the multiple battery cells 22 can be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel. The battery module 20 may further include other structures, for example, the battery module 20 may further include bus bar members for realizing electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 22.

[0059] 5 , the battery module 20 further includes a shielding film 25 that covers one end of each of the plurality of battery cells 22 in the second direction Y (i.e., the height direction of the battery module 20) and prevents dust from entering between the plurality of battery cells 22. The material of the shielding film 25 may be various, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0060] 5, the battery module 20 further includes an insulating cover 26 disposed between the end plate 24 and the plurality of battery cells 22 in the first direction X to electrically isolate the end plate 24 from the battery cells 22. The insulating cover 26 may be made of various materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0061] 6, one end of the battery cell 22 in the second direction Y is provided with a depressurization mechanism 221 for releasing the pressure inside the battery cell 22 when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 22 reaches a predetermined value. The one end of the battery cell 22 in the second direction Y has an end cap 222 provided with the depressurization mechanism 221, and the depressurization mechanism 221 may be, for example, a component such as an explosion-proof valve, an explosion-proof flap, a gas valve, a relief valve, or a safety valve.

[0062] Optionally, each battery cell 22 may be a secondary battery 100 or a primary battery 100, or may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-sulfur battery 100, a sodium-ion battery 100, or a magnesium-ion battery 100. The battery cells 22 may have a cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shape.

[0063] In a battery module 20 having such a structure, one end of each of the plurality of battery cells 22, where a decompression mechanism 221 is provided in the second direction Y, is covered by the first protector portion 211 of the first protector member 21, and the first protector portion 211 has a plurality of exhaust ports 2111 opened therein, and the exhaust ports 2111 are provided in the second direction Y so as to be offset from the decompression mechanisms 221 of the battery cells 22. In a battery 100 equipped with such a battery module 20, when a battery cell 22 experiences thermal runaway, the hot air that escapes from the depressurization mechanism 221 can be preferentially received by the first protector part 211 before being released from the exhaust port 2111. This reduces the phenomenon in which the hot air that escapes from the depressurization mechanism 221 directly collides with the case 10 of the battery 100 when a battery cell 22 experiences thermal runaway, thereby protecting the case 10 of the battery 100 and effectively reducing the possibility of the case 10 of the battery 100 melting or catching fire when hit by the hot air, and is also advantageous in reducing the risks of using the battery 100 for a long period of time.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the present application, with reference to those shown in Figures 3 and 4, the plurality of exhaust ports 2111 includes at least one row of exhaust ports 2111, and each row of exhaust ports 2111 includes a plurality of exhaust ports 2111 spaced apart in a first direction X.

[0065] In the above description, the plurality of exhaust ports 2111 may be arranged in a single row or in multiple rows, depending on the actual needs.

[0066] By arranging the multiple exhaust ports 2111 in the first protector part 211 in at least one row and arranging the exhaust ports 2111 in each row at intervals in the first direction X, it is easier to process the exhaust ports 2111 in the first protector part 211, which is advantageous in reducing the difficulty of processing, while effectively ensuring uniformity of processing between the first protector members 21 of each battery module 20.

[0067] 7 is a schematic diagram of a first protector member 21 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The exhaust ports 2111 include a row of exhaust ports 2111, with one exhaust port 2111 provided between each pair of decompression mechanisms 221 of two adjacent battery cells 22 in the first direction X.

[0068] By arranging exhaust ports 2111 in a row in the first protector part 211 and arranging each exhaust port 2111 in the first direction X between the decompression mechanisms 221 of two adjacent battery cells 22, the exhaust ports 2111 and the decompression mechanisms 221 can be arranged offset in the second direction Y, resulting in a simple structure and easy implementation.

[0069] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first protector member 21 provided in yet another embodiment of the present application. The multiple exhaust ports 2111 include two rows of exhaust ports 2111 located on both sides of the depressurization mechanism 221 in a third direction Z perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. Of course, the structure of the first protector member 21 is not limited thereto, and the exhaust ports 2111 provided in the first protector member 211 may be arranged in three, four, or five rows, etc.

[0070] Here, by providing two rows of exhaust ports 2111 in the second protector part 212 and providing the two rows of exhaust ports 2111 on both sides of the decompression mechanism 221 in the third direction Z, that is, in the third direction Z, the decompression mechanism 221 is positioned between the two rows of exhaust ports 2111.

[0071] The first protector part 211 employing such a structure realizes that the exhaust port 2111 and the depressurization mechanism 221 are provided offset in the second direction Y, and the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0072] According to some embodiments of the present application, the first protector portion 211 includes multiple layers of mica paper arranged in a stacked manner, and the thickness of the first protector portion 211 is 3 mm or greater.

[0073] The first protector part 211 made of mica paper can provide better flame retardancy to effectively mitigate the risk of the battery module 20 catching fire by reducing the possibility of the first protector part 211 melting due to the impact of the high-temperature airflow emitted from the decompression mechanism 221 during thermal runaway of the battery cells 22. At the same time, the first protector part 211 can provide good insulation by providing electrical insulation between the battery module 20 and other components to reduce the risk of a short circuit occurring in the battery module 20. In addition, by laminating multiple layers of mica paper on the first protector part 211 having a thickness of 3 mm or more, the first protector part 211 can have relatively good impact resistance, which can reduce the risk of the first protector part 211 being punctured or damaged by the high-temperature airflow emitted from the decompression mechanism 221 and is advantageous for ensuring normal use of the first protector part 211.

[0074] 4 and 5 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the battery module 20 has two side plates 23 facing each other in a third direction Z that is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The first protector member 21 further includes two second protector portions 212, which are respectively connected to both ends of the first protector portion 211 in the third direction Z and cover the outer surfaces of the two side plates 23, respectively.

[0075] Illustratively, the second protector portion 212 is glued to the outer surface of the side plate 23 .

[0076] The second protector parts 212 cover the outer surfaces of both side plates 23 of the battery module 20, thereby providing good protection for the battery module 20 and further isolating the battery cells 22. This allows the second protector parts 212 to increase the creepage distance of the side plates 23 of the battery module 20 and effectively block impacts on the insulating members inside the battery module 20 caused by high-temperature airflow from the outside. This is advantageous in reducing the risk of insulation failure in the battery module 20 and also improves the safety of using the battery module 20.

[0077] 9, which is a partial cross-sectional view of the second protector portion 212 of the first protector member 21 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The second protector portion 212 includes a first reinforcing plate 2121 and a first protector layer 2122 that are stacked together, and the first protector layer 2122 is provided on a side of the first reinforcing plate 2121 that is away from the side plate 23.

[0078] Here, the first protector layer 2122 is provided on the side of the first reinforcing plate 2121 that is away from the side plate 23. In other words, the first reinforcing plate 2121 is located between the side plate 23 and the first protector layer 2122 in the third direction Z.

[0079] For example, the material of the first protector layer 2122 may be mica paper, fire-resistant ceramic silicone rubber, etc.

[0080] For example, the material of the first reinforcing plate 2121 may be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polystyrene.

[0081] Furthermore, the second protector part 212 further includes a first adhesive layer 2123 located between the first reinforcing plate 2121 and the first protector layer 2122 in the thickness direction of the second protector part 212 so as to adhere the first protector layer 2122 to the first reinforcing plate 2121.

[0082] Illustratively, in FIG. 9, the first adhesive layer 2123 is a double-sided tape, but in other embodiments, the first adhesive layer 2123 may be an adhesive glue or the like.

[0083] The second protector part 212 is provided with a first reinforcing plate 2121 and a first protector layer 2122, and the first protector layer 2122 can protect the side plate 23, while the first reinforcing plate 2121 can increase the hardness and impact resistance of the second protector part 212, which makes it easier to attach the second protector part 212 and is advantageous in increasing the stability of the second protector part 212 that covers the side plate 23. Furthermore, the second protector part 212 employing such a structure can ensure the impact resistance of the first protector part 211 with only the first reinforcing plate 2121, without increasing the thickness of the first protector layer 2122, which is advantageous in reducing the manufacturing cost of the second protector part 212.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the present application, with reference to FIG. 4 and further to FIG. 10 , FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a second protector member 27 and an end plate 24 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery module 20 has two end plates 24 facing each other in a first direction X. The battery module 20 further includes two second protector members 27 corresponding to the end plates 24, and the second protector members 27 include third protector portions 271 at least partially covering outer surfaces of the end plates 24.

[0085] In the above description, the third protector portion 271 at least partially covers the outer surface of the end plate 24. That is, the outer surface of the end plate 24 in the first direction X is covered by the third protector portion 271.

[0086] Illustratively, the third protector portion 271 is adhered to the outer surface of the end plate 24 .

[0087] The third protector portion 271 of the second protector member 27 covers the outer surface of the end plate 24 of the battery module 20, thereby further enhancing the protective effect on the battery module 20. This allows the third protector portion 271 to increase the creepage distance of the end plate 24 of the battery module 20 and further shield the insulating members inside the battery module 20 from impacts caused by high-temperature airflow from outside. This is advantageous in reducing the risk of insulation failure in the battery module 20 and also reduces safety concerns during use of the battery module 20.

[0088] 11 , which is a partial cross-sectional view of a third protector portion 271 of a second protector member 27 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The third protector portion 271 includes a second reinforcing plate 2711 and a second protector layer 2712 that are stacked together, and the second protector layer 2712 is provided on a side of the second reinforcing plate 2711 that is away from the end plate 24.

[0089] Here, the second protector layer 2712 is provided on the side of the second reinforcing plate 2711 that is away from the end plate 24. In other words, the second reinforcing plate 2711 is located between the end plate 24 and the second protector layer 2712 in the first direction X.

[0090] For example, the material of the second protector layer 2712 may be mica paper, fire-resistant ceramic silicone rubber, etc.

[0091] For example, the material of the second reinforcing plate 2711 may be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polystyrene.

[0092] Furthermore, the second protector portion 212 further includes a second adhesive layer 2713 located between the second reinforcing plate 2711 and the second protector layer 2712 in the thickness direction of the third protector portion 271 so as to adhere the second protector layer 2712 to the second reinforcing plate 2711.

[0093] Illustratively, in FIG. 11, the second adhesive layer 2713 is a double-sided tape, but in other embodiments, the second adhesive layer 2713 may be an adhesive glue or the like.

[0094] Each part of the third protector portion 271 has the above-mentioned structure, that is, the second reinforcing plate 2711, the second adhesive layer 2713, and the second protector layer 2712 are laminated in this order.

[0095] The third protector portion 271 is provided with a second reinforcing plate 2711 and a second protector layer 2712 that are stacked one on top of the other, and the second protector layer 2712 can protect the end plate 24 while the second reinforcing plate 2711 can increase the hardness and impact resistance of the third protector portion 271, which is advantageous in facilitating attachment of the third protector portion 271 and increasing the stability of the third protector portion 271 that covers the end plate 24. Furthermore, the third protector portion 271 that employs such a structure can ensure the impact resistance of the third protector portion 271 with only the second reinforcing plate 2711 without increasing the thickness of the second protector layer 2712, which is advantageous in reducing the manufacturing cost of the third protector portion 271.

[0096] 10 , and further with reference to FIGS. 12 , 13 , and 14 , according to some embodiments of the present application, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an end plate 24 of a battery module 20 provided in some embodiments of the present application, FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the configuration of a second protector member 27 provided in some embodiments of the present application, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a third protector portion 271 of the second protector member 27 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The end plate 24 includes a main body portion 241 and an attachment portion 242, and an upper portion of the main body portion 241 in the second direction Y has an attachment surface 2411. The attachment portion 242 for attaching a conductive member electrically connected to the battery cells 22 protrudes from the attachment surface 2411, and a portion of the third protector portion 271 covers the attachment surface 2411.

[0097] Here, because it is necessary to attach conductive members to the end plates 24 for electrical connection with the battery cells 22, the attachment portions 242 of the end plates 24 have notches between them and the main body portion 241 of the end plates 24 on both sides in the third direction Z. Therefore, the third protector portion 271 includes a first portion 2714, a second portion 2715, a third portion 2716, and a fourth portion 2717. The first portion 2714 has a flat plate structure and covers the sides of the main body portion 241 and the attachment portions 242 that are farther from the battery cells 22 in the first direction X. The second portion 2715 has an L-shaped structure, with a portion of the second portion 2715 covering an upper portion of the mounting portion 242 in the second direction Y and another portion covering a side of the mounting portion 242 away from the battery cell 22 in the first direction X, so that the second portion 2715 and the first portion 2714 jointly define a path for passing the conductive member. The third portion 2716 has a Z-shaped structure, with a portion covering an upper portion of the mounting portion 242 in the second direction Y, a portion covering one side of the mounting portion 242 in the third direction Z, and a portion covering the mounting surface 2411 located on one side of the mounting portion 242 in the third direction Z. The fourth portion 2717 has a flat plate structure, covers the mounting surface 2411 located on the other side of the mounting portion 242 in the third direction Z, is connected to the first portion 2714, and is perpendicular to the first portion 2714.

[0098] Optionally, the third protector portion 271 may be a separate structure or an integral structure. For example, in Figure 13, the third protector portion 271 is a separate structure.

[0099] The structure of the third protector part 271 is not limited to this, and the function of the third protector part 271 is to protect the end plate 24, and it can be designed in accordance with the shape of the structure of the end plate 24. In other words, during the actual manufacturing process, the structure of the third protector part 271 can be designed in accordance with the shape and structure of the end plate 24.

[0100] The third protector part 271 adopting such a structure can provide comprehensive protection in accordance with the actual structure of the end plate 24, and allows the third protector part 271 to be designed to match the end plate 24, which is advantageous in enhancing the protective effect on the end plate 24.

[0101] 10 and 13 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the battery module 20 further includes an insulating cover 26, which is disposed between the end plate 24 and the plurality of battery cells 22 in the first direction X and has a blank area not obstructed by the end plate 24. The second protector member 27 further includes a fourth protector portion 272 at least partially covering the blank area of ​​the insulating cover 26.

[0102] Here, at least a portion of fourth protector portion 272 covers the blank area of ​​insulating cover 26. In other words, because mounting portion 242 is provided in a protruding manner on main body portion 241 of end plate 24, the portion of insulating cover 26 that is not blocked by main body portion 241 and mounting portion 242 of end plate 24 exists in first direction X, and as a result, fourth protector portion 272 covers the exposed portion of insulating cover 26 to protect insulating cover 26.

[0103] By covering the blank area of ​​the insulating cover 26 with the fourth protector portion 272, the portion of the insulating cover 26 that is not blocked by the end plate 24 is protected by the fourth protector portion 272, and the phenomenon of the insulating cover 26 being damaged or melted when hit by a high-temperature airflow from outside can be reduced, which effectively reduces the risk of the insulating cover 26 catching fire. At the same time, it is advantageous to increase the creepage distance of the insulating cover 26, which increases the insulating effect of the insulating cover 26 and mitigates the phenomenon of poor insulation in the insulating cover 26, thereby reducing the risk of high-voltage short circuits and arc discharges occurring between the battery cells 22 and the end plate 24.

[0104] 15 , which is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth protector portion 272 of a second protector member 27 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The fourth protector portion 272 includes a third reinforcing plate 2721 and a third protector layer 2722 that are stacked together, and the third protector layer 2722 is provided on a side of the third reinforcing plate 2721 that is away from the insulating cover 26.

[0105] Here, the third protector layer 2722 is provided on the side of the third reinforcing plate 2721 that is away from the insulating cover 26. In other words, the third reinforcing plate 2721 is located between the insulating cover 26 and the third protector layer 2722 in the first direction X.

[0106] For example, the material of the third protector layer 2722 may be mica paper, fireproof ceramic silicone rubber, etc.

[0107] For example, the material of the third reinforcing plate 2721 may be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polystyrene.

[0108] Furthermore, the fourth protector portion 272 further includes a third adhesive layer 2723 located between the third reinforcing plate 2721 and the third protector layer 2722 in the thickness direction of the fourth protector portion 272 so as to adhere the third protector layer 2722 to the third reinforcing plate 2721.

[0109] Illustratively, in FIG. 11, the third adhesive layer 2723 is a double-sided tape, but in other embodiments, the third adhesive layer 2723 may be an adhesive glue or the like.

[0110] The fourth protector portion 272 is provided with a third reinforcing plate 2721 and a third protector layer 2722 that are stacked one on top of the other, and the third protector layer 2722 can protect the insulating cover 26 while the third reinforcing plate 2721 can increase the hardness and impact resistance of the fourth protector portion 272, which is advantageous in facilitating attachment of the fourth protector portion 272 and increasing the stability of the fourth protector portion 272 that is covered by the insulating cover 26. Furthermore, the fourth protector portion 272 that employs such a structure can ensure the impact resistance of the fourth protector portion 272 with only the third reinforcing plate 2721 without increasing the thickness of the third protector layer 2722, which is advantageous in reducing the manufacturing cost of the fourth protector portion 272.

[0111] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a battery 100 including a case 10 and a battery module 20 according to any of the above aspects housed in the case 10.

[0112] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a power receiving device including the battery 100 according to any of the above aspects for supplying power to the power receiving device.

[0113] The power receiving device may be a device or system to which any of the above-described batteries 100 is applied.

[0114] 3 to 7 and 9 to 15, the present application provides a battery module 20 including a first protector member 21, a second protector member 27, and a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged along a first direction X and each having a decompression mechanism 221 at one end in a second direction Y. The first protector member 21 includes a first protector portion 211 and two second protector portions 212, and the first protector portion 211 covers the end of each of the plurality of battery cells 22 where the decompression mechanisms 221 are provided. The first protector portion 211 has a plurality of exhaust ports 2111 spaced apart in the first direction X, and one exhaust port 2111 is provided between the decompression mechanisms 221 of two adjacent battery cells 22 so that the exhaust ports 2111 and the decompression mechanisms 221 are offset in the second direction Y. The two second protector portions 212 are connected to both ends of the first protector portion 211 in the third direction Z, and the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other. The second protector portion 212 covers the outer surface of the side plate 23. The second protector member 27 includes a third protector portion 271 covering the outer surface of the end plate 24 and a fourth protector portion 272 covering the area of ​​the insulating cover 26 not blocked by the end plate 24. The first protector portion 211 is formed by laminating multiple layers of mica paper and has a thickness of 3 mm or more. The second protector portion 212, the third protector portion 271, and the fourth protector portion 272 are all formed by laminating plastic plates and mica paper using double-sided tape, with the mica paper positioned on the outside of the plastic plates.

[0115] Unless there is a contradiction, the embodiments and features of the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other.

[0116] The above is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present application. Any amendments, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1000 - vehicle; 100 - battery; 10 - case; 11 - first case body; 12 - second case body; 20 - battery module; 21 - first protector member; 211 - first protector portion; 2111 - exhaust port; 212 - second protector portion; 2121 - first reinforcing plate; 2122 - first protector layer; 2123 - first adhesive layer; 22 - battery cell; 221 - depressurization mechanism; 222 - end cap; 23 - side plate; 24 - end plate; 241 - body portion; 2411 - mounting surface; 242 - mounting portion; 2 5 - shielding membrane; 26 - insulating cover; 27 - second protector member; 271 - third protector part; 2711 - second reinforcing plate; 2712 - second protector layer; 2713 - second adhesive layer; 2714 - first part; 2715 - second part; 2716 - third part; 2717 - fourth part; 272 - fourth protector part; 2721 - third reinforcing plate; 2722 - third protector layer; 2723 - third adhesive layer; 200 - controller; 300 - motor; X - first direction; Y - second direction; Z - third direction.

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, the plurality of battery cells each having a pressure relief mechanism at one end in a second direction mutually orthogonal to the first direction, the pressure relief mechanism being arranged to release internal pressure of the battery cell when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a threshold; a first protector portion that covers one end of the plurality of battery cells where the decompression mechanism is provided, the first protector portion including a first protector member that has a plurality of exhaust ports that are offset in the second direction from the decompression mechanism; two end plates facing each other in the first direction; The device further includes two second protector members provided corresponding to the end plates, each of the second protector members including a third protector portion at least partially covering an outer surface of the end plate; an insulating cover provided between the end plate and the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, the insulating cover having a blank area not blocked by the end plate; The second protector member further includes a fourth protector portion at least partially covering the blank area of ​​the insulating cover. Battery module.

2. The plurality of exhaust ports includes at least one row of exhaust ports, each row including a plurality of the exhaust ports spaced apart along the first direction. The battery module according to claim 1 .

3. the plurality of exhaust ports includes a row of exhaust ports; In the first direction, one exhaust port is provided between the decompression mechanisms of two adjacent battery cells. The battery module according to claim 2 .

4. the plurality of exhaust ports includes two rows of exhaust ports; The two rows of exhaust ports are located on both sides of the depressurization mechanism in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The battery module according to claim 2 .

5. The first protector portion includes a plurality of layers of mica paper arranged in a stacked manner, and the thickness of the first protector portion is 3 mm or more. The battery module according to claim 1 .

6. two side plates facing each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; The first protector member further includes two second protector portions connected to both ends of the first protector portion in the third direction and covering outer surfaces of the two side plates, respectively. The battery module according to claim 1 .

7. the second protector portion includes a first reinforcing plate and a first protector layer that are stacked together; The first protector layer is provided on a side of the first reinforcing plate that is separated from the side plate. The battery module according to claim 6 .

8. the third protector portion includes a second reinforcing plate and a second protector layer that are stacked together; The second protector layer is provided on a side of the second reinforcing plate that is farther from the end plate. The battery module according to claim 1 .

9. The end plate includes a main body portion and a mounting portion, the main body portion has a mounting surface on an upper portion in the second direction, The mounting portion for mounting a conductive member electrically connected to the battery cell is provided in a protruding manner on the mounting surface, and a portion of the third protector portion covers the mounting surface. The battery module according to claim 1 .

10. the fourth protector portion includes a third reinforcing plate and a third protector layer that are stacked together, The third protector layer is provided on a side of the third reinforcing plate that is separated from the insulating cover. The battery module according to claim 1 .

11. Case and and a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10 housed in the case. battery.

12. 12. A battery for supplying electrical power according to claim 11. Power receiving device.

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