Firefighting device, housing assembly, battery, power consuming device and method for manufacturing battery

Abstract

To provide a firefighting device that reduces the risk of open flames occurring in the event of battery thermal runaway, a housing assembly, a battery, a power consuming device, and a method for manufacturing a battery.SOLUTION: The present application provides a firefighting device, a housing assembly, a battery, a power consuming device, and a method for manufacturing a battery, and relates to the field of a battery safety technology. The firefighting device includes a pipe, a gas release mechanism, and a stopper structure, the pipe includes an intake end and an exhaust end, the intake end is connected to the battery case, and the combustible gas generated during the thermal runaway of the battery can enter the pipe from the case through the intake end and be discharged from the pipe through the exhaust end, the gas release mechanism is connected to the pipe and discharges the firefighting gas toward the inside of the pipe during the thermal runaway of the battery, and the stopper structure provided in the pipe blocks the combustible gas and the firefighting gas and changes the flow direction to mix the combustible gas and the firefighting gas before being discharged from the pipe. The firefighting device according to the present application suppresses the risk of an open fire occurring during the thermal runaway of the battery and the spread of the thermal runaway of the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates to the field of battery safety technology, and more particularly to firefighting devices, housing assemblies, batteries, power consuming devices, and methods for manufacturing batteries. [Background technology]

[0002] Batteries are energy storage devices and are a core component of hybrid and electric vehicles. When batteries are overcharged, overdischarged, or short-circuited, they can experience thermal runaway, releasing flammable gases that can explode and cause a fire. Therefore, batteries must be fire-proofed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is an object of the present application to provide a firefighting device, a housing assembly, a battery, a power consuming device and a method for manufacturing a battery that reduces the risk of an open flame occurring in the event of thermal runaway of the battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a fire-fighting device for a battery, the fire-fighting device including a pipe having an intake end and an exhaust end, the intake end connected to a battery housing to allow flammable gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery to enter the pipe from the housing through the intake end and be discharged from the pipe through the exhaust end, the gas discharge mechanism connected to the pipe and configured to discharge fire-fighting gas into the pipe during thermal runaway of the battery, and a stopper structure provided in the pipe to block the flammable gas and the fire-fighting gas and change the flow direction, thereby allowing the flammable gas and the fire-fighting gas to mix before being discharged from the pipe.

[0005] In the above technical solution, in the event of a thermal runaway of the battery, the flammable gas inside the housing enters the piping through the intake end of the piping, reducing the air pressure inside the battery housing and preventing an explosion caused by excessive air pressure inside the housing. Furthermore, the generated fire extinguishing gas quickly fills the piping, mixes with the flammable gas, and is then discharged together with the flammable gas from the exhaust end of the piping, thus providing a barrier between the outside air and the flammable gas being discharged from the housing.

[0006] The stopper structure mixes firefighting gas and flammable gas inside the pipe, reducing the concentration of flammable gas inside the pipe, making it less likely to ignite or explode when the mixed gas discharged from the exhaust end of the pipe comes into contact with air. Firefighting gas also has the advantage of reducing the temperature of the flammable gas, further preventing the occurrence of open flames.

[0007] Therefore, the firefighting device according to the above aspect of the present application can reduce the risk of an open fire occurring when the battery experiences thermal runaway, suppress the spread of battery thermal runaway, and extend the time for personnel to safely evacuate, thereby achieving the purpose of fire prevention and safety protection.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present application, the stopper structure is configured so that at least a portion of the gas flow path in the pipe has a serpentine shape.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the advantages of the gas serpentine flow in the piping are as follows: on the one hand, the mixing path of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas can be extended, and the mixing time of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas can be extended, thereby improving the mixing effect of the two; on the other hand, the serpentine flow promotes the mutual collision and mixing of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas, thereby improving the mixing effect of the two and reducing the possibility of the flammable gas still igniting after being discharged from the piping due to the local concentration being too high.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, a projection of the stopper structure in the extension direction of the pipe covers a projection of the cavity of the pipe in the extension direction of the pipe.

[0011] In the above technical proposal, the projection of the stopper structure in the extension direction of the pipe covers the projection of the pipe cavity (i.e., the internal passage) in the extension direction of the pipe, so that the flammable gas and fire gas discharged from the housing do not go straight, but instead flow through the stopper structure and proceed in a serpentine manner within the pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, the stopper structure includes a plurality of baffles, which are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the pipe, and each baffle has an opening for passing gas therethrough, or each baffle is surrounded by an inner wall of the pipe to form an opening for passing gas therethrough, and the projections of two adjacent openings in the extension direction of the pipe are offset from each other.

[0013] In the above technical solution, when the gas flows through the baffles, the gas flow path is a tortuous path, and the baffles not only mix the gas but also prevent high-temperature particles from entering the pipe from the enclosure and escaping from the pipe, thereby avoiding risks such as fire caused by the escape of high-temperature particles.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, at least a pair of arcuate plates are included among the plurality of baffles, and the concave surfaces of the pair of arcuate plates are disposed opposite to each other.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the concave surfaces of the pair of arc-shaped plates are arranged opposite each other, so that when gas enters between the pair of arc-shaped plates, the concave surface of one of the pair of arc-shaped plates can guide the gas to the other arc-shaped plate, promoting the collision of the gas between the pair of arc-shaped plates and increasing the gas mixing time, which is beneficial to sufficient mixing of the fire-fighting gas and the flammable gas.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the stopper structure includes a spiral blade whose centerline is overlapping or parallel to the central axis of the pipe.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the spiral blade can make the flow path of the mixed gas spiral, which is advantageous for sufficient mixing of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the stopper structure includes a plurality of helical blades, which are arranged along the extension direction of the pipe, and the rotation directions of two adjacent helical blades are opposite to each other.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the spiral blades with two different rotation directions can change the rotation direction of the gas, which can further enhance the mixing of the gas.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas release mechanism is attached to the piping.

[0021] The above technical solution is advantageous in shortening the time for fire-fighting gas to enter the piping, and eliminates the intermediate connecting parts between the gas release mechanism and the piping, thereby simplifying the structure and saving costs.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas release mechanism is attached closer to the intake end than the stopper structure.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the stopper structure is beneficial to sufficiently mix the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas, so that the mixing effect of the stopper structure on the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas can be guaranteed.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas release mechanism is provided outside the piping, a through hole is installed on the wall of the piping, and the gas release mechanism is connected to the through hole to release the fire-fighting gas into the piping from the through hole.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present application, the number of the through holes is plural, and the through holes are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the pipe.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the multiple through holes can ensure sufficient and rapid release of fire-fighting gas, ensuring the reliability of fire prevention.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas release mechanism includes a fire-fighting medium, a case, and a sealant, wherein the fire-fighting medium is the fire-fighting gas or a fire-fighting solid or liquid capable of generating the fire-fighting gas, the case is for containing the fire-fighting medium, the case is connected to the through-hole, and an exhaust hole is provided in the case, the sealant is for sealing the exhaust hole, and the sealant is configured to release the seal on the exhaust hole when the battery experiences thermal runaway, thereby allowing the fire-fighting gas to pass through the exhaust hole and enter the piping.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, the fire-fighting medium is the fire-fighting solid or the fire-fighting liquid, the gas release mechanism further includes a trigger member for triggering the fire-fighting solid or the fire-fighting liquid to generate the fire-fighting gas upon thermal runaway of the battery, and the sealant is configured to release the fire-fighting gas by opening the exhaust hole when the air pressure inside the case reaches a first threshold.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present application, the fire-fighting medium is the fire-fighting liquid or the fire-fighting gas that can generate the fire-fighting gas, the fire-fighting liquid or the fire-fighting gas is packaged in the case, and when the sealant seals the exhaust hole, the pressure in the case is greater than the pressure in the piping, and the sealant is a valve.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the length of the pipe is 50 to 200 cm.

[0031] The advantages of setting the pipe length within this range in the above technical solution are as follows: First, it facilitates the installation of gas release mechanisms, which is advantageous for installing multiple gas release mechanisms. Second, it increases the temperature drop distance, allowing the mixed gas of fire-fighting gas and flammable gas to drop sufficiently, reducing the possibility of ignition at the exhaust end of the pipe. Third, it increases the oxygen exchange distance, turning the high-temperature area near the housing into an oxygen-free area, reducing the risk of open fire in the high-temperature area.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present application, the firefighting apparatus further includes a gas collecting device sealingly connected to the exhaust end for collecting gas discharged from the exhaust end.

[0033] In the above technical solution, by installing a gas collecting device, it is possible to avoid directly discharging the mixed gas into the outside environment and causing environmental pollution.

[0034] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a housing assembly including a housing for accommodating battery cells, a pressure release mechanism, and a fire extinguishing device according to the embodiment of the first aspect, the fire extinguishing device being provided outside the housing, the intake end of the fire extinguishing device being connected to the housing, and the pressure release mechanism being configured to activate when air pressure or temperature inside the housing reaches a second threshold, thereby allowing flammable gas inside the housing to enter the piping from the intake end.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present application, the pressure relief mechanism is provided on the housing, and the intake end is provided to be covered by the pressure relief mechanism.

[0036] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery, the battery including a battery cell and a housing assembly according to the embodiment of the second aspect, the battery cell being disposed within the housing.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a power consuming device including a battery according to the third aspect.

[0038] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a battery, the method including providing a battery cell, providing a housing, and providing a fire-fighting apparatus, the fire-fighting apparatus including a pipe and a gas release mechanism, the pipe having an intake end and an exhaust end, the intake end connected to the housing to allow flammable gas generated upon thermal runaway of the battery to enter the pipe from within the housing through the intake end and be discharged from the pipe through the exhaust end, the gas release mechanism connected to the pipe and configured to release fire-fighting gas into the pipe upon thermal runaway of the battery, a stopper structure provided in the pipe to block the flammable gas and the fire-fighting gas and change the flow direction to allow the flammable gas and the fire-fighting gas to mix before being discharged from the pipe, installing the battery cell in the housing, and installing the fire-fighting apparatus outside the housing and connecting the intake end to the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] In order to more clearly explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly describe the drawings that need to be used in the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate some embodiments of the present application and should not be considered as limiting the scope, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on the drawings without paying creative efforts.

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded schematic view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a housing assembly according to an embodiment of the present application, where the upper cover body is not shown. [Figure 4]1 is a front schematic view of a housing assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, where the top cover body is not shown. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a firefighting device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic left side view of a firefighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a firefighting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, where the gas release mechanism is not shown. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a firefighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a firefighting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a firefighting apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present application; [Figure 11] 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a stopper structure of a firefighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, in which multiple baffles are shown. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective schematic view of a three-dimensional structure of a firefighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, in which a C-shaped plate is shown. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the extension direction of the piping of a firefighting device according to another embodiment of the present application, in which a spherical plate is shown. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic view of part A in FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a firefighting device according to an embodiment of the present application along the extension direction of the piping, in which the spiral blades are shown and the gas release mechanism is not cross-sectionally processed; [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a stopper structure according to one embodiment of the present application, in which a spiral blade is shown. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fire extinguishing device according to an embodiment of the present application along the extension direction of the piping, in which the spiral blades and baffles are shown, and the gas release mechanism is not cross-sectionally processed. [Figure 18]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the extension direction of a piping of a fire fighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, in which a protrusion portion is shown. [Figure 19] 1 is a front schematic view of a firefighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 20] 1 is an illustration of the three-dimensional structure of a fire fighting device according to one embodiment of the present application, where the gas release mechanism is not shown. [Figure 21] 1 is a front schematic view of a firefighting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, in which a gas collection device is shown. [Figure 22] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a gas release mechanism of a firefighting device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 23] 1 is a bottom schematic view of a gas release mechanism of a firefighting device according to an embodiment of the present application; FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a gas discharge mechanism of a firefighting device according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a front schematic view of a gas discharge mechanism of a firefighting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 26] 1 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] In order to more clearly explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly describe the drawings that need to be used in the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate some embodiments of the present application and should not be considered as limiting the scope, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on the drawings without paying creative efforts.

[0042] 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 will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present application. It is clear that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and do not represent all of the embodiments. In general, the assemblies of the embodiments of the present application described and illustrated in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations.

[0043] Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present application in the drawings below is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without any creative effort fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0044] It should be noted that, unless mutually inconsistent, the embodiments and features in the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters indicate like items in the following drawings, so that once an item is defined in one drawing, no further definition or description is required for it in subsequent drawings.

[0045] In describing the embodiments of the present application, it should be explained that the orientations or positions shown are based on the orientations or positions shown in the drawings, or the orientations or positions customarily placed when the product of the present application is used, or the orientations or positions customarily understood by those skilled in the art, or the orientations or positions customarily placed when the product of the present application is used, and are merely for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of the present application, and do not indicate or suggest that the devices or elements shown must have a specific orientation or be structured and operated in a specific orientation, and should not be understood as limiting the present application. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are merely for the purpose of distinction and description, and should not be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance.

[0046] As should be further explained in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation," "attachment," "connection," and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, and may refer to, for example, a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, and may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They may be directly connected, indirectly connected via an intermediate medium, or may communicate with the interiors of two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0047] Furthermore, the battery referred to in the examples of this application refers to a single physical module containing one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in this application may include a battery pack or a battery module. The battery generally includes a housing for packaging one or more battery cells. The housing can prevent liquids or other foreign objects from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0048] Multiple battery cells can be connected in series and / or parallel via busbars for various applications. For high-power applications such as some electric vehicles, the battery generally includes three layers: battery cells, battery modules, and battery packs. A battery module electrically connects a certain number of battery cells together. A battery pack is formed by combining one or more battery modules with a sealed housing, and the battery pack is connected to the chassis of the electric vehicle through the housing.

[0049] The battery cells may include, but are not limited to, lithium ion secondary batteries, lithium ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium lithium ion batteries, sodium ion batteries, or magnesium ion batteries. The battery cells may have a cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shape, but are not limited to, in the embodiments of the present application. Battery cells are generally divided into three types based on their packaging: prismatic battery cells, rectangular prismatic battery cells, and pouch battery cells, but are not limited to, in the embodiments of the present application.

[0050] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and the electrode assembly is composed of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The battery cell operates mainly by the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The current collector without the positive electrode active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the positive electrode active material layer coated thereon, and the current collector without the positive electrode active material layer is called a positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material may be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is applied to the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The current collector not coated with the negative electrode active material layer protrudes from the current collector coated with the negative electrode active material layer, and the current collector not coated with the negative electrode active material layer is referred to 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 or silicon. To prevent melting even when a large current is passed through, multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked, and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked. The separator may be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene). The electrode assembly may have a wound structure or a stacked structure, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0051] The development of battery technology requires simultaneous consideration of a wide range of design factors, including performance parameters such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, and charge / discharge rate, as well as battery safety.

[0052] During battery use, short circuits, overcharging, collisions, etc. can cause a large amount of gas to be generated inside the battery cell in a short period of time, resulting in a rapid rise in temperature and ultimately in explosion and fire within the battery cell, posing a safety risk. To solve this problem, a pressure relief mechanism is typically installed on the battery cell. When the pressure relief mechanism is activated, the high-temperature and high-pressure material inside the battery cell is discharged as a discharge into the battery casing. This method, when pressure or temperature can be controlled, can relieve pressure and cool the battery cell, preventing potentially more serious accidents. If too much high-temperature and high-pressure material is discharged into the battery casing, it can also cause explosion and fire after the pressure or temperature inside the battery casing reaches a certain value. Therefore, a pressure relief mechanism is also installed on the battery casing to control the pressure or temperature inside the casing.

[0053] A pressure relief mechanism is an element or component that is activated to release internal pressure or temperature when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell or housing in which it is located reaches a predetermined threshold. The threshold design varies according to various design needs, and the threshold of a pressure relief mechanism on a battery cell may depend on one or more of the materials of the positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate, electrolyte, and separator in the battery cell. The threshold of a pressure relief mechanism on a battery housing may depend on the number of battery cells in the housing, one or more of the materials of the positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate, electrolyte, and separator in each battery cell, and the material of the housing itself.

[0054] The pressure relief mechanism may take the form of, for example, an explosion-proof valve, an air valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, and more specifically, may take the form of a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive element or structure, i.e., when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell or housing in which the pressure relief mechanism is located reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism performs an operation or a fragile structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism is broken, thereby forming an opening or passage for releasing the internal pressure or temperature.

[0055] As used herein, "activation" means that the pressure relief mechanism operates or activates to a certain state, thereby allowing the internal pressure and temperature of the battery cell or housing to be released. Operation by the pressure relief mechanism includes, but is not limited to, rupturing, crushing, breaking, or opening at least a portion of the pressure relief mechanism.

[0056] The emissions referred to in this application include, but are not limited to, electrolyte, high-temperature particles (e.g., melted or shattered positive and negative electrode plates or separator fragments), high-temperature and high-pressure gases resulting from reactions (e.g., flammable gases such as H2 and CO), flames, etc.

[0057] During battery use, a large amount of gas is generated inside the battery cells within a short period of time, causing a rapid rise in temperature, which activates the pressure relief mechanism on the battery cells and releases a large amount of gas into the battery casing. This causes a large amount of gas to accumulate inside the casing, raising the temperature and ultimately leading to the risk of the battery exploding and catching fire. This phenomenon is called battery thermal runaway.

[0058] When thermal runaway occurs in a battery, the pressure relief mechanism on the battery casing is activated to release the pressure or temperature inside the battery. However, in prior art, the pressure relief mechanism on the casing is directly exposed to the air, which causes the high-temperature gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery to come into contact with oxygen gas in the air after being discharged through the pressure relief mechanism, making it easy for an open flame to occur, resulting in an explosion and fire.

[0059] In view of this, the present application provides a fire-fighting device 500 for a battery 40, which can reduce the risk of an open fire occurring when the battery 40 experiences thermal runaway, inhibit the spread of thermal runaway in the battery 40, and achieve the purpose of fire prevention and safety protection.

[0060] An embodiment of the present application provides a power consuming device that uses a battery 40 as a power source. The power consuming device may be, but is not limited to, a vehicle, a watercraft, or an aircraft.

[0061] It should be understood that the batteries described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various devices that use batteries, such as mobile phones, laptops, electric bikes, electric cars, boats, spaceships, electric toys, and electric tools, among others. For example, spaceships include rockets, space shuttles, and airships, and electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric boat toys, and electric airplane toys, and electric tools include metal cutting electric tools, grinding electric tools, assembly tools, and railway electric tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, concrete vibrators, and electric milling cutters.

[0062] The battery 40 described in the embodiment of the present application is not limited to application to the power consuming devices described above, but can also be applied to any device that uses a battery.

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 10 may be a fuel oil vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a range-extender vehicle, or the like. A motor 20, a controller 30, and a battery 40 may be provided inside the vehicle 10. The controller 30 controls the battery 40 to supply power to the motor 20. For example, the battery 40 may be provided at the bottom or top of the vehicle 10. The battery 40 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 10. For example, the battery 40 may be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 10 and for the circuit systems of the vehicle 10, such as for power requirements for starting, navigation, and operation during driving of the vehicle 10.

[0064] In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 40 can not only be the operating power source for the vehicle 10, but also provide the driving power for the vehicle 10 in place of, or in place of, gasoline or natural gas.

[0065] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 is powered by a battery 40 as shown in FIG. 2, which may include a housing assembly 400 and a battery cell 600, where the housing assembly 400 includes a housing 410 and the battery cell 600 is installed within the housing 410.

[0066] 2 to 4, the housing assembly 400 according to the embodiment of the present application may include the housing 410, a fire extinguishing device 500, and a pressure relief mechanism 700. Here, the fire extinguishing device 500 is installed outside the housing 410, and the fire extinguishing device 500 includes a pipe 510, and an intake end 511 of the pipe 510 is connected to the housing 410, for example, the intake end 511 is connected to the housing 410 via the pressure relief mechanism 700.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present application, the pressure release mechanism 700 is configured to operate when the air pressure or temperature inside the housing 410 reaches a preset value (for example, when the air pressure or temperature reaches a second threshold), thereby allowing the flammable gas inside the housing 410 to enter the firefighting apparatus 500 from the intake end 511. In this way, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery 40, the flammable gas generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cells 600 inside the housing 410 can be discharged into the firefighting apparatus 500 via the pressure release mechanism 700, thereby facilitating the firefighting apparatus 500 to perform firefighting treatment on the flammable gas, reducing the possibility of a fire, and reducing the air pressure inside the housing 410 in a timely manner to prevent an explosion.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present application, the pressure relief mechanism 700 may be installed on the housing 410 or on the fire fighting apparatus 500, for example, on the piping 510 of the fire fighting apparatus 500.

[0069] 2 to 4, in one embodiment of the present application, pressure relief mechanism 700 is provided on housing 410, and intake end 511 of pipe 510 is provided and covered by pressure relief mechanism 700, thereby allowing any flammable gas discharged through pressure relief mechanism 700 to enter pipe 510. In other embodiments of the present application, pressure relief mechanism 700 can be provided at intake end 511.

[0070] 2 to 4, the housing 410 may include a lower housing 411 and an upper cover 412, and the upper cover 412 is sealed and installed on the lower housing 411. The fire extinguishing device 500 may be connected to the lower housing 411. In another embodiment of the present application, the fire extinguishing device 500 may be connected to the upper cover 412 of the housing 410.

[0071] 5 to 7 , a firefighting apparatus 500 according to an embodiment of the present application may include a pipe 510, a gas release mechanism 520, and a stopper structure 530. The pipe 510 has an intake end 511 and an exhaust end 512. The intake end 511 is connected to the housing 410 of the battery 40, allowing flammable gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery 40 to enter the housing 410 through the intake end 511 and be discharged from the pipe 510 through the exhaust end 512. The gas release mechanism 520 is connected to the pipe 510 and configured to release firefighting gas into the pipe 510 when the battery 40 experiences thermal runaway. The stopper structure 530 is provided in the pipe 510 and blocks the flammable gas and the firefighting gas and changes the flow direction, thereby allowing the flammable gas and the firefighting gas to mix before being discharged from the pipe 510.

[0072] According to the above technical solution, in the event of thermal runaway of battery 40, the flammable gas inside casing 410 enters piping 510 through intake end 511 of piping 510, reducing the air pressure inside casing 410 of battery 40 and reducing the possibility of an explosion caused by excessive air pressure inside casing 410. In addition, the generated fire extinguishing gas quickly fills piping 510 and mixes with the flammable gas before being discharged together with the flammable gas from exhaust end 512 of piping 510, thereby providing a barrier between the outside air and the flammable gas discharged from casing 410.

[0073] The stopper structure 530 mixes the flammable gas and fire fighting gas in the pipe 510 and reduces the concentration of the flammable gas in the pipe 510, making it less likely for the mixed gas discharged from the exhaust end 512 of the pipe 510 to ignite or explode when it comes into contact with air. In addition, the fire fighting gas is effective in reducing the temperature of the flammable gas, further preventing the occurrence of an open fire.

[0074] Therefore, the firefighting device 500 according to the above embodiment of the present application can reduce the risk of an open fire occurring when the battery 40 experiences thermal runaway, and can also suppress the spread of thermal runaway in the battery 40, thereby achieving the purpose of fire prevention and safety protection.

[0075] Here, the intake end 511 of the pipe 510 may be directly connected to the housing 410 of the battery 40 or may be connected via an intermediate member, and the present application does not limit this.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present application, the fire fighting gas may be any suitable gas that has a fire fighting effect after being mixed with a flammable gas.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present application, the firefighting gas may include a non-flammable gas such as an inert gas, carbon dioxide gas, heptafluoropropane gas, or sulfur hexafluoride gas.

[0078] In order to ensure sufficient mixing of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas, the stopper structure 530 is configured to make at least a portion of the gas flow path in the pipe 510 serpentine, i.e., through the stopper structure 530, at least a portion of the mixed gas of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas is guided along a curved path in the pipe 510 toward the exhaust end 512 of the pipe 510. The advantages of the gas serpentine in the pipe 510 are as follows: On the one hand, the mixing path of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas is extended, and the mixing time of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas is extended, thereby improving the mixing effect of the two; on the other hand, the serpentine progression promotes the mutual collision and mixing of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas, thereby improving the mixing effect of the two and reducing the possibility of the flammable gas still igniting after being discharged from the pipe 510 due to an excessively high local concentration of the flammable gas.

[0079] Here, the gas flow path having a "serpentine shape" may mean that the flow path of the gas in the pipe 510 has any suitable curved shape such as an S-shape, a spiral shape, or a normal / cosine wave shape.

[0080] To ensure that gas flows in a serpentine manner within the pipe 510, in some embodiments of the present application, the projection of the stopper structure 530 in the extension direction of the pipe covers the projection of the cavity (i.e., the internal passage) of the pipe 510 in the extension direction of the pipe 510. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the projection of two baffles 531 spaced apart in the extension direction of the pipe 510 in the extension direction of the pipe 510 in the stopper structure 530 covers the projection of the cavity of the pipe 510 in the extension direction of the pipe 510, so that the flammable gas and fire fighting gas discharged from the housing 410 both flow through the stopper structure 530 in a serpentine manner within the pipe 510 rather than flowing straight.

[0081] In the embodiments of the present application, the stopper structure 530 may have any suitable structure that provides a serpentine flow path for the gas as it flows through the stopper structure 530 .

[0082] 7 to 14 , in an embodiment of the present application, the stopper structure 530 may include a plurality of baffles 531, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the pipe 510. An opening 800 for passing gas is provided on the baffle 531, or the opening 800 for passing gas is formed by the baffle 531 and the inner wall of the pipe 510. By staggering the projections of two adjacent openings 800 in the extension direction of the pipe 510, the gas flows through the plurality of baffles 531, forming a tortuous path. The baffle 531 not only mixes the gases but also prevents high-temperature particles that have entered the pipe 510 from inside the housing 410 from escaping from the pipe 510, thereby avoiding risks such as fires caused by the escape of high-temperature particles.

[0083] As described above, in order for gas to pass through the stopper structure 530, an opening 800 may be provided on the baffle 531, or the opening 800 may be formed by being surrounded by the baffle 531 and the inner wall of the pipe 510, or the opening 800 may be provided on the baffle 531 and be defined by the baffle 531 and the inner wall of the pipe 510.

[0084] 8 and 9, in some embodiments of the present application, each baffle 531 and the inner wall of the pipe 510 form an opening 800 around it, and the corresponding openings 800 formed by the surroundings of two adjacent baffles 531 and the inner wall of the pipe 510 are offset from each other. Here, as shown in Fig. 8, the openings 800 have a quarter-circle shape. As shown in Fig. 9, the openings 800 have a semi-circle shape.

[0085] 10, in one embodiment of the present application, an opening 800 is formed in each baffle 531, and the openings 800 formed by two adjacent baffles 531 and the inner wall of the pipe 510 are offset from each other. Here, the openings 800 may be circular.

[0086] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the specific shape of the opening 800, and the specific shape may be determined based on the shape of the projection (i.e., cross section) of the pipe 510 in the extension direction thereof and the shape of the baffle 531. In addition to the shapes shown in Figures 8 to 10, the opening 800 may also be a square, a polygon, or the like.

[0087] 11, in one embodiment of the present application, baffle 531 is a circular baffle with a quarter-circle notch. The diameter of the circular baffle may be the same as the inner diameter of pipe 510. In this way, when the outer edge of the circular baffle is connected to the inner wall of pipe 510, opening 800 having a quarter-circle shape can be formed by being surrounded by the circular baffle and the inner wall of pipe 510.

[0088] Here, the plurality of notched circular baffles are divided into two sets, and the two sets of circular baffles are spaced apart in the extension direction of the piping 510. Each set of circular baffles includes four circular baffles, and the four circular baffles are spaced apart in the extension direction of the piping 510, and the projections of the quarter-circular notches of two adjacent circular baffles in the extension direction of the piping 510 are offset. In this way, when the mixed gas of fire fighting gas and flammable gas flows through the four notched circular baffles, the flow path of the mixed gas is spiral, which is advantageous for sufficient mixing of the fire fighting gas and flammable gas.

[0089] 11 , the baffles 531 are connected together via first links 533, which facilitates the connection of the baffles 531 to the pipe 510. For example, when installing the baffles 531, it is only necessary to connect one of the baffles 531 to the inner wall of the pipe 510, and it is not necessary for each of the baffles 531 to be connected to the inner wall of the pipe 510.

[0090] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the number of the notched circular baffles, and the number may be eight as shown in Figure 11, or only one set of the circular baffles, i.e., four circular baffles, may be installed, or only two more circular baffles may be installed, so that the path of the gas flowing through the two circular baffles forms an S-shape, which is also advantageous for the mixing of the fire fighting gas and the combustible gas.

[0091] 12 to 14, in some embodiments of the present application, the plurality of baffles 531 include at least a pair of arc-shaped plates, and the concave surfaces 5311 of the pair of arc-shaped plates are arranged opposite each other. Since the concave surfaces 5311 of the pair of arc-shaped plates are arranged opposite each other, when gas enters between the pair of arc-shaped plates, the concave surface 5311 of one of the pair of arc-shaped plates can guide the gas to the other arc-shaped plate, which promotes the collision of gas between the pair of arc-shaped plates and increases the mixing time of the gas, which is advantageous for sufficient mixing of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas.

[0092] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific shape of the arc-shaped plate, and optionally, the arc-shaped plate may be structured as a C-shaped plate as shown in Figure 12, or as a spherical plate as shown in Figures 13 and 14. The C-shaped plate and the spherical plate have a simple structure. In other embodiments of the present application, the arc-shaped plate may be an S-shaped plate, etc.

[0093] 15 and 16, in one embodiment of the present application, the stopper structure 530 includes a spiral blade 532. The center line of the spiral blade 532 may be overlapped with or parallel to the central axis of the pipe 510, so that the spiral blade 532 can make the flow path of the mixed gas spiral, which is advantageous for sufficient mixing of the fire fighting gas and the combustible gas.

[0094] To further improve the mixing effect of the stopper structure 530 on the fire-fighting gas and flammable gas, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, there may be a plurality of (e.g., two) spiral blades 532, which are arranged along the extension direction of the pipe 510, with the rotation directions of two adjacent spiral blades 532 being opposite to each other. The spiral blades 532 with two different rotation directions can change the rotation direction of the gas, further enhancing the mixing of the gas.

[0095] 16 , the spiral blades 532 are connected as a single unit via second links 534, which facilitates the connection of the spiral blades 532 to the pipe 510. For example, when installing the spiral blades 532, it is only necessary to connect one of the spiral blades 532 to the inner wall of the pipe 510, and it is not necessary to connect each of the spiral blades 532 to the inner wall of the pipe 510.

[0096] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which there are two spiral blades 532, but in other embodiments of the present application, the number of spiral blades 532 may be three, four, five, etc., and may be determined by factors such as the size of the pipe 510 in the extension direction, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0097] In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, in one embodiment of the present application, the baffle 531 and the spiral blade 532 can be installed in the pipe 510 at the same time.

[0098] 18, in one embodiment of the present application, the wall of the pipe 510 is recessed inward to form a protrusion 535 in the cavity of the pipe 510, which serves to block the airflow and change the direction of the airflow, which is beneficial to the mixing of the fire-fighting gas and the flammable gas. That is, in this embodiment, the stopper structure 530 includes the protrusion 535.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 18, the protrusion 535 may be multiple, and the multiple protrusions 535 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the pipe 510, thereby further improving the gas blocking effect and improving the mixing of flammable gas and fire fighting gas.

[0100] 18, the plurality of protrusions 535 may include at least a pair of arcuate protrusions, with the arcuate concave surfaces 5351 of the arcuate protrusions facing each other. When gas enters between the pair of arcuate protrusions, the arcuate concave surface of one of the pair of arcuate protrusions can guide the gas to the other arcuate protrusion, promoting the collision of the gas between the pair of arcuate protrusions and increasing the mixing time of the gas, which is advantageous for sufficient mixing of the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas.

[0101] It should be noted that, apart from the method of forming the stopper structure 530 by installing the baffle 531 and the spiral blade 532 in the pipe 510 or by recessing the wall of the pipe 510 to form the protrusion 535, in other embodiments of the present application, the stopper structure 530 can be formed by installing a plurality of small protrusions on the inner wall of the pipe 510. In some other embodiments, the cavity (i.e., the internal passage) of the pipe 510 can be further designed. For example, the cavity can be designed to include a plurality of cavity stages along the extension direction of the pipe 510, with at least one pressurized cavity stage among the plurality of cavity stages. In this way, when the fire fighting gas and the flammable gas flow through the pressurized cavity stage, the flow velocity is increased, which is favorable for uniform mixing of the two. Here, the pressurized cavity stage can be configured so that its internal cavity gradually narrows along the direction from the intake end 511 to the exhaust end 512 of the pipe 510.

[0102] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, in some embodiments of the present application, the installation position of the gas release mechanism 520 is closer to the intake end 511 than the stopper structure 530, which is advantageous for the stopper structure 530 to thoroughly mix the fire extinguishing gas and the flammable gas, thereby ensuring the mixing effect of the stopper structure 530 on the fire extinguishing gas and the flammable gas.

[0103] It should be understood that in other embodiments of the present application, when there are multiple stopper structures 530 or each stopper structure 530 includes multiple baffles 531, the mounting position of the gas release mechanism 520 on the piping 510 can be located between the multiple stopper structures 530 or between the multiple baffles 531.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, the gas release mechanism 520 may be directly connected to the pipe 510, for example, fitted onto the pipe 510. The gas release mechanism 520 may be indirectly connected to the pipe 510, for example, an air guide pipe is connected to the gas release mechanism 520, and the air guide pipe extends from the exhaust end of the pipe 510 to a position close to the intake end 511 within the pipe 510, and the air guide pipe is used to introduce the gas released by the gas release mechanism 520 into the pipe 510.

[0105] 19, in some embodiments of the present application, the gas release mechanism 520 is directly attached to the pipe 510. The gas release mechanism 520 is directly attached to the pipe 510, which can shorten the time it takes for the fire-fighting gas to enter the pipe 510, and eliminate the intermediate connecting parts between the gas release mechanism 520 and the pipe 510, such as the above-mentioned air guide pipe, thereby simplifying the structure and saving costs.

[0106] The gas release mechanism 520 may be installed outside the piping 510 or inside the piping 510 .

[0107] 19 and 20, in one embodiment of the present application, gas release mechanism 520 may be installed outside pipe 510. A through hole 513 is installed on the wall of pipe 510, and gas release mechanism 520 is connected to through hole 513 and releases fire extinguishing gas from through hole 513 into pipe 510. By installing gas release mechanism 520 outside pipe 510, the size of gas release mechanism 520 is not limited by the cavity size of pipe 510, and it is advantageous to provide gas release mechanism 520 that generates a large amount of gas.

[0108] 19 and 20, in one embodiment of the present application, the number of through holes 513 is multiple, and the multiple through holes 513 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the pipe 510. The multiple through holes 513 can ensure the rapid release of sufficient fire-fighting gas, and ensure the reliability of fire prevention.

[0109] Regarding the relationship between the through holes 513 and the gas release mechanisms 520, each through hole 513 may correspond to one gas release mechanism 520, or multiple through holes 513 may correspond to one gas release mechanism 520. In other words, only one gas release mechanism 520 may be installed, and the gas release mechanism 520 is connected to the piping 510 via the multiple through holes 513. Multiple gas release mechanisms 520 may be installed, and each gas release mechanism 520 can correspond to one, two, or any appropriate number of multiple through holes 513.

[0110] Here, the through hole 513 may be configured as a threaded through hole 513, thereby forming a threaded structure with the gas release mechanism 520, thereby ensuring the reliability of the installation of the gas release mechanism 520 on the piping 510 and ensuring a sealed connection between the gas release mechanism 520 and the piping 510.

[0111] Optionally, a seal rubber (seal silicone rubber) is installed at the connection position between the gas release mechanism 520 and the pipe 510 to ensure the sealing performance of the connection between the gas release mechanism 520 and the inner wall of the through-hole 513 .

[0112] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the length L of the piping. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 19, in one embodiment of the present application, the length L of the piping is 50 to 200 cm. The advantages of setting the length L of the piping within this range are as follows: First, it facilitates installation of the gas release mechanism 520, which is advantageous for installing multiple gas release mechanisms 520. Second, it increases the temperature drop distance, allowing the mixed gas of fire gas and flammable gas to drop sufficiently, thereby reducing the possibility of ignition at the exhaust end of the piping 510. Third, it increases the exchange distance of oxygen gas, turning the high-temperature region near the housing 410 into an oxygen-free region and reducing the risk of an open flame in the high-temperature region.

[0113] To facilitate the connection between the piping 510 and the housing 410, in one embodiment of the present application, the intake end 511 of the piping 510 is provided with a flange portion 514, as shown in FIGS.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 21, the firefighting apparatus 500 further includes a gas collecting device 540, which is sealed and connected to the exhaust end 512 of the pipe 510 to collect the gas discharged from the exhaust end, thereby preventing the mixed gas from being directly discharged into the outside environment and polluting the environment.

[0115] In the embodiments of the present application, gas release mechanism 520 may have any appropriate structure and shape. As shown in FIGS. 22 to 25 , gas release mechanism 520 may include fire-fighting medium 521 (fire-fighting agent), case 522, and sealant 523. Here, fire-fighting medium 521 may be fire-fighting gas or a fire-fighting solid or liquid capable of generating fire-fighting gas. Case 522 is for containing fire-fighting medium 521, is connected to through-hole 513, and has exhaust hole 5221 formed therein. Sealant 523 is for sealing exhaust hole 5221, and is configured to release the seal on exhaust hole 5221 upon thermal runaway of battery 40, thereby allowing fire-fighting gas to pass through exhaust hole 5221 and enter piping 510.

[0116] In this embodiment, when battery 40 is operating normally, sealant 523 seals exhaust hole 5221. When thermal runaway occurs in battery 40, sealant 523 releases the seal on exhaust hole 5221, i.e., opens exhaust hole 5221, allowing the fire-fighting gas in case 522 to pass through exhaust hole 5221 and enter pipe 510, where it mixes with the flammable gas.

[0117] Here, the fire-fighting gas may be any of the above-mentioned inert gases, carbon dioxide gas, heptafluoropropane gas, sulfur hexafluoride gas, etc., or may be any other suitable gas that contributes to preventing fire, and examples thereof will be omitted here.

[0118] Here, the sealing material 523 may be configured to open when the pressure (e.g., the air pressure inside the case 522) reaches a certain value, for example, the sealing material 523 may be a film or a pressure valve, and may be configured to open when the temperature reaches a certain value, for example, the sealing material 523 may be configured as a meltable film that can melt when the temperature reaches a certain value, thereby opening the exhaust hole 5221.

[0119] 22 and 23, the fire-fighting medium 521 is a fire-fighting solid or a fire-fighting liquid, and the gas release mechanism 520 further includes a trigger member 524, which is for triggering the fire-fighting solid or the fire-fighting liquid to generate fire-fighting gas upon thermal runaway of the battery 40. The sealant 523 is configured to open the exhaust hole 5221 to release the fire-fighting gas when the air pressure in the case 522 reaches a first threshold.

[0120] In this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in battery 40, trigger member 524 triggers fire extinguishing medium 521 to generate a large amount of fire extinguishing gas, which is collected in case 522 and increases the air pressure inside case 522. When the air pressure reaches a first threshold, sealant 523 opens exhaust hole 5221, allowing the fire extinguishing gas inside case 522 to enter pipe 510 through through-hole 513.

[0121] Here, the trigger member 524 may be an electronically controlled thermal inducer, which generates heat when the battery 40 experiences thermal runaway, triggering the fire-fighting solid or liquid to generate fire-fighting gas.

[0122] The "first threshold" may be any appropriate value, and the specific parameters may be determined according to the actual situation.

[0123] In the embodiment of the present application, a controller is employed to send a trigger signal to the trigger member 524. The controller for sending the trigger signal to the trigger member 524 may be the controller of the battery 40 or a controller attached to the fire fighting apparatus 500. The controller can detect a thermal runaway situation of the battery 40, for example, via a temperature sensor or a smoke sensor. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery 40, the temperature sensor or the smoke sensor can send the detection result to the controller, and then the controller controls and activates the trigger member 524 according to the detection result of the temperature sensor or the smoke sensor.

[0124] 22 , the gas release mechanism 520 further includes a lead 525, one end of which is electrically connected to the trigger member 524, and the other end of which can be electrically connected to an external controller through the case 522, and the controller transmits a trigger signal to the trigger member 524 via the lead 525 to trigger the fire-fighting medium 521 to generate gas. In another embodiment, the controller can communicate with the trigger member 524 wirelessly.

[0125] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, in another embodiment of the present application, the fire fighting medium 521 is a fire fighting liquid or a fire fighting gas that can generate a fire fighting gas, and the fire fighting liquid or the fire fighting gas is packaged in the case 522, and when the sealant 523 seals the exhaust hole 5221, the pressure in the case 522 is greater than the pressure in the pipe 510, that is, the fire fighting liquid or the fire fighting gas is pressurized and packaged in the case 522, and the sealant 523 is a valve, for example, an electronically controlled valve.

[0126] In this embodiment, when the battery 40 is normal, a certain pressure is maintained inside the case 522, and the sealant 523 seals the exhaust hole 5221. When the fire-fighting medium 521 is a fire-fighting liquid and the battery 40 experiences thermal runaway, the sealant 523 opens the exhaust hole 5221, the inside of the case 522 communicates with the inside of the piping 510, the pressure inside the case 522 is reduced, and the fire-fighting liquid is gasified and enters the piping 510 through the exhaust hole 5221.

[0127] In this embodiment, when the fire fighting medium 521 is fire fighting gas, the fire fighting gas is pressurized and packaged in the case 522, so that when the sealant 523 opens the exhaust hole 5221, the fire fighting gas can be injected and enter the piping 510, thereby ensuring the reliability of the gas discharge mechanism 520 in discharging the gas into the piping 510.

[0128] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, a seal valve 526 is further installed on the case 522 for inputting firefighting liquid or firefighting gas.

[0129] In the embodiment of the present application, the fire fighting medium can be selected from one or more of fire fighting solid, fire fighting liquid, and fire fighting gas, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0130] Firefighting solids, such as solid aerosols, have adjustable dimensions and shapes, generate a large amount of gas per unit volume, and can maximize space utilization. Firefighting solids are triggered by thermal runaway to generate gas and form an aerosol.

[0131] Optionally, the fire fighting medium 521 can be a substance that can generate or contain a radical scavenger. A radical scavenger, also known as a radical trapping agent, is a substance that can react with a living radical to form a radical or stable molecule that can exist stably. For example, 2,2-diphenyl-1-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH), p-benzoquinone, tetramethylbenzoquinone, 2-methyl-2-nitrosomethane, and phenyl-Nt-butylnitrone can all react with radicals to form stable radicals.

[0132] In this embodiment, fire extinguishing medium 521 is solid potassium nitrate, which decomposes upon heating to form a radical scavenger. This radical scavenger is more likely to combine with oxygen gas (including the oxygen in the gas discharged from pressure release mechanism 700, the oxygen in pipe 510, and the oxygen in the external environment) or with substances discharged by pressure release mechanism 700 that easily combine with oxygen to produce high-temperature, flammable substances. The substances bound to this radical scavenger are flammable radicals. The radical scavenger can consume flammable radicals generated after thermal runaway in battery 40, reducing the possibility of flammable radicals combining with oxygen gas and burning, thereby reducing the possibility of an open fire. The radical scavenger can generate an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, after combining with the flammable radicals. This inert gas is less likely to react chemically with oxygen gas or other substances. By occupying the interior space of pipe 510, it reduces the amount of oxygen gas in pipe 510, diluting the gas in pipe 510 and reducing the concentration of flammable substances and oxygen gas in pipe 510. The inert gas occupying the internal space of piping 510 acts as a barrier between the outside air and the gas discharged from pressure relief mechanism 700, reducing or preventing contact of the outside air with the gas discharged from pressure relief mechanism 700. Furthermore, the reagent decomposes and absorbs heat, reducing the temperature inside piping 510 and preventing the generation of an open flame. Different reagents generate different radical scavengers, which can combine with different flammable radicals, thereby generating different inert gases.

[0133] The fire-fighting liquid can be selected from liquid sulfur hexafluoride or hexafluoropropane, whose gasification can achieve a temperature-lowering effect. Since sulfur hexafluoride and hexafluoropropane have strong electrical insulating properties, they can dilute flammable gases and provide protection for the high-voltage lines of the battery 40.

[0134] In the embodiment of the present application, the case 522 of the gas release mechanism 520 may be a steel housing (for example, a stainless steel housing), thereby ensuring the strength of the case 522 .

[0135] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method for manufacturing a battery, as shown in FIG. 26, the method comprising the following steps:

[0136] S1: Provide a battery cell 600. S2: Provide a housing 410.

[0137] S3: Provide a firefighting apparatus 500, the firefighting apparatus 500 including a pipe 510 and a gas release mechanism 520, the pipe 510 having an intake end 511 and an exhaust end, the intake end 511 connected to the housing 410 to allow flammable gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery to enter the pipe 510 from the housing 410 through the intake end 511 and be discharged from the pipe 510 through the exhaust end 512. The gas release mechanism 520 is connected to the pipe 510 and configured to release firefighting gas toward the inside of the pipe 510 during thermal runaway of the battery. A stopper structure 530 is provided in the pipe 510, the stopper structure 530 blocking the flammable gas and the firefighting gas and changing the flow direction, thereby allowing the flammable gas and the firefighting gas to mix before being discharged from the pipe 510.

[0138] S4: The battery cell 600 is installed inside the housing 410. S5: The fire extinguishing device 500 is installed outside the housing 410, and the intake end 511 is connected to the housing 410.

[0139] It should be noted that the order of the above steps can be adjusted as needed, for example, first connecting the intake end 511 of the piping 510 of the fire apparatus 500 to the housing 410 to form the housing assembly 400, and then placing the battery cell 600 inside the housing 410 of the housing assembly 400.

[0140] Here, the piping 510, the gas release mechanism 520, and the stopper structure 530 may be the piping 510, the gas release mechanism 520, and the stopper structure 530 described above.

[0141] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. within the spirit and principle of the present application are included in the protection scope of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10 vehicles 20 Motor 30 Controllers 40 batteries 400 Housing Assembly 410 chassis 411 Lower case 412 Upper cover body 500 Fire equipment 510 Piping 511 Intake end 512 Exhaust end 513 Through hole 514 Flange part 520 Gas Release Mechanism 521 Firefighting media 522 cases 523 Sealing materials 524 Trigger member 525 leads 526 Seal valve 530 stopper structure 531 Baffle 532 Spiral Blade 533 First Link 534 Second Link 535 Convex part 540 Gas collection device 600 battery cells 700 Pressure relief mechanism 800 aperture 5221 Exhaust hole 5311 Concave surface of arc-shaped plate 5351 Arc-shaped concave surface of arc-shaped convex part

Claims

1. 1. A fire fighting device for a battery, comprising: a pipe having an intake end and an exhaust end, the intake end being connected to a housing of the battery so that flammable gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery can enter the pipe from inside the housing through the intake end and be discharged from the pipe through the exhaust end; a gas release mechanism that is connected to the piping and configured to release fire extinguishing gas into the piping when the battery experiences thermal runaway; wherein a stopper structure is provided in the piping, the stopper structure is for preventing the flammable gas and the fire fighting gas from being discharged from the exhaust end and for changing the flow direction, thereby allowing the flammable gas and the fire fighting gas to be mixed before being discharged from the piping; the stopper structure includes a plurality of baffles, the baffles being arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the pipe, and an opening for passing gas is provided on each baffle, or the opening for passing gas is formed by being surrounded by each baffle and an inner wall of the pipe, and two adjacent openings are positioned so as to be offset from each other in the extension direction of the pipe; A firefighting apparatus, wherein the stopper structure includes a spiral blade whose centerline overlaps or is parallel to the central axis of the piping.

2. The firefighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper structure is configured so that at least a portion of the gas flow path in the piping has a serpentine shape.

3. The fire fighting apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein a projection of the stopper structure in the extension direction of the pipe covers a projection of the cavity of the pipe in the extension direction of the pipe.

4. The fire fighting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one pair of arc-shaped plates is included among the plurality of baffles, and the concave surfaces of the pair of arc-shaped plates are disposed opposite each other.

5. 2. The fire fighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper structure includes a plurality of spiral blades, the plurality of spiral blades are arranged along the extension direction of the pipe, and the rotation directions of two adjacent spiral blades are opposite to each other.

6. 2. The firefighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gas release mechanism is attached to the piping.

7. The firefighting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the gas release mechanism is attached at a position closer to the intake end than the stopper structure.

8. 7. The fire fighting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the gas release mechanism is provided outside the piping, a through-hole is provided on a wall of the piping, the gas release mechanism is connected to the through-hole, and releases the fire fighting gas into the piping from the through-hole.

9. The fire fighting apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the number of the through holes is plural, and the through holes are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the pipe.

10. The gas release mechanism includes: a firefighting medium which is said firefighting gas or is a firefighting solid or liquid capable of producing said firefighting gas; a case for storing a fire-fighting medium, connected to the through hole and provided with an exhaust hole; and a sealant configured to seal the exhaust hole and to allow the fire-fighting gas to pass through the exhaust hole and enter the piping when the battery experiences thermal runaway.

11. 11. The firefighting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the firefighting medium is the firefighting solid or the firefighting liquid, the gas release mechanism further includes a trigger member, the trigger member is for triggering the firefighting solid or the firefighting liquid to generate the firefighting gas upon thermal runaway of the battery, and the sealant is configured to open the exhaust hole when air pressure inside the case reaches a first threshold, thereby releasing the firefighting gas.

12. The fire-fighting medium is the fire-fighting liquid or the fire-fighting gas capable of generating the fire-fighting gas, the fire-fighting liquid or the fire-fighting gas is packaged in the case, and when the sealant seals the exhaust hole, the pressure in the case is greater than the pressure in the piping, and the sealant is a valve; The length of the pipe is 50 to 200 cm, 11. The firefighting apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a gas collection device sealingly connected to the exhaust end for collecting gases discharged from the exhaust end.

13. 1. A housing assembly comprising: a housing for accommodating the battery cells; The fire fighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fire fighting apparatus is provided outside the housing, and the intake end is connected to the housing; a pressure relief mechanism configured to activate when air pressure or temperature within the enclosure reaches a second threshold, thereby allowing flammable gas within the enclosure to enter the piping from the intake end.

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