High-capacity battery and cartridge

Abstract

The present application provides a high-capacity battery and a cartridge, and mainly solves the problem of in existing high-capacity batteries, the swelling deformation of cells causing safety hazards to the high-capacity batteries and affecting the performance of the high-capacity batteries. The high-capacity battery comprises a case and N cells arranged in the case, wherein a shared chamber is provided inside the case, and an inner cavity of the shared chamber is in communication with inner cavities of all the cells; and a first elastic member capable of elastically deforming is provided between at least one group of adjacent cells. The first elastic member is used for providing a swelling space for the swelling deformation of a cell. When a cell undergoes swelling deformation, the case is not compressed, thus preventing the problems in respect of deformation and leakage caused by a case being compressed, and improving the performance and safety of high-capacity batteries.

Description

Large-capacity battery and cylinder Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of batteries, and specifically relates to a large-capacity battery and a cylinder. Background Art

[0002] Currently, multiple single cells are connected in parallel or series to form a large-capacity battery (also known as a battery module or battery pack). However, the individual cells in such a large-capacity battery have inherent differences, which greatly limits the upper limit of the capacity and the number of cycles of the entire large-capacity battery.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, a large-capacity battery is provided. The large-capacity battery includes a shell and a plurality of single cells. The plurality of single cells are arranged in the shell, and the differences between the single cells are reduced by a shared cavity in the shell, thereby improving the consistency between the single cells to a certain extent, thereby improving the cycle life of the large-capacity battery to a certain extent.

[0004] Large-capacity batteries with the aforementioned structure offer advantages such as high space utilization, high integration, and high energy density. However, during high-temperature storage or charging and discharging, individual cells may swell and deform. The resulting compression forces can squeeze the outer casing, causing deformation and leakage, creating safety risks and impacting battery performance.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the problem that swelling and deformation of single cells in existing large-capacity batteries cause safety hazards in large-capacity batteries and affect the performance of large-capacity batteries, the present application provides a large-capacity battery and a cylinder.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the technical solution provided in this application is: a large-capacity battery, comprising a shell and N single cells arranged in the shell along the same x-direction; a shared chamber is provided in the shell, and the inner cavity of the shared chamber is connected to the inner cavities of all single cells; avoidance holes are opened on the top plate of the shell corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single cell; the polarity terminals of each single cell extend out of the avoidance holes, and the top plate area of ​​the shell corresponding to the avoidance holes is fixedly sealed with the shell of the single cell; a first elastic member capable of elastic deformation is provided between at least one group of adjacent single cells.

[0008] The high-capacity battery disclosed herein includes a housing and N single cells arranged within the housing along the same x-direction. A first elastic member capable of elastic deformation is provided between at least one group of adjacent single cells. When a single cell bulges and deforms, the first elastic member is squeezed by the cell and elastically deforms. This elastic deformation provides space for the cell to expand, preventing the expansion and deformation of the cell from squeezing the housing, thereby avoiding deformation and leakage caused by squeezing. This improves the performance and safety of the high-capacity battery. Furthermore, when the high-capacity battery is operating normally, the first elastic member is positioned between two single cells. This elastic deformation provides a certain preload on the cells. This preload suppresses deformation of the housings of the adjacent cells due to bulging, reducing the probability of dangerous accidents such as internal short circuits and thermal runaway caused by bulging, further improving the performance and safety of the high-capacity battery.

[0009] Furthermore, among the N single cells, first elastic members are provided between adjacent cells. These multiple first elastic members provide ample space for expansion of the multiple cells within the housing when they swell and deform, further enhancing the performance and safety of the high-capacity battery. Furthermore, the presence of first elastic members between adjacent cells prevents squeezing of adjacent cells when any single cell expands and deforms, further enhancing the reliability of the high-capacity battery.

[0010] Furthermore, elastically deformable second elastic members are provided between the first cell and the end plate of the housing, and between the Nth cell and the end plate of the housing, respectively. The end plates of the housing are parallel to the yz plane. This second elastic member prevents the expansion and deformation of the cells at both ends from squeezing the housing, thereby preventing deformation and leakage. Simultaneously, this second elastic member suppresses expansion-induced deformation of the two distal sides of the first and Nth cells, reducing the probability of dangerous accidents such as internal short circuits and thermal runaway caused by this expansion and deformation. Furthermore, this second elastic member protects the housing and cells during installation, preventing friction between the end plates and the cells, which could damage the end plates and cells.

[0011] Furthermore, a third elastic member capable of elastic deformation is positioned between each cell and the two side panels of the housing, with both side panels of the housing being parallel to the xz plane. When a cell expands and deforms, the third elastic member provides space for expansion in the y direction, preventing the expansion and deformation of the cell from squeezing the housing, thus preventing deformation and leakage. Simultaneously, when the high-capacity battery is operating normally, the third elastic member provides a certain preload in the y direction on each cell, suppressing any bulging deformation. This reduces the likelihood of dangerous accidents such as internal short circuits and thermal runaway caused by this bulging deformation, further improving the performance and safety of the high-capacity battery. Furthermore, the third elastic member protects the cells and the housing, preventing friction between the side panels of the housing and the cells during installation, which could damage the side panels or the cells.

[0012] Furthermore, the first elastic member, the second elastic member and the third elastic member can all be elastic pads, which are made of a material that is insoluble in the electrolyte. The elastic pads have good elasticity and cushioning properties and are also easy to manufacture and install.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic pad can be configured as a hollow structure, or provided with multiple heat dissipation and weight reduction holes. This structure not only allows the elastic pad to further absorb the expansion force of the individual batteries, thereby providing more expansion space for the individual batteries, but also further improves the heat dissipation effect of the individual batteries and reduces the weight of large-capacity batteries.

[0014] Furthermore, the shared chamber includes an electrolyte shared chamber and a gas shared chamber; the electrolyte shared chamber is in communication with the electrolyte area of ​​each single cell; the gas shared chamber is in communication with the gas area of ​​each single cell, or the gas shared chamber is a gas channel located between the top plate of the housing and each single cell, the gas channel covering the explosion vent of each single cell, and when the explosion vent of any single cell is breached by the internal thermal runaway smoke, the gas area of ​​that single cell is in communication with the gas channel. By connecting the electrolyte shared chamber with the electrolyte area of ​​each single cell located in the housing, and by connecting the gas shared chamber with the gas area of ​​each single cell located in the housing, gas balance is achieved, the differences between the single cells are reduced, and the consistency between the single cells is improved to a certain extent, thereby improving the cycle life of the large-capacity battery to a certain extent.

[0015] Furthermore, the shell is provided with an explosion relief mechanism connected to the inner cavity of the shell. When the electrolyte shared chamber and the gas shared chamber are both connected to the explosion relief mechanism, the large-capacity battery has two explosion relief channels. When any single cell has thermal runaway, the thermal runaway smoke is discharged from different explosion relief channels. The heat and thermal runaway smoke accumulated in the explosion relief channels and the single cells can be reduced in a short time, thereby reducing the thermal runaway risk of the large-capacity battery.

[0016] Furthermore, a clamping portion is provided at the location where each cell polarity terminal extends out of the avoidance hole. Heat transfer tubes are fixed to the clamping portion of each cell polarity terminal in a one-to-one correspondence, and the heat transfer tubes are insulated from each cell polarity terminal. The clamping portion is a through-slot or through-hole provided in the location where each cell polarity terminal extends out of the avoidance hole. The heat transfer tubes exchange heat with the polarity terminals of each cell, transferring heat from the polarity terminals, where heat is most concentrated, to the outside for treatment, ensuring that the large-capacity batteries operate within the optimal temperature range. Simultaneously, the heat transfer tubes are positioned within the through-slot or through-hole of the polarity terminals, directly contacting the polarity terminals of each large-capacity battery. This provides a larger contact area between the heat transfer tubes and the polarity terminals, further improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0017] Furthermore, an insulating sealant layer is laid on the top plate of the shell, the heat transfer tube is embedded in the insulating sealant layer, and the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the heat transfer tube extend out of the insulating sealant layer. An insulating protective cover is provided on the top of the shell, and the polarity terminals of each single battery are located within the insulating protective cover. The top plate of the shell of the large-capacity battery is laid with an insulating sealant layer. When condensation forms on the surface of the heat transfer tube on the polarity terminal, the insulating sealant layer blocks the condensation from penetrating the gap between the polarity terminal and the avoidance hole, thereby preventing the large-capacity battery from short-circuiting. In addition, the large-capacity battery uses an insulating protective cover to provide insulation protection for the polarity terminal, avoiding the potential safety hazards of the polarity terminal being exposed during the operation of the large-capacity battery, and also preventing some foreign matter from the external environment from falling into the polarity terminal position, causing the large-capacity battery to short-circuit, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0018] Chinese patent CN220797038U discloses a large-capacity battery, the structure of which is shown in Figure 12. This large-capacity battery includes a housing and multiple single cells. The housing is defined as having a length direction of x, a width direction of y, and a height direction of z. The multiple single cells are connected in parallel and arranged in the housing cavity along the x-direction. Within the housing, the first sidewalls of each single cell are parallel to each other and to the yz plane. A shared electrolyte chamber is provided on the bottom plate of the housing, which communicates with the electrolyte areas within the cavities of each single cell. The electrolytes within the cavities of each single cell are connected through the shared electrolyte chamber, ensuring that all the single cells are in a uniform electrolyte system. This reduces variations in the electrolytes between the cells, improves the consistency between the cells, and thus improves the cycle life of the large-capacity battery. A clearance hole is provided on the top plate of the housing to allow the polarity terminals of each cell to extend. Each cell terminal extends through the clearance hole, and the area of ​​the housing top plate corresponding to the clearance hole is fixedly sealed to the upper cover plate of the cell.

[0019] In addition, a gas chamber is provided on the top plate of the housing, which covers the gas port on the top of each single cell. It should be noted that the gas port here includes the following two meanings:

[0020] 1) The gas port is a through hole directly opened on the upper cover of the single cell and penetrating the inner cavity of the single cell; at this time, the inner cavity of the gas chamber is connected with the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell through the gas port. Based on the gas chamber, the gas area of ​​each single cell can be connected to achieve gas balance, so that the gas of each single cell is shared to ensure the consistency of each single cell, which to a certain extent improves the cycle life of the large-capacity battery; when any single cell has thermal runaway, the smoke in the inner cavity of the single cell enters the gas chamber and is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0021] 2) The gas port is an explosion vent or explosion-proof port provided on the upper cover of the single cell, and an explosion vent membrane is provided at the explosion vent or explosion-proof port; in this case, the gas chamber is used as an explosion vent channel. When the explosion vent membrane at the gas port of any single cell is broken by the internal cavity smoke, the internal cavity of the single cell and the gas chamber are connected, and the internal smoke is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0022] When multiple large-capacity batteries as described above are assembled into an energy storage device, the explosion relief mechanism of each large-capacity battery (the explosion relief mechanism is a pipe section fixed on the outer shell and connected to the inner cavity of the outer shell, and an explosion relief membrane is fixed in the pipe section) is usually connected to an explosion relief manifold, and the outlet end of the explosion relief manifold is led out of the energy storage device box. When any single cell in the large-capacity battery undergoes thermal runaway, the thermal runaway smoke is discharged from the energy storage device box through the gas port of the single cell, the explosion relief mechanism, and the explosion relief manifold in sequence, so as to avoid the thermal runaway smoke from spreading to the entire energy storage device box after thermal runaway occurs, which may cause a safety accident.

[0023] However, experiments have shown that when thermal runaway occurs in individual cells within the aforementioned large-capacity battery, the thermal runaway fumes leak from the weld between the upper cover plate of the cell and the second side wall of the cell (where the second side wall is the side wall parallel to the xz plane). Therefore, if multiple large-capacity batteries are assembled into an energy storage device, when thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway fumes will not only be discharged through the explosion venting mechanism into the explosion venting manifold, but may also leak from the weld between the upper cover plate of the cell and the second side wall, permeating the entire large-capacity battery casing, increasing the pressure within the casing and easily causing tears in weak areas of the casing. In severe cases, this could cause the large-capacity battery or even the energy storage device to rupture.

[0024] The present application provides a large-capacity battery, which overcomes the safety problem caused by the thermal runaway smoke of the existing large-capacity battery easily leaking from between the upper cover plate and the second side wall of the single cell, resulting in the diffusion of the thermal runaway smoke.

[0025] The present application is based on the following concepts: Based on the problems existing in the above-mentioned technical solutions, the large-capacity battery after thermal runaway was disassembled and cracks were found between the upper cover plate and the second side wall of the single cell experiencing thermal runaway. After analysis, the reason for this phenomenon is that the large-capacity battery casing includes a cylindrical body with open ends and end plates respectively fixed to the two open ends of the cylindrical body; during the assembly of the large-capacity battery, the single cells are pushed into the cylindrical body and then the end plates are fixed to the open ends of the cylindrical body; to facilitate the insertion of each single cell into the cylindrical body, the size of the cylindrical body in the y-direction needs to be slightly larger than the size of the single cell; after assembly, a certain gap exists between the second side wall of the single cell and the side plate of the casing (the side plate of the casing is the side plate of the casing parallel to the xz plane). It is precisely because of the existence of this gap that when thermal runaway occurs, the restraining force of the single cell in the y-direction is relatively small, and the single cell is easily deformed under the action of internal pressure, which leads to tearing between the upper cover plate and the second side wall of the single cell, and thus the leakage of thermal runaway smoke from the torn part.

[0026] Furthermore, during assembly of the large-capacity battery, when the end plates are fixed to the open ends of the cylinder, the outermost cells need to be pressed tightly. Therefore, in the x-direction, the end plates can exert a clamping force on each cell. This prevents the cells from deforming in the x-direction and tearing the connection between the upper cover and its first sidewall when thermal runaway occurs.

[0027] At the same time, the above-mentioned large-capacity battery can be provided with a sealing connector between the avoidance hole and the polarity terminal to achieve fixed sealing between the outer shell top plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole and the single cell shell; such a sealing connector includes a hollow member; the hollow member is sleeved on the outside of the single cell polarity terminal, the bottom of the hollow member is sealedly connected to the upper cover plate area around the single cell polarity terminal, and the top of the hollow member is sealedly connected to the outer shell top plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole; due to the presence of the sealing connector, in the z direction, the sealing connector cooperates with the outer shell top plate and the outer shell bottom plate to apply a clamping force to each single cell; when thermal runaway occurs, the problem of deformation of the single cell in the z direction and the formation of cracks between the upper cover plate and the cylinder can be avoided;

[0028] In summary, the above-mentioned large-capacity battery can apply a clamping force to each single cell in the x-direction based on the end plates at both ends; in the z-direction, the sealing connector cooperates with the top plate and the bottom plate of the outer shell to support each single cell; when thermal runaway occurs, it can avoid the deformation of the single cell in the x-direction and z-direction due to the internal pressure, which causes the problem of cracks between the upper cover and the cylinder; however, in the y-direction, due to the gap between the second side wall of the single cell and the side plate of the outer shell, when thermal runaway occurs, the single cell is easy to deform in the y-direction, which in turn causes cracks to appear between the upper cover and the cylinder, causing the problem of thermal runaway smoke leaking from the cracks.

[0029] Based on the above analysis, the present application only needs to apply a clamping force to each single cell in the y direction, so that the single cells in the large-capacity battery can be constrained in the x, y, and z directions, ensuring that the thermal runaway smoke can be smoothly released from the explosion relief mechanism, reducing or even avoiding the problem of the single cell shell being torn when the single cell thermal runaway occurs, resulting in aggravated thermal runaway and smoke spread.

[0030] Therefore, the present application proposes the following technical solution: a large-capacity battery, which is special in that: it includes an outer shell, at least one clamping plate located inside the outer shell, and n single cells; the n single cells are arranged inside the outer shell along the x direction; wherein n is an integer greater than 1; the outer shell is provided with at least one shared chamber extending along the x direction; avoidance holes are opened on the top plate of the outer shell corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single cell; the polarity terminals of each single cell extend out of the corresponding avoidance holes, and the area of ​​the outer shell top plate corresponding to the avoidance holes is fixedly sealed to the shell of the single cell; the clamping plate is arranged between the side plate of the outer shell and the second side wall of each single cell, and the two surfaces of the clamping plate are respectively tightly attached to the side plate of the outer shell and the second side wall of each single cell; wherein the side plate of the outer shell and the second side wall of the single cell are both parallel to the xz plane.

[0031] The present application provides a clamping plate in the large-capacity battery casing. In the y direction, the clamping plate cooperates with the two side plates of the casing to clamp each single cell. When thermal runaway occurs, the clamping effect of the clamping plate can prevent the single cell from deforming in the y direction, causing cracks to appear between the upper cover plate and the second side wall, which can lead to the problem of smoke spreading from the cracks.

[0032] Furthermore, there are two clamping plates, one of which is arranged between one side plate of the shell and a second side wall of each single cell, and the other clamping plate is arranged between the other side plate of the shell and the other second side wall of each single cell.

[0033] Furthermore, in the z direction, the size of the clamping plate is equal to the size of the second side wall of the single battery.

[0034] Furthermore, the shared chamber is an electrolyte shared chamber; the outer shell includes a cylinder assembly with open ends and an end plate assembly covering the two open ends of the cylinder assembly; a liquid channel extending along the x-direction is provided at the bottom of the cylinder assembly, serving as an electrolyte shared chamber, and the inner cavity of the electrolyte shared chamber is connected to the inner cavities of all single batteries.

[0035] Furthermore, the cylinder assembly includes a cylinder and two bosses arranged on the bottom surface of the cylinder, which have the same length as the cylinder and extend along the x-direction and are arranged in the y-direction. The top surface of the boss is the support surface of each single battery. In the y-direction, a liquid channel is formed between the two bosses, which serves as a shared chamber for the electrolyte. It can be integrally formed using an aluminum extrusion process, which has lower processing costs and better structural stability.

[0036] Furthermore, two shared chambers can be provided, one of which is the electrolyte shared chamber mentioned above, and the other is a gas chamber provided on the top plate of the housing, covering the gas port on the top of each single cell; the gas port is a through hole, and the inner cavity of the gas chamber is directly connected to the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell through the gas port; based on the gas chamber, the gas area of ​​each single cell can be connected to achieve gas balance, so that the gas of each single cell is shared to ensure the consistency of each single cell, and to a certain extent improve the cycle life of the large-capacity battery; when any single cell experiences thermal runaway, the smoke in the inner cavity of the single cell enters the gas chamber and is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery. Alternatively, an explosion-proof membrane is provided at the gas port, and when the explosion-proof membrane at the gas port of any single cell is broken by the internal smoke, the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of the single cell is connected to the inner cavity of the gas chamber. At this time, the gas chamber is used as an explosion-proof channel. When the explosion-proof membrane at the gas port of any single cell is broken by the internal smoke, the internal cavity of the single cell and the gas chamber are connected, and the internal smoke is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0037] Furthermore, the end plate assembly includes a first end plate, a second end plate and a third end plate; a first through hole is opened on the first end plate; the first end plate cooperates with the explosion relief mechanism fixed at the first through hole to seal the open end of the gas chamber, the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber and the open end of the cylinder of the large-capacity battery; the second end plate is fixedly connected to the first end plate, the two are parallel to each other, and there is a gap between them, which serves as a gas channel; the gas channel extends along the z direction, the air inlet end of the gas channel is used to communicate with the gas chamber, and the air outlet end of the gas channel is connected to the second through hole; in the z direction, the air inlet end of the gas channel is higher than the air outlet end of the gas channel; the two surfaces of the third end plate are respectively tightly attached to the first side wall of the outermost single cell and the inner surface of the second end plate.

[0038] The fixing area of ​​the explosion relief mechanism is set to the end plate area between the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber or the open end of the gas chamber and the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber, which has a larger area. This makes the explosion relief mechanism easier to install than fixing the explosion relief mechanism to the end plate area directly opposite the gas chamber. When the end plate assembly is sealed and fixed to the open end of the cylinder assembly, the explosion relief mechanism is used to seal the first through hole; the air inlet of the gas channel is connected to the gas chamber, and the air outlet of the gas channel is connected to the explosion relief mechanism through the first through hole; and the gap between the first end plate and the second end plate is directly used as the gas channel, so that the gas channel has a larger flow area, and the large-capacity battery has higher safety performance. By adjusting the dimensions of the third end plate along the x-direction, all the single cells are clamped in the x-direction, thereby preventing deformation of the single cells in the x-direction and tearing of the connection between the upper cover plate and its first side wall. Simultaneously, the stability of each single cell within the inner cavity of the housing is improved, preventing swelling of each single cell, which could lead to reduced cycle performance of large-capacity batteries. Furthermore, the third end plate can be used to isolate the gas channel from the outermost single cell, further reducing the impact of thermal runaway flue gas in the gas channel on the outermost single cell.

[0039] Furthermore, two first support ribs are integrally disposed between the second end plate and the first end plate. Each first support rib extends in the z-direction, and the two first support ribs are arranged in the y-direction. A gas passage is formed between the second end plate, the first end plate, and the two first support ribs. The first support ribs are secured between the first and second end plates to create a gap between the second and first end plates, serving as the gas passage. Compared to a method employing screws and washers, the end plate assembly has a simpler structure, is easier to manufacture, is less expensive, and offers greater structural stability.

[0040] Furthermore, the above-mentioned large-capacity battery also includes 2n sealing connectors; the outer shell top plate area corresponding to each avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell shell by a sealing connector; the sealing connector includes a hollow component that is sleeved on the outside of the polarity terminal of the single cell, and the orthographic projection of the open end of the bottom of the hollow component on the upper cover of the single cell covers the weak area around the polarity terminal on the upper cover of the single cell; the bottom of the hollow component and the outer area of ​​the weak area are welded and sealed, and the top of the hollow component and the outer shell top plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole are welded and sealed.

[0041] When in use, the hollow component is sleeved on the outside of the polarity terminal of the single cell, the bottom and the outer area of ​​the weak area are welded and sealed, and the top of the hollow component and the top plate area of ​​the shell around the avoidance hole are welded and sealed. Regardless of whether there is a gap between the shell and the upper cover of each single cell, or whether the gap size is different, the hollow component can seal and fix the shell and the upper cover of the single cell, thereby ensuring the sealing of the large-capacity battery shell; at the same time, by optimizing the size and shape of the bottom open end of the sealing connector, the bottom open end of the hollow component is projected on the upper cover of the single cell to cover the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell; thereby ensuring that when welding the bottom of the hollow component and the area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell, the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell can be avoided, thereby avoiding damage to the weak area during the welding process, and causing a series of problems such as single cell scrapping and thermal runaway smoke diffusion.

[0042] Furthermore, the sealing connector further includes a base plate secured to the open bottom end of the hollow member; the base plate is provided with a third through hole; the orthographic projection of the third through hole on the upper cover of the single cell overlaps a weak area surrounding the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell; the base plate is used to weld and seal the area surrounding the weak area. The base plate allows for reliable welding of the upper cover to the sealing connector, while the orthographic projection of the third through hole on the upper cover of the single cell overlaps the weak area surrounding the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell; thus, when the base plate is welded to the upper cover of the single cell, the weld is necessarily located outside the weak area.

[0043] Chinese patent CN220324596U discloses a large-capacity battery, the structure of which is shown in Figure 31. This large-capacity battery includes a housing 31 and multiple single cells 32. The housing is defined as having an x-direction for its length, a y-direction for its width, and a z-direction for its height. The multiple single cells are connected in parallel within the housing along the x-direction. Within the housing, the second sidewalls of the single cells are parallel to each other and to the yz plane. The housing includes a casing 311, a first cover plate 313, and a second cover plate 312. A shared electrolyte chamber 37 is provided on the first cover plate 313, which covers and is sealed to the open bottom end of the casing. The shared electrolyte chamber communicates with the electrolyte areas within the cavities of each single cell. The electrolytes within the cavities of each single cell are connected through the shared electrolyte chamber, ensuring that all cells are exposed to the same electrolyte system. This reduces variations in electrolyte content between cells, improves the consistency of the individual cells, and thus, to a certain extent, improves the cycle life of the large-capacity battery. The second cover plate 312 is provided with a relief hole to allow the polarity terminals of each single battery to extend out; the second cover plate covers the open end of the top of the box body and is sealed to the open end; the polarity terminals of each single battery extend out of the relief hole, and the area of ​​the second cover plate corresponding to the relief hole is fixedly sealed to the single battery housing;

[0044] In addition, a gas chamber is also provided on the second cover plate, which covers the gas port on the top of each single cell. It should be noted that the gas port here includes the following two meanings:

[0045] 1) The gas port is a through hole directly opened on the upper cover of the single cell and penetrating the inner cavity of the single cell; at this time, the inner cavity of the gas chamber is connected with the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell through the gas port. Based on the gas chamber, the gas area of ​​each single cell can be connected to achieve gas balance, so that the gas of each single cell is shared to ensure the consistency of each single cell, which to a certain extent improves the cycle life of the large-capacity battery; when any single cell has thermal runaway, the smoke in the inner cavity of the single cell enters the gas chamber and is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0046] 2) The gas port is an explosion vent or explosion-proof port provided on the upper cover of the single cell, and an explosion vent membrane is provided at the explosion vent or explosion-proof port; in this case, the gas chamber is used as an explosion vent channel. When the explosion vent membrane at the gas port of any single cell is broken by the internal cavity smoke, the internal cavity of the single cell and the gas chamber are connected, and the internal smoke is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0047] When multiple large-capacity batteries as described above are assembled into an energy storage device, the explosion relief mechanism of each large-capacity battery (the explosion relief mechanism is a pipe section fixed on the outer casing and connected to the electrolyte shared chamber and / or the inner cavity of the gas chamber, and an explosion relief membrane is fixed in the pipe section) is usually connected to an explosion relief manifold, and the outlet end of the explosion relief manifold is led out of the energy storage device box. When any single cell in the large-capacity battery has thermal runaway, the thermal runaway smoke is discharged from the energy storage device box through the gas port of the single cell, the explosion relief mechanism, and the explosion relief manifold in sequence, so as to avoid the thermal runaway smoke from spreading to the entire energy storage device box after thermal runaway occurs, thereby avoiding safety accidents caused by the thermal runaway smoke.

[0048] However, experiments have shown that when thermal runaway occurs in individual cells within the aforementioned large-capacity battery, the resulting fumes leak from the welds between the upper cover and the barrel of the cell. Therefore, if multiple large-capacity batteries are assembled into an energy storage device, and thermal runaway occurs, the resulting fumes will not only be discharged through the gas port and explosion venting mechanism into the explosion venting manifold, but may also leak from the welds between the upper cover and the barrel of the cell, potentially permeating the large-capacity battery housing. This increases the pressure within the housing, potentially leading to tears in the welds between the housing, the first cover, and the second cover, as well as in the area of ​​the second cover surrounding the escape hole. In severe cases, this could cause the large-capacity battery or even the energy storage device to rupture.

[0049] The purpose of this application is to provide a large-capacity battery to overcome the safety problem caused by the thermal runaway smoke of existing large-capacity batteries easily leaking from between the upper cover plate and the cylinder of the single cell, resulting in the diffusion of thermal runaway smoke.

[0050] The idea of ​​the present application is: based on the problems existing in the above technical solutions, the large-capacity battery after thermal runaway is disassembled, and it is found that cracks appear between the upper cover plate and the cylinder of the single cell having thermal runaway. After analysis, the reason for this phenomenon is that: the above-mentioned large-capacity battery shell includes a box body with open ends at the top and bottom, and a first cover plate and a second cover plate fixed to the two open ends of the box body respectively; in the process of assembling the large-capacity battery, the first cover plate is fixed to the open end at the bottom of the box body (the first cover plate and the box body can also be an integral part), and each single cell is placed in from the open end of the top of the box body, and then the second cover plate is fixed to the open end of the top of the box body; in order to facilitate the placement of each single cell into the box body, the size of the box body in the x direction needs to be slightly larger than the sum of the thicknesses of multiple single cells; after assembly After assembly, there is a certain gap between the second side wall of the outermost single cell and the second side plate of the box (the second side wall of the single cell is the side wall parallel to the yz plane, and the second side plate of the box is the side plate parallel to the yz plane); in the y direction, the size of the box needs to be slightly larger than the width of the single cell; after assembly is completed, there is a certain gap between the first side wall of the single cell and the first side plate of the box (the first side wall of the single cell is the side wall parallel to the xz plane, and the first side plate of the box is the side plate parallel to the xz plane); it is precisely because of the existence of the above-mentioned gap that when thermal runaway occurs, the restraint force of the single cell in the x and y directions is small, and it is easy to deform under the action of internal pressure, which leads to tearing of the upper cover and the first and second side walls of the single cell, and then causes thermal runaway smoke to leak from the torn part.

[0051] In addition, the above-mentioned large-capacity battery can be provided with a sealing connector between the avoidance hole and the polarity terminal to achieve fixed sealing between the second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole and the single cell housing; such a sealing connector includes a hollow member; the hollow member is sleeved on the outside of the single cell polarity terminal, the bottom of the hollow member is sealedly connected to the upper cover plate area around the single cell polarity terminal, and the top of the hollow member is sealedly connected to the second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole; due to the presence of the sealing connector, in the z direction, the sealing connector cooperates with the second cover plate and the first cover plate to apply a clamping force to each single cell; when thermal runaway occurs, deformation of the single cell in the z direction, which may cause cracks to form between the upper cover plate and the cylinder, can be avoided;

[0052] In summary, in the above-mentioned large-capacity battery, in the z direction, the sealing connector cooperates with the second cover plate and the first cover plate to support each single cell. When thermal runaway occurs, the deformation of the single cell in the z direction due to the internal pressure can be avoided, which causes the problem of cracks between the upper cover plate and the cylinder. However, in the x and y directions, due to the gap between the single cell and the box body, when thermal runaway occurs, the single cell is prone to deformation in the x and y directions, which in turn causes cracks to appear between the upper cover plate and the single cell cylinder, causing the problem of thermal runaway smoke leaking from the cracks.

[0053] Based on the above analysis, the present application applies a clamping force to each single cell in the x and y directions, so that the single cells in the large-capacity battery are constrained in the x, y, and z directions, ensuring that the thermal runaway smoke can be smoothly released from the explosion relief mechanism, reducing or even avoiding the problem of the single cell shell being torn when the single cell thermal runaway occurs, resulting in aggravated thermal runaway and smoke spread.

[0054] Therefore, the present application proposes the following technical solution: a large-capacity battery, which is special in that it includes an outer shell and at least one first clamping plate, at least one second clamping plate and n single cells located inside the outer shell; wherein n is an integer greater than 1; the n single cells are arranged in the inner cavity of the outer shell along the same direction; the inner cavity of each single cell includes an electrolyte area and a gas area; the outer shell includes a box body, a first cover plate and a second cover plate; the bottom and top of the box body are open; an electrolyte sharing chamber is provided on the first cover plate, the first cover plate covers the open end of the bottom of the box body and is sealed with the open end; the inner cavity of the electrolyte sharing chamber is connected to the electrolyte area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell; a avoidance hole is provided on the second cover plate to allow the polarity terminals of each single cell to extend; the second cover plate The cover plate covers the open end of the top of the box body and is sealed with the open end; the polarity terminals of each single cell extend out of the avoidance hole and the second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell shell; the first clamping plate is arranged between the first side plate of the box body and the first side wall of each single cell, and the two surfaces of the first clamping plate are respectively tightly attached to the first side plate of the box body and the first side wall of each single cell, wherein the first side plate of the box body and the first side wall of each single cell are parallel to the xz plane; the second clamping plate is arranged between the second side plate of the box body and the second side wall of the outermost single cell, and the two surfaces of the second clamping plate are respectively tightly attached to the second side plate of the box body and the second side wall of the outermost single cell, wherein the second side plate of the box body and the second side wall of the single cell are parallel to the yz plane.

[0055] The present application provides a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate in a large-capacity battery casing. The first clamping plate cooperates with the first side plate of the casing to clamp each single cell in the y direction; the second clamping plate cooperates with the second side plate of the casing to clamp each single cell in the x direction. When thermal runaway occurs, the clamping effect of the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate can prevent the single cell from deforming in the x and y directions, and cracks from appearing between the upper cover and the single cell cylinder, which can lead to the problem of smoke spreading from the cracks.

[0056] Furthermore, there are two first clamping plates, which are respectively located between the two first side plates of the box and the first side walls of each unit cell opposite thereto; in the y direction, the unit cell is clamped from the two opposite first side walls of the unit cell.

[0057] Furthermore, one of the first clamping plates comprises n first sub-clamping plates, each corresponding to a single cell. In the x-direction, the dimensions of each first sub-clamping plate are equal to the dimensions of the first side wall of the cell. The other first clamping plate is a solid flat plate. If the individual cells exhibit significant dimensional variation in the y-direction, first sub-clamping plates of varying thicknesses can be selected based on the spacing between the first side panels of the cells and the first side wall of the housing to ensure that all cells are clamped in the y-direction.

[0058] Furthermore, in the z direction, the size of the first clamping plate is equal to the size of the first side wall of the single battery, ensuring that the single battery is evenly stressed.

[0059] Furthermore, there are two second clamping plates, and the two second clamping plates are respectively located between the second side walls of the two outermost single cells and the second side plates of the box body opposite thereto.

[0060] Furthermore, the box body also includes a plurality of partitions arranged in the inner cavity of the box body, dividing the inner cavity of the box body into a plurality of single cell installation cavities; a single cell is fixed in each single cell installation cavity; the first clamping plate includes at least n first sub-clamping plates, and the n first sub-clamping plates correspond one-to-one to the n single cells; a first sub-clamping plate is arranged between the first side wall of each single cell and the first side plate of the box body; there are at least n second clamping plates, and a second clamping plate is provided between at least one second side wall of each single cell and the corresponding partition.

[0061] Furthermore, there are 2n first sub-clamping plates, one each between the two first side walls of each battery cell and the corresponding first side plate of the enclosure. This solution allows heat generated during charging and discharging of each battery cell to be transferred to the outside through the separators and second clamping plates, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. The separators also enhance the strength of the enclosure.

[0062] Furthermore, there are 2n second clamping plates, and a second clamping plate is provided between the two second side walls of each single battery and the corresponding partition plate and the second side plate of the box body.

[0063] Furthermore, the above-mentioned large-capacity battery also includes 2n sealing connectors; the second cover plate area corresponding to each avoidance hole is fixedly sealed to the single cell shell by a sealing connector; the sealing connector includes a hollow component that is sleeved on the outside of the polarity terminal of the single cell, and the open end of the bottom of the hollow component is projected on the upper cover of the single cell to cover the weak area around the polarity terminal on the upper cover of the single cell; the bottom of the hollow component and the outer area of ​​the weak area are welded and sealed, and the top of the hollow component and the second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole are welded and sealed.

[0064] When in use, the hollow component is sleeved on the outside of the polarity terminal of the single cell, the bottom and the outer area of ​​the weak area are welded and sealed, and the top of the hollow component and the second cover plate area around the avoidance hole are welded and sealed. Regardless of whether there is a gap between the second cover plate and the upper cover plate of each single cell, or whether the gap sizes are different, the hollow component can seal and fix the second cover plate and the upper cover plate of the single cell, thereby ensuring the sealing of the large-capacity battery shell; at the same time, by optimizing the size and shape of the bottom open end of the sealing connector, the bottom open end of the hollow component is projected on the upper cover plate of the single cell to cover the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover plate of the single cell; thereby ensuring that when welding the bottom of the hollow component and the area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover plate of the single cell, the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover plate of the single cell can be avoided, thereby avoiding damage to the weak area during the welding process, and causing a series of problems such as the scrapping of the single cell and the diffusion of thermal runaway smoke.

[0065] Furthermore, the sealing connector also includes a base plate fixed to the open bottom end of the hollow member; the base plate is provided with a third through hole; the orthographic projection of the third through hole on the upper cover of the single cell covers a weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell; and the base plate is used to weld and seal the area surrounding the weak area. The base plate allows for reliable welding of the upper cover to the sealing connector, while the orthographic projection of the third through hole on the upper cover of the single cell covers the weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell. Thus, when the base plate is welded to the upper cover of the single cell, the weld is necessarily located outside the weak area.

[0066] Related art proposes a large-capacity battery, as shown in FIG43 , which includes a shell 41 and a plurality of single cells 42 ; the shell 41 is composed of a cylinder 43 and end plates 44 provided with front and rear open ends of the cylinder 43 ; the components constituting the shell 41 and the shells of the single cells 42 are all made of aluminum; the multiple single cells 42 are placed in parallel in the shell 41 ; the bottom of the cylinder 43 of the large-capacity battery is provided with two support portions 45 protruding toward the top of the cylinder for supporting the single cells 42 , and a first channel 46 is formed between the two support portions 45 for connecting the electrolyte areas of the single cells 42 in the shell 41 , so that all the single cells 42 are in a shared electrolyte system, thereby improving the uniformity of the single cells 42 . During the assembly process of the large-capacity battery, the single cells need to be pushed into the cylinder from the front open end or the rear open end of the cylinder. During the pushing process, the upper surface of the support part and the lower surface of the single battery rub against each other and may produce aluminum chips. When a shared electrolyte system is formed, the aluminum chips produced by friction will be free in the shared electrolyte system, which may affect the performance of large-capacity batteries.

[0067] In order to solve the problem that the aluminum chips generated by friction during the existing large-capacity battery manufacturing process will affect the performance of large-capacity batteries, the present application provides a large-capacity battery on the one hand. The large-capacity battery includes an outer shell and a plurality of single cells arranged side by side in the outer shell; the outer shell includes a cylinder and end plates arranged at both ends of the cylinder; the bottom of the cylinder has two support parts, and a first channel is formed between the two support parts; the improvement is that an anti-friction pad is provided between the support part at the bottom of the cylinder and the single cell, and the anti-friction pad does not react with the electrolyte. The large-capacity battery of the present application adopts an anti-friction pad that does not react with the electrolyte between the support part and the single cell, which avoids the generation of aluminum chips after the single cell directly rubs against the support part when it is pushed into the cylinder, and the problem that the aluminum chips are free in the shared electrolyte system and affect the performance of the large-capacity battery, thereby ensuring that the large-capacity battery can operate reliably and smoothly.

[0068] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the positioning and installation of the anti-friction pad on the support portion, a groove is provided on the top of the support portion, and the anti-friction pad is placed in the groove.

[0069] Furthermore, the thickness of the anti-friction pad is greater than the depth of the groove.

[0070] Furthermore, the anti-friction pad is a polytetrafluoroethylene plate.

[0071] Furthermore, the support portion is a hollow support tube integrally formed at the two bottom corners of the cylinder; the hollow support tube is inserted with an insulating support rod. The large-capacity battery of this application has a hollow support tube integrally formed within the cylinder as a support portion, which not only facilitates processing but also reduces the weight of the cylinder. Most importantly, the hollow support tube can be inserted with an insulating support rod, ensuring an effective insulated connection between the large-capacity battery and the external fixed support frame.

[0072] Furthermore, a second channel is provided on the top of the cylinder, and the second channel covers the gas port on the top of each single cell in the large-capacity battery.

[0073] Another aspect of the present application provides a cylinder, the front and rear ends of which are open ends; the bottom of the cylinder has two supporting parts; the improvement is that the upper surface of the supporting part is provided with a groove for placing an anti-friction pad.

[0074] Furthermore, the thickness of the anti-friction pad is greater than the depth of the groove.

[0075] Furthermore, the above-mentioned support part is a hollow tube integrally formed at the two bottom corners of the cylinder; the hollow tube is used for inserting the insulating support rod.

[0076] Furthermore, a second channel is provided on the top of the cylinder, and the second channel is used to cover the gas opening on the top of each single cell in the large-capacity battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a large-capacity battery in Example 1;

[0078] FIG2 is an exploded view of a large-capacity battery (with a first elastic member) in Example 1;

[0079] FIG3 is an exploded view of a large-capacity battery (having N-1 first elastic members) in Example 1;

[0080] FIG4 is an exploded view of the large-capacity battery (with a second elastic member) in Example 1;

[0081] FIG5 is a second exploded view of the large-capacity battery (with a second elastic member) in Example 1;

[0082] FIG6 is an exploded view 1 of a large-capacity battery (with a third elastic member) in Example 2;

[0083] FIG7 is a second exploded view of the large-capacity battery (with a third elastic member) in Example 2;

[0084] FIG8 is an exploded view of a large-capacity battery in Example 3;

[0085] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery in Example 3;

[0086] FIG10 is an exploded view of a large-capacity battery in Example 4;

[0087] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery in Example 4;

[0088] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery in the related art;

[0089] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0090] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0091] FIG15 is a second schematic diagram of the partial structure of a large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0092] FIG16 is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0093] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the housing in Example 5;

[0094] Figure 18 is a schematic structural diagram of the barrel assembly in Example 5;

[0095] FIG19 is a diagram showing the assembly process of a large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0096] FIG20 is a structural diagram of the end plate assembly in Example 6;

[0097] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the end plate assembly provided with a gasket in Example 6;

[0098] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the end plate assembly in Example 6;

[0099] FIG23 is a second schematic diagram of the partial structure of the end plate assembly in Example 6;

[0100] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the end plate assembly in Example 6;

[0101] FIG25 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing connector in Example 7;

[0102] FIG26 is a structural diagram of a sealing connector provided with a bottom plate in Example 7;

[0103] FIG27 is a second structural diagram of a sealing connector provided with a bottom plate in Example 7;

[0104] FIG28 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing connector provided with a second annular plate in Example 7;

[0105] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of a partial explosion of a large-capacity battery in Example 7;

[0106] FIG30 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing connector provided with a first annular plate in Example 7;

[0107] FIG31 is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery in the related art;

[0108] FIG32 is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of a large-capacity battery in Example 8;

[0109] FIG33 is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery according to Example 8;

[0110] FIG34 is an enlarged view of area a in FIG33 ;

[0111] FIG35 is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of a large-capacity battery in Example 9;

[0112] FIG36 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a large-capacity battery according to Example 10;

[0113] FIG37 is a schematic diagram of the installation process of a large-capacity battery in Example 10;

[0114] FIG38 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing connector in Example 11;

[0115] FIG39 is a structural diagram of a sealing connector provided with a bottom plate in Example 11;

[0116] FIG40 is a second structural diagram of a sealing connector provided with a bottom plate in Example 11;

[0117] FIG41 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing connector provided with a second annular plate in Example 11;

[0118] FIG42 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing connector provided with a first annular plate in Example 11;

[0119] FIG43 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a large-capacity battery with one end plate removed;

[0120] FIG44 is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery according to Example 12 with one end plate removed;

[0121] Figure 45 is a structural diagram of the cylinder in Example 12;

[0122] Figure 46 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the large-capacity battery in Example 13 after removing one end plate.

[0123] Reference numerals: 11 - housing; 12 - single cell; 13 - polarity terminal; 14 - explosion relief mechanism; 15 - first elastic member; 16 - second elastic member; 17 - third elastic member; 18 - heat transfer tube; 19 - insulating protective cover; 110 - sealing connector; 111 - electrolyte sharing chamber; 112 - gas sharing chamber; 113 - end plate; 114 - side plate; 131 - clamping portion; 21 - housing; 211 - cylinder assembly; 21111 - cylinder top plate; 21112 - Cylinder bottom plate; 21113 - Cylinder side plate; 2112 - Boss; 2113 - Avoidance hole; 212 - End plate assembly; 2121 - First end plate; 21211 - First sub-end plate; 21212 - Second sub-end plate; 21213 - Third sub-end plate; 2122 - Second end plate; 2123 - First support rib; 2124 - Gas channel; 2125 - Gasket; 2126 - Third end plate; 213 - Shell bottom plate; 214 - Shell top plate ;22-single cell;221-pole;222-pole adapter;23-electrolyte shared chamber;24-gas chamber;25-first through hole;26-explosion relief mechanism;27-clamping plate;29-second through hole;218-sealing connector;2181-hollow member;21811-bottom open end;21812-top open end;2182-bottom plate;21820-third through hole;2183-second annular plate;2184-first annular Plate; 31-housing; 311-box; 312-second cover plate; 313-first cover plate; 32-single battery; 321-pole; 322-pole adapter; 331-first clamping plate; 3311-first sub-clamping plate; 332-second clamping plate; 34-avoidance hole; 35-partition plate; 36-sealing connector; 3181-hollow member; 31811-bottom open end; 31812-top open end; 3182-bottom plate; 31820- Third through hole; 3183-second annular plate; 3184-first annular plate; 37-electrolyte shared chamber; 38-gas chamber; 41-housing; 42-single cell; 43-cylinder; 44-end plate; 45-support portion; 46-first channel; 47-through hole; 48-anti-friction pad; 49-groove; 410-insulating support rod; 411-support rod; 412-insulating sleeve; 413-second channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0124] To make the above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages of this application more clearly understood, the following detailed description of the specific embodiments of this application is given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary persons in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0125] The present application provides a large-capacity battery comprising a housing and N single cells arranged in the housing along the same x-direction. The internal cavity of each single cell communicates with a shared chamber in the housing. This shared chamber reduces variations between the single cells, improving their consistency to a certain extent, thereby improving the cycle life of the large-capacity battery to a certain extent. During high-temperature storage or charge / discharge processes, the internal pressure of the single cells increases or the volume of the cells expands, causing the housing of the single cells to bulge and deform. The extrusion force generated by this bulge and deformation compresses the housing, easily causing deformation or leakage of the large-capacity battery housing, creating a safety hazard and also affecting the performance of the large-capacity battery.

[0126] Based on this, the present application provides a high-capacity battery, which includes a first elastic member capable of elastic deformation between at least one group of adjacent single cells. When a single cell expands and deforms, the first elastic member is squeezed by the cell and elastically deforms. This elastic deformation provides space for the cell to expand, preventing the expansion and deformation of the cell from squeezing the outer shell, thus avoiding deformation and leakage caused by squeezing, and thereby improving the performance and safety of the high-capacity battery. Furthermore, when the high-capacity battery is operating normally, the first elastic member is positioned between two cells. This elastic deformation provides a certain amount of pre-stress to the cells, suppressing deformation of the shells of the two adjacent cells due to swelling, thereby reducing the degree of swelling and deformation of the cells, and lowering the probability of dangerous accidents such as leakage, internal short circuits, and thermal runaway caused by swelling and deformation, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the entire high-capacity battery.

[0127] Example 1

[0128] As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment provides a high-capacity battery comprising a housing 11 and N single cells 12, where N is an integer greater than 1. In this embodiment, the single cells 12 are prismatic, and the number can be adjusted based on actual needs. Each single cell 12 has an internal cavity comprising an electrolyte region and a gas region. Multiple single cells 12 are arranged in the same direction within the housing 11, typically a rectangular housing. For ease of description, the length of the housing 11 is defined as the x-direction, the width of the housing 11 as the y-direction, and the height of the housing 11 as the z-direction.

[0129] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, after N single cells 12 are arranged in the same x direction and placed in the shell 11, avoidance holes are opened on the top plate of the shell 11 corresponding to the polarity terminals 13 of each single cell 12. The polarity terminals 13 of each single cell 12 extend out of the corresponding avoidance holes to serve as the polarity terminals 13 of the large-capacity battery (the polarity terminals of all single cells on one side serve as the positive polarity terminals of the large-capacity battery, and the polarity terminals of all single cells on the other side serve as the negative polarity terminals of the large-capacity battery). The top plate area of ​​the shell 11 corresponding to the avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the shell of the single cell 12, so that the gap between the polarity terminal 13 and the avoidance hole is sealed. Usually, a sealing connector 110 can be used to achieve fixed sealing between the top plate area of ​​the shell 11 and the shell of the single cell 12. The sealing connector 110 may include a hollow member (similar to a hollow tube) that is sleeved around the polarity terminals 13 of the single cell 12. The bottom of the hollow member is sealed to the area surrounding the polarity terminals 13 on the upper cover of the single cell 12, and the top of the hollow member is sealed to the area of ​​the housing top plate corresponding to the avoidance hole. The sealing connection may be achieved by welding.

[0130] It should be noted that the polarity terminal 13 of the single cell 12 here can be the pole of the single cell 12. To prevent the pole of the single cell 12 from being unable to smoothly extend out of the avoidance hole as the polarity terminal 13, a pole adapter can be connected to the pole of the single cell 12, and the entire structure of the pole of the single cell 12 and the pole adapter can be used as the polarity terminal 13 of the single cell 12.

[0131] The housing 11 is provided with a shared cavity, the inner cavity of which is connected to the inner cavities of all the single cells 12. Multiple single cells 12 are placed in a housing 11 with a shared cavity. The shared cavity is connected to the inner cavities of each single cell 12 in the housing 11, which reduces the differences between the single cells and improves the consistency between the single cells to a certain extent, thereby improving the cycle life of the large-capacity battery to a certain extent. The shared cavity specifically includes the following types:

[0132] The shared chamber within the housing 11 can be an electrolyte shared chamber 111. The inner cavity of the electrolyte shared chamber 111 is connected to the electrolyte areas within the cavities of all the single cells 12. Through the electrolyte shared chamber 111, each single cell 12 is exposed to a unified electrolyte environment, ensuring the uniformity of the electrolyte within each single cell 12 and improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of the large-capacity battery. It should be noted that the electrolyte shared chamber 111 is an electrolyte storage chamber. After it is connected to the electrolyte areas within the cavities of each single cell 12, it is necessary to ensure that the electrolyte in the entire large-capacity battery is not in contact with the external environment.

[0133] The shared chamber within the housing 11 can be a gas-sharing chamber 112. The inner cavity of the gas-sharing chamber 112 communicates with the gas zones within the inner cavities of all the cells 12. This gas-sharing chamber 112 achieves gas balance within each cell 12, thereby improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of large-capacity batteries. In this structure, the upper cover of the cells 12 is provided with a gas port that penetrates the inner cavity of the cells 12. The inner cavity of the gas-sharing chamber 112 communicates with the gas zones within the inner cavities of each cell 12 through this port. Based on the gas-sharing chamber 112, the gas zones of each cell 12 can be connected to achieve gas balance.

[0134] The shared chamber can be a gas-liquid shared chamber, the inner cavity of which communicates with the electrolyte and gas regions of all individual cells 12. This shared chamber allows each individual cell 12 to maintain a uniform electrolyte and gas environment, improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of large-capacity batteries. Specifically, a protrusion extending along the arrangement of the individual cells 12 is provided on the side panel of the housing 11. The protrusion forms a gas-liquid shared chamber, which communicates with both the electrolyte and gas regions of each individual cell 12.

[0135] The above-mentioned shared chamber may also include an electrolyte shared chamber 111 and a gas shared chamber 112. The inner cavity of the electrolyte shared chamber 111 is connected to the electrolyte area of ​​the inner cavities of all single cells 12, and the inner cavity of the gas shared chamber 112 is connected to the gas area of ​​the inner cavities of all single cells 12. The above-mentioned large-capacity battery places multiple single cells 12 inside a shell 11 with a shared chamber, and utilizes the shared chamber to communicate with the inner cavities of each single cell 12 located in the shell 11, so that the electrolyte and gas of each single cell 12 are shared to ensure the consistency of each single cell 12. That is, the electrolyte and gas of each single cell 12 are connected, so that the electrolyte and gas of all single cells 12 are in the same system, which reduces the differences between each single cell 12 and improves the consistency between each single cell 12 to a certain extent, thereby improving the cycle life of the large-capacity battery to a certain extent.

[0136] The above-mentioned shared chamber can also include an electrolyte shared chamber 111 and a gas shared chamber 112. The inner cavity of the electrolyte shared chamber 111 is connected to the electrolyte area of ​​the inner cavity of all single cells 12. The gas shared chamber 112 is a gas channel located between the top plate of the outer shell 11 and each single cell 12. The gas channel covers the explosion venting part of each single cell 12 (specifically, it can be an explosion venting membrane). At this time, the upper cover of the single cell 12 is provided with a gas port that passes through the inner cavity of the single cell 12. The explosion venting membrane is provided at the explosion venting port to form an explosion venting part; when the explosion venting part of any single cell 12 is broken by the internal thermal runaway smoke, the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of the single cell 12 is connected to the inner cavity of the gas chamber. At this time, the gas shared chamber 112 is used as a shared explosion venting channel to improve the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0137] The housing 11 provided with the gas sharing chamber 112 and the electrolyte sharing chamber 111 may be implemented in the following structure:

[0138] 1) The outer shell 11 includes a cylindrical body, an upper cover, and a lower cover. The top and bottom of the cylindrical body are both open. The upper cover is sealed and fixed (welded) to the top of the cylindrical body. The upper cover has a clearance hole that allows the poles of each single battery 12 to extend. The lower cover is sealed and fixed (welded) to the bottom of the cylindrical body. At the same time, the upper cover is provided with a protrusion extending along the arrangement direction of the single battery 12, and the protrusion forms a gas sharing chamber 112. The lower cover is provided with a protrusion extending along the arrangement direction of the single battery 12, and the protrusion forms an electrolyte sharing chamber 111.

[0139] 2) The housing 11 includes a U-shaped housing, a first cover, a third cover, and a second cover; the first and third covers respectively cover the two opposing open ends of the U-shaped housing; the second cover covers the top open end of the U-shaped housing and is sealed therewith. The second cover defines a clearance hole through which the poles of each single cell 12 can extend. Furthermore, the second cover defines a protrusion extending along the arrangement direction of the single cells 12, forming a gas sharing chamber 112 at the protrusion. The bottom of the U-shaped housing defines an electrolyte sharing chamber 111, which serves as a liquid channel between the bottom plate of the housing 11 and each single cell 12.

[0140] 3) The outer shell 11 comprises a cylindrical body, a first end plate, and a second end plate. The front and rear of the cylindrical body are both open. The first end plate is sealed (welded) to the front of the cylindrical body, and the second end plate is sealed (welded) to the rear of the cylindrical body. A clearance hole is provided at the top of the cylindrical body to allow the terminals of each single cell 12 to extend. A protrusion is provided on the top of the cylindrical body, extending along the arrangement direction of the single cells 12. A gas sharing chamber 112 is formed at the protrusion. The bottom of the cylindrical body comprises a shared electrolyte chamber 111, which serves as a liquid channel between the cylindrical body bottom plate or support plate and the bottom of each single cell 12.

[0141] As shown in Figure 1, in order to further improve the safety of large-capacity batteries during use, an explosion relief mechanism 14 connected to the inner cavity of the shell 11 is provided on the shell 11 of the large-capacity battery. The explosion relief mechanism 14 specifically includes an explosion relief pipe and an explosion relief part. The explosion relief pipe is connected to the explosion relief port of the large-capacity battery, and the explosion relief part is provided on the explosion relief pipe or on the explosion relief port of the large-capacity battery. Among them, the explosion relief part can specifically be an explosion relief membrane or an explosion relief valve. The explosion relief mechanism can ensure that when a large-capacity battery experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway smoke inside it can be discharged smoothly, thereby avoiding safety hazards such as explosions inside the large-capacity battery shell. When specifically connected, the explosion relief mechanism 14 is provided on the shell 11 and is connected to at least one of the electrolyte shared chamber 111 and the gas shared chamber 112. When the electrolyte shared chamber and the gas shared chamber are both connected to the explosion relief mechanism 14, two groups of explosion relief mechanisms 14 are provided on the outer shell, and the two groups of explosion relief mechanisms are respectively connected to the electrolyte shared chamber and the gas shared chamber. This arrangement enables the large-capacity battery to have two explosion relief channels. When any single cell has thermal runaway, the thermal runaway smoke is discharged from different explosion relief channels, which can reduce the heat and thermal runaway smoke accumulated in the explosion relief channel and the single cell in a short time, thereby reducing the risk of explosion.

[0142] As shown in FIG2 , to ensure that the expansion of the shell of the single battery 12 does not affect the outer shell 11, a first elastic member 15 is provided in the outer shell 11 in this embodiment. Specifically, a first elastic member 15 capable of elastic deformation is provided between at least one group of adjacent single batteries 12. The first elastic member 15 has the following functions:

[0143] First, when the single battery 12 expands and deforms, the first elastic member 15 is squeezed by the single battery 12 and elastically deforms. After the first elastic member 15 is elastically deformed, it can provide expansion space for the single battery, so that the expansion and deformation of the single battery will not squeeze the outer shell 11, thereby preventing the outer shell from being squeezed, deformed, and leaking, thereby improving the performance and safety of the large-capacity battery;

[0144] Second, when the large-capacity battery is operating normally, the first elastic member is located between two single cells. After elastic deformation, it can provide a certain pre-pressure to the single cells. The pre-pressure suppresses the deformation of the shells of the two adjacent single cells due to swelling, reducing the probability of dangerous accidents such as internal short circuits and thermal runaway caused by swelling and deformation, further improving the performance and safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0145] Third, when the single cell 12 expands and deforms, the first elastic member 15 can provide expansion space for the single cell 12. The expanded single cell 12 will not squeeze the adjacent single cell 12, or can reduce the squeezing of the adjacent single cell 12 to a certain extent, thereby improving the performance and safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0146] When the above-mentioned first elastic member 15 is specifically installed, it can be set between any adjacent single batteries 12, that is, among N single batteries 12, a first elastic member 15 can be set between any two adjacent single batteries 12. At this time, the number of first elastic members 15 is at least one, and the number can be set according to needs. The large-capacity battery in Figure 2 includes 13 single batteries 12, which are provided with 6 first elastic members 15, and each first elastic member 15 is set between any adjacent single batteries 12.

[0147] Optimally, as shown in Figure 3 , among the N cells 12 , a first elastic member 15 is provided between all adjacent cells 12 . That is, the number of first elastic members 15 is N-1, and each first elastic member 15 is provided between adjacent cells 12 . This arrangement provides ample space for expansion of the multiple cells 12 within the housing 11 , further enhancing the performance and safety of the high-capacity battery. Furthermore, expansion of any cell 12 does not squeeze adjacent cells 12 , improving the reliability of the high-capacity battery.

[0148] On the basis of the above structure, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, this embodiment may further provide a second elastic member 16 capable of elastic deformation between the first single cell 12 and the end plate 113 of the outer shell 11, and between the Nth single cell 12 and the end plate 113 of the outer shell 11, that is, the second elastic member 16 is provided on the two end surfaces of the first single cell 12 and the Nth single cell 12 that are away from each other. The second elastic member 16 provides expansion space so that the expansion and deformation of the single cells 12 at the two ends will not squeeze the outer shell 11, thereby avoiding the problem of deformation and leakage of the outer shell 11 due to squeezing; at the same time, the second elastic member 16 can suppress the deformation of the two side surfaces of the first single cell 12 and the Nth single cell 12 that are away from each other due to expansion, thereby reducing the probability of dangerous accidents such as internal short circuit and thermal runaway caused by swelling and deformation. In addition, the second elastic member 16 can also protect the outer shell 11 and the single battery 12, preventing friction between the end plate 113 of the outer shell 11 and the single battery 12 during installation, which could damage the end plate 113 of the outer shell 11 and the single battery 12. Finally, because the second elastic member 16 is an elastically deformable component, after installation, the thickness of the second elastic member 16 can be adjusted according to the gaps between the end plate 113 of the outer shell 11 and the first single battery 12 and the Nth single battery 12. This allows the second elastic member 16 to position and install each single battery 12, preventing each single battery 12 from shaking within the outer shell 11, further improving the safety of large-capacity batteries.

[0149] The first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 may have the same structure or different structures. In this embodiment, the first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 may be implemented in the following structures:

[0150] The first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 are elastic pads; the elastic pads can be made of a material that is insoluble in the electrolyte, for example, an elastic rubber pad that is insoluble in the electrolyte; more preferably, the elastic pads can be made of a material that is insoluble in the electrolyte and flame retardant, thereby further improving the safety of the large-capacity battery;

[0151] Second, the first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 include two butterfly springs, also known as diaphragm springs; the two butterfly springs are installed back to back between adjacent single batteries 12;

[0152] Third, the first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 include a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate, and a plurality of compression springs are fixedly installed between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. When installed, the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are respectively in contact with two opposite sides of the adjacent single battery 12.

[0153] Compared with the first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 of the first structure, the installation of the first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 of the second structure is relatively complicated, and after installation, the installation position of the butterfly spring piece is easily offset; the first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 of the third structure are relatively complex in structure, and after installation, they need to occupy a larger space in the shell 11, reducing the density of large-capacity batteries.

[0154] In this embodiment, the first elastic member 15 and the second elastic member 16 are preferably elastic pads, which have excellent elasticity and cushioning properties. The dimensions of the elastic pads are consistent with, or slightly smaller than, the long sidewalls of the cell 12 (the long sidewalls of the cell 12 are those parallel to the yz axis). Furthermore, the thickness of the elastic pads is less than the gap between the long sidewalls of adjacent cells 12. After installation, the two end faces of the elastic pads are in close contact with the adjacent long sidewalls of adjacent cells 12. The adjacent cells 12 squeeze the elastic pads, providing preload pressure on the adjacent cells 12.

[0155] Furthermore, the elastic pad in this embodiment can also be configured as a hollow structure, or be provided with multiple heat dissipation and weight reduction holes. The hollow structure or the presence of heat dissipation and weight reduction holes in the elastic pad not only further enables the elastic pad to absorb the expansion force of the individual batteries 12, thereby providing the individual batteries 12 with more room for expansion, but also improves the heat dissipation effect of each individual battery, while also reducing the weight of large-capacity batteries.

[0156] Example 2

[0157] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the large-capacity battery in this embodiment is similar to the large-capacity battery in Example 1. The difference is that in the large-capacity battery in this embodiment, a third elastic member 17 capable of elastic deformation is provided between each single cell 12 and the two side plates 114 of the outer shell 11. After installation, the third elastic member 17 is in contact with the short side wall of each single cell 12 and the side plate 114 of the outer shell, respectively, wherein the two side plates 114 of the outer shell 11 and the short side wall of each single cell 12 are parallel to the xz plane.

[0158] The structure of the third elastic member 17 is similar to that of the first elastic member 15 in Example 1. In this embodiment, the third elastic member 17 can be specifically an elastic pad. Furthermore, the size of the third elastic member 17 is slightly smaller than the two side panels 114 of the housing 11. The third elastic member 17, between each single battery 12 and the two side panels 114 of the housing 11, has the following functions:

[0159] First, when the single battery 12 expands and deforms, the third elastic member 17 can provide expansion space for the single battery 12 in the y direction, so that the expansion and deformation of the single battery 12 will not squeeze the outer shell 11, thereby preventing the outer shell 11 from being squeezed, deformed, and leaking, thereby improving the performance and safety of the large-capacity battery;

[0160] Second, when the large-capacity battery is operating normally, the third elastic member 17 can provide a certain pre-pressure in the y-direction to each single cell 12. The pre-pressure suppresses the swelling deformation of the single cell 12 in the y-direction, reducing the probability of dangerous accidents such as internal short circuit and thermal runaway caused by swelling deformation, thereby further improving the performance and safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0161] Third, the third elastic member 17 can also protect each single battery 12 and the outer shell, preventing friction between the side panels 114 of the outer shell 11 and the single battery 12 during installation, which could damage the side panels 114 of the outer shell 11 and the single battery 12. At the same time, when the large-capacity battery is impacted by external force, the third elastic member 17 provides a buffering force and protection, effectively preventing further impact force from penetrating and reducing the impact force on the single battery 12, thereby protecting the single battery 12 within the outer shell 11.

[0162] The fourth and third elastic members 17 are components with elastic deformation. After installation, the thickness of the third elastic member 17 can be adjusted according to the gap between the side plate 114 of the shell 11 and each single battery 12, so that the third elastic member 17 can position and install each single battery 12 to prevent each single battery 12 from shaking in the shell 11.

[0163] Example 3

[0164] In order to improve the safety of the above-mentioned large-capacity batteries during use, based on the large-capacity batteries in Example 1 or Example 2, the large-capacity batteries in this embodiment are provided with a heat exchange unit. The heat exchange unit is mainly used to perform heat exchange with the large-capacity batteries. The heat exchange unit can be a heat transfer plate or heat transfer tube 18 that contacts the polarity terminal 13 of the large-capacity battery or contacts the outer shell 11. The above-mentioned heat transfer plate or heat transfer tube 18 is connected to an external chiller or cooling and heating machine through a temperature control pipeline assembly to control the temperature of the large-capacity battery.

[0165] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the heat exchange unit in this embodiment is a heat transfer tube 18, which is primarily used to exchange heat with the polarity terminals 13 of the large-capacity battery, thereby achieving temperature control for the large-capacity battery. During installation, the heat transfer tube 18 is provided with a clamping portion 131 where the polarity terminal 13 of each battery cell 12 extends out of the avoidance hole. Each heat transfer tube 18 is fixed to the clamping portion 131 of each battery cell 12, directly connecting the heat transfer tube 18 to the polarity terminal 13 of each battery cell 12. This allows heat to be promptly transferred away from the polarity terminals 13, where heat is most concentrated, ensuring that the large-capacity battery operates within the optimal temperature range. Furthermore, when the temperature of the large-capacity battery falls below a set threshold, a higher-temperature heat transfer medium is introduced into the heat transfer tube 18 to raise the temperature of the large-capacity battery. By controlling the temperature of the heat transfer medium, the large-capacity battery is ensured to maintain its normal operating temperature.

[0166] As shown in Figure 8 , this embodiment provides a through slot or through hole at the location where the polarity terminal 13 of the single cell 12 extends out of the avoidance hole, serving as a clamping portion 131. Compared to through holes, through slots are more convenient for on-site installation and have relatively low installation requirements. The through slot is C-shaped or U-shaped in cross-section. The opening width of the C-shaped through slot is smaller than its widest point. This design facilitates interference fit of the heat transfer tube 18 within the through slot. The arc formed by the two ends of the C-shaped through slot creates natural tension, which helps to tightly secure the heat transfer tube 18 within the slot.

[0167] As shown in Figure 8 , the heat transfer tube 18 is a pipe that performs heat exchange. The cross-sectional shape of the heat transfer tube 18 is not critical, as long as it can contact the polarity terminals 13 of the battery cells 12 for heat exchange. For example, square tubes, oval tubes, round tubes, etc. can be used. In this embodiment, the heat transfer tube 18 is preferably a round tube, as it is easy to install and can be made from existing metal pipes, which is relatively low in cost. Furthermore, to enhance heat exchange, the heat transfer tube 18 is made of a metal tube with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. Preferably, aluminum tubes are used for the heat transfer tube 18, which have good thermal conductivity and are relatively low in cost.

[0168] After the heat transfer tube 18 is connected to the polarity terminal 13 of the large-capacity battery, insulation is required between the heat transfer tube 18 and the polarity terminal 13 of the large-capacity battery to ensure the safety of the large-capacity battery during operation. This insulation can be achieved in the following ways:

[0169] First, the polarity terminals 13 are insulated. Specifically, an insulating layer is provided on the portion of each battery cell 12 where the polarity terminals 13 contact the heat transfer tube 18.

[0170] Second, an insulating heat-conducting member is provided between the polarity terminal 13 and the heat transfer tube 18. Specifically, an insulating plastic pad, an insulating rubber pad, a thermally conductive ceramic pad, etc. are provided between the polarity terminal 13 of each single battery 12 and the heat transfer tube 18.

[0171] Third, insulate the heat transfer tube 18. When insulating the heat transfer tube 18, it can be made of an insulating material, such as a plastic tube or a ceramic tube. However, metal tubes currently have poor thermal conductivity. Therefore, the heat transfer tube 18 is preferably a metal tube. In this case, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, an insulating layer or insulating sleeve is provided on the metal tube to ensure insulation between the metal tube and the large-capacity battery during use. When the metal tube is provided with an insulating layer, the insulating layer is formed on the tube wall of the metal tube. The tube wall can be the outer tube wall or the inner tube wall, preferably the outer tube wall. The insulating layer can be a ceramic coating (i.e., a high-temperature electrical insulating coating, such as boron nitride, aluminum oxide, or copper fluoride coating), an insulating varnish, an enamel insulating layer, or an aluminum tube oxidized to form a hard oxide layer. The insulating sleeve can be made of an insulating material with good thermal conductivity, so that it has excellent thermal conductivity and good insulation properties. Specifically, the insulating sleeve is a thermally conductive plastic sleeve or a thermally conductive rubber sleeve, such as a thermally conductive silicone sleeve, with excellent insulation and thermal conductivity. Preferably, both an insulating layer and an insulating sleeve are provided on the heat transfer tube 18 to form a double-insulation structure. This double-insulation arrangement ensures that during heat exchange between the heat transfer tube 18 and the large-capacity battery, even if either the insulating layer or the insulating sleeve is damaged, reliable insulation performance can be maintained between the heat transfer tube 18 and the large-capacity battery, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery during use.

[0172] Example 4

[0173] During long-term use of large-capacity batteries, condensation will form on the surface due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the heat transfer tube 18. When the condensation accumulates to a certain amount, it will penetrate into the gap between the polarity terminal 13 of the single battery 12 and the avoidance hole, causing the polarity terminal 13 of the single battery 12 to be electrically conductive with the shell 11, which may cause the same single battery 12 to short-circuit.

[0174] This embodiment optimizes the high-capacity battery structure of Examples 1 and 3. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, this overcomes the aforementioned issues by optimizing the top structure of the high-capacity battery and applying an insulating sealant layer to the top plate of the housing 11. The end faces of the polarity terminals 13 of each battery cell 12 extend beyond the insulating sealant layer, allowing for connection to electrical connectors. The liquid inlet and outlet ports of the heat transfer tube 18 also extend beyond the insulating sealant layer. The electrical connectors serve as connectors for connecting individual battery cells 12 in parallel, or for connecting two high-capacity batteries in series. They can also connect the high-capacity battery to an external load.

[0175] In this embodiment, an insulating sealant layer is applied to the top plate of the housing 11. Partial areas of the polarity terminals 13 of each battery cell 12 are covered by the insulating sealant layer, and the end faces of the polarity terminals 13 of each battery cell 12 extend out of the insulating sealant layer to connect to the electrical connector. The main body of the heat transfer tube 18 is also covered by the insulating sealant layer, with the liquid inlet and outlet ends of the heat transfer tube 18 extending out of the insulating sealant layer for connection to the liquid inlet and liquid return manifolds. In other embodiments, the thickness of the insulating sealant layer can be smaller, lower than the main body of the heat transfer tube 18, or cover a portion of the main body of the heat transfer tube 18, as long as condensation cannot enter the gap between the polarity terminals 13 of the battery cell 12 and the avoidance hole. The insulating sealant used in this embodiment is generally a commonly used battery potting compound, such as a silicone thermally conductive potting compound, which has excellent sealing, insulation, vibration resistance, heat dissipation, and waterproofing properties. In order to prevent the insulating sealant from overflowing, in the present embodiment, during the glue injection process, a glue injection mold can be added around the edges of the top plate of the housing 11 to ensure that the insulating sealant can be injected smoothly. After the glue injection is completed, the mold can be removed.

[0176] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, based on the above structure, this embodiment also provides an insulating protective cover 19 on the top of the large-capacity battery to provide insulation protection for the polarity terminal 13, avoiding the potential safety hazards of the polarity terminal 13 being exposed during the operation of the large-capacity battery, and also avoiding the problem of some foreign matter from the external environment falling into the position of the polarity terminal 13 and causing the large-capacity battery to short-circuit, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery. It should be noted that if the insulating protective cover 19 completely wraps the polarity terminal 13, it will make the electrical connection of such a large-capacity battery more difficult. Therefore, this embodiment provides a slit on the side wall of the insulating protective cover 19, through which the electrical connector can be connected to the polarity terminal 13 of the large-capacity battery, thereby achieving electrical connection. It should also be noted that the side wall of the insulating protective cover 19 also needs to provide a channel for the liquid inlet and liquid outlet ends of the heat transfer pipe 18 to extend.

[0177] The present application discloses a large-capacity battery, comprising a shell and n single cells, wherein n is an integer greater than 1; the n single cells are arranged in the same direction and placed in the shell. A rectangular shell is usually used. For ease of description, the length direction of the shell is defined as the x-direction, the width direction of the shell is defined as the y-direction, and the height direction of the shell is defined as the z-direction. The present application does not specifically limit the shell structure, and at least the following two structures can be adopted: The first structure comprises a cylinder assembly with open ends at both ends (i.e., the ports parallel to the yz plane are open ends) and end plate assemblies respectively fixed to the two open ends of the cylinder assembly (i.e., the end plate assembly is parallel to the yz plane); the second structure comprises a cylinder with open ends at the top and bottom (i.e., the ports parallel to the xy plane are open ends) and an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate respectively fixed to the open ends of the top and bottom of the cylinder (i.e., the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate are both parallel to the xy plane);

[0178] In the following embodiments, the first structure is mainly used as an example for introduction. At least one shared chamber extending along the x-direction is provided in the barrel assembly. It should be noted that: the above-mentioned shared chamber can be an electrolyte shared chamber, and the inner cavity of the electrolyte shared chamber is connected to the inner cavity of each single cell. Through the electrolyte shared chamber, each single cell can be placed in a unified electrolyte environment, ensuring the uniformity of the electrolyte in each single cell; and improving the performance and charge and discharge cycle life of large-capacity batteries. The electrolyte shared chamber described here is a liquid channel extending along the length direction of the outer shell between the bottom of the barrel assembly and each single cell. The liquid channel can be integrally formed with the bottom plate of the barrel assembly, or it can be formed by setting a support between the lower cover plate of the single cell and the bottom plate of the barrel assembly.

[0179] The above-mentioned shared chamber can also be a gas chamber provided on the top plate of the cylinder assembly, which covers the gas port on the top of each single cell in the large-capacity battery. It should be noted that the gas port here includes the following two meanings:

[0180] 1) The gas port is a first through hole directly opened on the upper cover plate of the single cell and penetrating the inner cavity of the single cell; at this time, the inner cavity of the gas chamber is connected with the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell through the gas port. The gas chamber serves as a gas sharing chamber for each single cell. Based on the gas chamber, the gas areas of each single cell can be connected to achieve gas balance, so that the gas of each single cell is shared to ensure the consistency of each single cell, which to a certain extent improves the cycle life of the large-capacity battery; when any single cell has thermal runaway, the smoke in the inner cavity of the single cell enters the gas chamber and is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0181] 2) The gas port is an explosion vent or explosion-proof port located on the upper cover of the single cell, and is provided with an explosion-venting membrane. In this case, the gas chamber serves as an explosion-venting channel. When the explosion-venting membrane at the gas port of any single cell is breached by the internal flue gas, the internal cavity of the single cell and the gas chamber are connected, and the internal flue gas is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery. The aforementioned shared chamber can also be a gas chamber, achieving gas balance among the single cells through the gas shared chamber, which can also improve the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of the large-capacity battery.

[0182] The above-mentioned shared chamber can also be a gas-liquid shared chamber. Through a gas-liquid shared chamber, each single cell can be placed in a unified electrolyte environment and gas environment, thereby improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of the large-capacity battery. In order to facilitate the electrical connection of such large-capacity batteries, avoidance holes are opened on the top plate of the cylinder assembly corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single cell; each single cell polarity terminal extends out of the corresponding avoidance hole as a large-capacity battery polarity terminal (all single cell polarity terminals on one side serve as the first polarity terminal of the large-capacity battery, and all single cell polarity terminals on the other side serve as the second polarity terminal of the large-capacity battery, wherein the polarity of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are opposite). The area of ​​the top plate of the cylinder assembly corresponding to the avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell shell, so that the avoidance hole portion of the top plate of the cylinder assembly is sealed.

[0183] When the dimensions of the individual cells in the z direction are similar, the avoidance hole can be sealed by directly welding the top plate area of ​​the cylinder assembly around the avoidance hole to the upper cover plate of the corresponding individual cell. When the dimensions of the individual cells in the z direction have large deviations, if it is necessary to ensure that the lower cover plates of the individual cells are in the same horizontal plane, the upper cover plates of the individual cells will have uneven heights, resulting in gaps between the upper cover plates of some individual cells and the top plate of the cylinder assembly, which may cause cold welds between the top plate of the cylinder assembly and the upper cover plate during welding, or even the problem of being unable to weld. In order to solve this problem, a sealing connector can be used to achieve sealing of the avoidance hole. The specific sealing connector may include a hollow component (similar to a hollow tube), which is sleeved on the outside of the polarity terminal of the single cell. The bottom of the hollow component is sealed to the area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover plate of the single cell, and the top of the hollow component is sealed to the top plate area of ​​the cylinder assembly corresponding to the avoidance hole. The sealing connection can be achieved by welding. The top plate area of ​​the cylinder component corresponding to the avoidance hole is the outer surface area of ​​the top plate of the cylinder component around the avoidance hole; or the hole wall of the avoidance hole.

[0184] It should be noted that the single cell polarity terminal described here can be a single cell pole. If, in order to avoid the single cell pole being unable to smoothly extend out of the avoidance hole as a polarity terminal or the height of the extended avoidance hole does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter can also be connected to the single cell pole, and the overall structure of the single cell pole and the pole adapter can be used as the single cell polarity terminal.

[0185] Furthermore, to improve the heat dissipation performance of these large-capacity batteries, a heat transfer tube clamping portion can be provided where the polarity terminals of the individual battery cells extend out of the clearance holes. The heat transfer tube is secured to the clamping portion. When the temperature of the large-capacity battery exceeds a set threshold, a lower-temperature heat transfer medium is introduced into the heat transfer tube to cool the large-capacity battery. When the temperature of the large-capacity battery falls below the set threshold, a higher-temperature heat transfer medium is introduced into the heat transfer tube to heat the large-capacity battery. By controlling the temperature of the heat transfer medium, the large-capacity battery is ensured to always operate at its normal operating temperature.

[0186] In order to draw the thermal runaway smoke out of the large-capacity battery casing, an explosion relief mechanism connected to the inner cavity of the casing is provided on the casing; under normal circumstances, the explosion relief mechanism is directly connected to the above-mentioned shared chamber. When the above-mentioned large-capacity batteries are assembled into energy storage devices, when individual cells in any large-capacity battery go into thermal runaway, the cells deform in the y direction, causing cracks to appear in the weld between the upper cover and the cylinder. The thermal runaway smoke will leak from the cracks in the cells and spread to the large-capacity battery casing, increasing the pressure in the inner cavity of the casing and easily causing the weak parts of the casing to tear (the weak parts of the casing of the first structure mentioned above are usually the weld area between the cylinder assembly and the end plate assembly, as well as the area of ​​the casing top plate around the avoidance hole). In severe cases, the large-capacity battery or even the energy storage device will burst.

[0187] Based on the above problems, the present application adds a clamping plate in the shell, and the clamping plate cooperates with the side plate of the shell to apply a clamping force to each single cell in the y direction, so that the single cells in the large-capacity battery are constrained in three directions: x (in the x direction, based on the end plate assemblies at both ends, a clamping force can be applied to each single cell), y, and z (in the z direction, the sealing connector cooperates with the top plate and the bottom plate of the shell to support each single cell), ensuring that the thermal runaway smoke can be smoothly released from the explosion relief mechanism, reducing or even avoiding the problem of the single cell shell being torn when the single cell thermal runaway occurs, resulting in aggravated thermal runaway and smoke spread.

[0188] Example 5

[0189] As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the large-capacity battery of this embodiment includes a housing 21 and a plurality of single cells 22 arranged within the housing 21 along the x-direction. The single cells 22 in this embodiment are prismatic batteries, numbering 13. The internal cavity of each single cell 22 includes an electrolyte region and a gas region. In other embodiments, the number of single cells 22 can be adjusted based on actual needs, and the shape of the single cells 22 can also be adjusted based on actual needs. Figure 17 shows an exploded view of the housing 21 of this embodiment, disassembled into a cylindrical assembly 211 with open ends and an end plate assembly 212 covering the open ends of the cylindrical assembly 211. The structure of the barrel assembly 211 is shown in Figure 18 , comprising a barrel and two bosses 2112 for forming a shared electrolyte chamber 23. The barrel is open at both ends. The two bosses 2112 are located on the inner surface of the barrel bottom plate 21112, extending along the same length as the barrel, and arranged in the x-direction and y-direction. The top surfaces of the bosses 2112 serve as support surfaces for the individual cells 22. In the y-direction, a liquid channel is formed between the two bosses 2112, serving as the shared electrolyte chamber 23. The barrel assembly 211 can be integrally formed using an aluminum extrusion process.

[0190] A gas chamber 24 is provided along the x-direction on the top plate 21111 of the cylinder, and the gas chamber 24 communicates with the gas area inside each single cell 22. In other embodiments, only the electrolyte sharing chamber 23 or the gas chamber 24 may be provided.

[0191] The top plate 21111 of the cylinder body defines a clearance hole 2113 that allows the polarity terminals of each cell 22 to extend. As shown in Figure 16 , in this embodiment, the polarity terminals of the cell 22 are formed as a single structure consisting of a cell 22 post 221 and a post adapter 222. Each cell 22 polarity terminal extends through a corresponding clearance hole 2113, and a sealing connector 218 is provided between the clearance hole 2113 and the polarity terminal. This sealing connector 218 comprises a hollow member 2181. The bottom of the hollow member 2181 is sealedly connected to a first region of the cell 22, and the top of the hollow member 2181 is sealedly connected to a second region of the top plate 21111 of the cylinder body. The first region is the area surrounding any polarity terminal on the upper cover of any cell 22. The area surrounding the polarity terminal is the area surrounding the insulating gasket on the polarity terminal. The insulating gasket is a component on the cell 22 that insulates the polarity terminal from the upper cover of the cell 22. The second area is the area of ​​the cylinder top plate 21111 corresponding to any avoidance hole 2113 on the cylinder top plate 21111. The area of ​​the cylinder top plate 21111 corresponding to the avoidance hole 2113 is the surrounding area on the outer surface of the cylinder top plate 21111 corresponding to any avoidance hole 2113; or the area of ​​the cylinder top plate 21111 corresponding to the avoidance hole 2113 is the hole wall of the avoidance hole 2113.

[0192] 14 to 18 , it can be seen that in this embodiment, a clamping plate 27 is provided between the two cylindrical side plates 21113 and the two second side walls of all the single cells 22, and the two surfaces of the clamping plate 27 are respectively in close contact with the cylindrical side plates 21113 and the second side walls of each single cell 22; wherein the side plates of the outer shell 21 and the second side walls of the single cells 22 are both parallel to the xz plane.

[0193] In other embodiments, a clamping plate 27 may be provided only between one of the cylindrical side plates 21113 and one of the second side walls of all the corresponding single cells 22. In this case, both surfaces of the clamping plate 27 are also in close contact with the cylindrical side plate 21113 and the second side wall of each single cell 22, respectively. The other second side wall of all the single cells 22 is in close contact with the other cylindrical side plate 21113. Based on the cooperation between the clamping plate 27 and the two cylindrical side plates 21113, all the single cells 22 can also be clamped in the y-direction. However, compared to this embodiment, when the gap between the second side wall of a single cell 22 and the cylindrical side plate 21113 is large, inserting the clamping plate 27 into the gap will cause the single cell 22 to have a large offset in the y-direction, which may prevent the polarity terminals of each single cell 22 from extending out of the corresponding avoidance holes 2113.

[0194] To ensure balanced force on the second sidewalls of the cells 22, in this embodiment, the dimensions of the clamping plate 27 in the z-direction are preferably similar to, or even identical to, the second sidewalls of the cells 22. Alternatively, the dimensions of the clamping plate 27 may be slightly smaller than the second sidewalls of the cells 22 to facilitate assembly. Because the clamping plate 27 is located within the interior of the housing 21, it should be made of a material that is non-reactive with the electrolyte. Furthermore, the clamping plate 27 should possess a certain degree of rigidity to facilitate insertion into the gap between the second sidewalls of the cells 22 and the sidewalls 21113 of the cylindrical body. Furthermore, in the x-direction, the dimensions of the clamping plate 27 in this embodiment are similar to those of the sidewalls 21113 of the cylindrical body, allowing for simultaneous clamping of all cells. In other embodiments, the clamping plate may be composed of multiple sub-clamping plates, each corresponding to a cell and positioned between the second sidewall of each cell and the sidewalls of the cylindrical body. However, such sub-clamping plates are more complex to install than in this embodiment.

[0195] As can be seen from FIG. 13 and FIG. 17 , in this embodiment, a first through hole 25 communicating with the electrolyte shared chamber 23 is provided in the end plate assembly 212 , and an explosion relief mechanism 26 is connected to the first through hole 25 .

[0196] In this embodiment, each single cell 22 can be clamped in the x, y, and z directions through the following process: first, all single cells 22 are pushed into the barrel assembly 211 along the x direction. Once in place, the clamping plate 27 is inserted into the gap between the second side wall of the single cell 22 and the barrel side plate 21113 (see Figure 19), and all single cells 22 are clamped in the y direction; then, the end plate assembly 212 is fixed to the two open ends of the barrel assembly 211, so that the inner surface of the end plate assembly 212 is in close contact with the first side wall of the outermost single cell 22 in the barrel assembly (the first side wall of the single cell 22 is parallel to the yz plane), and all single cells 22 are clamped in the x direction; the sealing connector 218 is used to fix and seal the barrel top plate 21111 area corresponding to the avoidance hole 2113 to the single cell 22 shell, and all single cells 22 are clamped in the z direction.

[0197] This embodiment clamps each single cell in the x, y, and z directions to ensure that the thermal runaway smoke can be smoothly released from the explosion relief mechanism 26, reducing or even avoiding the problem of the single cell shell being torn when the single cell thermal runaway occurs, resulting in aggravated thermal runaway and smoke spread.

[0198] Example 6

[0199] Unlike Example 5, this embodiment has an end plate assembly 212 with the following structure. Figure 20 shows the schematic structure of the end plate assembly 212 of this embodiment, which includes a first end plate 2121, a second end plate 2122, and a third end plate 2126, all parallel to each other. A first support rib 2123 is provided between the first end plate 2121 and the second end plate 2122 to form a gas channel 2124. The third end plate 2126 is in close contact with the inner surface of the second end plate 2122 (the surface of the second end plate 2122 closest to the battery cells 22 is defined as the inner surface).

[0200] As can be seen from Figure 20, this embodiment includes two first support ribs 2123, which extend along the z-direction and are arranged in the y-direction. A gas channel 2124 is formed between the first end plate 2121, the second end plate 2122, and the two first support ribs 2123. In the z-direction, the dimensions of the two first support ribs 2123 are the same as those of the second end plate 2122. The gas channel 2124 extends along the z-direction, with the upper end serving as the gas inlet of the gas channel 2124 and the lower end serving as the gas outlet. This outlet communicates with the first through hole 25 provided in the first end plate 2121.

[0201] In some other embodiments, one or more first support ribs 2123 may be provided between the first end plate 2121 and the second end plate 2122, as long as a structurally stable gap can be formed between the first end plate and the second end plate as a gas channel 2124. When one first support rib 2123 is used, the first support rib may extend along the z-direction and, in the y-direction, may be located in the middle of the first end plate 2121 and the second end plate 2122. However, compared with this embodiment, its structural stability is weaker. When two or more first support ribs are used, the first support ribs may extend along the z-direction and be arranged at equal intervals in the y-direction, which has higher structural strength than this embodiment, but the processing cost is higher.

[0202] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG21 , the second end plate 2122 can be fixed to the first end plate 2121 by screws. It should be noted that, in order to ensure that a gas channel 2124 is formed between the second end plate 2122 and the first end plate 2121, the length of the screw in the x-direction should be greater than the gap between the second end plate 2122 and the first end plate 2121, and less than the distance between the inner surface of the second end plate 2122 and the outer surface of the first end plate 2121 (the surface closest to each single cell 22 is defined as the inner surface). The screw head passes through the second end plate 2122 and connects to the first end plate 2121. In order to enable the end plate assembly 212 to function as a whole and better squeeze each single cell 22, this embodiment provides a gasket 2125 between the second end plate 2122 and the first end plate 2121, and the screw head passes through the second end plate 2122 and the gasket 2125 in turn and is connected to the first end plate 2121 to avoid the gap between the second end plate 2122 and the first end plate 2121 from becoming smaller or even disappearing when squeezing the single cell 22.

[0203] In this embodiment, the end plate assembly 212 is a single piece, that is, the first end plate 2121, the second end plate 2122, and the first support rib 2123 are a single piece, which can be processed and formed as a single piece using an aluminum extrusion process. Compared with separate pieces, it has a stable structure and lower processing costs. In order to ensure that all thermal runaway smoke enters the gas channel 2124, in the y direction, the distance between the two first support ribs 2123 is preferably greater than the size of the gas chamber 24, that is, the size of the gas channel 2124 inlet end is greater than the size of the gas chamber 24 outlet end; when any single cell 22 experiences thermal runaway, the smoke in the inner cavity of the single cell 22 enters the gas chamber 24, and after being ejected from the gas chamber 24, it can all enter the gas channel 2124, push open the explosion relief mechanism 26 fixed to the second through hole 29 of the first end plate 2121, and be discharged.

[0204] The end plate assembly 212 of this embodiment is fixed to at least one open end of the cylinder assembly 211 of embodiment 5, and the other open end can be sealed with another end plate assembly 212. The difference between the other end plate assembly 212 and the above-mentioned end plate assembly 212 is that the second through hole 29 is not provided on the first end plate 2121.

[0205] For ease of description, the first end plate 2121 of this embodiment is divided into three regions according to different sealing objects, and the three regions are defined as the first sub-end plate 21211, the second sub-end plate 21212, and the third sub-end plate 21213, as shown in Figure 22. The first sub-end plate 21211 is used to seal the open end of the gas chamber 24 of the large-capacity battery. The shape of the first sub-end plate 21211 is adapted to the shape of the open end of the gas chamber 24. The area of ​​the first sub-end plate 21211 can be slightly larger than the area of ​​the open end of the gas chamber 24 and it is fixed to the open end of the gas chamber 24 by fusion welding; the area can also be slightly smaller than the area of ​​the open end of the gas chamber 24 and it is fixed to the open end of the gas chamber 24 by embedding welding. The second sub-end plate 21212 is used to seal the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber 23 of the large-capacity battery. The shape of the second sub-end plate 21212 is adapted to the shape of the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber 23. The area of ​​the second sub-end plate 21212 can be slightly larger than the area of ​​the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber 23, and it is fixed to the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber 23 by welding. The area of ​​the second sub-end plate 21212 can also be slightly smaller than the area of ​​the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber 23, and it is fixed to the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber 23 by insert welding. The third sub-end plate 21213 is used to seal the open end of the cylinder of the large-capacity battery. The shape of the third sub-end plate 21213 is adapted to the shape of the open end of the cylinder, and the area of ​​the third sub-end plate 21213 can be slightly larger than the area of ​​the open end of the cylinder, and it is fixed to the open end of the cylinder by welding. The area of ​​the third sub-end plate 21213 can also be slightly smaller than the area of ​​the open end of the cylinder, and it is fixed to the open end of the cylinder by insert welding.

[0206] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first sub-end plate 21211, the second sub-end plate 21212 and the third sub-end plate 21213 are an integral part. In some other embodiments, a split structure may be adopted. However, compared with the integral part structure, firstly, the processing procedure is more complicated. Secondly, since the sub-end plates need to be connected to each other, each connection part is a weak part or a leak-prone point, which leads to weak sealing of the entire shell 21.

[0207] A first through hole 25 is opened in the first end plate 2121 area corresponding to the second sub-end plate 21212 or the open end of the electrolyte sharing chamber 23. In combination with Figure 13, it can be seen that in this embodiment, part of the first through hole 25 is located on the second sub-end plate 21212, and the other part is located on the third sub-end plate 21213, and the explosion relief mechanism 26 is welded at the first through hole 25.

[0208] In combination with Figure 23, it can be seen that the shape of the second end plate 2122 of this embodiment is compatible with the shape of the third sub-end plate 21213. On the yz plane, the positive projection of the second end plate 2122 is located on the third sub-end plate 21213, and the projection area is less than or equal to the third sub-end plate 21213, so as to avoid the second end plate 2122 blocking the first through hole 25.

[0209] In other embodiments, when the second end plate 2122 is relatively large in the z-direction, fixing it to the third sub-end plate 21213 may block the first through hole 25, resulting in the gas channel 2124 or the electrolyte shared chamber 23 being unable to communicate with the explosion relief mechanism 26. To address this problem, a through hole or notch that is in communication with the first through hole 25 may be provided in the second end plate 2122 to ensure that the first through hole 25 is in communication with the electrolyte shared chamber 23 or the gas channel 2124. The end plate assembly 212 is fixed to the open end of the cylinder assembly 211, and cooperates with the explosion relief mechanism 26 to seal the open end of the cylinder while sealing the open ends of the gas chamber 24 and the electrolyte shared chamber 23. The gas chamber 24 and the electrolyte shared chamber 23 are connected through the gas channel 2124 on the end plate assembly 212. When any single battery 22 experiences thermal runaway, the smoke in its inner cavity rushes out from the gas port and passes through the gas chamber 24 and the gas channel 2124 in sequence, breaking through the explosion relief mechanism 26 and being discharged from the explosion relief mechanism 26.

[0210] When the gas chamber 24 serves as an explosion relief channel, the first through hole 25 is located in the first end plate 2121 area opposite the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber 23. The first through hole 25 also serves as an operating port of the unpacking device. The unpacking device extends into the electrolyte shared chamber 23 through the first through hole 25 to unpack each single battery 22, so that the electrolyte shared chamber 23 and the electrolyte area of ​​the inner cavity of each single battery 22 are connected (specifically, when opening the package, the unpacking device extends into the electrolyte shared chamber 23 through the first through hole 25 to open the sealing film sealed at the opening of the lower cover plate of each single battery 22. The specific sealing film can adopt the sealing film disclosed in Chinese patents CN218525645U and CN218525614U). In addition, the first through hole 25 can also serve as a liquid injection port. Once the electrolyte area in the inner cavity of each single cell 22 is connected to the electrolyte shared chamber 23, electrolyte can be re-injected into the inner cavity of each single cell 22 and the electrolyte shared chamber 23 through the first through hole 25 to ensure the continuity of the electrolyte. After the injection is completed, the explosion relief mechanism 26 is seal-welded to the second sub-end plate 21212 and the third sub-end plate 21213 around the first through hole 25. Compared to separately providing the first through hole 25, the operating port of the package opening device, or the liquid injection port in the end plate assembly 212, the overall structural strength of the end plate assembly 212 is higher, the structure is simple, and it is easy to process.

[0211] A second through hole 29 can also be opened in the first end plate 2121 area corresponding to the open end of the gas chamber 24. After liquid is injected through the second through hole 29, the continuity of the electrolyte in the electrolyte sharing chamber 23 and the inner cavity of each single cell 22 can also be ensured. After the injection is completed, the sealing plate is sealed in the first sub-end plate 21211 and the third sub-end plate 21213 partial area around the second through hole 29.

[0212] When the gas chamber 24 is used as a gas sharing chamber, this embodiment can also open a second through hole 29 in the first end plate 2121 area corresponding to the open end of the gas chamber 24. In this embodiment, the second through hole 29 is located on a partial area of ​​the first sub-end plate 21211 and the third sub-end plate 21213, and the second through hole 29 is used as a liquid injection port. Electrolyte can be injected into the gas chamber 24 through the second through hole 29 to dissolve the sealing film sealed at the top opening of each single cell 22 (the sealing film disclosed in Chinese patents CN218525645U and CN218525614U can be used. When injecting liquid, the entire large-capacity battery can be inverted to allow the sealing film to fully dissolve), so that the gas chamber 24 and the inner cavity of each single cell 22 are connected; at the same time, after the large-capacity battery is placed upright and the liquid is injected through the second through hole 29, the continuity of the electrolyte in the electrolyte sharing chamber 23 and the inner cavity of each single cell 22 can be ensured. After the injection is completed, the sealing sheet is sealed in the first sub-end plate 21211 and the partial area of ​​the third sub-end plate 21213 around the second through hole 29.

[0213] As shown in Figure 24, this embodiment adjusts the x-direction dimensions of the third end plate 2126 to clamp all cells 22 in the x-direction, preventing deformation of the cells 22 in the x-direction and tearing the connection between the upper cover and its first sidewall. This also improves the stability of each cell 22 within the housing 21 and prevents swelling of the cells 22, which could reduce the cycling performance of large-capacity batteries. Furthermore, the third end plate 2126 further mitigates the effects of thermal runaway fumes on the outermost cells 22. It should be noted that the z-direction dimensions of the third end plate 2126 can be reduced so that it does not block the first through-hole 25. Alternatively, a through-hole or notch can be provided in the portion of the third end plate 2126 corresponding to the first through-hole 25 to ensure connectivity between the gas chamber 24, the gas channel 2124, the electrolyte shared chamber 23, and the explosion relief mechanism 26.

[0214] Example 7

[0215] Unlike the fifth and sixth embodiments described above, this embodiment optimizes the structure of the sealing connector 218 to further improve the sealing performance of the avoidance hole 2113. When the sealing connector 218 of the fifth embodiment is used to securely seal the top plate area of ​​the cylinder corresponding to the avoidance hole 2113 with the housing of the single cell 22, the following problems have been observed during actual processing and application: 1. When welding the bottom of the hollow member 2181 to the area surrounding the polarity terminals of the upper cover of the single cell 22, some of the upper covers of the single cell 22 are easily damaged, resulting in the scrapping of the single cell 22; 2. The areas surrounding the polarity terminals of the upper cover of some single cell 22 may be difficult to weld due to other structures; 3. Even if no damage is visible during processing, in actual application, when individual single cells 22 in a large-capacity battery equipped with the aforementioned sealing connector 218 experience thermal runaway, thermal runaway fumes may leak from the connection area surrounding the polarity terminals of the upper cover of the single cell 22. Therefore, if the above-mentioned multiple large-capacity batteries are assembled into an energy storage device, when thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway smoke may leak from the welding parts around the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of the single cell 22 and spread, posing a certain safety hazard. Based on this problem, the large-capacity battery after thermal runaway was disassembled, and it was found that cracks appeared in the connection area around the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of the single cell 22 where thermal runaway occurred (the connection area with the bottom of the sealing connector 218). After analysis, the reason for this phenomenon is that there is a certain weak area around the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of the single cell 22. If the connection area falls into this weak area, it will cause the above-mentioned problem to occur. The reason is that the welding process has a certain degree of damage to the weak area, which in turn causes the area to be unable to withstand the thermal runaway pressure. When thermal runaway occurs, cracks are generated, causing the thermal runaway smoke to leak from this area.

[0216] Based on this, this embodiment considers optimizing the structure of the sealing connector 218, mainly adjusting the size and shape of the bottom open end 21811 of the hollow component 2181, so that the bottom open end 21811 of the hollow component 2181 covers the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell 22 in the positive projection of the upper cover of the single cell 22; thereby ensuring that when welding the bottom of the hollow component 2181 and the surrounding area of ​​the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell 22, the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell 22 can be avoided, thereby avoiding damage to the weak area during the welding process.

[0217] It should be noted that: 1. The size, location, and shape of the corresponding weak areas of battery cells produced by different manufacturers vary. Therefore, when manufacturing the sealing connector 218, this embodiment first needs to determine the size, location, and shape of the weak areas of the battery cells. The size and shape of the bottom open end 21811 of the hollow member 2181 are adjusted for battery cells produced by different manufacturers. 2. In this embodiment, areas that are easily damaged by welding, areas that cannot be welded, or areas where welding reduces pressure-bearing performance are referred to as weak areas.

[0218] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing connector 218 of this embodiment. As can be seen from the figure, the sealing connector 218 of this embodiment includes a hollow member 2181, which can also be referred to as a hollow tube. Both ends of the hollow member 2181 are open. For ease of description, one open end is defined as the bottom open end 21811, and the other open end is defined as the top open end 21812. The bottom of the hollow member 2181 is used to sealably connect with the first area of ​​the single cell 22. The first area referred to herein is the area surrounding the weak area on the upper cover of the single cell 22. To seal the bottom of the hollow member 2181 with the first area of ​​the single cell 22, the orthographic projection (orthographic projection area) of the bottom open end 21811 of the hollow member 2181 of this embodiment on the upper cover of the single cell 22 covers the weak area surrounding the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 22. It should be noted that, in this case, the orthographic projection (orthographic projection area) of the bottom open end 21811 of the hollow member 2181 on the upper cover of the single battery 22 must cover the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single battery 22 .

[0219] During welding, the hollow member 2181 can be first positioned on the upper cover of the single cell 22. The position of the hollow member 2181 is adjusted so that the orthographic projection of the open end 21811 of the hollow member 2181 on the upper cover of the single cell 22 covers the weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 22. Then, the bottom of the hollow member 2181 is welded to the upper cover of the single cell 22. Because the two welded surfaces are perpendicular to each other, the reliability and sealing of the weld may be relatively weak.

[0220] In order to solve this problem, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the bottom plate 2182 can be fixed to the open end 21811 at the bottom of the hollow component 2181, and a third through hole 21820 can be opened on the bottom plate 2182. The size of the third through hole 21820 needs to ensure that the polarity terminal of the single cell 22 can pass through, and the bottom plate 2182 is welded to the outer area of ​​the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover plate of the single cell 22.

[0221] The size and shape of the third through hole 21820 can be determined based on the size and shape of the weak area of ​​the single cell 22. As can be seen from the figure, the third through hole 21820 in this embodiment is a waist-shaped first through hole 25, and the corresponding weak area of ​​the single cell 22 is also a waist-shaped area. Preferably, the orthographic projection of the third through hole 21820 on the upper cover of the single cell 22 covers the weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 22. In this way, when the bottom plate 2182 is welded to the upper cover of the single cell 22, the weld area is necessarily located outside the weak area. The bottom plate 2182 can be fixed to the open bottom end 21811 of the hollow member 2181 by welding, or the bottom plate 2182 and the hollow member 2181 can be processed into a single piece. Compared with separate pieces, a single piece has lower processing costs and also has higher structural stability.

[0222] In some other embodiments, as shown in Figure 28, a second annular plate 2183 can be fixedly mounted on the outer side of the bottom of the hollow member 2181, and the second annular plate 2183 can be welded to the peripheral area of ​​the weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 22. Because the positive projection of the open end 21811 of the bottom of the hollow member 2181 on the upper cover of the single cell 22 covers the weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 22, the second annular plate 2183 is located on the outer side of the bottom of the hollow member 2181, and its inner diameter must be larger than the diameter of the open end 21811 of the bottom of the hollow member 2181. In this way, when the second annular plate 2183 is welded to the upper cover of the single cell 22, the welding part must be located in the peripheral area of ​​the weak area. The second annular plate 2183 can be fixed to the open end 21811 at the bottom of the hollow component 2181 by welding, or the second annular plate 2183 and the hollow component 2181 can be processed into an integral part by an integrated processing method. Compared with separate parts, the processing cost of the integral part is lower, and it also has higher structural stability.

[0223] The top of the hollow member 2181 is used to seal and connect with the top plate area of ​​the cylinder around the avoidance hole 2113. In this embodiment, the size and shape of the open end 21812 at the top of the hollow member 2181 are mainly related to the shape of the avoidance hole 2113. For example, the avoidance hole 2113 of the large-capacity battery adapted by the hollow member 2181 in this embodiment is a circular hole, so the open end 21812 at the top of the hollow member 2181 is circular, and its diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the avoidance hole 2113. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the hollow member 2181 is used to tightly fit with the wall of the avoidance hole 2113, and the hollow member 2181 and the avoidance hole 2113 are welded and sealed by laser welding. The welding area between the hollow member 2181 and the avoidance hole 2113 is between the outer edge of the top of the hollow member 2181 and the inner edge of the wall of the avoidance hole 2113.

[0224] As shown in Figure 29, it is a schematic diagram of a partial explosion of a large-capacity battery in this embodiment. In order to clearly illustrate the connection position between the sealing connector 218 and the upper cover of the single battery 22 and the top plate area of ​​the cylinder around the avoidance hole 2113, three states are shown in Figure 29. At position a, the bottom plate 2182 of the sealing connector 218 and the outer area of ​​the weak area of ​​the upper cover are welded and sealed; at position b, the pole 221 of the single battery 22 is located in the avoidance hole 2113, and the welding of the sealing connector 218 has not been completed; at position c, the single battery 22 is not installed in the corresponding part of the avoidance hole 2113, and the structure of the avoidance hole 2113 can be clearly displayed.

[0225] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG30 (unlike FIG25 , the third through hole 21820 on the bottom plate 2182 of the sealing connector 218 is a circular hole), a first annular plate 2184 may be fixedly mounted on the outside of the top of the hollow member 2181, and the first annular plate 2184 may be welded and sealed to the second region of the housing 21; the second region being the outer surface region of the cylinder top plate surrounding the avoidance hole 2113. The first annular plate 2184 may be fixed to the open end 21812 of the top of the hollow member 2181 by welding.

[0226] The present application discloses a large-capacity battery, comprising a housing and n single cells, where n is an integer greater than 1; the n single cells are arranged in the same direction and placed in the housing. A rectangular housing is generally used. For ease of description, the length direction of the housing is defined as the x-direction, the width direction of the housing is defined as the y-direction, and the height direction of the housing is defined as the z-direction. The housing of the present application comprises a box body with open ends at the top and bottom (i.e., the ports parallel to the xy plane are open ends) and a second cover plate and a first cover plate fixed to the open ends of the top and bottom of the box body, respectively (i.e., the second cover plate and the first cover plate are both parallel to the xy plane); a shared electrolyte chamber extending at least along the x-direction is provided on the first cover plate. The inner cavity of the shared electrolyte chamber is connected to the inner cavity of each single cell. Through the shared electrolyte chamber, each single cell can be placed in a unified electrolyte environment, ensuring the uniformity of the electrolyte in each single cell; thereby improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of the large-capacity battery. The electrolyte shared chamber described here is a liquid channel located on the first cover plate and extending in the length direction of the x direction. The liquid channel can be integrally formed with the first cover plate, or it can be formed by arranging a hollow tube on the outer surface of the first cover plate (a through hole needs to be opened in the hollow tube and the first cover plate, and the inner cavity of the single cell and the inner cavity of the hollow tube are connected based on the through hole).

[0227] A gas chamber can also be provided on the second cover plate, which covers the gas port on the top of each single cell in the large-capacity battery. It should be noted that the gas port here includes the following two meanings:

[0228] 1) The gas port is a first through hole directly opened on the upper cover plate of the single cell and penetrating the inner cavity of the single cell; at this time, the inner cavity of the gas chamber is connected with the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell through the gas port. The gas chamber serves as a gas sharing chamber for each single cell. Based on the gas chamber, the gas areas of each single cell can be connected to achieve gas balance, so that the gas of each single cell is shared to ensure the consistency of each single cell, which to a certain extent improves the cycle life of the large-capacity battery; when any single cell has thermal runaway, the smoke in the inner cavity of the single cell enters the gas chamber and is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0229] 2) The gas port is an explosion vent or explosion-proof port located on the upper cover of the single cell, and is provided with an explosion-venting membrane. In this case, the gas chamber serves as an explosion-venting channel. When the explosion-venting membrane at the gas port of any single cell is breached by the internal flue gas, the internal cavity of the single cell and the gas chamber are connected, and the internal flue gas is discharged through the gas chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery. The aforementioned shared chamber can also be a gas chamber, achieving gas balance among the single cells through the gas shared chamber, which can also improve the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of the large-capacity battery.

[0230] In order to facilitate the electrical connection of such large-capacity batteries, avoidance holes are opened on the second cover plate corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single cell; each single cell polarity terminal extends out of the corresponding avoidance hole to serve as a large-capacity battery polarity terminal (all single cell polarity terminals on one side serve as the first polarity terminal of the large-capacity battery, and all single cell polarity terminals on the other side serve as the second polarity terminal of the large-capacity battery, where the polarities of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are opposite), and the second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell housing, so that the avoidance hole portion of the second cover plate is sealed.

[0231] When the dimensions of the individual cells in the z direction are similar, the avoidance hole can be sealed by directly welding the second cover plate area around the avoidance hole to the corresponding upper cover plate of the individual cells. When the dimensions of the individual cells in the z direction have large deviations, if it is necessary to ensure that the lower cover plates of the individual cells are on the same horizontal plane, the upper cover plates of the individual cells will have uneven heights, resulting in gaps between the upper and second cover plates of some individual cells, which may lead to a cold weld between the second cover plate and the upper cover plate during welding, or even the problem of being unable to weld. To solve this problem, a sealing connector can be used to achieve sealing of the avoidance hole. The specific sealing connector can include a hollow component (similar to a hollow tube), which is sleeved on the outside of the polarity terminal of the individual cell; the bottom of the hollow component is sealed to the area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover plate of the individual cell, and the top of the hollow component is sealed to the second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole. The sealing connection can be achieved by welding. The second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole is the outer surface area of ​​the second cover plate around the avoidance hole; or it is the wall of the avoidance hole.

[0232] It should be noted that the single cell polarity terminal described here can be a single cell pole. If, in order to avoid the single cell pole being unable to smoothly extend out of the avoidance hole as a polarity terminal or the height of the extended avoidance hole does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter can also be connected to the single cell pole, and the overall structure of the single cell pole and the pole adapter can be used as the single cell polarity terminal.

[0233] Furthermore, to improve the heat dissipation performance of these large-capacity batteries, a heat transfer tube clamping portion can be provided where the polarity terminals of the individual battery cells extend out of the clearance holes. The heat transfer tube is secured to the clamping portion. When the temperature of the large-capacity battery exceeds a set threshold, a lower-temperature heat transfer medium is introduced into the heat transfer tube to cool the large-capacity battery. When the temperature of the large-capacity battery falls below the set threshold, a higher-temperature heat transfer medium is introduced into the heat transfer tube to heat the large-capacity battery. By controlling the temperature of the heat transfer medium, the large-capacity battery is ensured to always operate at its normal operating temperature.

[0234] In order to draw the thermal runaway smoke out of the large-capacity battery casing, an explosion relief mechanism connected to the inner cavity of the casing is provided on the casing; generally, the explosion relief mechanism directly penetrates the above-mentioned electrolyte shared chamber or gas chamber. When the above-mentioned large-capacity battery is assembled into an energy storage device, when individual cells in any large-capacity battery go into thermal runaway, the cells deform in the x and y directions, causing cracks in the weld between the upper cover plate and the cylinder of the cells. The thermal runaway smoke will leak from the cracks and diffuse into the large-capacity battery casing, increasing the pressure in the inner cavity of the casing. This can easily cause the welds between the box body and the first and second cover plates, as well as the area of ​​the second cover plate around the avoidance hole, to tear. In severe cases, this can cause the large-capacity battery or even the energy storage device to explode.

[0235] Based on the above problems, the present application adds a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate in the outer shell. The first clamping plate cooperates with the first side plate of the box to apply a clamping force to each single cell in the y direction, and the second clamping plate cooperates with the second side plate of the box to apply a clamping force to each single cell in the x direction. Ultimately, the single cells in such large-capacity batteries are constrained in three directions: x, y, and z (in the z direction, the sealing connector cooperates with the second cover plate and the first cover plate to support each single cell), ensuring that the thermal runaway smoke can be smoothly released from the explosion relief mechanism, reducing or even avoiding the problem of tearing of the single cell shell when the single cell thermal runaway occurs, resulting in aggravated thermal runaway and smoke spread.

[0236] Example 8

[0237] Figure 32 shows an exploded view of the large-capacity battery of this embodiment, comprising a housing 31 and a plurality of cells 32 arranged within the housing 31 along the x-direction. In this embodiment, the cells 32 are prismatic cells, numbering nine. Each cell 32 has an internal cavity comprising an electrolyte region and a gas region. In other embodiments, the number and configuration of the cells 32 can be adjusted based on actual needs.

[0238] As can be seen in Figure 32, the housing 31 of this embodiment includes a box body 311 with open tops and bottoms, and a second cover plate 312 and a first cover plate 313, respectively covering the top and bottom open ends of the box body 311. A liquid channel extending along the x-direction is provided in the first cover plate 313, serving as a shared electrolyte chamber 37. The interior of this shared electrolyte chamber 37 communicates with the electrolyte areas within each of the single cells 32. A gas channel extending along the x-direction is provided in the second cover plate 312, serving as a gas chamber 38. The interior of this gas chamber 38 communicates with the gas areas within each of the single cells 32. In other embodiments, only the shared electrolyte chamber 37 may be provided.

[0239] The second cover plate 312 defines a clearance hole 34 that allows the polarity terminals of each battery cell 32 to extend. As shown in Figures 33 and 34, in this embodiment, the polarity terminals of the battery cells 32 are formed by the combination of the battery cell 32 post 321 and the post adapter 322. Each battery cell 32 polarity terminal extends through a corresponding clearance hole 34, and a sealing connector 36 is provided between the clearance hole 34 and the polarity terminal. This sealing connector 36 comprises a hollow member 3181 (see Figure 38). The bottom of the hollow member 3181 is sealed to a first region of the battery cell 32, and the top of the hollow member 3181 is sealed to a second region of the second cover plate 312. The first region is the area surrounding any polarity terminal on the upper cover plate of the battery cell 32. The area surrounding the polarity terminal is the area surrounding the insulating gasket on the polarity terminal. The insulating gasket is a component on the battery cell 32 that insulates the polarity terminal from the upper cover plate of the battery cell 32. The second area is the area of ​​the second cover plate 312 corresponding to the avoidance holes 34 on the second cover plate 312. The area of ​​the second cover plate 312 corresponding to the avoidance holes 34 is the peripheral area on the outer surface of the second cover plate 312 corresponding to any avoidance hole 34; or the area of ​​the second cover plate 312 corresponding to the avoidance hole 34 is the hole wall of the avoidance hole 34.

[0240] As can be seen from Figures 32 to 34 , in this embodiment, a flat first clamping plate 331 is provided between the two first side panels of the case 311 and the two first side walls of all the cells 32. The two surfaces of the first clamping plate 331 are in close contact with the first side panels of the case 311 and the first side walls of each cell 32, respectively. The first side panels of the case 311 and the first side walls of the cells 32 are both parallel to the xz plane. A flat second clamping plate 332 is provided between the two second side panels of the case 311 and the second side walls of the two outermost cells 32. The two surfaces of the second clamping plate 332 are in close contact with the second side panels of the case 311 and the second side walls of the cells 32, respectively. The second side panels of the case 311 and the second side walls of the cells 32 are both parallel to the xz plane.

[0241] In some other embodiments, the first clamping plate 331 may be provided only between one of the first side panels of the case 311 and one of the first side walls of all the corresponding single cells 32. In this case, both surfaces of the first clamping plate 331 are also in close contact with the first side panel of the case 311 and the first side walls of each single cell 32, respectively. The other first side walls of all the single cells 32 are in close contact with the other first side panel of the case 311. Based on the cooperation between the first clamping plate 331 and the two first side panels of the case 311, all the single cells 32 can also be clamped in the y-direction. However, compared to this embodiment, when the gap between the first side wall of a single cell 32 and the first side panel of the case 311 is large, inserting the first clamping plate 331 into the gap will cause a significant offset in the y-direction between the center of the single cell 32 and the center of the second cover plate, which may prevent the polarity terminals of each single cell 32 from extending through the corresponding avoidance holes 34.

[0242] Similarly, in some other embodiments, a second clamping plate 332 may be provided only between one of the second side panels of the casing 311 and the second side wall of the outermost single cell 32 opposite it. In this case, the second side wall of the other outermost single cell 32 is in close contact with the other second side panel of the casing 311. The second clamping plate 332 cooperates with both second side panels of the casing 311 to clamp all single cells 32 in the x-direction. However, compared to this embodiment, if the gap between the second side wall of a single cell 32 and the second side panel of the casing 311 is large, inserting the second clamping plate 332 into this gap will cause a significant offset in the x-direction between the center of the single cell 32 and the center of the second cover plate, potentially preventing the polarity terminals of each single cell 32 from extending through the corresponding avoidance holes 34.

[0243] In order to ensure that the first and second side walls of the single battery 32 are subjected to balanced forces, in this embodiment, preferably, in the z direction, the sizes of the first clamping plate 331 and the second clamping plate 332 are approximately the same as the first and second side walls of the single battery 32 , and the two can be completely equal.

[0244] To facilitate installation of the first clamping plate 331, its dimensions in the x-direction are slightly smaller than those of the first side panel of the case 311. To facilitate installation of the second clamping plate 332, its dimensions in the y-direction are slightly smaller than those of the second side panel of the case 311. Because both the first and second clamping plates 331, 332 are located within the interior of the housing 31, they should be made of a material that does not react with the electrolyte. Furthermore, the first and second clamping plates 331, 332 should possess a certain degree of rigidity to facilitate insertion into the gap between the cells 32 and the case 311.

[0245] In this embodiment, each single cell 32 can be clamped in the x, y, and z directions through the following process: first, from the top open end of the box body 311, each single cell 32 is arranged in the box body 311 with the first cover plate 313 sealed at the bottom; after being in place, the first clamping plate 331 is inserted into the gap between the first side wall of the single cell 32 and the first side plate of the box body 311, and all the single cells 32 are clamped in the y direction; the second clamping plate 332 is inserted into the gap between the second side wall of the single cell 32 and the second side plate of the box body 311, and all the single cells 32 are clamped in the x direction; the second cover plate 312 is fixed to the top open end of the box body 311, and the sealing connector 36 is used to fix and seal the second cover plate 312 area corresponding to the avoidance hole 34 to the single cell 32 shell, and all the single cells 32 are clamped in the z direction.

[0246] This embodiment clamps each single cell 32 in the x, y, and z directions to ensure that the thermal runaway smoke can be smoothly released from the explosion relief mechanism, reducing or even avoiding the problem of the single cell shell being torn, which leads to aggravated thermal runaway and smoke spread when the single cell thermal runaway occurs.

[0247] Example 9

[0248] As shown in Figure 35, it is a schematic diagram of the explosion of the large-capacity battery of this embodiment; it can be seen from the figure that, unlike Example 8, one of the first clamping plates 331 of this embodiment includes multiple first sub-clamping plates 3311, and the other first clamping plate 331 is the same as Example 8, which is an integrated flat plate structure with an x-direction dimension slightly smaller than the dimension of the box body 311.

[0249] In this embodiment, each first sub-clamping plate 3311 corresponds to a single cell 32 one by one, and is arranged between the first side wall of each single cell and the first side plate of the box body 311, and the size of each first sub-clamping plate 3311 in the x direction is equal to the size of the first side wall of the single cell 32.

[0250] Compared with Example 8, when the dimensional deviation of each single cell 32 in the y direction is large, this embodiment can select first sub-clamping plates 3311 of different thicknesses according to the distance between the first side plate of the single cell 32 and the first side wall of the box body 311, so as to ensure that all single cells 32 are clamped in the y direction.

[0251] In some other embodiments, the two first clamping plates 331 can be set as split structures, that is, the two first clamping plates 331 are composed of multiple first sub-clamping plates 3311; each of the two first side walls of each single battery 32 corresponds to a first sub-clamping plate 3311; however, compared with this embodiment, its structure is more complicated and the subsequent installation is also more complicated.

[0252] Example 10

[0253] As shown in Figure 36, it is a schematic diagram of the local structure of the large-capacity battery of this embodiment. It can be seen from the figure that, unlike the above-mentioned embodiments 8 and 9, this embodiment is provided with multiple partitions 35 in the inner cavity of the box body 311. The multiple partitions 35 are arranged at equal intervals along the x direction, dividing the inner cavity of the box body 311 into multiple single cell 32 installation cavities; a single cell 32 is fixed in each single cell 32 installation cavity.

[0254] To facilitate the installation of the single cells 32, the size of the installation cavity of each single cell 32 needs to be slightly larger than the thickness and width of the single cell 32 in the x and y directions. Similarly, when the assembly is completed, there is a gap between each single cell 32 and the wall of the single cell installation cavity (including the partition and the first side plate of the box body). The single cell is deformed in the x and y directions, resulting in cracks between the upper cover and the cylinder. Thermal runaway smoke will leak from the cracks in the single cell and spread to the entire energy storage device box.

[0255] Therefore, it can be seen from Figure 36 that in this embodiment, two first sub-clamping plates 3311 and two second clamping plates 332 are fixed in each single cell 32 installation cavity. The two first sub-clamping plates 3311 are respectively located between the two first side walls of the single cell 32 and the corresponding first side plate of the box body 311. In the single cell 32 installation cavity near the middle part, the two second clamping plates 332 are respectively located between the two second side walls of the single cell 32 and the corresponding partition 35. In the single cell 32 installation cavity located on the outermost part, the two second clamping plates 332 are respectively located between the second side wall of the single cell 32 and the corresponding partition 35 and the second side plate of the box body 311.

[0256] In this embodiment, each single cell 32 can be clamped in the x, y, and z directions through the following process: first, from the top open end of the box body 311, each single cell 32 is arranged in each single cell 32 installation cavity sealed with a first cover plate 313 at the bottom; after being in place, as shown in Figure 37, each first sub-clamping plate 3311 is inserted into the gap between the first side wall of the single cell 32 and the first side plate of the box body 311, and all single cells 32 are clamped in the y direction; the second clamping plate 332 is inserted into the gap between the second side wall of the single cell 32 and the partition 35 and the second side plate of the box body 311, and all single cells 32 are clamped in the x direction; the second cover plate 312 is fixed to the top open end of the box body 311, and the second cover plate 312 area corresponding to the avoidance hole 34 is fixed and sealed to the single cell 32 shell by the sealing connector 36, and all single cells 32 are clamped in the z direction.

[0257] In this embodiment, the heat generated during the charge and discharge process of each single battery can be transferred to the outside through the partition and the second clamping plate, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. In addition, the partition can also enhance the strength of the box.

[0258] Example 11

[0259] Unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, this embodiment optimizes the structure of the sealing connector 36 to further improve the sealing performance of the avoidance hole 34. When the sealing connector 36 of Example 8 is used to securely seal the second cover plate 312 region corresponding to the avoidance hole 34 with the housing of the single cell 32, the following problems have been observed during actual processing and application: 1. When welding the bottom of the hollow member 3181 to the area surrounding the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of the single cell 32, some of the upper cover plates of the single cell 32 are easily damaged, resulting in the scrapping of the single cell 32; 2. The areas surrounding the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of some single cell 32 may be difficult to weld due to other structures; 3. Even if no damage is visible during processing, in actual application, when individual single cells 32 in a large-capacity battery equipped with the above-mentioned sealing connector 36 experience thermal runaway, the thermal runaway smoke may leak from the connection area surrounding the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of the single cell 32. Therefore, if the above-mentioned multiple large-capacity batteries are assembled into an energy storage device, when thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway smoke may leak from the welding parts around the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of the single cell 32 and spread, posing a certain safety hazard. Based on this problem, the large-capacity battery after thermal runaway was disassembled, and it was found that cracks appeared in the connection area around the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of the single cell 32 that experienced thermal runaway (the connection area with the bottom of the sealing connector 36). After analysis, the reason for this phenomenon is that there is a certain weak area around the polarity terminals of the upper cover plate of the single cell 32. If the connection area falls into this weak area, it will cause the above-mentioned problem. The reason is that the welding process has a certain degree of damage to the weak area, which in turn causes the area to be unable to withstand the thermal runaway pressure. When thermal runaway occurs, cracks are generated, causing the thermal runaway smoke to leak from this area.

[0260] Based on this, this embodiment considers optimizing the structure of the sealing connector 36, mainly adjusting the size and shape of the bottom open end 31811 of the hollow component 3181, so that the bottom open end 31811 of the hollow component 3181 covers the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell 32 in the positive projection of the upper cover of the single cell 32; thereby ensuring that when welding the bottom of the hollow component 3181 and the surrounding area of ​​the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell 32, the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover of the single cell 32 can be avoided, thereby avoiding damage to the weak area during the welding process.

[0261] It should be noted that: 1. The size, location, and shape of the corresponding weak areas of individual cells produced by different manufacturers also vary. Therefore, when manufacturing the sealing connector 36, this embodiment first needs to determine the size, location, and shape of the weak areas of the individual cells. The size and shape of the bottom open end 31811 of the hollow member 3181 are adjusted for individual cells produced by different manufacturers. 2. In this embodiment, areas that are easily damaged by welding, areas that cannot be welded, or areas where welding reduces pressure-bearing performance are referred to as weak areas.

[0262] FIG38 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing connector 36 of this embodiment. As can be seen from the figure, the sealing connector 36 of this embodiment includes a hollow member 3181, which can also be referred to as a hollow tube. Both ends of the hollow member 3181 are open. For ease of description, one open end is defined as the bottom open end 31811, and the other open end is defined as the top open end 31812. The bottom of the hollow member 3181 is used to sealably connect with the first area of ​​the single cell 32. The first area referred to herein is the area surrounding the weak area on the upper cover of the single cell 32. To seal the bottom of the hollow member 3181 with the first area of ​​the single cell 32, the orthographic projection (orthographic projection area) of the bottom open end 31811 of the hollow member 3181 of this embodiment on the upper cover of the single cell 32 covers the weak area surrounding the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 32. It should be noted that, in this case, the orthographic projection (orthographic projection area) of the bottom open end 31811 of the hollow member 3181 on the upper cover of the single battery 32 must cover the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single battery 32 .

[0263] During welding, the hollow member 3181 can be first positioned on the upper cover of the single cell 32. The position of the hollow member 3181 is adjusted so that the orthographic projection of the open end 31811 of the hollow member 3181 on the upper cover of the single cell 32 covers the weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 32. Then, the bottom of the hollow member 3181 is welded to the upper cover of the single cell 32. Because the two welded surfaces are perpendicular to each other, the reliability and sealing of the weld may be relatively weak.

[0264] In order to solve this problem, as shown in Figures 39 and 40, the bottom plate 3182 can be fixed to the open end 31811 at the bottom of the hollow component 3181, and a third through hole 31820 can be opened on the bottom plate 3182. The size of the third through hole 31820 needs to ensure that the polarity terminal of the single battery 32 can pass through, and the bottom plate 3182 is welded to the outer area of ​​the weak area around the polarity terminal of the upper cover plate of the single battery 32, as shown in Figures 33 and 34.

[0265] The size and shape of the third through hole 31820 can be determined according to the size and shape of the weak area of ​​the single cell 32. As can be seen from the figure, the third through hole 31820 of this embodiment is a waist-shaped first through hole, and the weak area of ​​the corresponding single cell 32 is also a waist-shaped area; preferably, the orthographic projection of the third through hole 31820 on the upper cover of the single cell 32 covers the weak area around the polarity terminal on the upper cover of the single cell 32; in this way, when the bottom plate 3182 is welded to the upper cover of the single cell 32, the welding part must be located outside the weak area.

[0266] The bottom plate 3182 can be fixed to the open end 31811 at the bottom of the hollow member 3181 by welding, or the bottom plate 3182 and the hollow member 3181 can be processed into an integral part by an integrated processing method. Compared with separate parts, the processing cost of the integral part is lower, and it also has higher structural stability.

[0267] In some other embodiments, as shown in Figure 41, a second annular plate 3183 can be fixedly mounted on the outer side of the bottom of the hollow member 3181, and the second annular plate 3183 can be welded to the peripheral area of ​​the weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 32. Because the positive projection of the open end 31811 of the bottom of the hollow member 3181 on the upper cover of the single cell 32 covers the weak area around the polarity terminals on the upper cover of the single cell 32, the second annular plate 3183 is located on the outer side of the bottom of the hollow member 3181, and its inner diameter must be larger than the diameter of the open end 31811 of the bottom of the hollow member 3181. In this way, when the second annular plate 3183 is welded to the upper cover of the single cell 32, the welding part must be located in the peripheral area of ​​the weak area. The second annular plate 3183 can be fixed to the open end 31811 at the bottom of the hollow component 3181 by welding, or the second annular plate 3183 and the hollow component 3181 can be processed into an integral part by an integrated processing method. Compared with separate parts, the processing cost of the integral part is lower, and it also has higher structural stability.

[0268] In conjunction with Figures 33 and 34, the top of the hollow member 3181 is sealed and connected to the second cover plate 312 area around the avoidance hole 34; in this embodiment, the size and shape of the open end 31812 at the top of the hollow member 3181 are mainly related to the shape of the avoidance hole 34. For example, the avoidance hole 34 of the large-capacity battery adapted by the hollow member 3181 in this embodiment is a circular hole, so the open end 31812 at the top of the hollow member 3181 is circular, and the diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the avoidance hole 34. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the hollow member 3181 is used to tightly fit with the wall of the avoidance hole 34, and the hollow member 3181 and the avoidance hole 34 are welded and sealed by laser welding; the welding area between the hollow member 3181 and the avoidance hole 34 is between the outer edge of the top of the hollow member 3181 and the inner edge of the wall of the avoidance hole 34.

[0269] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG42 (unlike FIG39 , the third through hole 31820 on the bottom plate 3182 of the sealing connector 36 is a circular hole), a first annular plate 3184 may be fixedly mounted on the outside of the top of the hollow member 3181, and the first annular plate 3184 may be welded and sealed to the second region of the housing 31; the second region is the outer surface area of ​​the second cover plate 312 surrounding the avoidance hole 34. The first annular plate 3184 may be fixed to the open end 31812 of the top of the hollow member 3181 by welding.

[0270] After the large-capacity battery of the present application forms a shared electrolyte system, at least part of the shell of the single cell will be immersed in the electrolyte. In order not to affect the performance of the electrolyte, the outside of the single cell will not be covered with an insulating blue film. When the large-capacity battery is assembled, the single cell will be pushed into the interior of the cylinder from the open end of the cylinder. The bottom of the single cell will directly contact the support part of the cylinder, causing friction, which will inevitably produce aluminum chips. After the large-capacity battery is assembled to form a shared electrolyte system, the aluminum chips may be beneficial to the electrolyte, thereby affecting the performance of the large-capacity battery. Based on this, the large-capacity battery of the present application adopts an anti-friction pad added to the contact part between the single cell and the support part, so that when the single cell is pushed into the cylinder, the single cell slides on the anti-friction pad, avoiding direct contact with the support part and preventing the generation of aluminum chips. The anti-friction pad can be set on the single cell or on the support part. Considering the convenience of installation, it is preferred to set the anti-friction pad on the support part. One point that needs to be emphasized is that the anti-friction pad needs to be made of a material that does not react with the electrolyte and has a smooth surface.

[0271] Example 12

[0272] As shown in Figures 44 and 45, this embodiment provides a large-capacity battery, including a housing 41 and multiple single cells 42; the multiple single cells 42 are placed in parallel within the housing 41, and the housing 41 is composed of a cylinder 43 and end plates 44 fixed to both ends of the cylinder 43. Through holes 47 are opened at the top of the cylinder 43 corresponding to the poles of each single cell 42, and the area of ​​the housing 41 corresponding to the through holes 47 is fixedly sealed to the shell of the single cell 42. The bottom of the cylinder 43 has two supporting portions 45 protruding toward the top of the cylinder 43, which are used to support the single cells 42, and a first channel 46 is formed between the two supporting portions 45. The first channel 46 is used to connect the electrolyte areas of each single cell 42 within the housing 41, so that all single cells 42 are in a shared electrolyte system.

[0273] An anti-friction pad 48 is provided on the upper surface of each of the two support parts 45 . The anti-friction pad 48 avoids the problem of aluminum chips being generated by friction between the single battery 42 and the support part 45 when the single battery 42 is pushed into the cylinder 43 .

[0274] There are several ways to install the anti-friction pad 48 on the support portion 45:

[0275] 1. Place the anti-friction pad 48 directly on the support portion 45 before inserting the single battery 42. In this method, the anti-friction pad is not fixed in place, so it may deviate or even fall off during the insertion of the single battery.

[0276] Second, in order to fix the anti-friction pad 48 on the support portion 45, adhesive is applied to the surface of the anti-friction pad 48 in contact with the support portion before the anti-friction pad 48 is placed on the support portion. However, in this method, the adhesive needs to have the characteristics of not reacting with the electrolyte and always maintaining strong adhesion when immersed in the electrolyte. It is difficult to select an adhesive that meets this characteristic.

[0277] 3. A groove 49 is provided on the upper surface of the support portion 45, and the anti-friction pad 48 is placed in the groove 49. This method not only enables the anti-friction pad 48 to be well positioned and installed on the support portion 45, but also makes the groove easy to process and form. Therefore, this embodiment preferably adopts this method to install the anti-friction pad on the support portion.

[0278] The material of the anti-friction pad 48 must be non-reactive with the electrolyte, have a smooth surface, and be lightweight. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other plastic materials can be used. PTFE is resistant to high and low temperatures (operating temperature range: -196°C to 250°C), corrosion-resistant, and highly lubricated (having the lowest coefficient of friction among solid materials). While polypropylene also possesses these properties, its various indicators are relatively inferior to those of PTFE. Therefore, PTFE is preferred for the anti-friction pad in this embodiment.

[0279] Example 13

[0280] This embodiment improves upon Example 12 by improving the structure of the support portion 45. As shown in Figure 46 , a hollow support tube is integrally formed at each bottom corner of the cylindrical body 43 to serve as the support portion 45 for the single battery 42. The groove 49 for accommodating the anti-friction pad 48 can also be formed during the integral molding process. The use of a hollow support tube as the support portion 45 in this embodiment simplifies molding compared to installing the support portion within the cylindrical body by welding or screwing, and also ensures the overall sealing of the housing.

[0281] In addition, as shown in Figure 46, the large-capacity battery of this embodiment can use a hollow support tube to install the insulating support rod 410. By matching a part of the insulating support rod 410 with the hollow support tube and extending the other part of the insulating support rod out of the cylinder 43 as a connecting part fixed to the external fixed support frame, the installation is simple and convenient.

[0282] There are two forms of matching between the insulating support rod 410 and the hollow support tube:

[0283] 1. There are four insulating support rods 410, which are respectively installed at the two ends of the two hollow support tubes. One end of the insulating support rod is inserted into the hollow support tube, and the other end serves as a connection portion fixed to the external fixed support frame.

[0284] 2. There are two insulating support rods 410, which pass through two hollow support tubes respectively. The two ends of the two insulating support rods extend out of their respective corresponding hollow support tubes as the connection parts fixed to the external fixed support frame.

[0285] In order to provide long-term and effective insulation support for large-capacity batteries, this embodiment selects the second matching form.

[0286] The insulating support rod 410 of this embodiment includes a support rod 411 made of metal and an insulating sleeve 412 sleeved on the outside of the support rod 411. The material of the support rod 411 can be iron or stainless steel; the material of the insulating sleeve 412 can be PP or PE; the insulating sleeve 412 can isolate the support rod 411 from the cylinder 43 to achieve insulation between the two. The insulating support rod of this embodiment has good insulation performance, high support strength, and low cost.

[0287] Example 14

[0288] The large-capacity battery of this embodiment is an improvement based on Embodiment 12 or 13. Specifically, as shown in Figures 44 to 46 , the top of the cylinder has a raised portion away from the bottom of the cylinder, forming a second channel 413. The second channel 413 covers the gas port at the top of each single cell in the large-capacity battery. It should be noted that the gas port here has the following two forms:

[0289] Form 1: The gas port is a through hole directly opened on the upper cover of the single cell and penetrating the inner cavity of the single cell; at this time, the second channel 413 is connected to the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell through the gas port. The second channel can connect the gas areas of each single cell to achieve the purpose of gas balance, so that the gas in the gas area of ​​each single cell remains consistent, which to a certain extent improves the cycle life of the large-capacity battery; in some extreme circumstances, when any single cell suffers thermal runaway, the smoke in the inner cavity of the single cell enters the second channel and is discharged through the second channel, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0290] Form 2: The gas port is an explosion vent provided on the upper cover of the single cell, and an explosion vent membrane is provided at the explosion vent. In this case, the second channel 413 is used as an explosion vent channel. When the explosion vent membrane at the gas port of any single cell is broken by the internal smoke, the smoke in the internal cavity of the single cell is discharged through the second channel, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

Claims

1. A large capacity battery, characterized in that: The invention comprises an outer shell and N single cells arranged in the outer shell along the same x direction; a shared chamber is arranged in the outer shell, and the inner cavity of the shared chamber is connected with the inner cavities of all the single cells; avoidance holes are opened on the top plate of the outer shell corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single cell; the polarity terminals of each single cell extend out of the avoidance holes, and the top plate area of ​​the outer shell corresponding to the avoidance holes is fixedly sealed with the shell of the single cell; and a first elastic member capable of elastic deformation is arranged between at least one group of adjacent single cells.

2. The large-capacity battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: Among the N single cells, first elastic members are disposed between adjacent single cells.

3. The large-capacity battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second elastic member capable of elastic deformation is provided between the first single cell and the end plate of the housing, and between the Nth single cell and the end plate of the housing, respectively, wherein the end plate of the housing is parallel to the yz plane.

4. The large-capacity battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: A third elastic member capable of elastic deformation is provided between each single cell and two side plates of the housing, wherein the two side plates of the housing are parallel to the xz plane.

5. The large-capacity battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first elastic member is an elastic pad, and the elastic pad is made of a material that is insoluble in the electrolyte.

6. The large-capacity battery according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic pad is provided with heat dissipation and weight reduction holes, or the elastic pad is a hollow structure.

7. The large-capacity battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The shared chamber includes an electrolyte shared chamber and a gas shared chamber; the electrolyte shared chamber is connected to the electrolyte area of ​​each single cell; the gas shared chamber is connected to the gas area of ​​each single cell, or the gas shared chamber is a gas channel located between the top plate of the outer shell and each single cell, and the gas channel covers the explosion venting part of each single cell. When the explosion venting part of any single cell is broken by the thermal runaway smoke in the inner cavity, the gas area and the gas channel of the single cell are connected.

8. The large-capacity battery according to claim 7, characterized in that: The shell is provided with an explosion relief mechanism which is in communication with the inner cavity of the shell, and the explosion relief mechanism is in communication with both the electrolyte sharing chamber and the gas sharing chamber.

9. The large-capacity battery according to claim 7, characterized in that: A clamping portion is provided at the position where the polarity terminal of each single battery extends out of the avoidance hole, and the heat transfer tubes are fixed on the clamping portion of each single battery polarity terminal one by one, and the heat transfer tubes are insulated from the polarity terminals of each single battery; the clamping portion is a through groove or through hole opened at the position where the polarity terminal of each single battery extends out of the avoidance hole.

10. The large-capacity battery according to claim 9, characterized in that: An insulating sealant layer is laid on the top plate of the shell, the heat transfer pipe is buried in the insulating sealant layer, and the liquid inlet and outlet ports of the heat transfer pipe extend out of the insulating sealant layer. An insulating protective cover is provided on the top of the shell, and the polarity terminals of each single cell are located in the insulating protective cover.

11. A large capacity battery, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell, at least one clamping plate in the shell and n single cells; the n single cells are arranged in the shell along the x direction; n is an integer greater than 1; the shell is provided with at least one shared chamber extending along the x direction; avoidance holes are opened on the top plate of the shell corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single cell; each single cell polarity terminal extends out of the corresponding avoidance hole, and the top plate area of ​​the shell corresponding to the avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the shell of the single cell; the clamping plate is arranged between the side plate of the shell and the second side wall of each single cell, and the two surfaces of the clamping plate are respectively in close contact with the side plate of the shell and the second side wall of each single cell; wherein the side plate of the shell and the second side wall of the single cell are parallel to the xz plane.

12. The large-capacity battery according to claim 11, characterized in that: There are two clamping plates, one of which is arranged between a side plate of the housing and a second side wall of each single cell, and the other clamping plate is arranged between another side plate of the housing and another second side wall of each single cell.

13. The large-capacity battery according to claim 11, characterized in that: In the z direction, the size of the clamping plate is equal to the size of the second side wall of the single battery.

14. The large capacity battery according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: The shared chamber is an electrolyte shared chamber; the outer shell includes a cylinder assembly with open ends and an end plate assembly covering the two open ends of the cylinder assembly; a liquid channel extending along the x direction is provided at the bottom of the cylinder assembly, serving as an electrolyte shared chamber, and the inner cavity of the electrolyte shared chamber is connected to the inner cavities of all single batteries.

15. The large capacity battery according to claim 14, characterized in that: The cylinder assembly includes a cylinder and two bosses arranged on the inner bottom surface of the cylinder and extending in the x direction and arranged in the y direction with the same length as the cylinder. The top surface of the boss is the supporting surface of each single battery. In the y direction, a liquid channel is formed between the two bosses as a shared chamber for the electrolyte.

16. The large-capacity battery according to claim 15, characterized in that: It also includes another shared chamber, which is a gas chamber arranged on the top plate of the outer shell, covering the gas port on the top of each single battery; the gas port is a through hole, and the inner cavity of the gas chamber is directly connected with the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single battery through the gas port; or, an explosion-proof membrane is provided at the gas port, when the explosion-proof membrane at the gas port of any single battery is broken by the smoke in the inner cavity, the gas area in the inner cavity of the single battery is connected with the inner cavity of the gas chamber.

17. The large-capacity battery according to claim 16, characterized in that: The end plate assembly includes a first end plate, a second end plate and a third end plate; a first through hole is provided on the first end plate; the first end plate cooperates with an explosion relief mechanism fixed at the first through hole to seal the open end of the gas chamber, the open end of the electrolyte shared chamber and the open end of the cylinder of the large-capacity battery; the second end plate is fixedly connected to the first end plate, the two are parallel to each other, and there is a gap between them, and the gap serves as a gas channel; the gas channel extends along the z direction, the air inlet end of the gas channel is used to communicate with the gas chamber, and the air outlet end of the gas channel is connected with the second through hole; in the z direction, the air inlet end of the gas channel is higher than the air outlet end of the gas channel; the two surfaces of the third end plate are respectively tightly attached to the first side wall of the outermost single battery and the inner surface of the second end plate.

18. The large-capacity battery according to claim 17, characterized in that: Two first support ribs are integrally arranged between the second end plate and the first end plate, each first support rib extends along the z direction, and the two first support ribs are arranged along the y direction, and a gas channel is formed between the second end plate, the first end plate and the two first support ribs.

19. The large-capacity battery according to claim 18, characterized in that: It also includes 2n sealing connectors; the housing top plate area corresponding to each avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell housing through a sealing connector; the sealing connector includes a hollow component sleeved on the outside of the polarity terminal of the single cell, and the orthographic projection of the open end of the bottom of the hollow component on the upper cover of the single cell covers the weak area around the polarity terminal on the upper cover of the single cell; The bottom of the hollow component and the peripheral area of ​​the weak area are welded and sealed, and the top of the hollow component and the top plate area of ​​the shell corresponding to the avoidance hole are welded and sealed.

20. The large-capacity battery according to claim 19, characterized in that: The sealing connector also includes a bottom plate fixed to the open end of the bottom of the hollow component; a third through hole is opened on the bottom plate; the third through hole covers the weak area around the polarity terminal on the upper cover plate of the single cell through its positive projection on the upper cover plate of the single cell; the bottom plate is used for welding and sealing with the peripheral area of ​​the weak area.

21. A large capacity battery, characterized in that: It comprises a housing, at least one first clamping plate, at least one second clamping plate and n single cells located in the housing; Wherein n is an integer greater than 1; n single cells are arranged in the inner cavity of the shell along the same direction; the inner cavity of each single cell includes an electrolyte area and a gas area; the shell includes a box body, a first cover plate and a second cover plate; the bottom and top of the box body are open; an electrolyte sharing chamber is provided on the first cover plate, and the first cover plate covers the open end of the bottom of the box body and is sealed and connected to the open end; the inner cavity of the electrolyte sharing chamber is connected to the electrolyte area of ​​each single cell inner cavity; and a avoidance hole is provided on the second cover plate to allow the polarity terminals of each single cell to extend out; The second cover plate covers the open end at the top of the box body and is sealed with the open end; the polarity terminals of each single cell extend out of the avoidance hole and the second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell housing; the first clamping plate is arranged between the first side plate of the box body and the first side wall of each single cell, and the two surfaces of the first clamping plate are respectively tightly attached to the first side plate of the box body and the first side wall of each single cell, wherein the first side plate of the box body and the first side wall of each single cell are parallel to the xz plane; the second clamping plate is arranged between the second side plate of the box body and the second side wall of the outermost single cell, and the two surfaces of the second clamping plate are respectively tightly attached to the second side plate of the box body and the second side wall of the outermost single cell, wherein the second side plate of the box body and the second side wall of the single cell are parallel to the yz plane.

22. The large-capacity battery according to claim 21, characterized in that: There are two first clamping plates, and the two first clamping plates are respectively located between the two first side plates of the box body and the first side walls of each single battery cell opposite thereto.

23. The large-capacity battery according to claim 22, characterized in that: One of the first clamping plates includes n first sub-clamping plates, each of which corresponds to a single cell one by one, and in the x direction, the size of each first sub-clamping plate is equal to the size of the first side wall of the single cell; the other first clamping plate is a whole flat plate.

24. The large-capacity battery according to claim 22, characterized in that: In the z direction, the size of the first clamping plate is equal to the size of the first side wall of the single battery.

25. The large-capacity battery according to claim 21, characterized in that: There are two second clamping plates, and the two second clamping plates are respectively located between the second side walls of the two outermost single cells and the second side plates of the box body opposite thereto.

26. The large-capacity battery according to claim 21, characterized in that: The box body also includes a plurality of partitions arranged in the inner cavity of the box body, dividing the inner cavity of the box body into a plurality of single cell installation cavities; a single cell is fixed in each single cell installation cavity; the first clamping plate includes at least n first sub-clamping plates, and the n first sub-clamping plates correspond one-to-one to the n single cells; a first sub-clamping plate is arranged between the first side wall of each single cell and the first side plate of the box body; there are at least n second clamping plates, and a second clamping plate is arranged between at least one second side wall of each single cell and the corresponding partition.

27. The large capacity battery according to claim 26, characterized in that: There are 2n first sub-clamping plates, and one first sub-clamping plate is arranged between the two first side walls of each single battery and the corresponding first side plate of the box body.

28. The large-capacity battery according to claim 26, characterized in that: There are 2n second clamping plates, and a second clamping plate is provided between the two second side walls of each single battery and the corresponding partition plate and the second side plate of the box body.

29. The large capacity battery according to any one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that: It also includes 2n sealing connectors; the second cover plate area corresponding to each avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell housing through a sealing connector; the sealing connector includes a hollow component sleeved on the outside of the polarity terminal of the single cell, and the orthographic projection of the open end of the bottom of the hollow component on the upper cover plate of the single cell covers the weak area around the polarity terminal on the upper cover plate of the single cell; The bottom of the hollow component and the peripheral area of ​​the weak area are welded and sealed, and the top of the hollow component and the second cover plate area corresponding to the avoidance hole are welded and sealed.

30. The large capacity battery according to claim 29, characterized in that: The sealing connector also includes a bottom plate fixed to the open end of the bottom of the hollow component; a third through hole is opened on the bottom plate; the third through hole covers the weak area around the polarity terminal on the upper cover plate of the single cell through its positive projection on the upper cover plate of the single cell; the bottom plate is used for welding and sealing with the peripheral area of ​​the weak area.

31. A large-capacity battery, comprising a housing and a plurality of single cells arranged side by side in the housing; the housing comprises a cylinder and end plates arranged at both ends of the cylinder; the bottom of the cylinder has two supporting parts, and a first channel is formed between the two supporting parts; characterized in that: An anti-friction pad is arranged between the support portion at the bottom of the cylinder and the single battery, and the anti-friction pad does not react with the electrolyte.

32. The large capacity battery according to claim 31, characterized in that: A groove is arranged on the top of the support portion, and the anti-friction pad is placed in the groove.

33. The large capacity battery according to claim 32, characterized in that: The thickness of the anti-friction pad is greater than the depth of the groove.

34. The large capacity battery according to claim 33, characterized in that: The anti-friction pad is a polytetrafluoroethylene plate.

35. The large capacity battery according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that: The support part is a hollow support tube integrally formed at two bottom corners of the cylinder; the hollow support tube is inserted with an insulating support rod.

36. The large capacity battery according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that: The top of the cylinder is provided with a second channel, and the second channel covers the gas opening at the top of each single cell in the large-capacity battery.

37. A cylinder, the front and rear ends of the cylinder are open ends; the bottom of the cylinder has two supporting parts, and the first channel is formed between the two supporting parts; characterized in that: The upper surface of the support portion is provided with a groove for placing an anti-friction pad.

38. The cartridge according to claim 37, characterized in that The thickness of the anti-friction pad is greater than the depth of the groove.

39. The cartridge according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that The support part is a hollow tube integrally formed at two bottom corners of the cylinder; the hollow tube is used for inserting the insulating support rod.

40. The cartridge according to claim 37, characterized in that The top of the cylinder is provided with a second channel, and the second channel is used to cover the gas openings on the tops of the individual cells in the large-capacity battery.

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