Battery module, battery and electrical device

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery module, a battery and an electrical device. The battery module (20) comprises battery cells (21), cooling plates (22), and protective members (24). The battery cells (21) are arranged at intervals in a first direction (X); and each cooling plate (22) is arranged between two adjacent battery cells (21) in the first direction (X), the two adjacent battery cells (21) and at least one side of the periphery of the cooling plate (22) located therebetween can jointly define an accommodating space (23), and the protective member (24) covers at least the at least one side of the cooling plate (22) that defines the accommodating space (23). When thermal runaway occurs to a battery cell (21), the protective member (24) can prevent a gas, particles, etc., generated during thermal runaway of the battery cell (21) from entering the accommodating space (23) and acting on the cooling plate (22), thereby reducing the probability of damage to or even failure of the cooling plate (22), and thus the cooling plate (22) can be effectively protected. In addition, the protective members (24) can also protect the cooling plates (22) during the assembly of the battery module (20), and reduce the probability of impurities such as particles entering the accommodating space (23) and damaging the cooling plates (22), resulting in the damage to or even failure of the cooling plates (22).

Description

Battery modules, batteries and electrical devices

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application refers to Chinese patent application No. 202420353973.2, filed on February 26, 2024, entitled “Battery module, battery and electrical device”, which is incorporated into this application in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to a battery module, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] Cooling plates are used to cool battery cells in battery modules. To cool a large area of ​​cells, a single cooling plate is typically used to cool multiple cells simultaneously on one side. During the production process, particles can easily enter between adjacent cells, potentially damaging the cooling plate or the cells.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a battery module, a battery and an electrical device.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a battery module comprising battery cells, a cooling plate, and a protective member. The battery cells are spaced apart along a first direction; the cooling plate is disposed between two adjacent battery cells along the first direction, and the two adjacent battery cells and at least one side of the outer periphery of the cooling plate located therebetween can jointly form an accommodation space; the protective member covers at least one side of the accommodation space formed by the cooling plate.

[0008] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, because the protective member can prevent the cooling plate from directly contacting the outside world through the accommodating space, when the battery cell has thermal runaway, the protective member can block the gas or particles generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell, so as to reduce the probability of gas or particles entering the accommodating space and acting on the cooling plate, causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate, thereby effectively protecting the cooling plate.

[0009] In addition, the protective member can also protect the cooling plate during the assembly process of the battery module, reducing the probability of impurities such as particles entering the accommodating space and causing damage to the cooling plate, resulting in damage or even failure of the cooling plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the accommodating space is formed with an opening on a side away from the cooling plate; and the protective member covers the opening.

[0011] Using a protective member to cover the opening can block the path for particles and the like to enter the accommodating space. Moreover, compared with protecting the entire cooling plate, only setting the protective member to cover the opening can reduce the amount of protective member used, thereby reducing the production cost of the battery module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protective element includes a protective film, which is covered on the opening and covers the opening.

[0013] Such an arrangement enriches the types of parts that the protective piece can include, reduces the difficulty of preparing the protective piece, and expands the applicable environment of the protective piece.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protective member includes a protective plate, two oppositely disposed ends of the protective plate are respectively connected to end surfaces of two adjacent battery cells, and the protective plate covers the opening.

[0015] Such an arrangement enriches the types of parts that the protective piece can include, reduces the difficulty of preparing the protective piece, and expands the applicable environment of the protective piece.

[0016] In some embodiments, the protective member includes a high temperature resistant member.

[0017] When the protective part is a high-temperature resistant part, if the battery cell experiences thermal runaway and the large amount of heat generated is transferred to the vicinity of the cooling plate, the protective part can effectively block the heat, reducing the probability of leakage of the cooling plate due to direct contact with a large amount of heat under the action of high temperature.

[0018] In some embodiments, the protective element comprises foam.

[0019] When the protective element is made of foam, due to its inherent excellent sealing properties, compression deformation resistance, and adaptability to various temperature environments, it can not only reduce the probability of impurities such as particles passing through the protective element and entering the accommodation space, but also extend the service life of the protective element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the protective member includes a first part and a second part, the first part is connected to the battery cell, the second part covers the opening of the accommodating space, and the strength of the second part is greater than that of the first part.

[0021] Setting the strength of the second part to be greater than the strength of the first part can not only increase the use range of the second part, but also extend the service life of the second part.

[0022] In some embodiments, the protective member fills the accommodating space, and the protective member contacts the cooling plate.

[0023] In this way, the protective member can protect the cooling plate while reducing the space it occupies in the battery module, thereby reducing the volume of the battery module.

[0024] In some embodiments, the protective member includes a first end and a second end that are oppositely disposed, the first end is in contact with the cooling plate, and a distance L between the second end and the cooling plate is 0 mm < L < 3 mm.

[0025] In this way, the thickness of the protective member can be reduced as much as possible without affecting the function of the protective member, and the probability of the protective member interfering with other components in the battery module can be reduced.

[0026] In some embodiments, the protective member comprises insulating glue.

[0027] Such an arrangement can not only reduce the difficulty of obtaining the protective member, but also improve the connection stability between the protective member and the accommodating space, thereby improving the protective effect of the protective member on the cooling plate.

[0028] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes an electrical connector, which is located on one side of the battery cell and electrically connects two adjacent battery cells;

[0029] The protective member is located between the electrical connector and the battery core, and the protective member and the electrical connector are spaced apart.

[0030] Because the protective member is arranged on the side where the electrical connector is located and the protective member is made of insulating material, the electrical clearance and creepage distance at this time can be appropriately increased, thereby improving electrical safety.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery comprising the battery module in the above embodiment.

[0032] Because the battery's protective part can prevent the cooling plate from directly contacting the outside world through the accommodating space, when the battery cell has thermal runaway, the protective part can block the gas or particles generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell, thereby reducing the probability of gas or particles entering the accommodating space and acting on the cooling plate, causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate, thereby effectively protecting the cooling plate.

[0033] In addition, the protective member can also protect the cooling plate during the assembly process of the battery module, reducing the probability of impurities such as particles entering the accommodating space and causing damage to the cooling plate, resulting in damage or even failure of the cooling plate.

[0034] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electrical device comprising the battery in the above embodiment.

[0035] Because the protective part of the electrical device can prevent the cooling plate from directly contacting the outside world through the accommodating space, when the battery cell has thermal runaway, the protective part can block the gas or particles generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell, thereby reducing the probability of gas or particles entering the accommodating space and acting on the cooling plate, causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate, thereby effectively protecting the cooling plate.

[0036] In addition, the protective member can also protect the cooling plate during the assembly process of the battery module, reducing the probability of impurities such as particles entering the accommodating space and causing damage to the cooling plate, resulting in damage or even failure of the cooling plate.

[0037] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without inventive work. In the drawings:

[0039] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a battery according to one or more embodiments.

[0041] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a battery cell according to one or more embodiments.

[0042] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module according to one or more embodiments.

[0043] FIG5 is an exploded view of a battery module according to one or more embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module protective member including a protective film according to one or more embodiments.

[0045] FIG7 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point A in FIG6 .

[0046] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module when a protective member is filled in an accommodating space according to one or more embodiments.

[0047] FIG9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point B in FIG8 .

[0048] The accompanying drawings in the specific implementation manner are as follows:

[0049] 1000, vehicle;

[0050] 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor;

[0051] 10. Box body; 11. First component; 12. Second component;

[0052] 20. Battery module; 21. Battery cell; 211. End cap; 211a. Electrode terminal; 212. Housing; 213. Battery cell assembly; 22. Cooling plate; 23. Accommodation space; 24. Protective member; 25. Electrical connector; X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the use of technical terms such as "first" and "second" is solely for distinguishing different objects and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the technical features indicated. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0056] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0057] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, if the term "plurality" appears, it means more than two (including two).

[0058] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, if any, the technical terms "thickness", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc. indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0060] Currently, market developments indicate that power batteries are becoming increasingly widely used. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal, wind, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. As power battery applications continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0061] During the actual charge and discharge process, batteries don't completely convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Some of this energy is converted into heat. Uncontrolled, abnormal changes in battery temperature are also known as thermal runaway. When thermal runaway occurs, the battery's internal cooling plate may leak, causing it to fail.

[0062] To protect the cooling plate and mitigate the risk of cooling plate failure when thermal runaway occurs, embodiments of the present application provide a battery module. The cooling plate in the battery module is positioned between two adjacent battery cells. A protective member is positioned above the cooling plate to protect the cooling plate and reduce the probability of thermal runaway extending to the cooling plate and causing cooling plate failure.

[0063] The battery modules disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power supply system comprising the battery modules disclosed in the present application can be used to form the electrical device.

[0064] The present invention provides an electric device that uses a battery as a power source. The electric device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc.

[0065] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described by taking a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The vehicle 1000 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 can be provided at the bottom, head or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 can serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to power the motor 300, for example, for starting, navigating and driving the vehicle 1000.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 2, which is an exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery module 20. The battery module 20 typically comprises an electrical connector 25 and a plurality of battery cells 21 connected in series or parallel. The battery cells 21 are housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 is used to provide a storage space for the battery cells 21 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 can include a first component 11 and a second component 12, which overlap each other and together define a storage space for the battery cells 21. The second component 12 can be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first component 11 can be a plate-like structure, overlapping the open side of the second component 12, so that the first component 11 and the second component 12 jointly define a storage space. Alternatively, the first component 11 and the second component 12 can each be a hollow structure with one end open, with the open side of the first component 11 overlapping the open side of the second component 12. Of course, the box body 10 formed by the first component 11 and the second component 12 can be in various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0069] In the battery 100, there may be multiple cells 21, and the multiple cells 21 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection. A hybrid connection refers to a combination of series and parallel connections among the multiple cells 21. The multiple cells 21 may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection, and then the entire battery 21 may be housed within the housing 10. Alternatively, the battery 100 may be constructed by first connecting multiple cells 21 in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a battery module, which is then connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a single unit and housed within the housing 10. The battery 100 may also include other structures, such as a busbar assembly for electrically connecting the multiple cells 21.

[0070] Each battery cell 21 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell 21 can be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell 21 provided in some embodiments of the present application. A battery cell 21 is the smallest unit of a battery. As shown in Figure 3, a battery cell 21 includes an end cap 211, a housing 212, a battery cell assembly 213, and other functional components.

[0072] The end cap 211 is a component that covers the opening of the housing 212 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 21 from the external environment. The shape of the end cap 211 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 212 to match the housing 212. The end cap 211 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy). This prevents the end cap 211 from deforming when squeezed or collided, giving the battery cell 21 a higher structural strength and improved safety. Functional components such as electrode terminals 211a can be provided on the end cap 211. The electrode terminals 211a can be used to electrically connect to the battery cell assembly 213 for outputting or inputting electrical energy into or out of the battery cell 21. In some embodiments, the end cap 211 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for relieving internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 21 reaches a threshold. The end cap 211 can also be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited in this regard. In some embodiments, an insulating member may be provided inside the end cap 211 to isolate the electrical connection components in the housing 212 from the end cap 211 to reduce the risk of short circuit.

[0073] The shell 212 is a component used to cooperate with the end cover 211 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 21, wherein the formed internal environment can be used to accommodate the battery cell assembly 213, electrolyte and other components. The shell 212 and the end cover 211 can be independent components. An opening can be set on the shell 212, and the internal environment of the battery cell 21 is formed by covering the opening with the end cover 211. Without limitation, the end cover 211 and the shell 212 can also be integrated. Specifically, the end cover 211 and the shell 212 can form a common connection surface before other components are put into the shell. When the interior of the shell 212 needs to be encapsulated, the end cover 211 is covered with the shell 212. The shell 212 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylindrical shape, a hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the shell 212 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the battery cell assembly 213. The shell 212 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0074] The battery cell assembly 213 is a component in the battery cell 21 where electrochemical reactions occur. One or more battery cell assemblies 213 may be contained in the shell 212. The battery cell assembly 213 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and a separator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets with active substances constitute the main body of the battery cell, and the parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active substances each constitute a tab. The positive tab and the negative tab may be located together at one end of the main body or respectively at both ends of the main body. During the charge and discharge process of the battery, the positive active substance and the negative active substance react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect the electrode terminals to form a current loop.

[0075] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 , some embodiments of the present application provide a battery module 20 comprising battery cells 21, a cooling plate 22, and a protective member 24. The battery cells 21 are spaced apart along a first direction X; the cooling plate 22 is disposed between two adjacent battery cells 21 along the first direction X. The two adjacent battery cells 21 and at least one side of the outer periphery of the cooling plate 22 located therebetween can collectively form an accommodating space 23; the protective member 24 covers at least one side of the cooling plate 22 to form the accommodating space 23.

[0076] An accommodation space 23 can be formed between at least one side of the outer periphery of each cooling plate 22 and two adjacent battery cells 21. For example, in the third direction Z, an accommodation space 23 can be formed between two opposing sides of the outer periphery of each cooling plate 22 and two adjacent battery cells 21. Alternatively, an accommodation space 23 can be formed between two opposing sides of the outer periphery of each cooling plate 22 and two adjacent battery cells 21. The third direction Z, the first direction X, and the second direction Y intersect with each other.

[0077] The cooling plate 22 is used to remove heat from the battery cell 21 during operation, thereby cooling the battery cell 21 and protecting the cooling plate 22. The cooling plate 22 can be, but is not limited to, a water-cooled plate. The cooling plate 22 can be disposed within the accommodating space 23 or cover the accommodating space 23 to prevent the end surface of the cooling plate 22 from directly contacting the outside through the accommodating space 23.

[0078] The protective member 24 may be, but is not limited to, a long strip structure as shown in FIG. 5 , and may be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0079] For example, as shown in FIG5 , a plurality of battery cells 21 can be spaced apart along a first direction X, and in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, two adjacent battery cells 21 are arranged close together. In other words, in the second direction Y, a plurality of battery cells 21 can together form a group of elongated battery cells 21. Along the first direction X, a cooling plate 22 is provided between each group of elongated battery cells 21, and each cooling plate 22 can cool the opposing surfaces of the battery cells 21 of two adjacent groups of battery cells 21. An accommodating space 23 can be formed between the opposing sides of the outer periphery of each cooling plate 22 and between the two adjacent battery cells 21, and the protective member 24 can cover the accommodating space 23.

[0080] Because the protective member 24 can prevent the cooling plate 22 from directly contacting the outside world through the accommodating space 23, when the battery cell 21 has thermal runaway, the protective member 24 can block the gas or particles generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell 21, thereby reducing the probability of the gas or particles entering the accommodating space 23 and acting on the cooling plate 22, causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate 22, thereby effectively protecting the cooling plate 22.

[0081] Furthermore, the protective member 24 can also protect the cooling plate 22 during the assembly process of the battery module 20 , reducing the probability of impurities such as particles entering the accommodating space 23 and damaging the cooling plate 22 , thereby causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate 22 .

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the accommodating space 23 is formed with an opening on a side away from the cooling plate 22 ; a protective member 24 covers the opening.

[0083] The aforementioned opening can be understood as a passage for particles and other foreign matter to enter the accommodating space 23. Covering the opening with the protective member 24 can block particles and other foreign matter from entering the accommodating space 23. Furthermore, rather than protecting the entire cooling plate 22, simply covering the opening with the protective member 24 can reduce the amount of protective member 24 used, thereby reducing the production cost of the battery module 20.

[0084] In some embodiments, the protective member 24 includes a protective film, which covers the opening; or, the protective member 24 includes a protective plate, the two opposite ends of which are respectively connected to the end faces of two adjacent battery cells 21 to cover the opening.

[0085] In other words, the protection member 24 can include different components to cover the opening. One is to cover the opening with a protection film, and the other is to cover the opening with a protection plate.

[0086] For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the protective member 24 includes a protective film, the protective film may be adhered to the surfaces of two adjacent battery cells 21 or to the sidewalls of the accommodating space 23 to cover the opening.

[0087] When the protective member 24 includes a protective plate (not shown), the ends of the protective plate can be fixedly connected to the end faces of the two adjacent battery cells 21 or detachably connected. For example, the protective plate and the two adjacent battery cells 21 can be, but are not limited to, bonded or clamped.

[0088] Such an arrangement enriches the types of parts that the protective member 24 can include, reduces the difficulty of preparing the protective member 24 , and expands the applicable environment of the protective member 24 .

[0089] In some embodiments, the protective member 24 comprises a high temperature resistant member.

[0090] For example, when the protective member 24 includes a high-temperature resistant member, if the battery cell 21 experiences thermal runaway and the large amount of heat generated is transferred to the vicinity of the cooling plate 22, the protective member 24 can effectively block the heat, thereby reducing the probability of leakage of the cooling plate 22 due to direct contact with a large amount of heat under the action of high temperature.

[0091] In some embodiments, the guard 24 comprises foam.

[0092] When the protective member 24 is made of foam, due to its inherent excellent sealing properties, compression deformation resistance, and adaptability to various temperature environments, the probability of impurities such as particles passing through the protective member 24 and entering the accommodating space 23 can be reduced, and the service life of the protective member 24 can be extended.

[0093] In some embodiments, the protective member 24 includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the battery cell 21 , and the second portion covers the opening of the accommodating space 23 . The strength of the second portion is greater than that of the first portion.

[0094] Because the second portion is suspended on both the side facing the opening and the side facing away from the opening, while one side of the first portion is in contact with the battery cell 21, the first portion can be supported by the battery cell 21, and the second portion has no supporting components. If a large amount of particles accumulates on the second portion, and the second portion has no supporting components, the second portion may collapse or even rupture.

[0095] Therefore, setting the strength of the second part to be greater than the strength of the first part can not only increase the use range of the second part, but also extend the service life of the second part.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the protection member 24 fills the accommodating space 23 , and the protection member 24 contacts the cooling plate 22 .

[0097] For example, when the protective member 24 is in a gel-like state and fills the accommodating space 23 , the protective member 24 can protect the cooling plate 22 while reducing the space it occupies in the battery module 20 , thereby reducing the volume of the battery module 20 .

[0098] Specifically, as shown in FIG9 , in some embodiments, the protective member 24 includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite each other. The first end contacts the cooling plate 22, and the second end is spaced apart from the cooling plate 22 by a distance L, where 0 mm < L < 3 mm. The specific value of L can be 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.7 mm, 3 mm, or any value between two adjacent values.

[0099] The second end of the protective member 24 is usually not protruding from the surface of the battery cell 21. Therefore, the thickness of the protective member 24 can be reduced as much as possible without affecting the function of the protective member 24, and the probability of the protective member 24 interfering with other components in the battery module 20 is reduced.

[0100] In some embodiments, the protective member 24 includes insulating glue.

[0101] For example, the protective member 24 may be silicone adhesive. Silicone adhesive is a material similar to ointment that rapidly solidifies upon contact with moisture in the air, forming a tough, rubbery solid. Silicone adhesive inherently possesses strong adhesion, high tensile strength, and weather resistance.

[0102] Such a configuration can not only reduce the difficulty of obtaining the protective member 24 , but also improve the connection stability between the protective member 24 and the accommodating space 23 , thereby improving the protective effect of the protective member 24 on the cooling plate 22 .

[0103] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the battery module 20 also includes an electrical connector 25, which is located on one side of the battery cell 21 and electrically connects two adjacent battery cells 21; the protective member 24 is located between the electrical connector 25 and the battery cell 21, and the protective member 24 is spaced apart from the electrical connector 25.

[0104] The electrical connector 25 may be, but is not limited to, a tab, which may be used to electrically connect two adjacent battery cells 21 and perform operations such as current distribution on the battery cells 21 .

[0105] Because the protective member 24 is provided on the side where the electrical connector 25 is located, and the protective member 24 is made of insulating material, the electrical clearance and creepage distance at this time can be appropriately increased, thereby improving electrical safety.

[0106] The present application also provides a battery, which includes the battery module 20 in any of the above embodiments. For details about the battery module 20, please refer to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0107] Because the battery's protective member 24 can prevent the cooling plate 22 from directly contacting the outside world through the accommodating space 23, when the battery cell 21 has thermal runaway, the protective member 24 can block the gas or particles generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell 21, thereby reducing the probability of gas or particles entering the accommodating space 23 and acting on the cooling plate 22, causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate 22, thereby effectively protecting the cooling plate 22.

[0108] Furthermore, the protective member 24 can also protect the cooling plate 22 during the assembly process of the battery module 20 , reducing the probability of impurities such as particles entering the accommodating space 23 and damaging the cooling plate 22 , thereby causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate 22 .

[0109] In addition, the present application also provides an electrical device. The electrical device includes the battery in any of the above embodiments. For relevant details about the electrical device, please refer to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0110] Because the protective member 24 of the electrical device can prevent the cooling plate 22 from directly contacting the outside world through the accommodating space 23, when the battery cell 21 has thermal runaway, the protective member 24 can block the gas or particles generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell 21, thereby reducing the probability of gas or particles entering the accommodating space 23 and acting on the cooling plate 22, causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate 22, thereby effectively protecting the cooling plate 22.

[0111] Furthermore, the protective member 24 can also protect the cooling plate 22 during the assembly process of the battery module 20 , reducing the probability of impurities such as particles entering the accommodating space 23 and damaging the cooling plate 22 , thereby causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate 22 .

[0112] As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment, the battery module 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 21 spaced apart along a first direction X. In a second direction Y, the plurality of battery cells 21 can be collectively formed into a group of elongated battery cells 21. A cooling plate 22 is provided between each group of elongated battery cells 21. In a third direction, an accommodating space 23 is formed between two adjacent battery cells 21 on opposite sides of the outer periphery of each cooling plate 22. The accommodating space 23 has an opening formed on the side away from the cooling plate 22; a protective member 24 covers the opening.

[0113] When the battery cell 21 experiences thermal runaway, the protective member 24 can block the gas or particles generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell 21, thereby reducing the probability of the gas or particles entering the accommodating space 23 and acting on the cooling plate 22, causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate 22, thereby effectively protecting the cooling plate 22.

[0114] Furthermore, the protective member 24 can also protect the cooling plate 22 during the assembly process of the battery module 20 , reducing the probability of impurities such as particles entering the accommodating space 23 and damaging the cooling plate 22 , thereby causing damage or even failure of the cooling plate 22 .

[0115] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0116] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, wherein: include: The battery cells are arranged at intervals along a first direction; a cooling plate disposed between two adjacent battery cells along the first direction, wherein the two adjacent battery cells and at least one side of the outer periphery of the cooling plate located therebetween can jointly form an accommodating space; A protective member covers at least one side of the accommodating space formed by the cooling plate.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The accommodating space is formed with an opening on a side away from the cooling plate; and the protective member covers the opening.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The protective element comprises a protective film, which is covered on the opening and covers the opening.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The protective member includes a protective plate, two oppositely disposed ends of the protective plate are respectively connected to end surfaces of two adjacent battery cells, and the protective plate covers the opening.

5. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The protective member includes a high temperature resistant member.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The protective element includes foam.

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: The protective member includes a first part and a second part, the first part is connected to the battery core, the second part covers the opening of the accommodating space, and the strength of the second part is greater than that of the first part.

8. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The protection member is filled in the accommodating space and is in contact with the cooling plate.

9. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The protective member includes a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, the first end is in contact with the cooling plate, and the distance between the second end and the cooling plate is L, 0mm<L<3mm.

10. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The protective element includes insulating glue.

11. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The battery module further includes an electrical connector, which is located on one side of the battery cell and electrically connects two adjacent battery cells. The protective member is located between the electrical connector and the battery core, and is spaced apart from the electrical connector.

12. A battery, wherein: The invention comprises the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An electrical device, wherein: Comprising the battery of claim 12.

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