Battery pack, battery module, battery unit, and electrical device

Abstract

A battery pack, a battery module, a battery unit, and an electrical device, relating to the technical field of batteries. An accommodating space (11) is formed inside a case (1) of the battery pack, and at least one battery unit is located in the accommodating space (11). Each battery unit comprises a casing (21) and at least one pouch cell (22); a cell cavity (211) is formed inside the casing (21); the at least one pouch cell (22) is provided in the cell cavity (211); at least one side of the casing (21) is provided with an electrode assembly (23) for electrically connecting to other structures; at least one side of the casing (21) is provided with a pressure relief port (212) for pressure relief; and the electrode assembly (23) and the pressure relief port (212) are located on different sides of the casing. Thermal runaway gas in the cell cavity (211) is ejected from the pressure relief port (212) under the guidance of the casing (21), so that gas emitted during thermal runaway of the battery unit is ejected in a preset direction, thereby realizing directional ejection of the thermal runaway gas of the battery unit. The electrode assembly (23) and the pressure relief port (212) are located on different sides of the casing, so that the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port can avoid the electrode assembly (23) as much as possible.

Description

Battery pack, battery module, battery unit and power-consuming device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese patent application number 202410254542.5, application date March 6, 2024, and invention name “A battery pack, battery module, battery cell and electrical device”, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this disclosure as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery pack, a battery module, a battery cell, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] New energy batteries are being used more and more widely in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used. In addition, batteries are also being increasingly used in energy storage fields.

[0005] In the related art, when a battery cell in a battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the direction of the gas ejected from the battery cell due to the thermal runaway is uncertain.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a battery pack, a battery module, a battery cell and an electrical device, so that the gas ejected from the battery cell due to thermal runaway can be ejected along a preset direction.

[0008] The present disclosure is achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery pack, including:

[0010] The box body forms a receiving space inside;

[0011] At least one battery cell is located in the accommodating space, each of the battery cells includes an outer shell and at least one soft-pack battery cell, a battery cell cavity is formed inside the outer shell, and the at least one soft-pack battery cell is arranged in the battery cell cavity, at least one side of the outer shell is provided with an electrode assembly for electrical connection to other structures, at least one side of the outer shell is provided with a pressure relief port for pressure relief, and the electrode assembly and the pressure relief port are located on different sides of the outer shell.

[0012] In the disclosed embodiments, in the event of thermal runaway in a soft-pack battery cell, the thermal runaway gas within the cell cavity is ejected from the pressure relief vent under the guidance of the outer shell, thereby causing the gas ejected from the battery cell during thermal runaway to be ejected in a preset direction, achieving directional ejection of the thermal runaway gas from the battery cell. This preset direction is the direction from the outer shell toward the pressure relief vent. The electrode assembly and the pressure relief vent are located on different sides of the outer shell, allowing the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief vent to avoid the electrode assembly as much as possible.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electrode assembly is located on one side of the housing, and the pressure relief port is located on the other side of the housing opposite to the electrode assembly.

[0014] In the disclosed embodiment, the pressure relief port is located on the other side of the housing opposite to the electrode assembly. The pressure relief port can be as far away from the electrode assembly as possible, and the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port can accordingly be as far away from the electrode assembly as possible.

[0015] In one embodiment, the number of soft-pack batteries in each of the battery cells is at least two, and the electrode assembly includes a sampling electrode and at least two adapter electrodes, one of the adapter electrodes is electrically connected to the tab of one of the soft-pack batteries, and the other adapter electrode is electrically connected to the tab of the other soft-pack battery. The polarities of the tabs corresponding to the two adapter electrodes are opposite, and the sampling electrodes are respectively electrically connected to the tabs of the corresponding two soft-pack batteries, and the polarities of the tabs of the corresponding two soft-pack batteries electrically connected to the sampling electrodes are opposite.

[0016] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the soft-pack cells of the battery unit are connected in series through the sampling electrode, and the soft-pack cells of the battery unit are powered or charged through the adapter electrode. The sampling electrode connects the soft-pack cells of the battery unit in series, and the potential of the sampling electrode is the potential between the two soft-pack cells in series. By measuring and sampling the voltage between the sampling electrode and the corresponding adapter electrode, the working status of the corresponding soft-pack cell can be identified. Since the electrode assembly and the pressure relief port are located on different sides of the housing, the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port can avoid the adapter electrode and the sampling electrode as much as possible.

[0017] In one embodiment, the number of the battery cells is at least two, at least one of which is a first battery cell, and at least one of which is a second battery cell, and the side of the first battery cell having the electrode assembly and the side of the second battery cell having the electrode assembly are close to and opposite to each other.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, through the arrangement of the electrode assembly and the pressure relief vent, the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief vent can be kept as far away as possible from the electrode assembly of the adjacent battery cell, thereby reducing the possibility of short circuit of the electrode assembly of the adjacent battery cell, which is beneficial to suppressing the thermal runaway of the battery cell in the battery pack from spreading to the adjacent battery cell.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes an insulating layer, the space between each first battery cell and the corresponding second battery cell is filled with the insulating layer, and the insulating layer covers the electrode assemblies of the first battery cell and the second battery cell respectively.

[0020] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating layer covers the electrode assembly, thereby providing insulation isolation for each electrode assembly and reducing, to a certain extent, the possibility of short circuit caused by contact between the electrode assembly and the thermal runaway gas.

[0021] In one embodiment, the insulating layer is made of insulating glue, which is in liquid form before filling. The liquid insulating glue can solidify between the first battery unit and the second battery unit.

[0022] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating glue that is liquid before filling and solidifies after filling is conducive to fully filling the insulating glue into various positions between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0023] In one embodiment, the number of the first battery cells is at least two, and the direction in which at least two of the first battery cells are arranged in sequence and the direction in which the first battery cells and the second battery cells are arranged are arranged crosswise; the number of the second battery cells is at least two, and the direction in which at least two of the second battery cells are arranged in sequence and the direction in which the first battery cells and the second battery cells are arranged are arranged crosswise.

[0024] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the directions in which at least two of the first battery cells are arranged in sequence and the directions in which the first battery cells and the second battery cells are arranged are cross-arranged, which is beneficial to suppressing the thermal runaway of the first battery cell from spreading to the adjacent first battery cell. The directions in which at least two of the second battery cells are arranged in sequence and the directions in which the first battery cells and the second battery cells are arranged are cross-arranged, which is beneficial to suppressing the thermal runaway of the second battery cell from spreading to the adjacent second battery cell.

[0025] In one embodiment, the side wall of the accommodating space has an exhaust channel and an exhaust hole, the exhaust channel is connected to the accommodating space through the exhaust hole, and the exhaust hole is located on a side of the side wall of the accommodating space facing the accommodating space.

[0026] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermal runaway gas in the accommodation space is discharged out of the box through the exhaust flow channel and the exhaust hole, thereby reducing the pressure in the box of the battery pack.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first battery unit and the second battery unit are arranged in a first direction, and the exhaust holes are located on side walls of the accommodation space on opposite sides along the first direction.

[0028] In the disclosed embodiment, the exhaust holes are located on the side walls of the storage space on opposite sides along the first direction. Each exhaust hole is close to the pressure relief port of the corresponding first battery cell or the pressure relief port of the corresponding second battery cell. The thermal runaway gas ejected from each pressure relief port can enter the exhaust flow channel and be discharged from the box as quickly as possible through the exhaust hole, thereby reducing the retention of thermal runaway gas in the box. The exhaust holes are located on the side walls of the storage space on opposite sides along the first direction. Because the side walls of the storage space on opposite sides along the first direction face away from the electrode assembly of the corresponding battery cell, the thermal runaway gas in the storage space is discharged through the exhaust holes located on the side walls of the storage space on opposite sides along the first direction. This helps to guide the thermal runaway gas away from the corresponding electrode assembly, thereby suppressing the spread of thermal runaway within the battery pack.

[0029] In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes an explosion-proof valve, and the explosion-proof valve is provided on one side or both sides of the box along the second direction, the second direction is arranged crosswise with the first direction, and the exhaust flow channel is selectively connected to the outside of the box through the explosion-proof valve.

[0030] In the disclosed embodiment, since the exhaust duct selectively communicates with the exterior of the housing through the explosion-proof valve, thermal runaway gases within the housing's containment space are sequentially discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust holes, the exhaust duct, and the explosion-proof valve, thereby reducing the pressure within the housing's containment space. Since the exhaust holes are located on the sidewalls of the containment space on opposite sides along a first direction, and the explosion-proof valve is provided on one or both sides of the housing along a second direction, the path for the thermal runaway gases to flow from the exhaust holes through the exhaust duct to the explosion-proof valve is longer, facilitating cooling of the thermal runaway gases and resulting in a lower temperature for the thermal runaway gases discharged from the explosion-proof valve.

[0031] In one embodiment, the length direction of the accommodating space is arranged along the second direction.

[0032] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the exhaust holes are located on the side walls on opposite sides of the accommodating space along the first direction, and explosion-proof valves are provided on one side or both sides of the box body along the second direction, the length direction of the accommodating space is arranged along the second direction, so that the side walls of the accommodating space along the first direction are longer, which is conducive to increasing the length of the exhaust flow channel in the corresponding side wall, thereby extending the exhaust path of the thermal runaway gas, reducing the exhaust temperature of the thermal runaway gas, and the temperature of the thermal runaway gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve is lower.

[0033] In one embodiment, the side wall of the accommodating space includes:

[0034] a wall body, wherein the exhaust hole is formed in the wall body;

[0035] The reinforcing ribs are connected to the wall body, and the reinforcing ribs and the wall body are arranged to form the exhaust flow channel and the weight-reducing cavity which are isolated from each other. The weight-reducing cavity is located on a side of the exhaust flow channel away from the accommodating space.

[0036] In the disclosed embodiment, the overall strength of the side wall is increased by reinforcing ribs, and the weight of the side wall is reduced by the weight-reducing cavity, thereby improving the energy density.

[0037] In one embodiment, the housing includes:

[0038] A main box, wherein the accommodation space is formed in the main box, and a first protrusion and a second protrusion are formed on the upper side of the main box, wherein the second protrusion is located on a side of the first protrusion away from the accommodation space;

[0039] A box cover is arranged in the accommodating space of the main box, and the box cover has a sealing portion. The sealing portion is provided between the first protrusion and the second protrusion and on the side of the second protrusion away from the first protrusion. The sealing portion is in contact and sealed with the main box along the arrangement direction of the main box and the box cover.

[0040] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing performance between the main box and the box cover is improved by the cooperation of the first protrusion, the second protrusion and the corresponding sealing portion.

[0041] In one embodiment, the battery unit further includes a flame-retardant cover covering the pressure relief port, and the pressure bearing capacity of the shell is greater than the pressure bearing capacity of the flame-retardant cover.

[0042] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the flame retardant cover is provided on the pressure relief port. The flame retardant cover has a certain flame retardant ability, which can reduce the possibility of the flame retardant cover being ignited to a certain extent when the battery cell has thermal runaway. The flame retardant cover is provided on the pressure relief port. When the adjacent battery cell has thermal runaway, it can reduce the thermal runaway gas generated by the adjacent battery cell from entering the battery cell cavity through the pressure relief port, which is beneficial to suppress the spread of thermal runaway to a certain extent. When the soft-pack battery cell in the battery cell cavity has thermal runaway, since the pressure bearing capacity of the shell is greater than the pressure bearing capacity of the flame retardant cover, the thermal runaway gas in the battery cell cavity first breaks through the flame retardant cover, causing the thermal runaway gas in the battery cell cavity to erupt directionally from the pressure relief port.

[0043] In one embodiment, the flame retardant cover is made of mica.

[0044] In the disclosed embodiment, the flame retardant cover is made of mica. Mica has a certain flame retardancy and is essentially non-ignitable in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell. A thinner flame retardant cover made of mica can have a lower pressure bearing capacity.

[0045] In one embodiment, the housing comprises:

[0046] A main shell, wherein the pressure relief port is formed on the main shell, and the main shell is made of metal or plastic;

[0047] The top cover and the main shell enclose the battery cell cavity, the electrode assembly is arranged on the top cover, and the material of the top cover is plastic.

[0048] In the disclosed embodiments, the metal or plastic main housing effectively protects the pouch cell within the cell cavity. The plastic top cover provides excellent insulation, facilitating installation of the electrode assembly. The mica flame-retardant cover prevents ignition in the event of thermal runaway and facilitates fabrication with a low-pressure-bearing structure.

[0049] In one embodiment, the flame-retardant cover is formed with a through hole connected to the battery cell cavity, and the battery unit also includes a temperature regulating container partially located in the battery cell cavity, and the soft-pack battery cell is arranged on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature regulating container, and the temperature regulating container has a temperature regulating cavity and an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the temperature regulating cavity. The temperature regulating container is passed through the through hole so that the inlet and the outlet are exposed outside the battery cell along the side of the outer shell facing the flame-retardant cover.

[0050] In the disclosed embodiment, the inlet and outlet of the temperature-regulating container extend outside the cell cavity through the through-holes of the flame-retardant cover. This facilitates connecting the temperature-regulating container to an external fluid source through the inlet and outlet, allowing external fluid to enter the temperature-regulating container through the inlet and exit through the outlet, thereby regulating the temperature of the soft-pack battery cell. The inlet and outlet of the temperature-regulating container extend outside the cell cavity through the through-holes of the flame-retardant cover, eliminating the need for sealing at the through-holes and simplifying the battery cell structure.

[0051] In one embodiment, the housing comprises:

[0052] a main shell, wherein the pressure relief port is formed in the main shell;

[0053] The top cover and the main shell enclose the battery cell cavity, the electrode assembly is arranged on the top cover, and the top cover has a flange covering the side wall of the main shell, and the gap between the flange and the side wall of the main shell is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0054] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, there is no complete seal between the flange and the side wall of the main shell, and the gap between the flange and the side wall of the main shell is relatively appropriate, so that the resistance to the escape of thermal runaway gas from between the flange and the side wall of the main shell is relatively large, which can better suppress the thermal runaway gas from erupting toward the top cover, thereby better guiding the thermal runaway gas in the accommodation space to erupt in a directional manner from the pressure relief port.

[0055] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery module, comprising at least two battery cells arranged in sequence, each of the battery cells comprising an outer shell and at least one soft-pack battery cell, a battery cell cavity being formed inside the outer shell, the at least one soft-pack battery cell being arranged in the battery cell cavity, at least one side of the outer shell being provided with an electrode assembly for electrical connection to other structures, at least one side of the outer shell being provided with a pressure relief port for pressure relief, the electrode assembly and the pressure relief port being located on different sides of the outer shell, and the electrode assemblies of at least two battery cells arranged in sequence being oriented in the same direction.

[0056] A third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery cell, comprising a shell and at least one soft-pack battery cell, a battery cell cavity being formed inside the shell, the at least one soft-pack battery cell being arranged in the battery cell cavity, at least one side of the shell being provided with an electrode assembly for electrical connection to other structures, at least one side of the shell being provided with a pressure relief port for pressure relief, and the electrode assembly and the pressure relief port being located on different sides of the shell.

[0057] A fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides an electrical device, including:

[0058] Device body;

[0059] Any of the above-mentioned battery packs is installed in the device body to supply power to the device body.

[0060] Effects of the invention:

[0061] In the case of thermal runaway in the soft-pack battery cell of the present disclosure, the thermal runaway gas in the cell cavity is ejected from the pressure relief vent under the guidance of the outer shell, so that the gas ejected from the battery cell during thermal runaway is ejected in a preset direction, achieving a directional ejection of the thermal runaway gas from the battery cell. This preset direction is the direction from the outer shell toward the pressure relief vent. The electrode assembly and the pressure relief vent are located on different sides of the outer shell, so that the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief vent can avoid the electrode assembly as much as possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present disclosure. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same components. In the drawings:

[0063] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing an insulating layer but not a cover;

[0064] FIG2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the box cover is not shown;

[0065] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a main box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a box cover;

[0067] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a cross-sectional view of the battery pack;

[0068] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view at position AA in FIG5;

[0069] FIG7 is an enlarged view of position B in FIG6;

[0070] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the electrode assembly is not shown;

[0071] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing an electrode assembly;

[0072] FIG10 is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG11 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a temperature regulating container and soft-pack cells in a battery unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG12 is an assembly diagram of the top cover and the main shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the gap between the flange of the top cover and the side wall of the main shell.

[0075] Description of Reference Numerals

[0076] 1. Box body; 11. Accommodating space; 12. Target side wall; 121. Exhaust flow channel; 122. Exhaust hole; 123. Wall body; 124. Reinforcement rib; 125. Weight reduction cavity; 13. Main box; 131. First protrusion; 132. Second protrusion; 14. Box cover; 141. Sealing part; 21. Outer shell; 211. Cell cavity; 212. Pressure relief vent; 213. Main shell; 214. Top cover; 2141. Flanged edge; 22. Soft-pack cell; 221. Tab; 23. Electrode assembly; 231. Sampling electrode; 232. Transfer electrode; 24. Flame-retardant cover; 241. Through hole; 25. Temperature control container; 251. Inlet; 252. Outlet; 201. First battery cell; 202. Second battery cell; 3. Insulation layer; 4. Battery module; 5. Explosion-proof valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present disclosure and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0078] 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 disclosure belongs; the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this disclosure; the terms "including" and "having" of the embodiments of this disclosure and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0079] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used solely to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or to implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the technical features indicated. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, "plurality" means more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0080] 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 disclosure. 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.

[0081] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0082] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," 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; and can refer to internal connectivity between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0083] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be understood in a broad sense, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact with essentially no interaction force between the two contacting parties, or contact with interaction force between the two contacting parties.

[0084] In the related art, the battery cell does not have a structure to guide the directional eruption of thermal runaway gas. When a battery cell in a battery cell of a battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the eruption direction of the thermal runaway gas ejected from the battery cell is uncertain, making it difficult to guide the thermal runaway gas to be discharged and depressurized in the corresponding required preset direction.

[0085] The disclosed embodiment arranges the soft-pack battery cell in the battery cell cavity of the shell. When the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway gas generated by the thermal runaway of the soft-pack battery cell in the shell is constrained by the shell. The thermal runaway gas in the battery cell cavity is guided by the shell to be ejected toward the pressure relief port for pressure relief. As a result, the gas ejected from the thermal runaway of the battery cell is ejected in a preset direction, thereby achieving directional ejection of the thermal runaway gas of the battery cell. This preset direction is the direction of the shell toward the pressure relief port. The electrode assembly and the pressure relief port are located on different sides of the shell, and the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port can avoid the electrode assembly as much as possible.

[0086] The battery unit provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used, but is not limited to, in electrical devices such as energy storage power supply systems, vehicles, ships, or aircraft.

[0087] The battery cells provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be grouped together to form a battery pack. The battery pack can also be used, but is not limited to, in energy storage power systems, vehicles, ships, aircraft, and other electrical devices. The use of a battery pack can provide a higher total energy. Furthermore, the battery pack is formed by placing multiple grouped batteries in a sealed box, thereby providing more reliable dust and water resistance, and can therefore be used in harsher, humid, and even submerged environments.

[0088] There can be multiple battery cells, and these cells can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration refers to a combination of both series and parallel connections. Multiple battery cells can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery pack. Of course, multiple battery cells can first be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module, which can then be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery pack. A battery pack may also include other structures, such as a busbar assembly for electrically connecting multiple battery cells.

[0089] A battery cell is a unit that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0091] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cells may be lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc., but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0092] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrical device including the above-mentioned battery unit or battery pack for providing electrical energy. The electrical 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.

[0093] The electric device of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a device body and a battery pack, and the battery pack is installed in the device body to supply power to the device body.

[0094] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, power is supplied to the device body through the battery pack, so that the device body obtains the electrical energy required to maintain normal operation.

[0095] The battery pack of the embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to Figures 1 to 7, includes a case 1 and battery cells. A storage space 11 is formed inside the case 1. The battery cell is located in the storage space 11. There is at least one battery cell, and each battery cell includes a shell 21 and at least one soft-pack battery cell 22. A battery cell cavity 211 is formed inside the shell 21, and at least one soft-pack battery cell 22 is arranged in the battery cell cavity 211. At least one side of the shell 21 is provided with an electrode assembly 23 for electrical connection to other structures, and at least one side of the shell 21 is provided with a pressure relief port 212 for pressure relief. The electrode assembly 23 and the pressure relief port 212 are located on different sides of the shell 21.

[0096] The accommodating space 11 of the box body 1 is used to accommodate the battery unit.

[0097] For example, referring to FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 , the number of the accommodating space 11 may be one.

[0098] Exemplarily, the number of the accommodating spaces 11 may be at least two.

[0099] The soft-pack battery cell 22 is a type of battery cell.

[0100] The soft-pack battery cell 22 includes a bare battery cell and a plastic film covering the bare battery cell for protecting the bare battery cell.

[0101] Exemplarily, the plastic film is an aluminum-plastic film.

[0102] The bare cell includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator located between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet.

[0103] The bare cell can be a wound bare cell or a laminated bare cell.

[0104] The cell cavity 211 is a cavity for accommodating the soft-pack cell 22 .

[0105] It needs to be explained that the electrode assembly 23 is used for external electrical connection of the battery cell. The soft-pack battery cell 22 in the battery cell can be powered externally through the electrode assembly 23, and the soft-pack battery cell 22 of the corresponding battery cell can also be charged through the electrode assembly 23. Therefore, the electrode assembly 23 is electrically connected to the tab 221 of the soft-pack battery cell 22 in the outer shell 21.

[0106] It should be noted that at least one side of the housing 21 is provided with an electrode assembly 23 for electrical connection to other structures. The "other structures" herein refer to structures on the outside of the corresponding battery cell that are electrically connected to the corresponding battery cell. For example, the battery cells are connected in series or in parallel via the electrode assemblies 23. Of the two battery cells electrically connected via the corresponding electrode assemblies 23, the electrode assembly 23 of one battery cell is the other structure electrically connected to the electrode assembly 23 of the other battery cell.

[0107] A pressure relief port 212 for pressure relief is provided on at least one side of the housing 21 . The housing 21 mainly relieves pressure through the pressure relief port 212 , and the gas in the cell cavity 211 is guided by the housing 21 to be discharged from the pressure relief port 212 .

[0108] It should be noted that the electrode assembly 23 is part of the battery cell, and each battery cell is provided with a corresponding electrode assembly 23 .

[0109] In the disclosed embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the soft-pack battery cell 22, the thermal runaway gas in the cell cavity 211 is ejected from the pressure relief vent 212 under the guidance of the outer shell 21, so that the gas ejected from the battery cell due to thermal runaway is ejected in a preset direction, thereby achieving directional ejection of the thermal runaway gas from the battery cell. This preset direction is the direction from the outer shell 21 toward the pressure relief vent 212. The electrode assembly 23 and the pressure relief vent 212 are located on different sides of the outer shell 21, and the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief vent 212 can avoid the electrode assembly 23 as much as possible.

[0110] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 , the electrode assembly 23 is located on one side of the housing 21 , and the pressure relief port 212 is located on the other side of the housing 21 opposite to the electrode assembly 23 .

[0111] In the disclosed embodiment, the pressure relief port 212 is located on the other side of the housing 21 opposite to the electrode assembly 23. The pressure relief port 212 can be as far away from the electrode assembly 23 as possible, and the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 212 can accordingly be as far away from the electrode assembly 23 as possible.

[0112] It is understood that the position of the pressure relief port 212 is not limited. For example, the direction of the housing 21 toward the pressure relief port 212 and the direction of the housing 21 toward the electrode assembly 23 can be arranged crosswise.

[0113] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the number of soft-pack battery cells 22 in each battery unit is at least two, and the electrode assembly 23 includes a sampling electrode 231 and at least two adapter electrodes 232, wherein one adapter electrode 232 is electrically connected to the tab 221 of one of the soft-pack battery cells 22, and the other adapter electrode 232 is electrically connected to the tab 221 of the other soft-pack battery cell 22, and the polarities of the tabs 221 corresponding to the two adapter electrodes 232 are opposite, and the sampling electrode 231 is electrically connected to the tabs 221 of the corresponding two soft-pack battery cells 22, respectively, and the polarities of the tabs 221 of the corresponding two soft-pack battery cells 22 electrically connected to the sampling electrode 231 are opposite.

[0114] The polarities of the tabs 221 corresponding to at least two of the transfer electrodes 232 are opposite, with one transfer electrode 232 having a positive polarity and the other having a negative polarity. The soft-packed cells 22 of the battery unit can be powered externally through the transfer electrodes 232 and can be charged through the transfer electrodes 232.

[0115] The sampling electrodes 231 are electrically connected to the tabs 221 of the two corresponding soft-packed cells 22, and the polarity of the tabs 221 of the two corresponding soft-packed cells 22 electrically connected to the sampling electrodes 231 is opposite. Each sampling electrode 231 is electrically connected to the positive tab 221 of one soft-packed cell 22 and the negative tab 221 of the other soft-packed cell 22, and the soft-packed cells 22 of the battery unit are connected in series through the sampling electrodes 231.

[0116] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , the switching electrode 232 and the sampling electrode 231 are both bars.

[0117] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the soft-pack cells 22 of the battery unit are connected in series through the sampling electrode 231, and the soft-pack cells 22 of the battery unit are powered or charged through the adapter electrode 232. The sampling electrode 231 connects the soft-pack cells 22 of the battery unit in series, and the potential of the sampling electrode 231 is the potential between the two soft-pack cells 22 in series. By measuring and sampling the voltage between the sampling electrode 231 and the corresponding adapter electrode 232, the working status of the corresponding soft-pack cell 22 can be identified. Since the electrode assembly 23 and the pressure relief port 212 are located on different sides of the housing 21, the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 212 can avoid the adapter electrode 232 and the sampling electrode 231 as much as possible.

[0118] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the number of battery cells is at least two, at least one of which is a first battery cell 201, and at least one of which is a second battery cell 202. The side of the first battery cell 201 having the electrode assembly 23 and the side of the second battery cell 202 having the electrode assembly 23 are close to and opposite to each other.

[0119] For example, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the pressure relief port 212 is located on the other side of the outer shell 21 opposite to the electrode assembly 23, the pressure relief port 212 of the first battery cell 201 is located on the side of the outer shell 21 of the first battery cell 201 away from the second battery cell 202, and the pressure relief port 212 of the second battery cell 202 is located on the side of the outer shell 21 of the second battery cell 202 away from the first battery cell 201.

[0120] It should be noted that the side of the first battery cell 201 having the electrode assembly 23 and the side of the second battery cell 202 having the electrode assembly 23 are close to each other and arranged opposite to each other. In the arrangement direction of the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202, a certain distance is separated between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202, thereby reducing the possibility of short-circuiting between the electrode assembly 23 of the first battery cell 201 and the electrode assembly 23 of the second battery cell 202 that are close to each other.

[0121] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a side of the first battery cell 201 having the electrode assembly 23 and a side of the second battery cell 202 having the electrode assembly 23 are close to and opposite to each other. Since each electrode assembly 23 and the corresponding pressure relief port 212 are on different sides of the corresponding outer shell 21, the pressure relief port 212 of the first battery cell 201 and the pressure relief port 212 of the second battery cell 202 can avoid the area between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202 as much as possible. The pressure relief port 212 of the first battery cell 201 and the pressure relief port 212 of the second battery cell 202 both avoid each electrode assembly 23. The thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 212 of the first battery cell 201 can avoid the electrode assembly 23 of the second battery cell 202 as much as possible. The thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 212 of the second battery cell 202 can avoid the electrode assembly 23 of the first battery cell 201 as much as possible, which is beneficial to suppress the thermal runaway of the battery cells in the battery pack from spreading to adjacent battery cells.

[0122] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , the battery pack further includes an insulating layer 3 , and the space between each first battery cell 201 and the corresponding second battery cell 202 is filled with the insulating layer 3 , which covers the electrode assemblies 23 of the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202 , respectively.

[0123] The material of the insulating layer 3 is almost non-conductive.

[0124] In the disclosed embodiment, the electrode assemblies 23 of the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202 are both covered by the insulating layer 3 within the space between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202. This effectively insulates and isolates the electrode assemblies 23 of the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202 through the insulating layer 3. Furthermore, the thermal runaway gases generated by the battery cell experiencing thermal runaway are blocked by the insulating layer 3. This effectively isolates the electrode assemblies from the thermal runaway gases, thereby suppressing the spread of thermal runaway within the battery pack. Furthermore, the electrode assemblies 23 of the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202 are both covered by the insulating layer 3 within the space between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202. The insulating layer 3 covering the electrode assembly 23 of the first battery cell 201 and the insulating layer 3 covering the electrode assembly 23 of the second battery cell 202 share the space between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202, thereby reducing the space occupied by the insulating layer 3 and improving energy density.

[0125] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , the insulating layer 3 is made of insulating glue. The insulating glue is in liquid form before filling. The liquid insulating glue can solidify between the first battery unit 201 and the second battery unit 202 .

[0126] The liquid insulating glue can be solidified between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202 , which means that the liquid insulating glue between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202 can be converted into a solid state and remain in the solid state at normal temperature and pressure.

[0127] Illustratively, the insulating adhesive may be an insulating resin.

[0128] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating glue is in liquid form before filling, and the liquid insulating glue can be poured into the space between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202. The liquid insulating glue can flow well in the space between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202. The flowing liquid insulating glue can be filled into various positions of the space between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202 as much as possible and solidified, which is conducive to better insulation between the electrode assemblies 23 and better separation of the thermal runaway gas from the electrode assembly 23.

[0129] It is understandable that the material of the insulating layer 3 is not limited. For example, the material of the insulating layer 3 can always be in a solid state.

[0130] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the number of first battery cells 201 is at least two, and the direction in which at least two first battery cells 201 are arranged in sequence and the direction in which the first battery cells 201 and the second battery cells 202 are arranged are arranged crosswise. The number of second battery cells 202 is at least two, and the direction in which at least two second battery cells 202 are arranged in sequence and the direction in which the first battery cells 201 and the second battery cells 202 are arranged are arranged crosswise.

[0131] For example, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the arrangement direction of the first battery unit 201 and the second battery unit 202 is a first direction.

[0132] For example, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 , and FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the first direction is the direction indicated by the arrow R1 in the figures.

[0133] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the direction in which at least two first battery units 201 are sequentially arranged is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0134] For example, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the direction in which at least two second battery units 202 are sequentially arranged is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0135] For example, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , at least two first battery cells 201 constitute a corresponding battery module 4 , and at least two first battery cells 201 in the corresponding same battery module 4 are arranged in sequence.

[0136] For example, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , at least two second battery cells 202 constitute a corresponding battery module 4 , and at least two second battery cells 202 in the corresponding same battery module 4 are arranged in sequence.

[0137] For example, referring to Figures 1 and 2, two battery modules 4 are shown, one of which is primarily composed of twelve first battery cells 201 arranged in sequence, and the other is primarily composed of twelve second battery cells 202 arranged in sequence. The direction in which the twelve first battery cells 201 are arranged in sequence is approximately parallel to the direction in which the twelfth second battery cell 202 is arranged in sequence. The direction in which the first battery cells 201 and the second battery cells 202 are arranged is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the twelve first battery cells 201 are arranged in sequence. The direction in which the first battery cells 201 and the second battery cells 202 are arranged is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the twelve second battery cells 202 are arranged in sequence. The electrode assemblies 23 of the twelve first battery cells 201 are all located on the side of the outer shell 21 of the corresponding first battery cell 201 facing the corresponding second battery cell 202, the electrode assemblies 23 of the twelve second battery cells 202 are all located on the side of the outer shell 21 of the corresponding second battery cell 202 facing the corresponding first battery cell 201, the pressure relief ports 212 of the twelve first battery cells 201 are all located on the side of the outer shell 21 of the corresponding first battery cell 201 away from the corresponding second battery cell 202, and the pressure relief ports 212 of the twelve second battery cells 202 are all located on the side of the outer shell 21 of the corresponding second battery cell 202 away from the corresponding first battery cell 201.

[0138] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, at least two first battery cells 201 are arranged in sequence, and at least two second battery cells 202 are arranged in sequence. Since the side of the first battery cell 201 having the electrode assembly 23 and the side of the second battery cell 202 having the electrode assembly 23 are close to each other and arranged opposite to each other, the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 212 of the first battery cells 201 arranged in sequence can avoid the electrode assembly 23 of the second battery cell 202 arranged in sequence as much as possible, and can also avoid the electrode assembly 23 of the adjacent first battery cell 201 in the at least two first battery cells 201 arranged in sequence as much as possible, which is beneficial to suppress the thermal runaway of the first battery cell 201 from spreading to the adjacent first battery cell 201. The thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 212 of the second battery cells 202 arranged in sequence can avoid the electrode assembly 23 of the first battery cells 201 arranged in sequence as much as possible, and can also avoid the electrode assembly 23 of the adjacent second battery cells 202 among at least two second battery cells 202 arranged in sequence as much as possible, which is beneficial to suppress the thermal runaway of the second battery cell 202 from spreading to the adjacent second battery cell 202.

[0139] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 , the side wall of the accommodating space 11 has an exhaust channel 121 and an exhaust hole 122 . The exhaust channel 121 is connected to the accommodating space 11 through the exhaust hole 122 . The exhaust hole 122 is located on the side of the side wall of the accommodating space 11 facing the accommodating space 11 .

[0140] The exhaust channel 121 and the exhaust hole 122 are used to discharge the thermal runaway gas in the accommodating space 11 out of the box body 1 .

[0141] For example, referring to FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 , the side wall of the accommodating space 11 is the target side wall 12 .

[0142] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust hole 122 located on the side wall of the accommodating space 11 facing the accommodating space 11 connects the accommodating space 11 in the box body 1 with the exhaust flow channel 121. In the event that thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell in the accommodating space 11, the thermal runaway gas generated by the battery cell is discharged into the accommodating space 11 through the pressure relief port 212. The thermal runaway gas discharged into the accommodating space 11 through the pressure relief port 212 is then discharged to the outside of the box body 1 through the exhaust hole 122 and the corresponding exhaust flow channel 121, thereby reducing the pressure inside the box body 1 of the battery pack.

[0143] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 , the first battery unit 201 and the second battery unit 202 are arranged in a first direction, and the exhaust holes 122 are located on the sidewalls of the accommodating space 11 on opposite sides along the first direction.

[0144] For example, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the first direction is the direction indicated by the arrow R1 in the figures.

[0145] In the disclosed embodiment, the exhaust holes 122 are located on the sidewalls of the accommodating space 11 on opposite sides along the first direction. Each exhaust hole 122 is relatively close to the pressure relief port 212 of the corresponding first battery cell 201 or the pressure relief port 212 of the corresponding second battery cell 202. Thermal runaway gases ejected from each pressure relief port 212 can enter the exhaust duct 121 and be discharged from the housing 1 as quickly as possible through the exhaust holes 122, thereby reducing the retention of thermal runaway gases within the housing 1. The exhaust holes 122 are located on the sidewalls of the accommodating space 11 on opposite sides along the first direction. Because the sidewalls of the accommodating space 11 on opposite sides along the first direction face away from the electrode assembly 23 of the corresponding battery cell, the thermal runaway gases within the accommodating space 11 are discharged through the exhaust holes 122 located on the sidewalls of the accommodating space 11 on opposite sides along the first direction. This helps guide the thermal runaway gases away from the corresponding electrode assembly 23, thereby suppressing the spread of thermal runaway within the battery pack.

[0146] It is understood that the position of the exhaust holes 122 is not limited. The exhaust holes 122 can be arranged on two opposite sides of the accommodation space 11 along the first direction.

[0147] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 5 , the battery pack further includes an explosion-proof valve 5 , and the explosion-proof valve 5 is provided on one or both sides of the box body 1 along the second direction. The second direction is arranged crosswise with the first direction, and the exhaust flow channel 121 is selectively connected to the outside of the box body 1 through the explosion-proof valve 5 .

[0148] For example, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 , the second direction is the direction indicated by the arrow R2 in the figures.

[0149] The exhaust flow channel 121 is selectively connected to the outside of the box body 1 through the explosion-proof valve 5. When the pressure in the exhaust flow channel 121 is less than the valve opening pressure of the explosion-proof valve 5, the explosion-proof valve 5 cuts off the exhaust flow channel 121 from the outside of the box body 1. When the pressure in the exhaust flow channel 121 is greater than or equal to the valve opening pressure of the explosion-proof valve 5, the explosion-proof valve 5 connects the exhaust flow channel 121 with the outside of the box body 1.

[0150] In the disclosed embodiment, since the exhaust duct 121 selectively communicates with the exterior of the housing 1 through the explosion-proof valve 5, the thermal runaway gas within the accommodating space 11 of the housing 1 is sequentially discharged to the exterior of the housing 1 through the exhaust holes 122, the exhaust duct 121, and the explosion-proof valve 5, thereby reducing the pressure within the accommodating space 11 of the housing 1. Since the exhaust holes 122 are located on the sidewalls of the accommodating space 11 on opposite sides along a first direction, and the explosion-proof valve 5 is provided on one or both sides of the housing 1 along a second direction, the path for the thermal runaway gas to flow from the exhaust holes 122 through the exhaust duct 121 to the explosion-proof valve 5 is longer, which facilitates cooling of the thermal runaway gas, resulting in a lower temperature of the thermal runaway gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve 5.

[0151] It is understandable that the position of the explosion-proof valve 5 is not limited. For example, the explosion-proof valve 5 can be arranged on one side or both sides of the box body 1 along the first direction as appropriate.

[0152] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the length direction of the accommodating space 11 is arranged along the second direction.

[0153] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the exhaust holes 122 are located on the side walls of the accommodating space 11 on opposite sides along the first direction, and the explosion-proof valve 5 is provided on one side or both sides of the box body 1 along the second direction, the length direction of the accommodating space 11 is arranged along the second direction, so that the side walls of the accommodating space 11 along the first direction are longer, which is conducive to increasing the length of the exhaust flow channel 121 in the corresponding side wall, thereby extending the exhaust path of the thermal runaway gas, reducing the exhaust temperature of the thermal runaway gas, and the temperature of the thermal runaway gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve 5 is lower.

[0154] It can be understood that the length direction of the accommodating space 11 can be arranged along the first direction.

[0155] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 5 to 7 , the sidewall of the storage space 11 includes a wall 123 and reinforcing ribs 124. Exhaust holes 122 are formed in the wall 123. The reinforcing ribs 124 are connected to the wall 123. The reinforcing ribs 124 and the wall 123 enclose a mutually isolated exhaust channel 121 and a weight-reducing cavity 125. The weight-reducing cavity 125 is located on the side of the exhaust channel 121 facing away from the storage space 11.

[0156] The wall 123 is the main supporting structure of the side wall of the accommodating space 11 .

[0157] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 , the side wall of the accommodating space 11 is the target side wall 12 .

[0158] For example, referring to FIG. 7 , the reinforcing rib 124 is in the shape of a plate.

[0159] In the disclosed embodiment, exhaust holes 122 are formed in the wall 123, allowing thermal runaway gases within the storage space 11 to enter the wall 123 through the exhaust holes 122. Reinforcement ribs 124 within the wall 123 and the wall 123 enclose an exhaust channel 121 and a weight-reducing cavity 125. The weight-reducing cavity 125 is located on the side of the exhaust channel 121 facing away from the storage space 11. The reinforcement ribs 124 improve the overall strength of the storage space 11, while the weight-reducing cavity 125 reduces the weight of the sidewalls of the storage space 11. When the sidewalls of the storage space 11 are sufficiently strong, this helps to increase the energy density of the battery pack. The weight-reducing cavity 125 is located on the side of the exhaust channel 121 facing away from the storage space 11. The weight-reducing cavity 125 is located relatively far from the storage space 11, while the exhaust channel 121 is relatively close to the storage space 11. This facilitates communication between the exhaust channel 121 and the exhaust holes 122 near the storage space 11 to receive thermal runaway gases within the storage space 11.

[0160] It is understandable that the specific structure of the side wall of the accommodating space 11 is not limited. For example, the side wall of the accommodating space 11 may include the wall body 123 but not the reinforcing rib 124.

[0161] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 to 7 , the housing 1 includes a main housing 13 and a housing cover 14. A storage space 11 is formed in the main housing 13. A first protrusion 131 and a second protrusion 132 are formed above the main housing 13. The second protrusion 132 is located on the side of the first protrusion 131 facing away from the storage space 11. The housing cover 14 covers the storage space 11 of the main housing 13 and has a sealing portion 141. The sealing portion 141 is provided between the first protrusion 131 and the second protrusion 132, as well as on the side of the second protrusion 132 facing away from the first protrusion 131. The sealing portion 141 contacts and seals the main housing 13 along the alignment direction of the main housing 13 and the housing cover 14.

[0162] The accommodating space 11 is formed in the main box 13 , and side walls of the accommodating space 11 are formed on the main box 13 .

[0163] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the exhaust hole 122 and the exhaust flow channel 121 are formed in the main box 13 .

[0164] For example, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 , the explosion-proof valve 5 is installed on the main box 13 .

[0165] For example, referring to FIG. 6 , the arrangement direction of the main box 13 and the box cover 14 is the direction indicated by the arrow R3 in the figure.

[0166] Exemplarily, the first protrusion 131 and the second protrusion 132 are arranged to extend along the circumference of the accommodation space 11 .

[0167] In the disclosed embodiment, a case cover 14 covers the storage space 11 of the main case 13, thereby sealing the battery cells within the storage space 11 within the case body 1. The case cover 14, near the sealing portion 141, forms a multi-curved flow channel structure with the first protrusion 131 and the second protrusion of the main case 13. This multi-curved flow channel structure creates greater resistance to fluid flow, which helps prevent thermal runaway gases within the storage space 11 of the main case 13 from escaping from between the main case 13 and the case cover 14, achieving a good seal between the main case 13 and the case cover 14.

[0168] It is understandable that the specific structure of the box body 1 is not limited. For example, the first protrusion 131 and the second protrusion 132 may not be provided on the top of the main box 13, and the top of the main box 13 may be a plane.

[0169] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 , the battery unit further includes a flame retardant cover 24 covering the pressure relief port 212 , and the pressure bearing capacity of the housing 21 is greater than that of the flame retardant cover 24 .

[0170] Pressure bearing capacity refers to the ability to withstand fluid pressure.

[0171] The relative size of the pressure bearing capacity can be measured by filling gas into the outer shell 21. Specifically, because the flame retardant cover 24 is provided on the pressure relief port 212, the outer shell 21 and the flame retardant cover 24 basically seal the battery cell cavity 211. When gas is filled into the battery cell cavity 211, the gas pressure in the battery cell cavity 211 continuously increases, and the gas pressure borne by the outer shell 21 and the flame retardant cover 24 continuously increases. In the process of continuously filling the battery cell cavity 211 with gas, the flame retardant cover 24 is damaged before the outer shell 21, that is, the pressure bearing capacity of the flame retardant cover 24 is less than that of the outer shell 21, and the pressure bearing capacity of the outer shell 21 is greater than that of the flame retardant cover 24.

[0172] The flame-retardant cover 24 has a certain flame-retardant capability. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell, the flame-retardant cover 24 may be deformed due to the high temperature, but will basically not be ignited.

[0173] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the flame retardant cover 24 is provided on the pressure relief port 212. The flame retardant cover 24 has a certain flame retardant ability, which can reduce, to a certain extent, the possibility of the flame retardant cover 24 being ignited in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell. The flame retardant cover 24 is provided on the pressure relief port 212. In the event of thermal runaway of the adjacent battery cell, it can reduce the thermal runaway gas generated by the adjacent battery cell from entering the battery cell cavity 211 through the pressure relief port 212, which is beneficial to suppress the spread of thermal runaway to a certain extent. In the event of thermal runaway of the soft-pack battery cell 22 in the battery cell cavity 211, since the pressure bearing capacity of the outer shell 21 is greater than the pressure bearing capacity of the flame retardant cover 24, the thermal runaway gas in the battery cell cavity 211 first breaks through the flame retardant cover 24, causing the thermal runaway gas in the battery cell cavity 211 to be directionally ejected from the pressure relief port 212.

[0174] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 , the flame retardant cover 24 is made of mica.

[0175] Illustratively, the flame retardant cover 24 may be mica paper.

[0176] Illustratively, the flame retardant cover 24 is mica paper.

[0177] Exemplarily, the mica paper is bonded to the housing 21 .

[0178] In the disclosed embodiment, the flame retardant cover 24 is made of mica. Mica has a certain flame retardancy and will not ignite in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell. The thinner the flame retardant cover 24 made of mica, the smaller the pressure bearing capacity.

[0179] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 8 to 10 , the housing 21 includes a main housing 213 and a top cover 214 . A pressure relief vent 212 is formed in the main housing 213 . The top cover 214 and the main housing 213 enclose a cell chamber 211 , and the electrode assembly 23 is disposed on the top cover 214 .

[0180] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, before the top cover 214 is installed on the main shell 213, the electrode assembly 23 on the top cover 214 can be electrically connected to the tab 221 of the soft-pack battery cell 22, and then the connected top cover 214, electrode assembly 23 and soft-pack battery cell 22 can be installed to the main shell 213, so as to facilitate the connection of the electrode assembly 23 and the soft-pack battery cell 22 before entering the shell.

[0181] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 , the main housing 213 is made of metal or plastic, and the top cover 214 is made of plastic.

[0182] Exemplarily, the main shell 213 is made of metal, and the thickness of the main shell 213 is 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0183] Illustratively, the thickness of the main shell 213 may be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1 mm.

[0184] Exemplarily, the main shell 213 is made of plastic, is an integrally formed structure, and has a thickness of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0185] Illustratively, the thickness of the main shell 213 may be 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.9 mm, or 3 mm.

[0186] In the disclosed embodiment, the metal or plastic main housing 213 effectively protects the pouch cell 22 within the cell cavity 211. The plastic top cover 214 provides excellent insulation, facilitating installation of the electrode assembly 23. The mica flame-retardant cover 24 prevents ignition in the event of thermal runaway and facilitates fabrication with a structure having a reduced pressure-bearing capacity.

[0187] It is understandable that the materials of the outer shell 21 and the flame retardant cover 24 can be set according to actual needs.

[0188] In one embodiment, the ignition point of the flame retardant cover 24 and the ignition point of the outer shell 21 are both greater than or equal to 800°C.

[0189] For example, the ignition point of the flame retardant cover 24 may be 800° C., 810° C., 860° C., 900° C., or the like.

[0190] For example, the ignition point of the flame retardant cover 24 can be measured by heating the flame retardant cover 24 to a state where the flame retardant cover 24 just burns.

[0191] For example, the ignition point of the shell 21 can be measured by heating the shell 21 to a state where the shell 21 is just burning.

[0192] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the ignition points of the flame retardant cover 24 and the outer shell 21 are relatively high, and the flame retardant cover 24 and the outer shell 21 will not be basically ignited even under the influence of thermal runaway gas at a relatively high temperature.

[0193] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12 , the top cover 214 has a flange 2141 covering the side wall of the main shell 213 , and a gap between the flange 2141 and the side wall of the main shell 213 is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0194] Exemplarily, the gap between the flange 2141 and the side wall of the main shell 213 may be 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm.

[0195] For example, before the top cover 214 is installed into the main shell 213 but before the top cover 214 is connected to the main shell 213, the dimension between the flange 2141 and the side wall of the main shell 213 can be measured by a feeler gauge, a vernier caliper or a micrometer.

[0196] For example, the span of the flange 2141 of the top cover 214 and the corresponding span of the main shell 213 can be measured separately by a vernier caliper or a micrometer, and half of the difference between the two is the gap between the top cover 214 and the main shell 213.

[0197] For example, referring to FIG. 12 , the gap between the flange 2141 and the side wall of the main shell 213 is D1 , and D1 ≤ 0.5 mm.

[0198] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, there is no complete seal between the flange 2141 and the side wall of the main shell 213, and the gap between the flange 2141 and the side wall of the main shell 213 is relatively appropriate, so that the resistance to the escape of thermal runaway gas from between the flange 2141 and the side wall of the main shell 213 is relatively large, which can better suppress the thermal runaway gas from erupting toward the top cover 214, thereby better guiding the thermal runaway gas in the accommodating space 11 to erupt in a directional manner from the pressure relief port 212.

[0199] It is understandable that there may be no gap between the main shell 213 and the top cover 214 , and the main shell 213 and the top cover 214 may be completely sealed.

[0200] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 8, the flame-retardant cover 24 is formed with a through hole 241 connected to the battery cell cavity 211, and the battery unit also includes a temperature control container 25 partially located in the battery cell cavity 211, and soft-pack battery cells 22 are arranged on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature control container 25. The temperature control container 25 has a temperature control cavity and an inlet 251 and an outlet 252 respectively connected to the temperature control cavity. The temperature control container 25 is passed through the through hole 241 so that the inlet 251 and the outlet 252 are exposed outside the battery cell along the side of the outer shell 21 facing the flame-retardant cover 24.

[0201] For example, referring to FIG. 10 , soft-pack battery cells 22 are provided on two opposite sides of the temperature-regulating container 25 , with two soft-pack battery cells 22 on each side.

[0202] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 10 , the two soft-pack battery cells 22 on each side are connected in series via corresponding sampling electrodes 231 , and the two soft-pack battery cells 22 on each side are powered or charged via corresponding two transfer electrodes 232 .

[0203] For example, referring to FIG. 11 , the number of soft-pack battery cells 22 on each side may be one.

[0204] Exemplarily, the number of the soft-pack battery cell 22 on each side may be one, and the soft-pack battery cells 22 on both sides may be connected in series via corresponding sampling electrodes 231 .

[0205] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 11 , the temperature regulating container 25 and the corresponding side soft-pack battery cells 22 are arranged along a preset direction, and the preset direction is perpendicular to the surface of the soft-pack battery cells 22 with the largest area.

[0206] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 11 , the preset direction is the direction indicated by the arrow R4 in the figure.

[0207] In the disclosed embodiment, the inlet 251 and outlet 252 of the temperature-regulating container 25 extend outside the cell cavity 211 through the through-hole 241 of the flame-retardant cover 24. This facilitates connecting the temperature-regulating container 25 to an external fluid source through the inlet 251 and outlet 252, allowing external fluid to enter the temperature-regulating container 25 through the inlet 251 and exit through the outlet 252, thereby regulating the temperature of the pouch cell 22. Since the inlet 251 and outlet 252 of the temperature-regulating container 25 extend outside the cell cavity 211 through the through-hole 241 of the flame-retardant cover 24, the through-hole 241 does not need to be sealed, which helps simplify the structure of the battery cell.

[0208] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a battery module 4, please refer to Figures 1 and 2, the battery module 4 includes at least two battery cells arranged in sequence, each battery cell includes an outer shell 21 and at least one soft-pack battery cell 22, a battery cell cavity 211 is formed inside the outer shell 21, at least one soft-pack battery cell 22 is arranged in the battery cell cavity 211, at least one side of the outer shell 21 is provided with an electrode assembly 23 for electrical connection to other structures, at least one side of the outer shell 21 is provided with a pressure relief port 212 for pressure relief, the electrode assembly 23 and the pressure relief port 212 are located on different sides of the outer shell 21, the electrode assemblies 23 of the at least two battery cells arranged in sequence have the same orientation, and in the at least two battery cells arranged in sequence, the orientation of the electrode assembly 23 is arranged crosswise with the direction in which the at least two battery cells are arranged in sequence.

[0209] For example, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in at least two battery cells arranged in sequence, the electrode assembly 23 is oriented perpendicular to the direction in which the at least two battery cells are arranged in sequence.

[0210] For example, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the electrode assemblies 23 of the first battery cells 201 in the same battery module 4 all face the corresponding second battery cells 202 .

[0211] For example, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the electrode assemblies 23 of the second battery cells 202 in the same battery module 4 all face the corresponding first battery cells 201 .

[0212] For example, please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , which show two battery modules 4 .

[0213] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of battery cells in the battery module 4 is at least two. Since the electrode assembly 23 and the pressure relief port 212 are located on different sides of the outer shell 21, and the electrode assemblies 23 of at least two battery cells arranged in sequence have the same orientation, in the at least two battery cells arranged in sequence, the orientation of the electrode assembly 23 is arranged crosswise with the direction in which the at least two battery cells are arranged in sequence, so that the pressure relief port 212 of each battery cell in the battery module 4 can avoid the electrode assembly 23 of each battery cell, reducing the possibility that the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 212 of any battery cell will short-circuit the electrode assembly 23 of the adjacent battery cell, thereby facilitating the thermal runaway of the battery cell from spreading to the adjacent battery cell.

[0214] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a battery cell, please refer to Figures 8 to 10, the battery cell includes a shell 21 and at least one soft-pack battery cell 22, a battery cell cavity 211 is formed inside the shell 21, at least one soft-pack battery cell 22 is arranged in the battery cell cavity 211, at least one side of the shell 21 is provided with an electrode assembly 23 for electrical connection to other structures, at least one side of the shell 21 is provided with a pressure relief port 212 for pressure relief, and the electrode assembly 23 and the pressure relief port 212 are located on different sides of the shell 21.

[0215] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly 23 and the pressure relief port 212 are located on different sides of the outer shell 21, so that the pressure relief port 212 of the battery cell can be away from the electrode assembly 23. When at least two battery cells are arranged in sequence and the electrode assemblies 23 of the at least two battery cells arranged in sequence are oriented in the same direction, the pressure relief port 212 of the at least two battery cells arranged in sequence can avoid the electrode assemblies 23 of each battery cell, and the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 212 can be as far away from the electrode assembly 23 of the adjacent battery cell as possible, reducing the possibility of short-circuiting the electrode assembly 23 of the adjacent battery cell, thereby suppressing the possibility of thermal runaway of the battery cell spreading to the adjacent battery cell.

[0216] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 12, the top cover 214, main shell 213, and mica paper serving as the flame-retardant cover 24 of the battery cell do not need to be completely sealed; they only need to be able to guide the thermal runaway gas within the cell cavity 211 to erupt from the pressure relief vent 212. A soft-pack battery cell 22 is disposed within the space enclosed by the main shell 213, top cover 214, and flame-retardant cover 24. There are at least two battery cells, at least one of which is a first battery cell 201 and at least one of which is a second battery cell 202. The side of the first battery cell 201 having the electrode assembly 23 and the side of the second battery cell 202 having the electrode assembly 23 are disposed adjacent to and opposite each other. The space between each first battery cell 201 and the corresponding second battery cell 202 is filled with an insulating layer 3, which covers the electrode assemblies 23 of the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202, respectively. The insulating layer 3 is made of insulating glue, which is liquid before filling. The liquid insulating glue can solidify between the first battery cell 201 and the second battery cell 202. The electrode assembly 23 is located on one side of the outer shell 21, and the pressure relief vent 212 is located on the other side of the outer shell 21 opposite the electrode assembly 23. There are at least two first battery cells 201, and at least two first battery cells 201 form a corresponding battery module 4. The at least two first battery cells 201 in the same battery module 4 are arranged in sequence. There are at least two second battery cells 202, and at least two second battery cells 202 form a corresponding battery module 4. The at least two second battery cells 202 in the same battery module 4 are arranged in sequence. The housing 1 includes a main box 13 and a cover 14. A storage space 11 is formed in the main box 13. A first protrusion 131 and a second protrusion 132 are formed above the main box 13. The second protrusion 132 is located on the side of the first protrusion 131 facing away from the storage space 11. The box cover 14 is disposed over the storage space 11 of the main box 13. The box cover 14 has a sealing portion 141. The sealing portion 141 is provided between the first protrusion 131 and the second protrusion 132, as well as on the side of the second protrusion 132 facing away from the first protrusion 131. The sealing portion 141 contacts and seals the box body 1 along the arrangement direction of the main box 13 and the box cover 14. Sealant can be filled between the sealing portion 141 and the main box 13 to improve the sealing performance between the main box 13 and the box cover 14. The sidewalls of the storage space 11 include a wall 123 and a reinforcing rib 124. An exhaust hole 122 is formed in the wall 123. The reinforcing rib 124 is connected to the wall 123. The reinforcing rib 124 and the wall 123 enclose an isolated exhaust channel 121 and a weight reduction chamber 125. The weight reduction chamber 125 is located on the side of the exhaust channel 121 facing away from the storage space 11. The box cover 14 and the main box 13 are connected by screws, which are located on the side of the reinforcing rib 124 away from the exhaust flow channel 121. The weight reduction cavity 125 can be connected to the outside of the box body 1. The electrode assembly 23 installed on the top cover 214 is a bar.The first battery cells 201 and the second battery cells 202 are arranged in a first direction, with the exhaust holes 122 located on the sidewalls of the storage space 11 on opposite sides along the first direction. Explosion-proof valves 5 are provided on one or both sides of the housing 1 along a second direction, intersecting the first direction. The exhaust duct 121 selectively communicates with the exterior of the housing 1 through the explosion-proof valves 5. The sidewalls of the storage space 11 of the housing 1 can be made of aluminum or magnesium extrusions. Both the housing cover 14 and the bottom plate of the main housing 13 can be made of sheet metal, composite materials, or carbon fiber.

[0217] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they may modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. Such modifications or replacements do not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical solutions and are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: The box body forms a receiving space inside; At least one battery cell is located in the accommodating space, each of the battery cells includes an outer shell and at least one soft-pack battery cell, a battery cell cavity is formed inside the outer shell, and the at least one soft-pack battery cell is arranged in the battery cell cavity, at least one side of the outer shell is provided with an electrode assembly for electrical connection to other structures, at least one side of the outer shell is provided with a pressure relief port for pressure relief, and the electrode assembly and the pressure relief port are located on different sides of the outer shell.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode assembly is located on one side of the shell, and the pressure relief port is located on the other side of the shell opposite to the electrode assembly.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The number of soft-pack cells in each battery unit is at least two, and the electrode assembly includes a sampling electrode and at least two adapter electrodes, one of the adapter electrodes is electrically connected to the tab of one of the soft-pack cells, and the other adapter electrode is electrically connected to the tab of the other soft-pack cell. The polarities of the tabs corresponding to the two adapter electrodes are opposite, and the sampling electrodes are respectively electrically connected to the tabs of the corresponding two soft-pack cells, and the polarities of the tabs of the corresponding two soft-pack cells electrically connected to the sampling electrodes are opposite.

4. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The number of the battery cells is at least two, at least one of which is a first battery cell, and at least one of which is a second battery cell, and the side of the first battery cell having the electrode assembly and the side of the second battery cell having the electrode assembly are close to and opposite to each other.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The battery pack further includes an insulating layer, the space between each first battery cell and the corresponding second battery cell being filled with the insulating layer, and the insulating layer respectively covering the electrode assemblies of the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein: The insulating layer is made of insulating glue, which is in liquid form before being filled. The liquid insulating glue can be solidified between the first battery unit and the second battery unit.

7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The number of the first battery cells is at least two, and the direction in which at least two of the first battery cells are arranged in sequence and the direction in which the first battery cells and the second battery cells are arranged are cross-arranged. The number of the second battery cells is at least two, and the direction in which at least two of the second battery cells are arranged in sequence and the direction in which the first battery cells and the second battery cells are arranged are cross-arranged.

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The side wall of the accommodation space is provided with an exhaust flow channel and an exhaust hole. The exhaust flow channel is communicated with the accommodation space through the exhaust hole. The exhaust hole is located on a side of the side wall of the accommodation space facing the accommodation space.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The first battery unit and the second battery unit are arranged in a first direction, and the exhaust holes are located on side walls of the accommodation space on two opposite sides along the first direction.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The battery pack further includes an explosion-proof valve, which is provided on one or both sides of the box along a second direction, the second direction being arranged crosswise with the first direction, and the exhaust flow channel is selectively connected to the outside of the box through the explosion-proof valve.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein: The length direction of the accommodating space is arranged along the second direction.

12. The battery pack according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The side wall of the accommodating space includes: a wall body, wherein the exhaust hole is formed in the wall body; The reinforcing ribs are connected to the wall body, and the reinforcing ribs and the wall body are arranged to form the exhaust flow channel and the weight-reducing cavity which are isolated from each other. The weight-reducing cavity is located on a side of the exhaust flow channel away from the accommodating space.

13. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The box includes: A main box, wherein the accommodation space is formed in the main box, and a first protrusion and a second protrusion are formed on the upper side of the main box, wherein the second protrusion is located on a side of the first protrusion away from the accommodation space; A box cover is arranged in the accommodating space of the main box, and the box cover has a sealing portion. The sealing portion is provided between the first protrusion and the second protrusion and on the side of the second protrusion away from the first protrusion. The sealing portion is in contact and sealed with the main box along the arrangement direction of the main box and the box cover.

14. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The battery unit further includes a flame-retardant cover covering the pressure relief port, and the pressure bearing capacity of the shell is greater than that of the flame-retardant cover.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein: The flame retardant cover is made of mica.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein: The housing comprises: A main shell, wherein the pressure relief port is formed on the main shell, and the main shell is made of metal or plastic; The top cover and the main shell enclose the battery cell cavity, the electrode assembly is arranged on the top cover, and the material of the top cover is plastic.

17. The battery pack according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The flame-retardant cover is formed with a through hole connected to the battery cell cavity, and the battery unit also includes a temperature regulating container partially located in the battery cell cavity, and the soft-pack battery cell is arranged on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature regulating container. The temperature regulating container has a temperature regulating cavity and an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the temperature regulating cavity. The temperature regulating container is passed through the through hole so that the inlet and the outlet are exposed outside the battery cell along the side of the outer shell facing the flame-retardant cover.

18. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The housing comprises: a main shell, wherein the pressure relief port is formed in the main shell; The top cover and the main shell enclose the battery cell cavity, the electrode assembly is arranged on the top cover, and the top cover has a flange covering the side wall of the main shell, and the gap between the flange and the side wall of the main shell is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

19. A battery module, comprising at least two battery cells arranged in sequence, each of the battery cells comprising an outer shell and at least one soft-pack battery cell, a battery cell cavity being formed inside the outer shell, the at least one soft-pack battery cell being arranged in the battery cell cavity, at least one side of the outer shell being provided with an electrode assembly for electrical connection with other structures, at least one side of the outer shell being provided with a pressure relief port for pressure relief, the electrode assembly and the pressure relief port being located on different sides of the outer shell, the electrode assemblies of at least two battery cells arranged in sequence having the same orientation, and in at least two battery cells arranged in sequence, the orientation of the electrode assembly is arranged crosswise with the direction in which at least two battery cells are arranged in sequence.

20. A battery cell comprises a shell and at least one soft-pack battery cell, wherein a battery cell cavity is formed inside the shell, and the at least one soft-pack battery cell is arranged in the battery cell cavity, at least one side of the shell is provided with an electrode assembly for electrical connection with other structures, and at least one side of the shell is provided with a pressure relief port for pressure relief, and the electrode assembly and the pressure relief port are located on different sides of the shell.

21. An electrical device comprising: Device body; The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 18, mounted on the device body to supply power to the device body.