Battery, battery pack and electrical apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of batteries. Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a battery, a battery pack and an electrical apparatus. The battery comprises a temperature adjustment container and battery cells. The temperature adjustment container has a temperature adjustment chamber, and an inlet and an outlet which are respectively communicated with the temperature adjustment chamber, a weakened area being formed on the chamber wall of the temperature adjustment chamber. The battery cells are arranged on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature adjustment container in a preset direction, the preset direction intersecting the surfaces having the largest areas of the battery cells. When thermal runaway of the battery cells occurs, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened area is smaller than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas except the weakened area of the chamber wall of the temperature adjustment chamber, such that fluid in the temperature adjustment chamber can flow out from a position corresponding to the weakened area. When thermal runaway occurs, the pressure of the temperature adjustment chamber is increased to open the weakened area, so as to cool battery cells undergoing thermal runaway rapidly, thus inhibiting thermal runaway of battery packs.

Description

Battery, battery pack and power-consuming device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese patent application number 202410254844.2, application date March 6, 2024, and invention name “A battery, a battery pack, and an electrical device”, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into the present disclosure as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery, a battery pack, 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 of a battery pack experiences thermal runaway, it is necessary to suppress the thermal runaway of the battery pack as much as possible.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a battery, a battery pack, and an electrical device to suppress thermal runaway of the battery pack.

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

[0009] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery, comprising:

[0010] A temperature regulating container having a temperature regulating cavity and an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the temperature regulating cavity, wherein a weakened area is formed on a cavity wall of the temperature regulating cavity;

[0011] A battery cell is provided on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature regulating container along a preset direction, and the preset direction is arranged crosswise with the surface of the battery cell with the largest area. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the cavity wall of the temperature regulating cavity except the weakened zone, so that the fluid in the temperature regulating cavity can flow out from the position corresponding to the weakened zone.

[0012] In the disclosed embodiment, the temperature regulating chamber is opened at the location of the weakened zone by increasing the pressure in the temperature regulating chamber. The cooling fluid flowing out of the weakened zone is closer to the large surface of the battery cell, which is beneficial for the fluid flowing out of the weakened zone to fully cool the large surface of the battery, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell and allowing the battery with thermal runaway to cool down faster. On the one hand, the rapid cooling of the battery with thermal runaway can better suppress the thermal runaway of a single battery. On the other hand, the heat generated by the thermal runaway battery that is cooled faster is taken away by the fluid, and the cooling rate is faster, which is beneficial to reducing the heat diffusion between adjacent batteries and suppressing the thermal runaway of the battery pack.

[0013] In one embodiment, the temperature control container includes a container body, the container wall of the container body is configured to form the temperature control cavity, the weakened zone, the outlet and the inlet are all formed on the container wall of the container body, and the battery cell is arranged on one side or two opposite sides of the container body along a preset direction. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the container wall except the weakened zone, so that the fluid in the temperature control cavity can flow out from the position corresponding to the weakened zone.

[0014] In the disclosed embodiments, a weakened zone is formed on the container wall of the container body. This weakening of the container wall itself facilitates a simplified structure of the temperature-regulating container. The weakened zone is formed on the container wall and is a portion of the container wall itself. The container wall is relatively flat overall. When the weakened zone contacts a battery cell, the outer surface of the weakened zone facilitates sufficient contact and heat exchange with the battery cell, thereby effectively regulating the temperature of the battery cell.

[0015] In one embodiment, the thickness of the weakened area is smaller than the thickness of other areas of the container wall except the weakened area.

[0016] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the weakened zone is set to be smaller to weaken the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone, so that the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone is smaller than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the container wall except the weakened zone.

[0017] In one embodiment, the container wall of the container body is elastic, and the container body can expand and contract under the action of the fluid in the temperature adjustment chamber.

[0018] In the disclosed embodiments, the container body's walls possess a certain degree of elasticity. By adjusting the pressure of the fluid within the thermostatic chamber, a certain degree of squeezing force can be applied to the large surfaces of the battery cells as needed, effectively maintaining the desired stress on the large surfaces of the battery cells. The elastic container body is capable of expansion and contraction, and by adjusting the pressure of the fluid within the thermostatic chamber to change the degree of expansion and contraction, the expansion space within the battery cells can be adjusted as needed.

[0019] In one embodiment, the container body is an air bag.

[0020] In the disclosed embodiment, the airbag has a certain elasticity. Using the airbag as the container body can better adjust the extrusion force on the large surface of the battery cell and the expansion and contraction degree of the battery cell by adjusting the fluid pressure in the temperature adjustment chamber.

[0021] In one embodiment, the container wall of the container body is made of rubber.

[0022] In the disclosed embodiments, the rubber container wall exhibits good elasticity, providing a relatively uniform squeeze force across the large surface of the battery cell. Rubber can withstand a certain temperature, and during the normal operation of the battery cell, the rubber container wall is unlikely to be damaged by overheating. In the early stages of thermal runaway, the temperature is not too high, and the rubber container wall may not yet be damaged. By increasing the pressure of the fluid within the thermostatic chamber, the fluid within the chamber flows out of the weakened zone, rapidly cooling the battery cell and preventing heat spread.

[0023] In one embodiment, the preset direction is perpendicular to the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell, and when projected along the preset direction, the overlapping area between the projected area of ​​the bare cell of the battery cell and the projected area of ​​the elastic container wall is the target area, and the ratio of the area of ​​the target area to the area of ​​the projected area of ​​the bare cell in the battery cell is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 100%.

[0024] In the disclosed embodiment, the elastic container wall of the container body can cover a larger area of ​​the bare cell, which is beneficial for applying the required extrusion force to the bare cell of the battery unit by adjusting the pressure of the fluid in the temperature regulating chamber.

[0025] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating container is provided with the weakened area on a side facing the corresponding battery cell along an arrangement direction of the temperature regulating container and the corresponding battery cell.

[0026] In the disclosed embodiment, battery cells are arranged on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature control container along a preset direction, and a weakened zone is provided on the side of the temperature control container facing the battery cell, so that the weakened zone of the temperature control container is roughly facing the large surface of the battery cell. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell, the cooling fluid flowing out of the weakened zone of the temperature control container is facilitated to fully contact the large surface of the battery cell, thereby quickly cooling the battery cell and preventing heat diffusion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the inlet and the outlet are both located at the same end of the temperature regulating chamber, and the battery further comprises:

[0028] a first guide plate located in the temperature regulating chamber, the first guide plate being connected to a cavity wall of the temperature regulating chamber on a side facing the inlet, the first guide plate being spaced apart from a cavity wall of the temperature regulating chamber on a side facing away from the inlet, the first guide plate being provided in a plurality of numbers, and the plurality of first guide plates being located between the outlet and the inlet along an arrangement direction of the outlet and the inlet;

[0029] The second guide plate is located in the temperature control chamber, the second guide plate is spaced apart from the cavity wall of the temperature control chamber facing the inlet, the second guide plate is connected to the cavity wall of the temperature control chamber facing away from the inlet, and the second guide plate is located between the first guide plate closest to the outlet and the first guide plate closest to the inlet.

[0030] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid used for temperature regulation in the temperature regulation chamber flows back and forth between the other end of the container body opposite to the target end and the target end under the guidance of the first guide plate and the second guide plate and gradually flows toward the outlet, thereby increasing the length of the flow path of the fluid in the temperature regulation chamber, which is beneficial for the fluid in the temperature regulation chamber to fully exchange heat with the large surface of the battery cell, so that the temperature regulation container can better regulate the temperature of the battery cell during normal operation.

[0031] In one embodiment, the battery further comprises a thermally decomposable solid material located in the temperature regulating chamber, wherein the thermally decomposable solid material decomposes at a temperature greater than 100° C. to generate gas.

[0032] In the disclosed embodiment, by thermally decomposing solid matter to generate gas when thermal runaway occurs, the weakened zone of the temperature control container in the battery experiencing thermal runaway is opened by the gas generated by the thermal decomposition of the thermally decomposable solid matter, thereby enabling precise cooling of the battery experiencing thermal runaway.

[0033] In one embodiment, the battery cell is a soft-pack battery cell.

[0034] In the disclosed embodiment, during the thermal runaway of a soft-pack battery cell, the thermal runaway gas is ejected in all directions, and the plastic film serving as the outer packaging of the soft-pack battery cell is damaged on all sides, which facilitates the cooling fluid flowing out of the weakened area to flow through the damaged outer packaging to the bare battery cell in thermal runaway, thereby quickly cooling the battery cell in thermal runaway.

[0035] In one embodiment, the battery further includes a shell and a conductive terminal mounted on the shell, the battery cell and the temperature regulating container are both located in the shell, and the conductive terminal is electrically connected to the tab of the battery cell.

[0036] In the disclosed embodiment, the battery cells and the temperature regulating container are constrained within the housing, which facilitates better fit between the temperature regulating container and the corresponding battery cells, improves the efficiency of heat exchange, and thus better regulates the temperature of the battery cells.

[0037] In one embodiment, the inlet and the outlet are both located at an end of the housing facing away from the conductive terminal.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the space at both ends of the housing is fully utilized to arrange the conductive terminals and the inlet and outlet. There is sufficient space at the end of the housing away from the inlet and outlet for arranging the conductive terminals.

[0039] In one embodiment, the housing has a receiving cavity and a pressure relief port communicating with the receiving cavity, at least one battery cell is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the pressure relief port and the conductive terminal are located on different sides of the housing.

[0040] In this embodiment, when a battery cell in the battery casing experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway gas is ejected from the casing through the pressure relief vent, thereby relieving the pressure in the accommodating cavity within the casing, thereby achieving directional ejection of the thermal runaway gas. Since the conductive terminal and the pressure relief vent are located on different sides of the casing, when multiple batteries are arranged in sequence and the conductive terminals of the multiple batteries are oriented in the same direction, the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief vent and the substances carried by the thermal runaway gas can avoid the conductive terminals as much as possible, thereby reducing the possibility of short-circuiting the conductive terminals of adjacent batteries and reducing the possibility of thermal runaway spreading, thereby helping to reduce the severity of thermal runaway in the battery.

[0041] In one embodiment, the conductive terminal includes a sampling electrode and at least two transfer electrodes, wherein one transfer electrode is electrically connected to a tab of one battery cell, and the other transfer electrode is electrically connected to a tab of another battery cell, and the polarities of the tabs corresponding to the two transfer electrodes are opposite. The sampling electrodes are respectively electrically connected to the tabs of the corresponding two battery cells, and the polarities of the tabs of the corresponding two battery cells electrically connected to the sampling electrodes are opposite.

[0042] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, at least two battery cells in the sampling electrode housing are connected in series, and the two battery cells in series are powered externally through two adapter electrodes or charged through the two adapter electrodes. The voltage of the corresponding battery cell can be measured through the sampling electrode and any one of the two adapter electrodes, thereby monitoring the working status of each battery cell in series in the battery.

[0043] In one embodiment, the outer shell includes a main shell and a top cover, the pressure relief vent is formed on one side of the main shell, the top cover and the main shell form the accommodating cavity, the conductive terminal is installed on the top cover, the top cover is made of plastic, and the main shell is made of metal or plastic. The battery also includes a flame retardant cover covering the pressure relief vent, the flame retardant cover is made of mica, and the pressure bearing capacity of the outer shell is greater than the pressure bearing capacity of the flame retardant cover.

[0044] In the disclosed embodiment, different materials are selected for the top cover, main housing, and flame-retardant cover to achieve the required pressure-bearing capacity. The flame-retardant cover is used to block thermal runaway gases from adjacent batteries from entering the housing cavity, thereby suppressing the spread of thermal runaway.

[0045] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery pack, including:

[0046] Box;

[0047] The battery in any one of the above is located in the box.

[0048] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an electrical device, including:

[0049] Device body;

[0050] Any of the above-mentioned battery packs is installed in the device body, and the battery pack is used to supply power to the device body.

[0051] Effects of the invention:

[0052] In the disclosed embodiments, when the battery cells in the battery are operating normally, a temperature-regulating fluid can be introduced into the temperature-regulating chamber of the temperature-regulating container through an inlet to regulate the temperature of the normally operating battery cells. The temperature-regulating container is provided with battery cells on one or two opposite sides along a predetermined direction. That is, the temperature-regulating container is located on the larger surface of the battery cells, allowing for a larger contact surface between the temperature-regulating container and the battery cells. This facilitates heat exchange between the temperature-regulating container and the battery cells, thereby effectively regulating the temperature of the battery cells. In the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell in the battery, the pressure of the fluid in the temperature control chamber is increased. Since the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the wall of the temperature control chamber except the weakened zone, the temperature control container will be opened in the weakened zone, and the cooling fluid in the temperature control chamber will flow out from the location of the squeezed weakened zone. Since the temperature control container is provided with battery cells on one side or two opposite sides along a preset direction, the cooling fluid flowing out of the weakened zone is closer to the large surface of the battery cell, which is beneficial for the fluid flowing out of the weakened zone to fully cool the large surface of the battery, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell and cooling the battery in thermal runaway faster. On the one hand, the rapid cooling of the battery in thermal runaway better suppresses the thermal runaway of the individual battery. On the other hand, the heat generated by the thermal runaway battery that is cooled faster is carried away by the fluid, and the cooling rate is faster, which is beneficial to reduce heat diffusion between adjacent batteries and suppress thermal runaway of the battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] 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:

[0054] FIG1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a temperature regulating container and battery cells on both sides of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the number of battery cells on each side is one;

[0055] FIG2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a temperature regulating container and a first guide plate and a second guide plate in a temperature regulating chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG3 is an enlarged view of position A in FIG2 ;

[0057] FIG4 is an exploded schematic diagram of the temperature regulating container and battery cells on both sides of the battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the number of battery cells on each side is two;

[0058] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a battery cell and a temperature regulating container are located in a housing, and the through hole of a flame-retardant cover is shown in the figure;

[0059] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing conductive terminals;

[0060] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG8 is an assembly diagram of the top cover and the main housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG9 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of multiple batteries in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Description of Reference Numerals

[0064] 100. Battery; 11. Temperature control chamber; 12. Inlet; 13. Product output; 14. Container body; 141. Container wall; 142. Weakened zone; 2. Battery cell; 21. Tab; 22. Large surface; 23. Bare cell; 31. First guide plate; 32. Second guide plate; 4. Thermally decomposed solid matter; 5. Casing; 51. Accommodation chamber; 52. Pressure relief vent; 53. Main shell; 54. Top cover; 541. Flanged edge; 6. Conductive terminal; 61. Sampling electrode; 62. Transfer electrode; 7. Flame-retardant cover; 71. Through hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] In related art, multiple battery cells in a battery pack are typically arranged along a predetermined direction that intersects the largest surface area of ​​the battery cell. Hereinafter, the largest surface area of ​​the battery cell is referred to as the "largest surface area." However, if the cooling device does not extend to the large surface area of ​​the battery cell, in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell in the battery pack, the fluid used to cool the battery pack generally cools the entire battery pack. This makes it difficult for the cooling fluid to flow to the largest surface area of ​​the battery cell to fully cool the battery cell experiencing thermal runaway, resulting in low cooling efficiency and poor control of thermal runaway in the battery pack.

[0073] The disclosed embodiments arrange battery cells on one or both sides of a temperature-regulating container along a preset direction, with the preset direction intersecting the largest surface area of ​​the battery cells. With the temperature-regulating container on one side of the larger surface of the battery cells, if thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells, the fluid pressure in the temperature-regulating chamber is increased, causing the temperature-regulating container to burst in the weakened area. The cooling fluid in the temperature-regulating chamber can flow fully to the larger surface of the battery cells, effectively cooling them and reducing heat diffusion between adjacent cells, thus facilitating thermal runaway suppression in the battery pack. The temperature-regulating container on the larger surface of the battery cells can rapidly cool the battery cells within the battery, facilitating thermal runaway suppression in individual cells and, consequently, effectively suppressing thermal runaway in the battery pack as a whole.

[0074] The battery provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used, but is not limited to, in energy storage power supply systems, vehicles, ships, aircraft and other electrical devices.

[0075] The batteries 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. Using a battery pack can provide a higher total energy.

[0076] 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.

[0077] A battery cell is a unit that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrical device including the above-mentioned battery 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The battery 100 package of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a box body and a battery 100 , and the battery 100 is located in the box body.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery 100 is located in the box, and the box and the battery 100 in the box supply power to the outside as a whole. The box can better protect the battery 100 in the box.

[0085] The battery 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 7. The battery 100 includes a temperature regulating container and a battery cell 2. The temperature regulating container has a temperature regulating chamber 11 and an inlet 12 and an outlet respectively connected to the temperature regulating chamber 11. A weakened zone 142 is formed on the wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11. The temperature regulating container is provided with battery cells 2 on one side or on two opposite sides along a preset direction. The preset direction is arranged crosswise with the surface of the battery cell 2 with the largest area. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone 142 is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 except the weakened zone 142, so that the fluid in the temperature regulating chamber 11 can flow out from the position corresponding to the weakened zone 142.

[0086] The large surface 22 mentioned below refers to the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 2 .

[0087] The temperature regulating container is used to regulate the temperature of the battery cell 2 , that is, it can lower or raise the temperature of the battery cell 2 according to actual needs during normal operation of the battery cell 2 to regulate the temperature of the battery cell 2 , and can also cool the battery 100 when thermal runaway occurs.

[0088] The inlet 12 and the outlet of the temperature control container are used to connect to an external fluid source, so that the external fluid for temperature control enters the temperature control container through the inlet 12 and flows out of the temperature control container through the outlet.

[0089] For example, the fluid flowing through the temperature control container through the inlet 12 and the outlet can be gas or liquid.

[0090] The relative pressure bearing capacity can be measured by introducing a fluid. Specifically, by injecting a fluid into the temperature control chamber 11 of the temperature control container and continuously increasing the pressure of the fluid within the temperature control chamber 11, as the pressure within the temperature control chamber 11 continuously increases, the weakened region 142 opens the temperature control chamber 11 before the other regions of the cavity wall of the temperature control chamber 11 excluding the weakened region 142. In other words, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened region 142 is lower than that of the other regions of the cavity wall of the temperature control chamber 11 excluding the weakened region 142.

[0091] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 , the preset direction is perpendicular to the surface of the battery cell 2 with the largest area.

[0092] For example, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 , the direction indicated by the arrow R1 in the figure is the preset direction.

[0093] In the disclosed embodiment, when the battery cells 2 in the battery 100 are operating normally, a temperature-regulating fluid can be introduced into the temperature-regulating chamber 11 of the temperature-regulating container through the inlet 12 to regulate the temperature of the normally operating battery cells 2. The temperature-regulating container is provided with battery cells 2 on one or two opposite sides along a predetermined direction. That is, the temperature-regulating container is located on the larger surface 22 of the battery cells 2. This allows for a larger contact surface between the temperature-regulating container and the battery cells 2, facilitating heat exchange between the temperature-regulating container and the battery cells 2, thereby effectively regulating the temperature of the battery cells 2. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 in the battery 100, the pressure of the fluid in the temperature control chamber 11 is increased. Since the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened area 142 is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the cavity wall of the temperature control chamber 11 except the weakened area 142, the temperature control container will be opened at the weakened area 142, and the cooling fluid in the temperature control chamber 11 will flow out from the location of the squeezed weakened area 142. Since the temperature control container is provided with battery cells 2 on one side or on both opposite sides along a preset direction, the cooling fluid flowing out of the weakened area 142 is away from the battery cells 2. The large surfaces 22 are close, which is beneficial for the fluid flowing out of the weakened area 142 to fully cool the large surface 22 of the battery 100, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 2 and allowing the battery 100 with thermal runaway to cool down faster. On the one hand, the rapid cooling of the battery 100 with thermal runaway can better suppress the thermal runaway of the single battery 100. On the other hand, the heat generated by the thermal runaway battery 100 that is cooled faster is taken away by the fluid, and the cooling rate is faster, which is beneficial to reducing the heat diffusion between adjacent batteries 100 and suppressing the thermal runaway of the battery pack 100.

[0094] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the temperature control container includes a container body 14, a container wall 141 of the container body 14 encloses a temperature control chamber 11, a weakened zone 142, an outlet, and an inlet 12 are all formed in the container wall 141 of the container body 14, and a battery cell 2 is provided on one side or two opposite sides of the container body 14 along a preset direction. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone 142 is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the container wall 141 except the weakened zone 142, so that the fluid in the temperature control chamber 11 can flow out from the position corresponding to the weakened zone 142.

[0095] The temperature regulating chamber 11 is enclosed by the container wall 141 of the container body 14. The wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 is basically the container wall 141 of the container body 14. When the battery cell 2 is operating normally, the fluid for temperature regulation flows into the temperature regulating chamber 11 from the inlet 12 and the fluid in the temperature regulating chamber 11 flows out from the outlet.

[0096] The relative pressure bearing capacity can be measured by introducing a fluid. Specifically, by injecting a fluid into the temperature control chamber 11 and continuously increasing the pressure of the fluid within the temperature control chamber 11, as the pressure within the temperature control chamber 11 continuously increases, the weakened region 142 breaks before the other regions of the container wall 141 of the container body 14 excluding the weakened region 142, thereby opening the temperature control chamber 11. In other words, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened region 142 is lower than that of the other regions of the container wall 141 excluding the weakened region 142.

[0097] For example, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , the container body 14 shown in the figure is the temperature regulating container of the embodiment shown in the figure, and the container wall 141 shown in the figure is the cavity wall of the temperature regulating cavity 11 of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0098] In the disclosed embodiment, a weakened zone 142 is formed on the container wall 141 of the container body 14. This weakening of the container wall 141 itself facilitates a simplified structure of the temperature-regulating container. The weakened zone 142 is formed on and is a portion of the container wall 141, which is relatively flat overall. When the weakened zone 142 contacts the battery cell 2, the outer surface of the weakened zone 142 facilitates sufficient contact and heat exchange with the battery cell 2, thereby effectively regulating the temperature of the battery cell 2.

[0099] It can be understood that the arrangement of the weakened area 142 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited.

[0100] Exemplarily, the temperature control container further includes a one-way valve provided in the container body 14 . The one-way valve and the container wall 141 of the container body 14 enclose the temperature control chamber 11 , and the weakened area 142 is formed in the one-way valve.

[0101] It should be noted that the one-way valve and container wall 141 enclose the temperature control chamber 11. The wall of the temperature control chamber 11 includes not only the container wall 141 of the container body 14, but also the wall formed by the one-way valve. In other words, part of the structure of the one-way valve is also part of the wall of the temperature control chamber 11. By setting the opening pressure of the one-way valve to a low value, a weakened area 142 can be formed on the wall of the temperature control chamber 11.

[0102] The relative magnitude of the pressure bearing capacity can be measured by introducing fluid. Specifically, when fluid is introduced into the temperature control chamber 11 to increase the pressure of the fluid within the temperature control chamber 11, the one-way valve opens under the pressure of the fluid within the temperature control chamber 11, and the container wall 141 of the container body 14 is intact. In other words, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened area 142 is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the wall of the temperature control chamber 11 excluding the weakened area 142.

[0103] For example, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 2, the fluid pressure in the temperature regulating chamber 11 is increased so that the one-way valve opens under the action of the fluid pressure in the temperature regulating chamber 11, thereby allowing the cooling fluid in the temperature regulating chamber 11 to flow out from the weakened area 142 of the one-way valve.

[0104] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the thickness of the weakened area 142 is smaller than the thickness of other areas of the container wall 141 except the weakened area 142 .

[0105] For example, the material of the weakened area 142 and the material of other areas of the cavity wall of the temperature regulating cavity 11 except the weakened area 142 may be the same or different.

[0106] For example, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the thickness of the weakened area 142 is D1, and the thickness of the other areas of the container wall 141 except the weakened area 142 is D2. <D2。

[0107] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone 142 is weakened by setting the thickness of the weakened zone 142 to be smaller, so that the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone 142 is smaller than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the container wall 141 except the weakened zone 142.

[0108] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , the container wall 141 of the container body 14 is elastic, and the container body 14 can expand and contract under the action of the fluid in the temperature regulating chamber 11 .

[0109] In the disclosed embodiment, because the container wall 141 of the container body 14 has a certain degree of elasticity, by adjusting the pressure of the fluid within the temperature-regulating chamber 11, a certain degree of squeezing force can be applied to the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2 as needed, thereby effectively maintaining the required stress on the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2. The elastic container body 14 can expand and contract, and by adjusting the pressure of the fluid within the temperature-regulating chamber 11 to change the degree of expansion and contraction of the container body 14, the expansion space of the battery cell 2 can be adjusted as needed.

[0110] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , the container body 14 may be an air bag.

[0111] In the disclosed embodiment, the airbag has a certain elasticity. Using the airbag as the container body 14 can better adjust the squeezing force on the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2 and the expansion and contraction degree of the battery cell 2 by adjusting the fluid pressure in the temperature adjustment chamber 11.

[0112] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , the container wall 141 of the container body 14 is made of rubber.

[0113] In the disclosed embodiment, the rubber container wall 141 has good elasticity and can relatively evenly provide the desired squeezing force to the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2. Rubber can withstand a certain temperature. During the normal operation and heating of the battery cell 2, the rubber container wall 141 is unlikely to be damaged by overheating. In the early stages of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2, the temperature is not too high, and the rubber container wall 141 may not have been damaged. By increasing the pressure of the fluid in the temperature control chamber 11, the fluid in the temperature control chamber 11 flows out of the weakened zone 142, rapidly cooling the battery cell 2 and preventing heat diffusion.

[0114] It is understood that the material of the elastic container wall 141 is not limited to rubber. For example, the material of the container wall 141 of the container body 14 is silicone.

[0115] It is understood that the container wall 141 of the container body 14 is not limited to a material having elasticity. Exemplarily, the material of the container body 14 can be a rigid material. For example, the material of the container wall 141 of the container body 14 can be hard plastic or other metal materials.

[0116] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 , a weakened area 142 is provided on a side of the temperature regulating container facing the corresponding battery cell 2 along the arrangement direction of the temperature regulating container and the corresponding battery cell 2 .

[0117] Since the battery cells 2 are arranged on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature regulating container along the preset direction, the arrangement direction of the temperature regulating container and the corresponding battery cells 2 is the preset direction.

[0118] In the disclosed embodiment, a battery cell 2 is provided on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature control container along a preset direction, and a weakened zone 142 is provided on the side of the temperature control container facing the battery cell 2, so that the weakened zone 142 of the temperature control container is roughly facing the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2, the cooling fluid flowing out of the weakened zone 142 of the temperature control container is facilitated to fully contact with the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2, thereby quickly cooling the battery cell 2 and preventing heat diffusion.

[0119] It is understood that the location of the weakened zone 142 is not limited. For example, the inlet 12 and the outlet are located at the same end of the temperature-regulating chamber 11, and the weakened zone 142 is located at the end of the temperature-regulating chamber 11 facing the inlet 12. The weakened zone 142 is located between the inlet 12 and the outlet along the arrangement direction of the inlet 12 and the outlet. The weakened zone 142 does not need to face the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2.

[0120] For example, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 , the direction indicated by the arrow R2 in the figures is the arrangement direction of the inlet 12 and the outlet.

[0121] In one embodiment, referring to FIG1 , a preset direction is perpendicular to the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 2 , and projected along the preset direction, the overlapping area between the projected area of ​​the bare cell 23 of the battery cell 2 and the projected area of ​​the elastic container wall 141 is the target area, and the ratio of the area of ​​the target area to the area of ​​the projected area of ​​the bare cell 23 in the battery cell 2 is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 100%.

[0122] The battery cell 2 includes a bare cell 23 and corresponding outer packaging. The bare cell 23 is located within the outer packaging. The bare cell 23 includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. The largest surface of the battery cell 2 is also the largest surface of the outer packaging of the battery cell 2.

[0123] Exemplarily, the bare cell 23 may be a wound cell or a laminated cell.

[0124] The arrangement direction of the large surface 22 of the bare cell 23 is basically consistent with the arrangement direction of the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2. The preset direction is perpendicular to the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 2, that is, the preset direction is basically perpendicular to the surface with the largest area of ​​the bare cell 23.

[0125] The projection area of ​​the bare battery cell 23 along the preset direction is roughly the projection area of ​​the largest surface of the bare battery cell 23 .

[0126] The distribution of the projection area of ​​the container wall 141 along the preset direction can roughly determine the surface of the bare battery cell 23 with the largest area covered by the container wall 141 .

[0127] For example, referring to FIG1 , the projection area of ​​the bare cell 23 along the preset direction may be located within the projection area of ​​the container wall 141 along the preset direction, and the ratio of the area of ​​the target area to the area of ​​the projection area of ​​the bare cell 23 in the battery cell 2 may be 100%.

[0128] Exemplarily, the ratio of the area of ​​the target region to the area of ​​the projection region of the bare cells 23 in the battery unit 2 is 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%.

[0129] For example, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 , the container body 14 is substantially square in shape.

[0130] Remove the bare cell 23 from the battery cell 2. By measuring the length and width of the largest surface of the bare cell 23, the area of ​​the projected area of ​​the bare cell 23 along a preset direction can be obtained. The bare cell 23 in the battery cell 2 is welded to the terminal, leaving a weld mark. The weld mark can be used to determine the position of the bare cell 23 relative to the outer packaging. The temperature control container located on one side of the battery cell 2 along the preset direction is located outside the outer packaging of the battery cell 2, which can clearly determine the position of the temperature control container relative to the outer packaging of the battery cell 2. The position of the bare cell 23 relative to the outer packaging of the battery cell 2 and the position of the temperature control container relative to the outer packaging of the battery cell 2 can be clearly determined, thereby determining the overlapping target area. By measuring the length and width of the target area, the area of ​​the target area can be obtained.

[0131] For example, please refer to FIG. 1 , in which the area corresponding to the dotted line is roughly the area corresponding to the location of the bare battery cell 23 .

[0132] In the disclosed embodiment, the elastic container wall 141 of the container body 14 can cover a larger area of ​​the bare cell 23 , which is beneficial for applying the required extrusion force to the bare cell 23 of the battery cell 2 by adjusting the pressure of the fluid in the temperature regulating chamber 11 .

[0133] In one embodiment, the battery cell 2 may be a soft-pack battery cell.

[0134] It can be understood that the outer packaging covering the outer side of the bare cell 23 of the soft-pack battery cell is a plastic film.

[0135] Exemplarily, the plastic film is an aluminum-plastic film.

[0136] In the disclosed embodiment, during the thermal runaway of the soft-pack battery cell, the thermal runaway gas is ejected in all directions, and the plastic film serving as the outer packaging of the soft-pack battery cell is damaged on all sides, which facilitates the cooling fluid flowing out of the weakened area 142 to flow through the damaged outer packaging to the bare battery cell 23 in thermal runaway, thereby quickly cooling the battery cell 2 in thermal runaway.

[0137] It is understood that the battery cell 2 is not limited to a soft-pack battery cell. For example, the battery cell 2 may be a hard-shell battery cell. For example, the battery cell 2 may be a square hard-shell battery cell.

[0138] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 to 8 , the battery 100 further includes a housing 5 and a conductive terminal 6 mounted on the housing 5 . The battery cell 2 and the temperature regulating container are both located within the housing 5 . The conductive terminal 6 is electrically connected to the tab 21 of the battery cell 2 .

[0139] Exemplarily, the outer shell 5 is a hard shell.

[0140] In the disclosed embodiment, the battery cells 2 and the temperature regulating container are constrained within the housing 5 , which facilitates better fit between the temperature regulating container and the corresponding battery cells 2 , improves the efficiency of heat exchange, and thus better regulates the temperature of the battery cells 2 .

[0141] It can be understood that when the container wall 141 of the container body 14 is elastic, the battery cell 2 and the temperature-regulating container are constrained in the outer shell 5, and the outer shell 5 can provide a supporting reaction force for the battery cell 2 and / or the temperature-regulating container, so that the temperature-regulating container can apply the required extrusion force to the corresponding battery cell 2.

[0142] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 , the inlet 12 and the outlet are both located at an end of the housing 5 away from the conductive terminal 6 .

[0143] The conductive terminal 6 is located at one end of the housing 5 , and the inlet 12 and the outlet are both located at the other end of the housing 5 .

[0144] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the space at both ends of the housing 5 is fully utilized to arrange the conductive terminals 6 and the inlet 12 and the outlet. There is sufficient space at the end of the housing 5 away from the inlet 12 and the outlet for arranging the conductive terminals 6.

[0145] It is understood that the relative positions of the inlet 12 , the outlet, and the conductive terminal 6 are not limited. For example, the inlet 12 , the outlet, and the conductive terminal 6 may be located at the same end of the housing 5 .

[0146] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 to 8 , the housing 5 has a receiving cavity 51 and a pressure relief vent 52 communicating with the receiving cavity 51 . At least one battery cell 2 is disposed in the receiving cavity 51 . The pressure relief vent 52 and the conductive terminal 6 are located on different sides of the housing 5 .

[0147] The pressure relief port 52 is used to discharge the gas generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell 2 in the accommodating cavity 51 , so as to relieve the pressure of the accommodating cavity 51 .

[0148] The thermal runaway gas in the accommodating cavity 51 is decompressed from the pressure relief port 52. The other parts of the shell 5 except the pressure relief port 52 can be completely sealed or incompletely sealed. In the case of incomplete sealing, as long as the resistance to the thermal runaway gas escaping from the other parts of the shell 5 except the pressure relief port 52 is large enough, the thermal runaway gas can be guided to be ejected from the pressure relief port 52 as much as possible.

[0149] It is understood that for the multiple batteries 100 arranged sequentially in the battery module within the battery pack 100, the conductive terminals 6 have substantially the same orientation. In other words, for the multiple batteries 100 arranged sequentially in the battery module, the discharge direction of the pressure relief vent 52 of each battery 100 substantially avoids the conductive terminal 6.

[0150] For example, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 , the pressure relief port 52 is located on one side of the housing 5 , and the conductive terminal 6 is located on the other side of the housing 5 opposite to the pressure relief port 52 .

[0151] For example, referring to FIG. 9 , a plurality of batteries 100 arranged in sequence constitute a battery module, and the conductive terminals 6 of the plurality of batteries 100 in the battery module are oriented in the same direction.

[0152] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when a battery cell 2 in the outer shell 5 of the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway gas is ejected from the outer shell 5 through the pressure relief port 52, thereby relieving the pressure in the accommodating cavity 51 in the outer shell 5, thereby achieving directional ejection of the thermal runaway gas. Since the conductive terminal 6 and the pressure relief port 52 are located on different sides of the outer shell 5, when multiple batteries 100 are arranged in sequence and the conductive terminals 6 of the multiple batteries 100 are oriented in the same direction, the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 52 and the substances carried by the thermal runaway gas can avoid the conductive terminal 6 as much as possible, thereby reducing the possibility of short circuit of the conductive terminals 6 of adjacent batteries 100 and reducing the possibility of thermal runaway spreading, which is beneficial to reducing the severity of thermal runaway of the battery 100.

[0153] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the conductive terminal 6 includes a sampling electrode 61 and at least two transfer electrodes 62, wherein one transfer electrode 62 is electrically connected to the tab 21 of one battery cell 2, and the other transfer electrode 62 is electrically connected to the tab 21 of the other battery cell 2. The polarities of the tabs 21 corresponding to the two transfer electrodes 62 are opposite. The sampling electrode 61 is electrically connected to the tabs 21 of the two corresponding battery cells 2, respectively, and the polarities of the tabs 21 of the two corresponding battery cells 2 electrically connected to the sampling electrode 61 are opposite.

[0154] The polarity of at least one of the two adapter electrodes 62 is positive, and the polarity of the other is negative. The battery 100 supplies power to the outside through the two adapter electrodes 62 , or charges the corresponding battery 100 through the two adapter electrodes 62 .

[0155] Exemplarily, the switching electrode 62 may be a bar.

[0156] The sampling electrodes 61 are electrically connected to the tabs 21 of the two battery cells 2, respectively. The polarity of the tabs 21 of the two battery cells 2 electrically connected to the sampling electrodes 61 is opposite, so that the corresponding two battery cells 2 are connected in series through the sampling electrodes 61. The voltage of the corresponding battery cell 2 can be measured through the sampling electrodes 61 and any of the transition electrodes 62.

[0157] Exemplarily, the sampling electrode 61 may be a bar.

[0158] For example, referring to FIG. 1 , the number of battery cells 2 on each side of the temperature-regulating container may be one.

[0159] For example, referring to FIG. 4 , there are two battery cells 2 on each side of the temperature control container.

[0160] For example, referring to Figures 4, 6 and 7 , the two battery cells 2 on each side of the temperature control container can be connected in series. The two battery cells 2 on each side correspond to one sampling electrode 61 and two transfer electrodes 62 .

[0161] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, at least two battery cells 2 in the housing 5 are connected in series through the sampling electrode 61, and the two battery cells 2 connected in series are powered externally through the two adapter electrodes 62 or the two battery cells 2 connected in series are charged through the two adapter electrodes 62. The voltage of the corresponding battery cell 2 can be measured through the sampling electrode 61 and any one of the two adapter electrodes 62, thereby monitoring the working status of each battery cell 2 connected in series in the battery 100.

[0162] It is understood that the specific structure of the conductive terminal 6 is not limited. For example, the conductive terminal 6 may include at least two transfer electrodes 62, and the conductive terminal 6 may not include the sampling electrode 61. Each transfer electrode 62 is electrically connected to the tabs 21 of the same polarity of two corresponding battery cells 2, thereby connecting the corresponding two battery cells 2 in parallel.

[0163] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 to 8 , the housing 5 includes a main shell 53 and a top cover 54 . The pressure relief port 52 is formed on one side of the main shell 53 . The top cover 54 and the main shell 53 enclose a receiving cavity 51 . The conductive terminal 6 is mounted on the top cover 54 .

[0164] For example, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 , the top cover 54 is located at one end of the main shell 53 , and the pressure relief port 52 is located at the other end of the main shell 53 opposite to the top cover 54 .

[0165] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, before the top cover 54 is installed on the shell, the conductive terminal 6 on the top cover 54 can be electrically connected to the tab 21 of the battery cell 2, and then the connected top cover 54, conductive terminal 6 and battery cell 2 are installed to the shell, so as to facilitate the connection of the conductive terminal 6 and the battery cell 2 before entering the shell.

[0166] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 to 8, the top cover 54 is made of plastic, the main shell 53 is made of metal or plastic, and the battery 100 further includes a flame-retardant cover 7 covering the pressure relief port 52. The flame-retardant cover 7 is made of mica, and the pressure-bearing capacity of the outer shell 5 is greater than that of the flame-retardant cover 7.

[0167] By filling gas into the accommodating cavity 51 of the shell 5 to increase the pressure in the accommodating cavity 51, as the pressure in the accommodating cavity 51 continues to increase, the flame retardant cover 7 is damaged before the shell 5, that is, the pressure bearing capacity of the shell 5 is greater than that of the flame retardant cover 7.

[0168] Illustratively, the flame retardant cover is mica paper.

[0169] In the disclosed embodiment, the different materials used for the top cover 54, main housing 53, and flame-retardant cover 7 facilitate achieving the required pressure-bearing capacity. The flame-retardant cover 7 is used to block thermal runaway gases from adjacent batteries 100 from entering the accommodating cavity 51 of the housing 5, thereby suppressing the spread of thermal runaway.

[0170] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1, 4, 5 and 7, the flame retardant cover 7 is formed with a through hole 71, and the temperature regulating container is passed through the through hole 71 so that the inlet 12 and the outlet of the temperature regulating container are exposed in the accommodating cavity 51 of the shell 5 along the shell 5 toward one end of the flame retardant cover 7.

[0171] In the disclosed embodiment, the inlet 12 and outlet of the temperature-regulating container extend outside the accommodating cavity 51 through the through-hole 71 of the flame-retardant cover 7. This facilitates connection of the temperature-regulating container to an external fluid source via the inlet 12 and outlet, allowing external fluid to enter the temperature-regulating container through the inlet 12 and exit through the outlet, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery cell 2. The inlet 12 and outlet of the temperature-regulating container extend outside the accommodating cavity 51 through the through-hole 71 of the flame-retardant cover 7, eliminating the need for sealing at the through-hole 71, thereby simplifying the structure of the battery 100.

[0172] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 , the top cover 54 has a flange 541 covering the side wall of the main shell 53 , and a gap between the flange 541 and the side wall of the main shell 53 is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0173] There is a gap between the flange 541 and the side wall of the main shell 53, and the outer shell 5 is not completely sealed.

[0174] Exemplarily, the gap between the flange 541 and the side wall of the main shell 53 may be 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm.

[0175] For example, before the top cover 54 is installed into the main shell 53 but before the top cover 54 is connected to the main shell 53, the dimension between the flange 541 and the side wall of the main shell 53 can be measured by a feeler gauge, a vernier caliper or a micrometer.

[0176] For example, the span of the flange 541 of the top cover 54 and the corresponding span of the main shell 53 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 54 and the main shell 53.

[0177] For example, referring to FIG. 8 , the gap between the flange 541 and the side wall of the main shell 53 is D3, and D3 ≤ 0.5 mm.

[0178] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the flange 541 is not completely sealed from the side wall of the main shell 53, and the gap between the flange 541 and the side wall of the main shell 53 is relatively appropriate, so that the resistance to the escape of thermal runaway gas from between the flange 541 and the side wall of the main shell 53 is relatively large, which can better suppress the thermal runaway gas from erupting toward the top cover 54, thereby better guiding the thermal runaway gas in the accommodating cavity to erupt from the pressure relief port 52, which is beneficial to reducing the degree of thermal runaway of the battery 100.

[0179] In one embodiment, referring to FIG2 , the inlet 12 and the outlet are both located at the same end of the temperature regulating chamber 11. The battery 100 further includes a first guide plate 31 and a second guide plate 32. The first guide plate 31 is located within the temperature regulating chamber 11 and is connected to the chamber wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 on the side facing the inlet 12. The first guide plate 31 is spaced apart from the chamber wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 on the side facing away from the inlet 12. There are multiple first guide plates 31, and the multiple first guide plates 31 are located between the outlet and the inlet 12 along the arrangement direction of the outlet and the inlet 12. The second guide plate 32 is located within the temperature regulating chamber 11 and is spaced apart from the chamber wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 on the side facing the inlet 12. The second guide plate 32 is connected to the chamber wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 on the side facing away from the inlet 12. The second guide plate 32 is located between the first guide plate 31 closest to the outlet and the first guide plate 31 closest to the inlet 12.

[0180] During normal operation of the battery cells 2, external fluid for temperature regulation enters the temperature regulation chamber 11 of the container body 14 through the inlet 12 and flows out of the temperature regulation chamber 11 through the outlet. The fluid flowing through the temperature regulation chamber 11 exchanges heat with the battery cells 2, thereby regulating the temperature of the normally operating battery cells 2. The fluid flowing through the temperature regulation chamber 11 is guided by the first and second guide plates 31 and 32.

[0181] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 2 , the first guide plate 31 and the second guide plate 32 are both flat plates.

[0182] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the first guide plate 31 is connected to the cavity wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 facing the inlet 12, the first guide plate 31 is spaced apart from the cavity wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 facing away from the inlet 12, the number of the first guide plates 31 is multiple, and the multiple first guide plates 31 are located between the outlet and the inlet 12 along the arrangement direction of the outlet and the inlet 12, the second guide plate 32 is spaced apart from the cavity wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 facing the inlet 12, and the second guide plate 32 is connected to the cavity wall of the temperature regulating chamber 11 facing away from the inlet 12. The second guide plate 32 is located closest to the cavity wall. Between the first guide plate 31 at the outlet and the first guide plate 31 closest to the inlet 12, the fluid used for temperature regulation in the temperature regulation chamber 11 flows back and forth between the other end of the container body 14 opposite to the target end and the target end under the guidance of the first guide plate 31 and the second guide plate 32 and gradually flows toward the outlet, thereby increasing the length of the flow path of the fluid in the temperature regulation chamber 11, which is beneficial for the fluid in the temperature regulation chamber 11 to fully exchange heat with the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2, so that the temperature regulation container can better regulate the temperature of the battery cell 2 during normal operation.

[0183] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the battery 100 further includes a thermally decomposable solid material 4 located in the temperature regulating chamber 11 . The thermally decomposable solid material decomposes at a temperature greater than 100° C. to generate gas.

[0184] For example, the thermally decomposed solid substance 4 may be perfluorohexanone (FK-5-1-12), which is a fire extinguishing agent.

[0185] In the disclosed embodiment, when a battery cell 2 in a battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, the pyrolytic solid material 4 in the corresponding thermostatic container in the battery 100 decomposes due to heat to produce gas, increasing the pressure within the thermostatic chamber 11, causing the thermostatic container to open at the location of the weakened zone 142. The cooling fluid within the thermostatic chamber 11 flows through the weakened zone 142 to cool the battery cell 2. The high temperature of the thermostatic container in the battery 100 experiencing thermal runaway can cause the pyrolytic solid material 4 to decompose due to heat to produce gas, thereby opening the weakened zone 142. However, the temperature of the environment surrounding the thermostatic containers in other batteries 100 that have not experienced thermal runaway does not rise excessively. Therefore, the pyrolytic solid material 4 in the thermostatic containers in these batteries 100 that have not experienced thermal runaway does not decompose, and the corresponding weakened zone 142 does not open, thereby enabling precise cooling of the battery 100 experiencing thermal runaway.

[0186] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 9 , the container wall 141 of the container body 14 is elastic, allowing the container body 14 to expand and contract under the influence of the fluid within the temperature-regulating chamber 11. By adjusting the pressure within the temperature-regulating chamber 11, the average stress between the large surfaces 22 of the battery 100 can be maintained between 0.1 MPa and 2 MPa. By varying the pressure within the temperature-regulating chamber 11, the expansion space for the battery cells 2 within the battery 100 can be adjusted. A pyrolytic solid material 4 is disposed within the temperature-regulating chamber 11. The pyrolytic solid material decomposes at temperatures above 100°C to produce gas. In the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell 2 within the battery 100, the corresponding temperature-regulating container within the battery 100 is affected by the heat released by the battery cell 2, causing the temperature to rise. The pyrolytic solid material 4 within the temperature-regulating chamber 11 of the temperature-regulating container decomposes and produces gas, which compresses the weakened area 142, causing the temperature-regulating container to open at the weakened area 142. Battery cells 2 are disposed on both sides of the temperature-regulating container. The container body 14 of the temperature-regulating container may be an airbag. The battery cells 2 in the battery 100 can be either soft-pack or hard-shell. The hard-shell battery cells can be prismatic or square. The battery cells 2 can also be other battery cells 2 with large surfaces 22. The elastic container wall 141 covers the bare cells 23 of the battery cells 2 along a predetermined direction, reaching at least 50% of the projected area of ​​the bare cells 23 along the predetermined direction. The number of battery cells 2 on each side of the temperature-regulating container can be one or two. The temperature-regulating chamber 11 of the temperature-regulating container is essentially sealed, except for the inlet 12 and outlet, which allow for communication with an external fluid source. The external fluid source allows the temperature-regulating fluid to flow through the temperature-regulating chamber 11 through the inlet 12 and outlet to adjust the pressure within the temperature-regulating chamber 11. This allows the elastic container wall 141 to more accurately and uniformly apply the desired pressure to the large surfaces 22 of the battery cells 2. The fluid used for temperature control, which flows into the temperature control chamber 11 through the inlet 12, can be either a liquid or a gas. The inlet 12 and the outlet are located at the same end of the temperature control chamber 11. A thin weakened zone 142 is provided at the end of the temperature control chamber 11 facing the inlet 12. The thickness of the weakened zone 142 is less than the thickness of the other areas of the container wall 141 excluding the weakened zone 142. A pressure sensor or a gas sensor can be used to identify whether a battery cell 2 in the battery 100 has experienced thermal runaway. If the corresponding sensor identifies that a battery cell 2 in the battery 100 has experienced thermal runaway, gas is injected into the temperature control chamber 11 through the air inlet to increase the air pressure within the temperature control chamber 11. This ruptures the weakened zone 142 on the container wall 141 of the container body 14, and the fluid in the temperature control chamber 11 flows out of the ruptured weakened zone 142, thereby rapidly cooling the battery cell 2.The weakened zone 142 can be positioned on the side of the temperature control chamber 11 facing the large surface 22 of the battery cell 2 along a predetermined direction, or can be positioned at the end of the temperature control chamber 11 facing the inlet 12, with the direction of the end of the temperature control chamber 11 facing the inlet 12 being perpendicular to the predetermined direction. When the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, the pyrolytic solid material 4 decomposes and produces gas, which ruptures the weakened zone 142 of the corresponding temperature control container, releasing pressure within the temperature control chamber 11. This sudden drop in pressure within the temperature control chamber 11 can be measured by a pressure sensor and serve as a signal indicating thermal runaway of the corresponding battery 100.

[0187] 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 comprising: A temperature regulating container having a temperature regulating cavity and an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the temperature regulating cavity, wherein a weakened area is formed on a cavity wall of the temperature regulating cavity; A battery cell is provided on one side or two opposite sides of the temperature regulating container along a preset direction, and the preset direction is arranged crosswise with the surface of the battery cell with the largest area. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the cavity wall of the temperature regulating cavity except the weakened zone, so that the fluid in the temperature regulating cavity can flow out from the position corresponding to the weakened zone.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The temperature control container includes a container body, the container wall of the container body is configured to form the temperature control cavity, the weakened zone, the outlet and the inlet are all formed on the container wall of the container body, and the battery cell is arranged on one side or two opposite sides of the container body along a preset direction. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell, the pressure bearing capacity of the weakened zone is less than the pressure bearing capacity of other areas of the container wall except the weakened zone, so that the fluid in the temperature control cavity can flow out from the position corresponding to the weakened zone.

3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein The thickness of the weakened area is smaller than the thickness of other areas of the container wall except the weakened area.

4. The battery according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The container wall of the container body is elastic, and the container body can expand and contract under the action of the fluid in the temperature adjustment chamber.

5. The battery according to claim 4, wherein The container body is an air bag.

6. The battery according to claim 4 or 5, wherein The container wall of the container body is made of rubber.

7. The battery according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein The preset direction is perpendicular to the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell. Projected along the preset direction, the overlapping area between the projected area of ​​the bare cell of the battery cell and the projected area of ​​the elastic container wall is the target area. The ratio of the area of ​​the target area to the area of ​​the projected area of ​​the bare cell in the battery cell is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 100%.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The temperature regulating container is provided with the weakened area on one side thereof facing the corresponding battery cell along the arrangement direction of the temperature regulating container and the corresponding battery cell.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The inlet and the outlet are both located at the same end of the temperature regulating chamber, and the battery further comprises: a first guide plate located in the temperature regulating chamber, the first guide plate being connected to a cavity wall of the temperature regulating chamber on a side facing the inlet, the first guide plate being spaced apart from a cavity wall of the temperature regulating chamber on a side facing away from the inlet, the first guide plate being provided in a plurality of numbers, and the plurality of first guide plates being located between the outlet and the inlet along an arrangement direction of the outlet and the inlet; The second guide plate is located in the temperature control chamber, the second guide plate is spaced apart from the cavity wall of the temperature control chamber facing the inlet, the second guide plate is connected to the cavity wall of the temperature control chamber facing away from the inlet, and the second guide plate is located between the first guide plate closest to the outlet and the first guide plate closest to the inlet.

10. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The battery further includes a thermally decomposable solid substance located in the temperature regulating chamber, and the thermally decomposable solid substance decomposes to generate gas at a temperature greater than 100°C.

11. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The battery cell is a soft-pack battery cell.

12. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The battery further includes a shell and a conductive terminal mounted on the shell. The battery cell and the temperature regulating container are both located in the shell. The conductive terminal is electrically connected to the tab of the battery cell.

13. The battery according to claim 12, wherein The inlet and the outlet are both located at an end of the housing facing away from the conductive terminal.

14. The battery according to claim 12 or 13, wherein The shell has a receiving cavity and a pressure relief port communicated with the receiving cavity. At least one battery cell is arranged in the receiving cavity. The pressure relief port and the conductive terminal are located on different sides of the shell.

15. The battery according to claim 14, wherein The conductive terminal includes a sampling electrode and at least two transfer electrodes, one of which is electrically connected to the tab of one of the battery cells, and the other is electrically connected to the tab of the other battery cell. The polarities of the tabs corresponding to the two transfer electrodes are opposite. The sampling electrodes are electrically connected to the tabs of the two corresponding battery cells respectively, and the polarities of the tabs of the two corresponding battery cells electrically connected to the sampling electrodes are opposite.

16. The battery according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The outer shell includes a main shell and a top cover, the pressure relief vent is formed on one side of the main shell, the top cover and the main shell form the accommodating cavity, the conductive terminal is installed on the top cover, the top cover is made of plastic, and the main shell is made of metal or plastic. The battery also includes a flame-retardant cover covering the pressure relief vent, the flame-retardant cover is made of mica, and the pressure-bearing capacity of the outer shell is greater than the pressure-bearing capacity of the flame-retardant cover.

17. A battery pack comprising: Box; The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 16, located in the box.

18. An electrical device comprising: Device body; The battery pack according to claim 17 is installed in the device body, and the battery pack is used to supply power to the device body.

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