Battery and electric device

Abstract

A battery (100) and an electric device, relating to the technical field of batteries. The battery (100) comprises a case (1), battery cells (21) and a protection unit (3). The battery cells (21) are arranged in the case (1), each battery cell (21) comprises an explosion-proof valve (21a) and poles (21b), and the explosion-proof valve (21a) and the poles (21b) are located on the same side surface of the battery cell (21). The protection unit (3) comprises an upper cover (32) and channel walls (31); each channel wall (31) is located around a corresponding explosion-proof valve (21a) to form an exhaust channel (3a); the explosion-proof valve (21a) is in communication with the exhaust channel (3a); the upper cover (32) is located above the poles (21b) and is used for covering the poles (21b); each channel wall (31) is at least partially located between the corresponding poles (21b) and the corresponding explosion-proof valve (21a); the lower ends of the channel walls (31) is in sealing fit with the battery cells (21), and the upper ends of the channel walls (31) are connected to the upper cover (32), so that the exhaust channels (3a) are isolated from the poles (21b). According to the battery (100), by providing the independent exhaust channels (3a), smoke generated during thermal runaway of the battery (100) is guided out of the battery (100) from the explosion-proof valves (21a). Moreover, the upper cover (32) isolates other falling back ejected substances from charged components. Contamination of charged components of the battery (100) caused by substances generated during thermal runaway of the battery (100) is mitigated.

Description

Battery and power device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese patent application number 202420549730.6, application date March 21, 2024, and invention name “A battery and 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 and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] Batteries are widely used in the new energy sector, and the development of battery technology is crucial to this development. Battery safety is an unavoidable, critical issue in this development. Thermal runaway can generate high-temperature electrolyte vapor in a battery cell. This vapor or other ejected material can easily enter the battery, contaminating live components and causing insulation failure, shortening the battery's lifespan.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a battery and an electrical device for improving the situation where high-temperature electrolyte vapor or other ejected materials generated by battery cells during thermal runaway enter the battery, thereby increasing the battery life.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery, comprising:

[0008] Box;

[0009] The battery cell is arranged in the box body, and the battery cell includes an explosion-proof valve and a pole, and the explosion-proof valve and the pole are located on the same side of the battery cell;

[0010] A protection unit, the protection unit includes an upper cover and a channel wall;

[0011] The channel wall is located around the explosion-proof valve to form an exhaust channel. The explosion-proof valve is connected to the exhaust channel. The upper cover is located on the upper side of the pole to cover the pole. At the same time, the channel wall is at least partially located between the pole and the explosion-proof valve. The lower end of the channel wall is sealed with the battery cell, and the upper end of the channel wall is connected to the upper cover to isolate the exhaust channel from the pole.

[0012] In the above solution, the battery's protection unit is mounted on the housing. An independent exhaust channel is provided on the protection unit, connecting the exhaust channel to the explosion-proof valve. This allows high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated during thermal runaway to be discharged outside the battery under the guidance of the exhaust channel. Simultaneously, the upper cover isolates any remaining material ejected during thermal runaway from live components, such as the battery terminals. This reduces the risk of high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes, or other material that falls back, coming into contact with and contaminating the battery's live components, thereby extending the battery's service life.

[0013] In one embodiment, the upper cover and the channel wall are an integrated structure.

[0014] In this solution, by integrating the upper cover with the channel wall, the channel wall forms an exhaust channel. This allows high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated during thermal runaway to be discharged outside the battery along the path defined by the channel wall. This allows for controllable discharge of the high-temperature electrolyte vapor. This eliminates the need for additional components to isolate and protect the high-temperature electrolyte vapor from the battery's live components, resulting in a simple structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the protection unit includes an isolation plate, the isolation plate includes an isolation body and a channel wall connected to the isolation body, and the upper cover is provided with an avoidance hole passing through the upper cover, and the avoidance hole avoids the exhaust channel.

[0016] In the above scheme, by setting the isolation plate as the isolation body and the channel wall connected to the isolation body, the channel wall forms an exhaust channel, and the avoidance hole of the upper cover avoids the exhaust channel. In this way, the isolation plate can isolate the battery cell and the charged parts of the battery. At the same time, the exhaust channel can guide the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other flue gases generated during thermal runaway of the battery along the path defined by the channel wall and discharge them to the outside of the battery, thereby achieving controllable high-temperature electrolyte vapor discharge path and isolation protection of high-temperature electrolyte vapor and charged parts of the battery, with a simple structure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the isolation body is provided with a boss for avoiding the pole and an accommodation area located on a side of the boss away from the channel wall, and the accommodation area is configured to accommodate a low-voltage sampling harness of the battery.

[0018] In the above scheme, the low-pressure sampling harness is accommodated in a accommodating area away from the channel wall, the isolation plate isolates the low-pressure sampling harness from the battery cell, and the setting of the boss limits the low-pressure sampling harness from approaching the exhaust channel. In this way, the low-pressure sampling harness is away from the exhaust channel, further reducing the impact of the low-pressure sampling harness on the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other flue gases generated during battery thermal runaway.

[0019] In one embodiment, one end of the channel wall close to the battery cell extends outwardly in the circumferential direction to form a flange, and the flange is sealed with the surface of the battery cell.

[0020] In the above scheme, the channel wall is provided with a flange, which is beneficial to increasing the contact area between the channel wall and the surface of the battery cell, and can improve the sealing performance between the channel wall and the battery cell, thereby improving the situation where high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other flue gases enter the battery through the gap between the channel wall and the battery cell.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery further comprises a first seal, wherein the first seal is sealingly sandwiched between the channel wall and the battery cell.

[0022] In the above scheme, by providing a first seal for sealing the installation gap between the channel wall and the battery cell, the sealing performance between the channel wall and the battery cell is further improved, thereby improving the situation in which high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other flue gases enter the interior of the battery through the installation gap between the channel wall and the battery cell.

[0023] In one embodiment, the exhaust passages correspond to the explosion-proof valves one by one.

[0024] In the above solution, when a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the generated high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes are discharged through the explosion-proof valve of the thermally runaway battery cell. These fumes are then discharged to the outside of the battery through the corresponding exhaust duct. This isolates the explosion-proof valves from each other, preventing them from interfering with each other and further improving the sealing between the exhaust duct and the interior of the battery.

[0025] In one embodiment, each exhaust channel corresponds to at least two explosion-proof valves.

[0026] In the above scheme, if any battery cell connected to all explosion-proof valves in each exhaust channel experiences thermal runaway, the generated high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes can be discharged to the outside of the battery through this shared exhaust channel. In this way, based on the correspondence between exhaust channels and explosion-proof valves, the explosion-proof valves corresponding to the same exhaust channel are grouped together, achieving grouped isolation of the explosion-proof valves. Explosion-proof valves in different groups do not affect each other, thereby improving the convenience of exhaust channel configuration.

[0027] In one embodiment, the battery includes at least one battery module, each battery module includes at least two battery cells, and all explosion-proof valves of each battery module correspond to an exhaust channel.

[0028] In the above solution, each battery module is provided with only one exhaust channel, which is connected to all explosion-proof valves of the battery module. This simplifies the structure of the protection unit and facilitates the manufacturing and molding of the protection unit.

[0029] In one embodiment, the battery further comprises a second seal, which is sealably sandwiched between adjacent battery cells.

[0030] In the above solution, when a single exhaust channel corresponds to at least two explosion-proof valves, that is, the exhaust channel spans at least two battery cells, and the gaps between the battery cells are exposed to the exhaust channel. A second sealant is provided between the exposed gaps to prevent fumes, such as high-temperature electrolyte vapor, generated during thermal runaway, from flowing into the battery through the gaps between the battery cells.

[0031] In one embodiment, the protection unit further includes a protection film, which covers the exhaust channel.

[0032] In the above solution, the protective film covers the exhaust channel. When the battery is in normal use, the explosion-proof valve is protected from direct exposure to the external environment, preventing foreign matter from entering or damaging the valve during normal use or transportation. In the event of thermal runaway, the protective film will not affect the normal discharge of fumes such as high-temperature electrolyte vapor from the exhaust channel.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the exhaust channel is elliptical, circular, oval or polygonal.

[0034] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electrical device, which includes a battery according to any one of the above embodiments, and the battery is used to supply electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0035] The battery of the electrical device of the embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with an independent exhaust channel on the protection unit so that the exhaust channel is connected to the explosion-proof valve. In this way, the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated during thermal runaway of the battery can be discharged to the outside of the battery under the guidance of the exhaust channel. At the same time, the provision of the upper cover isolates other ejected materials that are ejected and then fall back during thermal runaway of the battery from live components such as the pole. This improves the situation in which the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated during battery runaway or other ejected materials that fall back come into contact with and contaminate the live components of the battery, thereby improving the service life of the battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the upper cover defines an exhaust channel;

[0039] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the upper cover and the isolation plate jointly define an exhaust channel;

[0040] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery shown in FIG3 , wherein the exhaust channel corresponds to the explosion-proof valve in a one-to-one manner;

[0041] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery shown in FIG4 , wherein the exhaust channel corresponds to the explosion-proof valve in a one-to-one manner;

[0042] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein all explosion-proof valves of each battery module correspond to one exhaust channel;

[0043] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG9 is an exploded view of the battery shown in FIG3 ;

[0045] FIG10 is an exploded view of the battery shown in FIG4 ;

[0046] FIG11 is an exploded view of the battery shown in FIG7 ;

[0047] FIG12 is an exploded view of the battery shown in FIG8 .

[0048] Explanation of the reference numerals: 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor; 1, casing; 1a, accommodating chamber; 1b, opening; 2, battery module; 21, battery cell; 21a, explosion-proof valve; 21b, pole; 3, protective unit; 3a, exhaust channel; 31, channel wall; 31a, flange; 32, upper cover; 32a, avoidance hole; 33, isolation plate; 33a, isolation body; 33b, boss; 33c, accommodating area; 34, protective film; 4, low-voltage sampling harness; 5, first seal; 6, second seal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure and are therefore only used as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Currently, new energy batteries are increasingly being used in everyday life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. As the application of power batteries continues to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0056] The battery referred to in the embodiments of this disclosure refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in this disclosure may include a battery module or a battery pack. Batteries generally include a housing for enclosing one or more battery cells. The housing can, to a certain extent, prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0057] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. A battery cell primarily operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode collector. The uncoated positive electrode collector protrudes from the coated positive electrode collector, serving as the positive tab. For lithium-ion batteries, for example, the positive electrode current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide. The negative electrode sheet includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode collector. The uncoated negative electrode collector protrudes from the coated negative electrode collector, serving as the negative tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon. To ensure high current flow without melting, multiple positive and negative tabs are stacked together. The separator can be made of materials such as PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene).

[0058] The development of battery technology requires simultaneous consideration of multiple design factors, such as reliability, energy density, discharge capacity, charge and discharge rate, and other performance parameters. Furthermore, battery life must be considered. Therefore, improving battery life is a pressing technical issue in battery technology. Thermal runaway can generate high-temperature electrolyte vapor in batteries. This vapor or other ejected material can easily enter the battery, contaminating live components and causing insulation failure, thus reducing the battery's service life.

[0059] In view of this, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery. The battery includes a housing, a battery cell, and a protective unit. The battery cell is disposed within the housing and includes an explosion-proof valve and a pole. The explosion-proof valve and the pole are located on the same side of the battery cell. The protective unit includes an upper cover and a channel wall. The channel wall is located around the explosion-proof valve to form an exhaust channel. The explosion-proof valve is connected to the exhaust channel. The upper cover is located above the pole to cover the pole. At the same time, the channel wall is at least partially located between the pole and the explosion-proof valve. The lower end of the channel wall is sealed with the battery cell, and the upper end of the channel wall is connected to the upper cover to isolate the exhaust channel from the pole.

[0060] By providing an independent exhaust channel on the protection unit and connecting it to the explosion-proof valve, the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated during thermal runaway can be discharged outside the battery under the guidance of the exhaust channel. At the same time, the upper cover isolates the other ejected materials that fall back after being ejected during thermal runaway from live components such as the battery terminals. This reduces the risk of high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes or other ejected materials that fall back contacting and contaminating the battery's live components, thereby extending the battery's service life.

[0061] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to batteries and electrical devices using batteries, and the batteries are used to supply electrical energy to the electrical devices.

[0062] Electrical devices may include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptop computers, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and electric tools. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft. Electric toys include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys. Electric tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers. The disclosed embodiments do not impose any specific restrictions on the above-mentioned electrical devices.

[0063] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described by taking a vehicle as an example of an electrical device.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to FIG1 , the vehicle 1000 provided may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be provided at the bottom, head or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be used to power the vehicle 1000, for example, the battery 100 may serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300, and the controller 200 may be used to control the battery 100 to power the motor 300. For example, the battery 100 may be used for starting, navigating and meeting the power requirements of the vehicle 1000 during operation.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000 , but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000 , replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000 .

[0066] The most basic unit of the battery 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is a battery cell 21. The number of battery cells 21 can be multiple, and the multiple battery cells 21 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection. Mixed connection means that the multiple battery cells 21 are both connected in series and in parallel. The multiple battery cells 21 can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection, and then the whole formed by the multiple battery cells 21 is placed in the box 1. Of course, the multiple battery cells 21 can first be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection to form a battery module 2, and the multiple battery modules 2 can then be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection to form a whole, and the whole formed by the multiple battery modules 2 connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection is placed in the box 1.

[0067] The battery cell 21 refers to a basic unit that can realize mutual conversion between chemical energy and electrical energy.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 21 may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell 21 that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell 21 is discharged.

[0069] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 21 can be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a magnesium-ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0070] Referring to Figures 3 to 12 , the battery 100 of the present embodiment includes a housing 1, a battery cell 21, and a protective unit 3. The battery cell 21 is disposed within the housing 1 and includes an explosion-proof valve 21a and a terminal 21b. The explosion-proof valve 21a and the terminal 21b are located on the same side of the battery cell 21. The protective unit 3 includes an upper cover 32 and a channel wall 31. The channel wall 31 is located around the explosion-proof valve 21a to form an exhaust channel 3a, which is connected to the explosion-proof valve 21a. The upper cover 32 is located above the terminal 21b to cover the terminal 21b. The channel wall 31 is at least partially located between the terminal 21b and the explosion-proof valve 21a. The lower end of the channel wall 31 is sealed against the battery cell 21, and the upper end of the channel wall 31 is connected to the upper cover 32 to isolate the exhaust channel 3a from the terminal 21b.

[0071] For example, the box body 1 is provided with a receiving cavity 1a for receiving the battery cell 21 and other components. The box body 1 can support and protect the battery cell 21 and other components disposed in the receiving cavity 1a.

[0072] Exemplarily, the box body 1 is provided with an opening 1 b , that is, the box body 1 is an incompletely closed structure, and the battery cell 21 and other components are arranged in the accommodating cavity 1 a through the opening 1 b .

[0073] The battery cell 21 (sometimes also called a battery core) is provided with an explosion-proof valve 21 a . When the pressure inside the battery cell 21 is higher than a limit value, the explosion-proof valve 21 a is opened by the high-pressure gas, releasing the high-pressure gas inside the battery cell 21 .

[0074] The protection unit 3 cooperates with the box body 1 to protect the battery cells 21 .

[0075] Here, one end of the exhaust duct 3a is connected to the explosion-proof valve 21a, and the other end is connected to the exterior of the battery 100. The sidewall of the exhaust duct 3a at the end near the battery cell 21 is sealed against the surface of the battery cell 21. High-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated during thermal runaway of the battery 100 enter the exhaust duct 3a through the explosion-proof valve 21a and are then discharged to the exterior of the battery 100.

[0076] In addition to smoke, other ejecta are also generated when the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway. Some of the ejecta fall back onto the battery 100 after being ejected. The upper cover 32 is disposed on the battery cell 21 to isolate these falling ejecta from the charged components of the battery 100, such as the pole 21 b of the battery cell 21 .

[0077] The shape of the box body 1 is not limited here, and can be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped or a cylindrical shape. The shape of the box body 1 is determined according to the specific shape and size of the battery cell 21 .

[0078] Optionally, the housing 1 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength. The housing 1 is not easily deformed when subjected to compression or collision. The material of the housing 1 can be copper, iron, aluminum, alloys thereof, stainless steel, plastic, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not impose any particular restrictions on this.

[0079] The exhaust passage 3a formed by the passage wall 31 can have various shapes, such as an elliptical shape, a round shape, a polygon (e.g., a rectangle), and a circle. For example, the shape and size of the exhaust passage 3a are determined based on the specific shape and size of the explosion-proof valve 21a. This disclosure does not impose any particular limitation on this.

[0080] Here, a waisted circle refers to a closed figure formed by dividing a circle into two semicircular arcs through the center of the circle and translating them in opposite directions, and connecting the end points of the two semicircular arcs with two parallel lines of equal length.

[0081] There is no limitation on the number of exhaust passages 3a, for example, there can be one, or two or more.

[0082] There is no limitation on the path planning of the exhaust passage 3a, and it can be, for example, the shortest path, which is set according to actual conditions.

[0083] The protection unit 3 of the battery 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on the housing 1. By providing an independent exhaust channel 3a on the protection unit 3, the exhaust channel 3a is connected to the explosion-proof valve 21a. In this way, the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated when the battery 100 thermally runs away can be discharged to the outside of the battery 100 under the guidance of the exhaust channel 3a. At the same time, the provision of the upper cover 32 isolates other ejected materials that are ejected and then fall back when the battery 100 thermally runs away from the charged components such as the pole 21b. This improves the situation in which the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated when the battery 100 runs away or other ejected materials that fall back come into contact with and contaminate the charged components of the battery 100, thereby improving the service life of the battery 100.

[0084] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 , FIG. 9 , and FIG. 11 , the upper cover 32 and the channel wall 31 are an integrated structure.

[0085] There is no limitation on the form in which the channel wall 31 is provided on the upper cover 32 to form the exhaust channel 3a. For example, a relief opening may be directly provided on the surface of the upper cover 32 to expose the explosion-proof valve 21a.

[0086] Exemplarily, the channel wall 31 has a tubular structure, and the channel wall 31 forms the exhaust channel 3 a.

[0087] One end of the channel wall 31 is connected to the side of the upper cover 32 facing the battery cell 21 , and the other end extends toward the battery cell 21 and is sealed with the surface of the battery cell 21 .

[0088] Of course, in other embodiments, the upper cover 32 may be located between the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21 , and the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21 may be sealed together.

[0089] It should be noted that the specific manner of sealing and matching between the channel wall 31 and the surface of the battery cell 21 is not limited here.

[0090] By integrating the upper cover 32 with the channel wall 31, the channel wall 31 forms an exhaust channel 3a. This allows high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated during thermal runaway of the battery 100 to be discharged outside the battery 100 along the path defined by the channel wall 31. This allows for controllable discharge of the high-temperature electrolyte vapor. This achieves isolation and protection of the high-temperature electrolyte vapor from the live components of the battery 100 without the need for additional components, resulting in a simple structure.

[0091] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4, 10, and 12, the protective unit 3 includes an isolation plate 33, the isolation plate 33 includes an isolation body 33a and a channel wall 31 connected to the isolation body 33a, and the upper cover 32 is provided with an avoidance hole 32a passing through the upper cover 32, and the avoidance hole 32a avoids the exhaust channel 3a.

[0092] There is no limitation on the form in which the isolation plate 33 is provided with the channel wall 31 to form the exhaust channel 3a. For example, a relief opening may be directly provided on the surface of the isolation plate 33 to expose the explosion-proof valve 21a.

[0093] The separator 33 is used to isolate the battery cells 21 from the charged components of the battery 100 .

[0094] The escape hole 32 a avoids the exhaust channel 3 a, so that the gas can be discharged from the exhaust channel 3 a to the outside of the battery 100 without being blocked by the upper cover 32.

[0095] The avoidance hole 32a may be in various shapes, such as an elliptical shape or a long strip, etc. For example, the shape of the avoidance hole 32a is determined according to the specific shape and size of the exhaust passage 3a.

[0096] There is no limitation on the number of the avoidance holes 32a, for example, there may be one, or two or more.

[0097] Exemplarily, the channel wall 31 has a tubular structure, and the channel wall 31 forms the exhaust channel 3 a.

[0098] Here, the isolation plate 33 is provided with an isolation body 33a and a channel wall 31. The channel wall 31 is located between the isolation body 33a and the upper cover 32. The channel wall 31 is sealed with the battery cell 21 on the side close to the isolation body 33a, and the channel wall 31 is sealed with the avoidance hole 32a of the upper cover 32.

[0099] Of course, in other embodiments, the channel wall 31 may be located between the isolation body 33a and the battery cell 21 , with one end of the channel wall 31 sealingly fitted with the battery cell 21 and the other end of the channel wall 31 sealingly fitted with the surface of the upper cover 32 .

[0100] It should be noted that the specific manner of sealing and matching between the channel wall 31 and the surface of the battery cell 21 is not limited here.

[0101] By configuring the separator 33 to separate the body 33a and the channel wall 31 connected to the separator body 33a, the channel wall 31 forms an exhaust channel 3a, and the escape hole 32a of the upper cover 32 avoids the exhaust channel 3a. In this way, the separator 33 can isolate the battery cells 21 from the live components of the battery 100. At the same time, the exhaust channel 3a can guide the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes generated during thermal runaway of the battery 100 along the path defined by the channel wall 31 and discharge them to the outside of the battery 100. This achieves controllable discharge path of the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and isolates and protects the high-temperature electrolyte vapor from the live components of the battery 100, with a simple structure.

[0102] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, the isolation plate 33 is further provided with a boss 33b for avoiding the pole 21b of the battery cell 21, and a receiving area 33c is formed on the side of the boss 33b away from the exhaust channel 3a. The receiving area 33c is configured to accommodate the low-voltage sampling harness 4 of the battery 100.

[0103] The isolation plate 33 protrudes upward at the corresponding position covering the pole 21b to form a boss 33b. The boss 33b is placed between the accommodating area 33c and the exhaust passage 3a to limit the low-pressure sampling harness 4 from approaching the exhaust passage 3a.

[0104] The shape of the boss 33b is determined according to the specific shape and size of the pole 21b and is not limited here.

[0105] There is no limitation on the way the low-voltage sampling harness 4 is housed in the housing area 33 c , and it may be fixed by a snap fastener or a wire groove, for example.

[0106] The low-pressure sampling harness 4 is accommodated in the accommodation area 33c away from the exhaust channel 3a. The isolation plate 33 isolates the low-pressure sampling harness 4 from the battery cell 21. The setting of the boss 33b limits the low-pressure sampling harness 4 from approaching the exhaust channel 3a. In this way, the low-pressure sampling harness 4 is away from the exhaust channel 3a, further reducing the impact of the low-pressure sampling harness 4 on the flue gas such as high-temperature electrolyte vapor generated when the battery 100 has thermal runaway.

[0107] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , one end of the channel wall 31 close to the battery cell 21 extends outwardly along the circumferential direction to form a flange 31 a , and the flange 31 a is sealed with the surface of the battery cell 21 .

[0108] The shape of the flange 31a is determined by the surrounding conditions where the flange 31a is set, and a notch can be provided at the location where the flange 31a interferes with the components of the battery cell 21. The shape of the flange 31a is configured to improve the sealing between the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21.

[0109] The channel wall 31 is provided with a flange 31a, which is beneficial to increasing the contact area between the channel wall 31 and the surface of the battery cell 21, and can improve the sealing performance between the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21, thereby improving the situation where high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other flue gases enter the interior of the battery 100 through the gap between the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21.

[0110] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 , the battery 100 further includes a first sealing member 5 , which is sealingly sandwiched between the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21 .

[0111] By providing a first seal 5 for sealing the installation gap between the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21, the sealing performance between the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21 is further improved, thereby improving the situation where high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other flue gases enter the interior of the battery 100 through the installation gap between the channel wall 31 and the battery cell 21.

[0112] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 to FIG. 10 , the exhaust passage 3 a corresponds one-to-one to the explosion-proof valve 21 a .

[0113] The one-to-one correspondence between the exhaust channel 3 a and the explosion-proof valve 21 a means that one exhaust channel 3 a connects one explosion-proof valve 21 a to the outside of the battery 100 .

[0114] Thus, when a battery cell 21 in the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, the generated high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes are discharged through the explosion-proof valve 21a of the thermally runaway battery cell 21, and the high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes can be discharged to the outside of the battery 100 through the corresponding exhaust passage 3a. This isolates the explosion-proof valves 21a from each other, preventing them from interfering with each other, thereby further improving the sealing between the exhaust passage 3a and the interior of the battery 100.

[0115] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7 to FIG. 8 and FIG. 11 to FIG. 12 , each exhaust passage 3 a corresponds to at least two explosion-proof valves 21 a .

[0116] Each exhaust channel 3a corresponds to at least two explosion-proof valves 21a, which means that one exhaust channel 3a connects at least two explosion-proof valves 21a to the outside of the battery 100. Here, the number of explosion-proof valves 21a corresponding to each exhaust channel 3a can be two or more.

[0117] When any battery cell 21 corresponding to all explosion-proof valves 21a connected to each exhaust channel 3a experiences thermal runaway, the generated high-temperature electrolyte vapor and other fumes can be discharged outside the battery 100 through this shared exhaust channel 3a. Thus, through the correspondence between the exhaust channels 3a and the explosion-proof valves 21a, the explosion-proof valves 21a corresponding to the same exhaust channel 3a are grouped together, achieving grouped isolation of the explosion-proof valves 21a. The explosion-proof valves 21a in different groups do not affect each other, thereby improving the convenience of setting up the exhaust channels 3a.

[0118] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2, 7 to 8, and 11 to 12, a battery 100 includes at least one battery module 2. Each battery module 2 includes at least two battery cells 21. All explosion-proof valves 21a of each battery module 2 correspond to one exhaust channel 3a.

[0119] That the battery 100 includes at least one battery module 2 means that the battery 100 may include one battery module 2 or a plurality of battery modules 2 .

[0120] The term "multiple" in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to a number of two or more.

[0121] Here, each battery module 2 is provided with only one exhaust channel 3 a , and the exhaust channel 3 a is connected to all explosion-proof valves 21 a of the battery module 2 .

[0122] In this embodiment, each battery module 2 is provided with only one exhaust channel 3 a , which is connected to all explosion-proof valves 21 a of the battery module 2 . This simplifies the structure of the protection unit 3 and facilitates the manufacturing and forming of the protection unit 3 .

[0123] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 7 to 8 and 11 to 12 , the battery 100 further includes a second sealing member 6 . The second sealing member 6 is sealingly sandwiched between adjacent battery cells 21 .

[0124] The specific type of the second sealing member 6 is not limited here, and may be, for example, structural adhesive, foam adhesive, and sealing gasket.

[0125] When one exhaust channel 3a corresponds to at least two explosion-proof valves 21a, that is, the exhaust channel 3a spans at least two battery cells 21, the gaps between the battery cells 21 are exposed to the exhaust channel 3a. A second sealant 6 is provided between the exposed gaps to prevent fumes such as high-temperature electrolyte vapor generated during thermal runaway of the battery 100 from flowing into the battery 100 through the gaps between the battery cells 21.

[0126] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 , the protection unit 3 further includes a protection film 34 , and the protection film 34 covers the exhaust channel 3 a .

[0127] The shape and size of the protective film 34 are not limited, and are specifically determined by the shape and size of the exhaust channel 3a. The protective film 34 can completely cover the exhaust channel 3a.

[0128] The material of the protective film 34 is not limited; for example, hot-pressed PP (polypropylene) film and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film can be used. During normal battery 100 operation, the protective film 34 is not susceptible to damage or detachment. However, if the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway and generates high-temperature electrolyte vapor, the vapor and other fumes can easily penetrate the protective film 34.

[0129] Here, by covering the exhaust passage 3a with a protective film 34, the explosion-proof valve 21a is protected from direct exposure to the external environment during normal battery 100 use, preventing foreign matter from entering or damage to the explosion-proof valve 21a during normal use or transportation. Furthermore, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery 100, the protective film 34 does not affect the normal discharge of fumes such as high-temperature electrolyte vapor from the exhaust passage 3a.

[0130] Four specific embodiments are briefly introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0131] First embodiment

[0132] Referring to Figures 3 and 9 , the battery 100 includes a housing 1, a protective unit 3, and at least two battery cells 21. The housing 1 defines a chamber 1a and an opening 1b communicating with the chamber 1a. The battery cells 21 are positioned within the chamber 1a. Each battery cell 21 is equipped with an explosion-proof valve 21a. The protective unit 3 is formed by a top cover 32 and a channel wall 31. The top cover 32 is connected to the opening 1b provided in the housing 1. The top cover 32 and channel wall 31 are integrally formed. The channel wall 31 forms an exhaust channel 3a, connecting the explosion-proof valve 21a to the exterior of the battery 100. One end of the channel wall 31 is connected to the side of the top cover 32 facing the battery cell 21, while the other end extends toward the battery cell 21. The end of the channel wall 31, proximal to the battery cell 21, extends outwardly along the circumference to form a flange 31a. A first sealing member 5 is provided between the flange 31a and the battery cell 21, ensuring a sealing engagement between the flange 31a and the surface of the battery cell 21.

[0133] The protection unit 3 is provided with exhaust channels 3a corresponding to the explosion-proof valves 21a one by one, that is, an exhaust channel 3a is provided for each explosion-proof valve 21a on the upper cover 32, connecting the explosion-proof valves 21a to the outside of the battery 100. A protective film 34 is provided on the exhaust channels 3a.

[0134] Second embodiment

[0135] Referring to Figures 4 and 10 , the battery 100 includes a housing 1, a protective unit 3, and at least two battery cells 21. The structures of the housing 1 and battery 100 are identical to those of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment lies in that the protective unit 3 comprises an upper cover 32, an isolation plate 33, and a channel wall 31. The upper cover 32 is connected to the opening 1b of the housing 1. The isolation plate 33 is configured as an isolation body 33a and a channel wall 31 connected to the isolation body 33a. The channel wall 31 forms an exhaust channel 3a, connecting the explosion-proof valve 21a with the exterior of the battery 100. The upper cover 32 is provided with a relief hole 32a to clear the exhaust channel 3a. The channel wall 31 is located between the isolation body 33a and the upper cover 32. The end of the channel wall 31, near the battery cell 21, extends outwardly along the circumference to form a flange 31a. A first sealing member 5 is provided between the flange 31a and the battery cell 21, ensuring a sealing engagement between the flange 31a and the surface of the battery cell 21. The isolation plate 33 is further provided with a boss 33 b for avoiding the pole 21 b of the battery cell 21 . A receiving area 33 c is formed on the side of the boss 33 b away from the exhaust channel 3 a . The receiving area 33 c is configured to accommodate the low-voltage sampling harness 4 of the battery 100 .

[0136] The protection unit 3 is provided with exhaust channels 3a corresponding to the explosion-proof valves 21a. That is, an exhaust channel 3a is provided for each explosion-proof valve 21a on the isolation plate 33, connecting the explosion-proof valve 21a to the outside of the battery 100. A protective film 34 is provided on each exhaust channel 3a.

[0137] Third embodiment

[0138] Referring to Figures 3 and 11 , the structure of the battery 100 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except that only one exhaust passage 3a is provided on the protective unit 3 of each battery module 2, and all explosion-proof valves 21a of that battery module 2 correspond to this single exhaust passage 3a. In other words, a single exhaust passage 3a is provided on the upper cover 32, connecting all explosion-proof valves 21a to the exterior of the battery 100.

[0139] The second sealing member 6 is sandwiched between the gaps between adjacent batteries 100 exposed in the exhaust channel 3 a , and a protective film 34 is provided on the exhaust channel 3 a .

[0140] Fourth embodiment

[0141] Referring to Figures 4 and 12 , the structure of the battery 100 is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment, except that a venting channel 3a is provided on the protective unit 3 of each battery module 2, and all explosion-proof valves 21a of that battery module 2 correspond to this single venting channel 3a. In other words, a single venting channel 3a is provided on the isolation plate 33 to connect all explosion-proof valves 21a to the exterior of the battery 100.

[0142] The second sealing member 6 is sandwiched between the gaps between adjacent batteries 100 exposed in the exhaust channel 3 a , and a protective film 34 is provided on the exhaust channel 3 a .

[0143] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery comprising: Box; A battery cell is disposed in the box, the battery cell comprising an explosion-proof valve and a pole, the explosion-proof valve and the pole being located on the same side of the battery cell; A protection unit, comprising an upper cover and a channel wall; The channel wall is located around the explosion-proof valve to form an exhaust channel. The explosion-proof valve is connected to the exhaust channel. The upper cover is located on the upper side of the pole and is used to cover the pole. At the same time, the channel wall is at least partially located between the pole and the explosion-proof valve. The lower end of the channel wall is sealed with the battery cell, and the upper end of the channel wall is connected to the upper cover to isolate the exhaust channel from the pole.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The upper cover and the channel wall are an integrated structure.

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The protection unit includes an isolation plate, and the isolation plate includes an isolation body and the channel wall connected to the isolation body. The upper cover is provided with an avoidance hole penetrating the upper cover, and the avoidance hole avoids the exhaust channel.

4. The battery according to claim 3, wherein The isolation body is provided with a boss for avoiding the pole and an accommodation area located on a side of the boss away from the channel wall, and the accommodation area is configured to accommodate a low-voltage sampling harness of the battery.

5. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein One end of the channel wall close to the battery cell extends outwardly in the circumferential direction to form a flange, and the flange is sealed with the surface of the battery cell.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The battery further includes a first seal, which is sealingly sandwiched between the channel wall and the battery cell.

7. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The exhaust passages correspond to the explosion-proof valves on a one-to-one basis.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Each of the exhaust channels corresponds to at least two explosion-proof valves.

9. The battery according to claim 8, wherein The battery includes at least one battery module, each battery module includes at least two battery cells, and all the explosion-proof valves of each battery module correspond to one exhaust channel.

10. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The battery further includes a second sealant, which is sealably sandwiched between adjacent battery cells.

11. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The protection unit further includes a protection film covering the exhaust passage.

12. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the exhaust passage is elliptical, circular, oval or polygonal.

13. An electrical device, comprising the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the battery is used to supply electrical energy to the electrical device.

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