Battery module, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The present application provides a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle. The battery module comprises a case and battery cell modules; each battery cell module comprises a heat insulation piece and a plurality of battery cell assemblies, the heat insulation piece is connected to side plates and divides a mounting cavity into a plurality of battery cell mounting areas, each battery cell mounting area is at least communicated with one air inlet through hole, and each battery cell mounting area is internally provided with a battery cell assembly; when thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell module, the heat insulation piece can block heat to avoid spreading to a connected battery cell module; at least one side plate of the case is provided with a cavity, air inlet through holes and exhaust through holes; when thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell module, the temperature and pressure in the corresponding battery cell mounting area rises, the high-temperature gas and flames automatically pass through the air inlet through holes, the cavity and the exhaust through holes, and pressure is released to the outside having low pressure, preventing the high-temperature gas and flames from spreading to a connected battery modules; and the staggered arrangement of the exhaust through holes and the air inlet through holes can expand the heat exchange area between the high-temperature gas and flames and the side plates, and prolong the heat exchange time, thereby preventing the high-temperature gas and flames from directly causing greater disasters and losses, and improving safety.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs and vehicles

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410667897.7, filed on May 27, 2024, entitled "Battery Module, Battery Pack and Vehicle", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of vehicles, and mainly to a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] In existing battery packs, venting channels are typically installed on the casing to facilitate rapid heat dissipation in the event of thermal runaway from individual cells. When some cells experience thermal runaway, the heat is directly discharged through the corresponding venting channel. However, the existing venting channel design is flawed and can easily lead to the spread of thermal runaway. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery module, battery pack and vehicle that effectively solves the problem of thermal runaway propagation in battery modules.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A battery module includes a housing, a cell module, and a sealing component. The housing includes multiple side plates that enclose a mounting cavity. At least one side plate has a cavity, an air inlet, and an exhaust outlet. The air inlet connects the cavity to the interior of the housing, and the exhaust outlet connects the cavity to the exterior of the housing. The exhaust outlet and the air inlet are offset from each other. The cell module includes a heat insulation component and multiple cell assemblies. The heat insulation component is connected to the side plates and divides the mounting cavity into multiple cell mounting areas. Cell assemblies are installed in the cell mounting areas. Multiple air inlets are provided, and each cell mounting area communicates with at least one air inlet. The thermal insulation component divides the mounting cavity into multiple cell mounting areas, and each cell mounting area is connected to at least one air inlet. Each cell mounting area is equipped with a cell assembly, so that high-temperature gas and flames can be discharged from the exhaust port in the event of thermal runaway. Moreover, the exhaust port and the air inlet port are staggered to prevent flames from shooting out directly and to increase the contact time between high-temperature gas and the side plate, thereby cooling the high-temperature gas.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the exhaust port is located above the intake port, utilizing the principle that high-temperature gas is lighter than low-temperature gas to make the high-temperature gas discharge more smoothly.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, a partition is provided inside the cavity, which is disposed between the air inlet and the exhaust outlet. The partition is provided with an air vent that connects the air inlet and the exhaust outlet. The partition increases the stress resistance of the side plate.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the vent is located directly above the inlet, and the vent and exhaust are offset along the length of the side plate; there are multiple vents, which are spaced apart along the length of the partition; there are also multiple exhausts, which are spaced apart along the length of the side plate. This results in multiple exhaust channels being arranged on the same side plate, and increases the length of the exhaust channels.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the air intake hole includes a first through hole and a second through hole. The second through hole is offset from the first through hole in the length direction of the side plate, and the second through hole is located above the first through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole are respectively connected to two adjacent cell mounting areas, so that while ensuring the stress strength of the side plate, more air intake holes can be arranged offset along the length direction of the side plate, making the structure more compact and the cell module smaller, thereby reducing the impact of thermal runaway of a certain cell module on the entire battery module.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the first through hole is located directly below the vent hole; the second through hole and the vent hole are offset along the length of the side plate, so that when high-temperature gas and flames flow from the first through hole to the vent hole, they do not need to pass through the position of the second through hole, and when high-temperature gas and flames flow from the second through hole to the vent hole, they do not need to pass through the position of the first through hole, thus preventing high-temperature gas and flames from entering the adjacent cell mounting area through other air intake holes, which could lead to the spread of thermal runaway.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the side plate includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate, and a fourth side plate, which are connected end to end to form a frame. The first side plate has multiple air inlet holes distributed along its length, and the multiple air inlet holes on the first side plate are all connected to the cavity on the first side plate. Multiple battery cell assemblies are arranged along the length of the first side plate, and the first end of the battery cell assembly faces the first side plate and is directly opposite the air inlet holes on the first side plate, so that high-temperature gas can be quickly discharged between the air inlet holes and the exhaust holes, avoiding the impact on the sealing parts at the adjacent air inlet holes.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the third side plate has multiple air inlet holes distributed along its length, and all the air inlet holes on the third side plate are connected to cavities on the third side plate; the second end of the battery cell assembly faces the third side plate and is directly opposite the air inlet holes on the third side plate. Both ends of the battery cell assembly are directly opposite the air inlet holes, making exhaust smoother.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first side plate has a plurality of exhaust holes arranged along its length; the third side plate has a plurality of exhaust holes arranged along its length.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell assembly includes battery cells and foam. Multiple battery cells are configured and arranged along the length of the first side plate, with foam positioned between adjacent battery cells. The inclusion of foam in the battery cell assembly allows the foam to be compressed when the battery cells expand, thus maintaining structural stability.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, an electrode insulating plate is fixed to the inner side of the first side plate. The electrode insulating plate is disposed between two adjacent battery cells. Thermal insulation structural adhesive is filled between the thermal insulation component and the first side plate, so that the two adjacent battery cell assemblies are completely separated by the thermal insulation component, thereby preventing high-temperature gas from spreading to the adjacent battery cell assemblies in the event of thermal runaway.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell includes a battery cell unit and an aluminum-plastic film. The aluminum-plastic film is wrapped around the outside of the battery cell unit. The use of a flexible aluminum-plastic film instead of a solid outer shell reduces the volume and weight of the battery cell.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the outer casing further includes a lower cover plate and an upper cover plate, with the lower cover plate fixed to the bottom of the frame and the upper cover plate fixed to the top of the frame. The bottom surface of the battery cell module is fixedly connected to the lower cover plate via a heat-conducting component, and the top surface of the battery cell module is fixedly connected to the upper cover plate via a heat-conducting component. The lower cover plate and the upper cover plate are connected to the battery cell assembly via heat-conducting components, thereby improving heat conduction efficiency and heat dissipation effect of the battery module.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the battery module further includes a sealing element fixed to the inner wall of the side plate to block the air intake vent. This sealing element allows the high-temperature gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery cell module to open the air intake vent. By blocking the air intake vent with the sealing element, the thermal runaway is prevented from spreading to adjacent battery cell assemblies through adjacent air intake vents.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing element includes a mica sheet and an insulating film, which are stacked on the inner side of the side plate; the insulating film is disposed between the mica sheet and the side plate, and / or between the mica sheet and the battery cell assembly. The sealing element, including the mica sheet and the insulating film, improves flame retardancy and insulation effects.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing element is elongated and blocks all air intake holes; or the number of sealing elements matches the number of air intake holes, and the position of the sealing element corresponds one-to-one with the air intake hole.

[0023] A battery pack includes a battery pack housing and a battery module, wherein the battery module is placed inside the battery pack housing.

[0024] A vehicle includes a body and a battery pack, the battery pack being fixed to the body.

[0025] Beneficial effects: The battery module of this application includes a casing and a cell module. The cell module includes a heat insulation component and multiple cell assemblies. The heat insulation component is connected to a side plate and divides the mounting cavity into multiple cell mounting areas. Each cell mounting area is connected to at least one air inlet hole, and each cell mounting area contains a cell assembly. When the cell module experiences thermal runaway, the heat insulation component can block heat to prevent it from spreading to connected cell modules. At least one side plate of the casing is provided with a cavity, an air inlet hole, and an exhaust hole. When the cell module... In the event of thermal runaway, the temperature and pressure in the corresponding cell installation area increase. High-temperature gases and flames will automatically pass through the air inlet, cavity, and exhaust outlet and be released to the low-pressure outside environment, preventing the high-temperature gases and flames from spreading to the connected cell modules. The staggered arrangement of the exhaust outlet and air inlet outlet increases the heat exchange area between the high-temperature gases and flames and the side plate and prolongs the heat exchange time. This also prevents high-temperature gases and flames from directly escaping from the battery module and causing greater disasters and losses, thus improving safety.

[0026] A battery pack includes a battery pack housing and the aforementioned battery module. The battery module is placed inside the battery pack housing, which enables the battery pack housing to protect the battery module. Furthermore, the aforementioned battery module can increase the heat exchange area and extend the heat exchange time during thermal runaway, and also prevent high-temperature gases and flames from directly escaping from the battery module, thereby preventing greater disasters and losses.

[0027] A vehicle, including a vehicle body and the aforementioned battery pack, prevents the spread of thermal runaway from one of the battery cell components to adjacent battery cell components, and also prevents high-temperature gases and flames from directly escaping from the battery pack, thereby preventing greater disasters and losses and improving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure in some embodiments of this application, in which only part of the cell module is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 is a top view of the battery module shown in Figure 1 after the top cover has been removed.

[0030] Figure 3 is a top view of the battery module shown in Figure 1 after the top cover and heat-conducting components have been removed.

[0031] Figure 4 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 3.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the battery module shown in Figure 1 after the second side panel has been removed.

[0033] Figure 6 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 5.

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of Figure 6 under the explosive state, where the arrows indicate the flow direction of the high-temperature gas and the dashed lines indicate the boundary between two adjacent battery cell components.

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the side plate structure in some embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the side plate shown in Figure 8.

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell module in some embodiments of this application.

[0038] Explanation of main component symbols: 1-Outer shell; 10-Mounting cavity; 11-First side plate; 111-Baffle; 12-Second side plate; 13-Third side plate; 14-Fourth side plate; 15-Lower cover plate; 16-Upper cover plate; 17-Electrode tab insulating plate; 18-Exhaust channel; 181-Cavity; 182-Air inlet hole; 183-Exhaust hole; 184-Ventilation hole; 1821-First through hole; 1822-Second through hole; 2-Cell module; 21-Heat insulation component; 22-Cell assembly; 221-Cell; 222-Foam; 3-Sealing component; 31-Mica sheet; 32-Insulating film; 4-Heat conductive component; 5-Heat insulation structural adhesive. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This application provides a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this application clearer and more explicit, the following detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1-3 and 7, a battery module includes a housing 1 and a cell module 2. The housing 1 includes multiple side plates, which together form a mounting cavity 10. The cell module 2 includes a heat insulation component 21 and multiple cell assemblies 22. The heat insulation component 21 is connected to the side plates and divides the mounting cavity 10 into multiple cell mounting areas. Each cell mounting area contains a cell assembly 22. Therefore, each cell assembly 22 is installed in an independent cell mounting area, and adjacent cell mounting areas are separated by the heat insulation component 21 to prevent heat transfer between adjacent cell assemblies 22. In other words, when one cell assembly 22 experiences thermal runaway, the heat is blocked by the heat insulation component 21 and will not be transferred to adjacent cell assemblies 22, thus preventing the spread of thermal runaway.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, four side panels are configured, namely a first side panel 11, a second side panel 12, a third side panel 13, and a fourth side panel 14. The first side panel 11, the second side panel 12, the third side panel 13, and the fourth side panel 14 are connected end to end to form a frame. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the frame formed by the four side panels is square. The outer casing 1 also includes a lower cover plate 15 and an upper cover plate 16, with the lower cover plate 15 fixed to the bottom of the frame and the upper cover plate 16 fixed to the top of the frame, so that the outer casing 1 forms a sealed box, and the battery cell module 2 is sealed inside the outer casing 1.

[0044] In other embodiments of this application, the number of side panels may be 5, 6 or more, and the shape of the frame formed by the side panels may be quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon or other shapes.

[0045] Referring to Figures 4-9, among the multiple side plates mentioned above, at least one side plate is provided with a cavity 181, an air inlet 182, and an exhaust 183. The air inlet 182 is located on the inner wall of the side plate, and the exhaust 183 is located on the outer wall of the side plate, forming a cavity 181 between the inner and outer walls of the side plate. The air inlet 182 connects the cavity 181 and the interior of the outer shell 1, and the exhaust 183 connects the cavity 181 and the exterior of the outer shell 1, so that the air inlet 182, the cavity 181, and the exhaust 183 constitute an exhaust channel 18. Multiple air inlets 182 are provided, and each cell mounting area is connected to at least one air inlet 182, so that when one of the cell components 22 experiences thermal runaway, high-temperature gas can be discharged from the corresponding exhaust channel 18, preventing it from spreading to adjacent cell components 22.

[0046] The battery module also includes a sealing component 3, which is fixed to the inner wall of the side plate and blocks the air inlet vent 182. The strength of the sealing component 3 is lower than that of the heat insulation component 21 and the side plate. When the battery cell module 2 experiences thermal runaway, the generated high-temperature gas can open the sealing component 3 and pass through the air inlet vent 182. Specifically, when the battery cell assembly 22 experiences thermal runaway, the temperature and pressure in the corresponding battery cell installation area increase, causing the sealing component 3 to be crushed at the position corresponding to the air inlet vent 182 (this position is the weakest due to the lack of support from the side plate), thereby allowing the high-temperature gas and flames to be discharged from the exhaust channel 18.

[0047] The sealing component 3 has flame-retardant and heat-insulating capabilities. When one of the battery cell components 22 experiences thermal runaway, the sealing component 3 at the non-thermal runaway location can prevent flames and heat from entering the corresponding battery cell installation area, thus preventing high-temperature gas and flames from spreading to adjacent battery cell components 22.

[0048] The exhaust vent 183 and the intake vent 182 are staggered, increasing the length of the exhaust channel 18 and extending the contact time between the high-temperature gas and the side plate. Since the side plate has a lower temperature, this increases the cooling time for the high-temperature gas. When a flame is present, it needs to pass through the longer exhaust channel 18, and the flame must pass through at least two corners from the intake vent 182 to the outside of the exhaust vent 183. This prevents the flame from directly escaping from the exhaust vent 183 and causing a fire in the structure located outside the battery module. This design increases the probability that the flame will be extinguished within the exhaust channel 18.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the exhaust port 183 and the intake port 182 are misaligned along the length of the side plate, so that the length of the side plate can be utilized to make the distance between the exhaust port 183 and the intake port 182 greater, thereby increasing the length of the exhaust channel 18 and improving the cooling efficiency of high-temperature gas.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the exhaust port 183 is located above the intake port 182. Since the weight of high-temperature gas is less than that of low-temperature gas, this application positions the exhaust port 183 above the intake port 182, allowing the high-temperature gas to spontaneously exit from the exhaust port 183 under the guidance of the exhaust channel 18. This results in low resistance and prevents the high-temperature gas from flowing back and igniting other battery cell components 22.

[0051] Each cell mounting area is connected to at least one air inlet vent 182, so that when the cell assembly 22 experiences thermal runaway, high-temperature gas and flames are discharged from the corresponding exhaust channel 18, avoiding interference with the normally operating cell assembly 22 in adjacent locations.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, multiple air inlet holes 182 are arranged on the same side plate, spaced apart along the length of the side plate. All air inlet holes 182 communicate with cavities 181 and different cell mounting areas, allowing multiple exhaust channels 18 to share exhaust holes 183. This reduces the number of exhaust holes 183 and increases the strength of the side plate. When the cell assembly 22 experiences thermal runaway, the high-temperature gas will spontaneously flow towards the direction of lower pressure. Therefore, after entering the cavity 181, the high-temperature gas will automatically flow towards the nearby exhaust holes 183, thereby reducing the impact on the sealing elements 3 on adjacent air inlet holes 182. In other words, after the high-temperature gas enters the cavity 181, the pressure rapidly decreases, falling below the pressure required to break through the sealing element 3, preventing the high-temperature gas from entering other cell mounting areas and effectively avoiding the spread of thermal runaway to adjacent cell assemblies 22.

[0053] A partition 111 is provided inside the cavity 181 to enhance the strength of the side plate. The partition 111 is located between the air inlet 182 and the exhaust 183. The partition 111 has a vent 184 that connects the air inlet 182 and the exhaust 183. The vent 184 and the exhaust 183 are offset along the length of the side plate, so that high-temperature gas and flames must pass through the vent 184 before reaching the exhaust 183. This increases the path length between the air inlet 182 and the exhaust 183, improves the cooling effect of the high-temperature gas, and enhances the fire extinguishing capability.

[0054] In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, the partition 111 extends along the length of the side plate, dividing the cavity 181 inside the side plate into a lower first cavity and an upper second cavity. The first and second cavities are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and both the first and second cavities extend along the length of the side plate. A vent 184 connects the first and second cavities, an inlet vent 182 connects to the first cavity, and an exhaust vent 183 connects to the second cavity. High-temperature gas and flame enter the first cavity through the inlet vent 182 and quickly pass through the vent vent 184 into the second cavity, preventing flow towards the adjacent battery cell assembly 22. The high-temperature gas then flows a certain distance along the length of the side plate within the second cavity until it is discharged through the nearest exhaust vent 183. By setting a baffle 111 between the air inlet 182 and the exhaust 183, the strength of the side plate is increased and the backflow of high-temperature gas is prevented. At the same time, by misaligning the air inlet 184 on the baffle 111 with the exhaust 183 on the side plate, the path length of the exhaust channel 18 can be further increased, that is, the heat transfer path is increased. This increases the heat exchange area between the high-temperature gas and flames entering the cavity and the side plate, and prolongs the heat exchange time. As a result, thermal runaway can be controlled as much as possible inside the outer shell 1, avoiding the spread of thermal runaway and causing greater disasters and losses.

[0055] Multiple ventilation holes 184 are spaced apart along the length of the partition, and multiple exhaust holes 183 are spaced apart along the length of the side plate, so that multiple exhaust channels 18 are arranged on the same side plate. This allows the high-temperature gas to automatically flow in the direction of lower pressure when a certain battery cell assembly 22 experiences thermal runaway, and to be diverted at the first cavity and the second cavity to quickly reduce the pressure of the high-temperature gas.

[0056] In some embodiments, the vent hole 184 is located directly above the inlet hole 182. Since high-temperature gas rises, placing the vent hole 184 directly above the inlet hole 182 allows the high-temperature gas to quickly enter the second cavity through the vent hole 184 (shortest path) after passing through the inlet hole 182 into the first cavity. This prevents the high-temperature gas from moving left and right in the first cavity and breaking through the sealing members 3 on both sides, thus avoiding a fire in the surrounding battery cell components. At the same time, the partition 111 also prevents the high-temperature gas entering the second cavity from flowing back into the first cavity.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, the air intake hole 182 includes a first through hole 1821 and a second through hole 1822. The second through hole 1822 is offset from the first through hole 1821 in the length direction of the side plate, and the second through hole 1822 is located above the first through hole 1821, that is, the second through hole 1822 is located obliquely above the first through hole 1821. This makes the distance between the first through hole 1821 and the second through hole 1822 in the length direction of the side plate smaller in this embodiment, so that more air intake holes 182 can be arranged on the side plate of the same volume, while ensuring the stress strength of the side plate.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the first through hole 1821 is located directly below the vent hole 184, and the second through hole 1822 is offset from the vent hole 184 along the length of the side plate. Because the air pressure in the second cavity connected to the outside is relatively low, the high-temperature gas and flame entering the first cavity through the first through hole 1821 will flow directly to the vent hole 184 via the shortest path, and the high-temperature gas and flame entering the first cavity through the second through hole 1822 will also flow directly to the vent hole 184 via the shortest path. Due to the offset of the second through hole 1822 and the vent hole 184 along the length of the side plate, the straight line connecting the first through hole 1821 and the vent hole 184 (shortest path) and the straight line connecting the second through hole 1822 and the vent hole 184 (shortest path) do not exist. At the intersection, the shortest path between the first through hole 1821 and the vent hole 184, and the shortest path between the second through hole 1822 and the vent hole 184, form two non-interfering channels. This prevents the high-temperature gas and flames flowing out of the first through hole 1821 from passing through the second through hole 1822 and entering the cell mounting area connected to the second through hole 1822, and also prevents the high-temperature gas and flames flowing out of the second through hole 1822 from passing through the first through hole 1821 and entering the cell mounting area connected to the first through hole 1821.

[0059] In some other embodiments of this application, when the distance between the first through hole 1821 and the second through hole 1822 along the length of the side plate is large, the vent hole 184 is disposed above the position between the first through hole 1821 and the second through hole 1822, which can increase the length of the exhaust channel 18, and the exhaust channel 18 containing the first through hole 1821 and the exhaust channel 18 containing the second through hole 1822 do not interfere with each other.

[0060] Referring to Figures 1, 7, and 10, in some embodiments of this application, multiple battery cell assemblies 22 are arranged along the length of the first side plate 11, and each battery cell assembly 22 includes a first end and a second end, with the first end facing the first side plate 11 and the second end facing the third side plate 13. Both the first side plate 11 and the third side plate 13 are provided with an air inlet 182, a cavity 181, and an exhaust 183. The first end of the battery cell assembly 22 is directly opposite the air inlet 182 on the first side plate 11, and the second end of the battery cell assembly 22 is directly opposite the air inlet 182 on the third side plate 13.

[0061] The battery cell assembly 22 includes a battery cell 221. The two ends of the battery cell 221 correspond to the first end and the second end of the battery cell assembly 22 (i.e., the first end of the battery cell 221 is in the same position as the first end of the battery cell assembly 22, and the second end of the battery cell 221 is in the same position as the second end of the battery cell assembly 22). Moreover, the two ends of the battery cell 221 are the most vulnerable to damage during thermal runaway. Therefore, the first end of the battery cell assembly 22 is oriented towards the first side plate 11, and the second end of the battery cell assembly 22 is oriented towards the third side plate 13. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell assembly 22, high-temperature gas and flames can be quickly discharged from the air inlet vents 182 corresponding to the two ends or one of the ends, thus preventing the spread of thermal runaway.

[0062] Referring to Figures 1 and 7-9, in this embodiment, the first side plate 11 has a plurality of air inlet holes 182 distributed along its length. Each of the air inlet holes 182 on the first side plate 11 communicates with a cavity 181 on the first side plate 11. The first ends of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 22 correspond one-to-one with the air inlet holes 182 on the first side plate 11. The third side plate 13 has a plurality of air inlet holes 182 distributed along its length. Each of the air inlet holes 182 on the third side plate 13 communicates with a cavity 181 on the third side plate 13. The second ends of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 22 correspond one-to-one with the air inlet holes 182 on the third side plate 13.

[0063] The first side plate 11 has multiple vent holes 183 arranged along its length, thereby increasing the total area of ​​the vent holes 183. This allows the vent holes 183 to quickly release pressure when the battery cell assembly 22 experiences thermal runaway, ensuring that the air pressure in the second cavity is lower than the air pressure in the battery cell mounting area corresponding to the battery cell assembly 22 that experienced thermal runaway. Similarly, the third side plate 13 also has multiple vent holes 183 arranged along its length.

[0064] In some embodiments of this application, multiple battery cell assemblies 22 are arranged along the length of the first side plate 11, and each battery cell assembly 22 includes a first end and a second end, with the first end facing the first side plate 11 and the second end facing the third side plate 13. The first side plate 11 is provided with an air inlet 182, a cavity 181, and an exhaust vent 183, and the battery cell assembly 22 is directly opposite the air inlet vent 182 on the first side plate 11, while the third side plate 13 is not provided with an air inlet vent 182, a cavity 181, and an exhaust vent 183. When the battery cell assembly 22 experiences thermal runaway, high-temperature gas and flames can be discharged from the air inlet vent 182 corresponding to the first end, preventing the spread of thermal runaway.

[0065] In other embodiments of this application, the first side plate 11, the second side plate 12, the third side plate 13, and the fourth side plate 14 are each provided with an air inlet 182, a cavity 181, and an exhaust 183. Multiple battery cell assemblies 22 are divided into four parts: the first end of the first part of the battery cell assembly 22 faces the first side plate 11; the first end of the second part of the battery cell assembly 22 faces the second side plate 12; the first end of the third part of the battery cell assembly 22 faces the third side plate 13; and the first end of the fourth part of the battery cell assembly 22 faces the fourth side plate 14. Alternatively, multiple battery cell assemblies may be used. The battery cell assembly 22 is divided into three parts. The first part of the battery cell assembly 22 has its first end facing the first side plate 11 and its second end facing the third side plate 13. The second part of the battery cell assembly 22 is located near the second side plate 12, with its first end facing the second side plate 12 and its second end facing one side of the first part of the battery cell assembly 22. The third part of the battery cell assembly 22 is located near the fourth side plate 14, with its first end facing the fourth side plate 14 and its second end facing the other side of the first part of the battery cell assembly 22.

[0066] Referring to Figure 10, the battery cell assembly 22 also includes foam 222. Multiple battery cells 221 are arranged along the length of the first side plate 11, with foam 222 positioned between adjacent cells 221. The foam 222 is compressible. When a cell 221 expands, the foam 222 contracts to ensure the volume stability of each battery cell assembly 22 and prevent compression of the normally functioning battery cell assembly 22. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, each cell 221 is flattened, and when it expands, it protrudes at its large surface. Therefore, placing the foam 222 at the large surface of the cell 221 effectively ensures the volume stability of each battery cell assembly 22. The air inlet 182 is elongated, allowing an air inlet channel to be directly aligned with the ends of multiple cells 221 in the same battery cell assembly 22.

[0067] Each cell 221 includes a cell unit and an aluminum-plastic film. The aluminum-plastic film is wrapped around the outside of the cell unit. The aluminum-plastic film replaces the solid outer frame of the existing cell 221. The aluminum-plastic film is thin film. Compared with the solid outer frame, it is smaller in size and lighter in weight, thus reducing the volume and weight of the cell 221.

[0068] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments of this application, the first side plate 11 is provided with an air inlet 182, a cavity 181, and an exhaust 183. The conductive lead of the battery cell is led out from one end of the battery cell, and the end of the battery cell from which the conductive lead is led out is the same as the first end of the battery cell assembly 22. An electrode insulating plate 17 is fixed on the inner side of the first side plate 11. The electrode insulating plate 17 is disposed between two adjacent battery cells 221. The electrode insulating plate 17 located between the heat insulation member 21 and the first side plate 11 is connected to the heat insulation member 21.

[0069] In some embodiments of this application, the first side plate 11 and the third side plate 13 are provided with an air inlet 182, a cavity 181 and an exhaust 183. Conductive leads are led out from both ends of the battery cell, and the conductive leads at both ends correspond to the positive and negative poles of the battery cell, respectively. The two ends of the conductive leads from the battery cell correspond to the first end and the second end of the battery cell assembly 22, respectively. An electrode insulating plate 17 is fixed on the inner side of the first side plate 11 and the third side plate 13. The electrode insulating plate 17 is disposed between two adjacent battery cells 221. The electrode insulating plate 17 located between the heat insulation member 21 and the first side plate 11 is connected to the first end of the heat insulation member 21, and the electrode insulating plate 17 located between the heat insulation member 21 and the third side plate 13 is connected to the second end of the heat insulation member 21.

[0070] Referring to Figure 6, the bottom surface of the battery cell module 2 is fixedly connected to the lower cover plate 15 through the heat-conducting component 4, so that the heat of the battery cell module 2 can be transferred to the lower cover plate 15 through the heat-conducting component 4. Since the lower cover plate 15 is in contact with the outside world, or the lower cover plate 15 is provided with a cooling structure, the cooling efficiency of the battery cell module 2 is increased.

[0071] The top surface of the battery cell module 2 is fixedly connected to the upper cover plate 16 through the heat-conducting component 4, so that the heat of the battery cell module 2 can be transferred to the upper cover plate 16 through the heat-conducting component 4. Since the upper cover plate 16 is in contact with the outside, the cooling efficiency of the battery cell module 2 is increased.

[0072] In this application, the battery cell module 2 is connected to the lower cover plate 15 and the upper cover plate 16 through the heat-conducting component 4. The heat-conducting component 4 can not only fix the battery cell module 2, but also fill the gap between the battery cell module 2 and the lower cover plate 15 and the upper cover plate 16, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the battery cell module 2 and the lower cover plate 15 and the upper cover plate 16.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, the thermal conductive element 4 is a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0074] In some embodiments of this application, the space between the heat insulation member 21 and the tab insulation plate 17 is filled with heat-insulating structural adhesive to prevent heat from diffusing from the space between the heat insulation member 21 and the tab insulation plate 17 to the adjacent cell assembly.

[0075] Referring to Figure 6, the sealing component 3 includes a mica sheet 31, which has heat insulation and flame retardant functions. When one of the battery cell components 22 experiences thermal runaway, the mica sheet 31 can prevent heat and flames from spreading to adjacent battery cell components 22. The mica sheet 31 also has an insulating function to achieve insulation isolation between the battery cell component 22 and the side plate.

[0076] When mica sheet 31 is used in environments with high humidity, its insulation and strength will decrease. The sealing component 3 of this application also includes an insulating film 32. The mica sheet 31 and the insulating film 32 are stacked on the inner side of the side plate. The insulating film 32 has both insulating and waterproof properties. In some embodiments of this application, the insulating film 32 is disposed between the mica sheet 31 and the side plate, preventing external moisture from contacting the mica sheet 31 through the exhaust channel 18 and causing a performance degradation of the mica sheet 31. In some embodiments of this application, the insulating film 32 is disposed between the mica sheet 31 and the battery cell assembly 22, preventing a performance degradation of the mica sheet 31 due to liquid leakage from the battery cell assembly 22. In some embodiments of this application, insulating films 32 are provided between the mica sheet 31 and the side plate, and between the mica sheet 31 and the battery cell assembly 22, thus preventing both the influence of external moisture on the mica sheet 31 and a performance degradation of the mica sheet 31 due to liquid leakage from the battery cell assembly 22.

[0077] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing member 3 is elongated and blocks all air inlet holes 182. The sealing member 3 is fixed to the entire inner side of the side plate by hot pressing, which facilitates production and reduces costs.

[0078] In another embodiment, the number of sealing elements 3 matches the number of air intake holes 182, the position of the sealing elements 3 corresponds one-to-one with the air intake holes 182, and the sealing elements 3 are fixed to the entire inner side of the side plate by hot pressing.

[0079] A battery pack includes a battery pack housing and a battery module as described in any of the above embodiments. The battery module is placed inside the battery pack housing, so that the battery pack housing can protect the battery module, and the battery module can be connected to a vehicle through the battery pack housing.

[0080] A vehicle includes a body and a battery pack, the battery pack being fixed to the body and used to power electrical devices on the vehicle. When one of the battery cell components 22 in the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, high-temperature gases and flames are discharged from the corresponding exhaust channel 18, avoiding interference with adjacent normally operating battery cell components 22 and reducing the impact on the overall battery pack.

[0081] It is understood that those skilled in the art can make equivalent substitutions or changes based on the technical solution and inventive concept of this application, and all such changes or substitutions should fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The battery module comprises: a housing comprising a plurality of side plates, the plurality of side plates enclosing a mounting cavity, at least one of the side plates being provided with a cavity, an air inlet hole and an air outlet hole, the air inlet hole being in communication with the cavity and the interior of the housing, the air outlet hole being in communication with the cavity and the exterior of the housing, the air outlet hole being located away from the air inlet hole along the length direction of the side plate; a cell module comprising a heat insulation member and a plurality of cell assemblies, the heat insulation member being connected to the side plate and separating the mounting cavity into a plurality of cell mounting areas, the cell assemblies being mounted in the cell mounting areas, and the air inlet hole being provided with a plurality of air inlet holes, each of the cell mounting areas being in communication with at least one of the air inlet holes.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The air outlet hole is located above the air inlet hole, and the air outlet hole is located away from the air inlet hole along the length direction of the side plate.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, The cavity is provided with a partition plate, the partition plate being located between the air inlet hole and the air outlet hole, the partition plate being provided with an air passage hole, and the air passage hole being in communication with the air inlet hole and the air outlet hole.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the air passage hole is located directly above the air inlet hole, and the air passage hole is located away from the air outlet hole along the length direction of the side plate; the air passage hole is provided with a plurality of air passage holes, and the plurality of air passage holes are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the partition plate; and the air outlet hole is provided with a plurality of air outlet holes, and the plurality of air outlet holes are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the side plate.

5. The battery module of claim 3, wherein, The air inlet hole comprises a first hole and a second hole, the second hole being located away from the first hole along the length direction of the side plate, and the second hole being located above the first hole; the first hole and the second hole are respectively in communication with two adjacent cell mounting areas.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the first hole is located directly below the air passage hole, and the second hole is located away from the air passage hole along the length direction of the side plate; or the air passage hole is located above the first hole and the second hole.

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the side plate comprises a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate and a fourth side plate, the first side plate, the second side plate, the third side plate and the fourth side plate being connected end to end in sequence to form a frame; the first side plate is provided with a plurality of air inlet holes along the length direction of the first side plate, and the plurality of air inlet holes on the first side plate are in communication with the cavity on the first side plate; a plurality of cell assemblies are arranged along the length direction of the first side plate, and the first end of the cell assemblies faces the first side plate and is directly opposite the air inlet hole on the first side plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the third side plate is provided with a plurality of air inlet holes along the length direction of the third side plate, and the plurality of air inlet holes on the third side plate are in communication with the cavity on the third side plate; the second end of the cell assemblies faces the third side plate and is directly opposite the air inlet hole on the third side plate; and the second end is the other end opposite to the first end.

9. The battery module of claim 8, wherein the first side plate is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes arranged along a length direction of the first side plate. The third side plate is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes arranged along a length direction of the third side plate. The cell assembly comprises a cell and a foam, the cell is configured in plurality, and the plurality of cells are arranged along a length direction of the first side plate, and the foam is arranged between two adjacent cells.

10. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, The inner side of the first side plate is fixed with a tab insulating plate, the tab insulating plate is arranged between two adjacent cells, and the heat insulation structure glue is filled between the heat insulation member and the first side plate.

11. The battery module of claim 10, wherein, The cell comprises a cell monomer and an aluminum plastic film, and the aluminum plastic film is wrapped on the outer side of the cell monomer.

12. The battery module of claim 10, wherein, 13. The battery module of claim 7, wherein the shell further comprises a lower cover plate and an upper cover plate, and the lower cover plate is fixed at the bottom of the frame, and the upper cover plate is fixed at the top of the frame. The bottom surface of the cell module is fixedly connected with the lower cover plate through a heat conduction member, and the top surface of the cell module is fixedly connected with the upper cover plate through a heat conduction member.

14. The battery module of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the battery module further comprises a plugging member, the plugging member is fixed on the inner wall of the side plate, and is used for plugging the air inlet hole, and the high-temperature gas generated when the cell module is in thermal runaway can open the air inlet hole. The plugging member comprises a mica sheet and an insulating film, and the mica sheet and the insulating film are laminated on the inner side of the side plate. The insulating film is arranged between the mica sheet and the side plate, or / and the insulating film is arranged between the mica sheet and the cell assembly. The plugging member is in a strip shape, and the plugging member plugs all the air inlet holes; or 15. The battery module of claim 14, wherein, The number of the plugging members matches the number of the air inlet holes, and the positions of the plugging members correspond to the air inlet holes one by one. The battery module comprises a battery pack box and the battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1-16, and the battery module is arranged in the battery pack box.

16. The battery module of claim 14, wherein, The battery module comprises a vehicle body and the battery pack as claimed in claim 17, and the battery pack is fixed on the vehicle body through the battery pack box. ​ 17. A battery pack, characterized by ​ 18. A vehicle characterized by comprising: ​

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