Venting busbar, battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of batteries, and specifically relates to a venting busbar, a battery module and a battery pack, which solve the problem of existing battery modules having potential safety hazards. The venting busbar is provided with first through holes corresponding to venting portions of battery cells, and is configured to discharge thermal runaway gases in an ordered manner when the battery module undergoes thermal runaway. When thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, the thermal runaway gases break through the venting portion of the battery cell and are discharged through the venting busbar, preventing the diffusion of the thermal runaway gases from affecting the remaining battery cells, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

Description

An explosion-proof manifold, a battery module, and a battery pack Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of batteries, specifically a venting manifold, a battery module, and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most common battery modules are composed of multiple individual battery cells connected together electrically.

[0003] Fire protection of battery modules has always been a hot topic of concern in this field. During the operation of a battery module, any single cell may experience diaphragm collapse and internal short circuit due to factors such as overcharging, over-discharging, overheating, or mechanical collisions, leading to thermal runaway. The resulting thermal runaway fumes can spread within the battery module, potentially causing thermal runaway risks in other single cells and resulting in more serious safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a venting manifold, a battery module, and a battery pack, which mainly solves the safety hazards of existing battery modules due to thermal runaway.

[0005] This application provides a venting manifold for use in a battery module, the battery module comprising m individual cells arranged in the same direction; wherein m is an integer greater than 1; the venting manifold has a first through hole corresponding to the venting part of the individual cell, for orderly emission of thermal runaway fumes when the battery module experiences thermal runaway.

[0006] The following are explosion venting manifolds, battery modules, and battery packs with different structural forms.

[0007] This application provides a first type of explosion-proof manifold and a corresponding battery module.

[0008] The explosion-venting manifold includes a hollow tube and a connecting part. At least one first through hole is formed in the first wall of the hollow tube, penetrating its inner cavity. The inner cavity of the hollow tube serves as a channel for the flow of thermal runaway gas, communicating with the explosion-venting parts of each individual battery cell through the first through hole. The connecting part is disposed on the hollow tube and is used to connect to the battery module. When the explosion-venting manifold is fixed to the top of the battery module, if any individual battery cell in the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway gas breaks through the explosion-venting part and is discharged from the hollow tube, preventing the thermal runaway gas from spreading and affecting the remaining individual batteries, thus improving the safety performance of the battery module. Simultaneously, this application provides a connecting part on the hollow tube, enabling the fixing of the explosion-venting manifold to the battery module. Compared to directly fixing the hollow tube to the battery module, fixing the two via the connecting part is more convenient, and the fixing process has no impact on the structure of the hollow tube.

[0009] Furthermore, there are m first through holes, arranged along the length of the hollow tube, each corresponding to a venting section on one of the m individual batteries. The inner cavity of the hollow tube is connected to the corresponding venting section through the m first through holes. By creating first through holes corresponding to the venting sections, compared to creating a single elongated through hole, it is easier to ensure the sealing performance between the venting manifold and the battery module after fixing it to the top of the battery module.

[0010] Furthermore, the projection of each first through hole onto the cover plate of the corresponding cell containing the explosion vent completely covers the explosion vent. During installation, the first through hole is not required to be concentric with the explosion vent, thus reducing the requirements for machining accuracy and minimizing the impact of machining and assembly accuracy on the product yield.

[0011] Furthermore, the above-mentioned connecting part can adopt various structural forms. In order to facilitate processing, this application prefers two connecting plates as the connecting part; the two connecting plates are respectively fixed on two opposite third pipe walls of the hollow pipe and extend along the length direction of the hollow pipe. This structure can be integrally formed by aluminum extrusion process.

[0012] Furthermore, each of the two connecting plates has n second through holes, arranged along the length of the connecting plate, where n is an integer greater than 1. These second through holes serve as bolt holes, allowing the explosion-venting manifold to be fixed to the top of the battery module using bolt fastening.

[0013] Furthermore, the aforementioned explosion-venting manifold also includes a flexible base plate, which is used to be disposed between the hollow tube and the connecting part and the top cover of the individual battery; the flexible base plate has a third through hole that corresponds to and penetrates the first through hole. When the dimensions of each individual battery differ in the height direction due to processing errors, if the lower cover of each individual battery is located on the same plane, it will inevitably cause the upper cover of each individual battery to not be able to remain on the same plane. This application can compensate for the height difference between the upper cover by deforming the flexible base plate and adjusting the thickness of the adhesive layer; in addition, placing the flexible base plate between the upper cover of the individual battery and the hollow tube can be used as a sealing gasket to further improve the sealing performance between the hollow tube and the upper cover.

[0014] Furthermore, the flexible base plate is also provided with a fourth through hole that corresponds to and penetrates the second through hole.

[0015] The battery module provided by this solution includes m individual batteries arranged in the same direction, and also includes the aforementioned explosion venting manifold; the explosion venting manifold is fixed to the top of the battery module through a connecting part.

[0016] Furthermore, the aforementioned battery module also includes a locking component and a separator; a fixing post is provided at the top of the separator; the fixing post corresponds to the second through hole on the connecting plate and the fourth through hole on the flexible base plate; the separator is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, the fixing post extends through the corresponding fourth and second through holes, and the locking component is locked at the part of the fixing post that extends through the fourth and second through holes. Using the separator as the fixing point for the explosion-proof busbar in the battery module, fixing the explosion-proof busbar to the top of the battery module does not cause any damage to the structure of each individual cell. In addition, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When an individual cell swells and deforms, the separator undergoes elastic deformation under the pressure of the individual cell. After elastic deformation, the separator can provide expansion space for the expansion of the individual cell; at the same time, the heat generated during the charging and discharging of each individual cell can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0017] Furthermore, two limiting plates are provided at the bottom of the separator; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the separator body and parallel to the lower cover of the individual battery. The two limiting plates extend to different sides of the separator body and limit the lower cover of two adjacent individual batteries.

[0018] Furthermore, a sealing layer is provided between the flexible base plate and the cover plate of each individual battery cell; a sealing layer is provided between the hollow tube and the connecting plate and the flexible base plate.

[0019] Furthermore, the battery module also includes a terminal heat exchange device; the terminal heat exchange device includes a heat transfer tube assembly and terminal adapters corresponding to each terminal; the terminal adapters have through slots and are fixed to the corresponding terminals; the inner cavity of the heat transfer tube assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel and is fitted into the through slots, forming two heat exchange channels at the top of the battery module. Heat exchange is achieved at the polar terminals of each individual battery cell based on these two heat exchange channels, thereby achieving heat exchange for each individual battery cell and the battery module as a whole; further improving the safety performance of this type of battery module.

[0020] This application provides a second type of explosion venting manifold.

[0021] The explosion-venting manifold includes a flexible base plate and a first half-tube with a U-shaped cross-section. The flexible base plate has m first through holes, each corresponding to an explosion-venting section on one of the m individual cells in the battery module. The flexible base plate is used to fix the upper cover of each individual cell. The first half-tube is fastened to the flexible base plate and sealed to it, where m is an integer greater than 1. This application connects the explosion-venting sections of each individual cell using a single explosion-venting manifold. When any individual cell in the casing experiences thermal runaway, the runaway gas breaks through the explosion-venting section and exits the casing through the explosion-venting manifold, preventing the runaway gas from spreading and affecting the remaining individual cells. Furthermore, when manufacturing errors cause differences in the height of each individual cell, if the lower covers of each individual cell are on the same plane, the upper covers of each individual cell will inevitably not remain on the same plane. This application compensates for the height difference between the upper covers by deforming the flexible base plate; therefore, this embodiment has lower requirements for the flatness of each upper cover, i.e., each explosion-venting section. In addition, placing the flexible base plate between the top cover of the single cell and the first half-tube can be used as a sealing gasket to improve the sealing between the first half-tube and the top cover.

[0022] Furthermore, the first half-tube is bonded and fixed to the flexible base plate. Furthermore, the flexible base plate is bonded and fixed to the top cover plate of the individual battery cell.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to improve the bonding strength between the flexible base plate and the top cover of the single cell, the size of the flexible base plate can be increased, and the contact area between the flexible base plate and the top cover can be increased. That is, the projection of the flexible base plate on the xy plane can be greater than the projection of the first half tube on the xy plane.

[0024] Furthermore, the orthographic projection of each first through hole onto the cover plate of the individual battery completely covers the corresponding explosion vent. During installation, it is not required that the first through hole and the explosion vent be concentric; it is only necessary to ensure that the first through hole covers the explosion vent, thereby reducing the precision requirements between each first through hole and its corresponding explosion vent during installation.

[0025] Furthermore, the flexible base plate is made of high-temperature resistant rubber or plastic material, where high temperature refers to the battery thermal runaway temperature.

[0026] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first half-tube is provided with protrusions or grooves to form a stop fit structure with the top insulating sealant layer of the battery module, thereby improving the stability of the insulating sealant layer.

[0027] Furthermore, the protrusions or grooves extend axially along the outer wall of the first half-tube and can be integrally formed using an aluminum extrusion process.

[0028] Furthermore, a connecting joint is provided on at least one of the two open ends of the first half-pipe for connection to an external pipeline.

[0029] This application provides a third type of explosion venting manifold.

[0030] This explosion-venting manifold is used in battery modules; it includes a manifold and N sealing gaskets; N≥2; N first through holes are opened on the bottom of the manifold; a sealing gasket is placed at each first through hole of the manifold, and a fifth through hole is provided on the sealing gasket. The size of the fifth through hole needs to meet the following requirements: the projection of the fifth through hole on the top of the single cell needs to completely cover the explosion vent of the single cell; the manifold provides downward pressure to each sealing gasket to fix the N sealing gaskets to their respective single cells in the battery module. The manifold and each sealing gasket are tightly fitted, and the sealing gasket and the top of the single cell are tightly fitted. The N first through holes of the manifold and the N fifth through holes of the sealing gaskets are connected one-to-one to ensure that thermal runaway fumes can only be discharged from the fumes outlet of the manifold.

[0031] This application adds a venting manifold to the battery module. This venting manifold allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing their spread within the battery module and improving safety after thermal runaway. Furthermore, the venting manifold consists of a manifold and a sealing gasket. The downward pressure of the manifold fixes the sealing gasket to the venting port on top of each individual battery cell. The deformation of the sealing gasket ensures a seal between the manifold and the sealing gasket, as well as a seal between the sealing gasket and the top of the individual battery cell. This prevents fumes leakage from the venting manifold and improves the reliability of orderly fumes discharge. Thirdly, in this application, the explosion-proof busbar consisting of the busbar and the sealing gasket is fixed to the battery module by crimping, which is convenient. Compared with the method of welding the explosion-proof busbar on the individual battery, the installation of the explosion-proof busbar is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the crimping method avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery. At the same time, the explosion-proof busbar of this crimping method can improve the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway without modifying any other structure of the original battery module.

[0032] Furthermore, the aforementioned manifold is made of metal and includes a pipe body and connecting bodies on both sides of the pipe body. The pipe body is provided with at least one reinforcing rib, and N first through holes are provided at the bottom of the pipe body.

[0033] Furthermore, to facilitate processing and manufacturing, the aforementioned tube and connector are constructed using an integral molding method.

[0034] Furthermore, the aforementioned sealing gasket includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion; the vertical portion passes through the first through hole of the manifold. The purpose of providing a vertical portion for the sealing gasket is as follows: First, since the top surface of each individual battery cell is not at the same height, the vertical portion extending into the first through hole compensates for the height difference between the top surfaces of each individual battery cell, ensuring full communication between the first and fifth through holes and avoiding potential leakage caused by the height difference leading to insufficient compression between the manifold and part of the sealing gasket; Second, the high temperature of thermal runaway flue gas may cause the sealing gasket to collapse, potentially leading to leakage of thermal runaway flue gas. The vertical portion increases the height dimension of the sealing gasket, which, even if collapse occurs during thermal runaway, can significantly reduce the sealing performance between the sealing gasket and the manifold, thus improving the reliability of the seal.

[0035] Furthermore, at least one sealing structure is provided between the aforementioned sealing gasket and the manifold. This sealing structure can further improve the sealing performance of the explosion venting manifold, ensuring the orderly discharge of thermal runaway flue gas. The sealing structure can be of the following types:

[0036] The first type of sealing structure is: at least one additional sealing ring is provided between the sealing gasket and the manifold, and the sealing ring is used to ensure the sealing between the sealing gasket and the manifold;

[0037] The second type of sealing structure includes a first seal; the first seal consists of a chamfer at the opening of the first through hole and a first protrusion integrally formed at the junction of the vertical and horizontal parts. The chamfer and the first protrusion fit tightly together. The downward pressure of the manifold causes the chamfer at the opening of the first through hole to press against the first protrusion, causing the first protrusion to deform and thus achieving a seal.

[0038] The third type of sealing structure includes a second seal in addition to the second sealing structure. The second seal consists of an annular groove at the bottom of the manifold and a second protrusion integrally formed on the horizontal part. The second protrusion is embedded in the annular groove, and the two fit tightly together. The downward pressure of the manifold causes the second protrusion to deform within the annular groove, thereby achieving a seal.

[0039] The third sealing structure employs a dual-seal method, resulting in a better sealing effect. Furthermore, since both the first and second protrusions are integrally formed on the sealing gasket, the structure is simpler and easier to assemble compared to setting an additional sealing ring.

[0040] Furthermore, a limiting flange is provided on the aforementioned vertical part; the limiting flange can fix the sealing gasket to the first through hole of the manifold, making it convenient for the two to be installed as a whole on the battery string.

[0041] This application provides a fourth type of explosion-proof manifold, as well as a corresponding battery module and battery pack.

[0042] This explosion-venting manifold is used to orderly discharge thermal runaway fumes in the event of thermal runaway of a battery module. It includes a pipe body and a sleeve. The pipe body has a fumes channel, an exhaust port, and N first through holes located at the bottom of the pipe body, corresponding one-to-one with the explosion-venting ports of individual batteries in the battery module. At least two sets of sleeves are provided, respectively embedded at both ends of the pipe body, with the inner hole of the sleeve serving as a channel for screw connection. The explosion-venting manifold in this application includes a pipe body and sleeves embedded within it. The pipe body serves as an explosion-venting channel, and the sleeves and screws work together to fix the pipe body to the battery module without the need for additional clamping components. This simplifies the structure and makes assembly of the pipe body and battery module easier.

[0043] Furthermore, the inner hole of the aforementioned sleeve is a stepped hole. Therefore, countersunk screws can be used to connect to the clamping plate. The screw head of the countersunk screw is located in the larger section of the stepped hole, which can prevent the screw head from protruding from the tube body, thus saving a certain amount of space in the height direction of the battery module. Furthermore, it can avoid the problem of interference between the exposed screw head and the battery pack shell when assembling the battery pack.

[0044] Furthermore, the aforementioned pipe body is made of rectangular cross-section steel profiles, and the sleeve is also made of steel, which is welded to the pipe body. Using metal profiles to make the pipe body not only reduces costs but also provides good rigidity and reduces the likelihood of deformation.

[0045] Furthermore, the aforementioned exhaust port is a threaded interface, which facilitates connection to the battery exhaust gas manifold via a corrugated pipe.

[0046] The battery module provided by this solution includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells. The first and last individual cells are each equipped with a clamping plate on their outer side and are bound together with steel strips to form a battery string; N≥2; it also includes a venting manifold as described in the first aspect; a sealing structure is provided between the top surface of each individual cell and the bottom surface of the venting manifold; the sealing structure has N through holes, and the N first through holes, N through holes of the venting manifold, and the venting port on the top of each individual cell correspond one-to-one; screws pass through the inner hole of the sleeve of the venting manifold and are threadedly connected to the clamping plate to fix the venting manifold to the battery string, and the venting manifold provides downward pressure to the sealing structure to ensure that the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the sealing structure, and the sealing structure and the top surface of each individual cell are tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway smoke can only be discharged sequentially along the first through hole, the smoke channel, and the exhaust port, avoiding the spread of thermal runaway smoke in the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway. Furthermore, due to the sealing structure, the gap between the explosion vent of each individual battery cell and the explosion vent manifold is sealed individually, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0047] Furthermore, it also includes at least one fixing component and a sleeve fitted inside the tube to cooperate with the fixing component; the fixing component includes a nut and a partition; two studs are spaced apart at the top of the partition; the partition is clamped and fixed between adjacent single cells, the two studs respectively protrude through the locking member, and the nut is locked at the part where the studs protrude through the locking member; two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the partition; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the main body of the partition and parallel to the lower cover of the single cell, and the two limiting plates extend to different sides of the main body of the partition and limit the lower cover of the single cells on both sides.

[0048] In this application, the nut and separator are used as fixing components in the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof busbar in the battery module. When the explosion-proof busbar is fixed to the top of the battery module, this structure can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof busbar from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion-proof busbar and the clamping plate, the sealing reliability is further improved. In addition, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When a single cell swells and deforms, the separator is squeezed by the single cell and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell. At the same time, the heat generated by each single cell during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. In addition, by setting two limiting plates extending in different directions on the bottom surface of the separator, the reliability of fixing the explosion-proof busbar can be further improved.

[0049] Furthermore, the sealing structure includes N flexible seals and limiting members that horizontally restrict the movement of each flexible seal. In the event of thermal runaway, the limiting members position the flexible seals, preventing horizontal displacement of the flexible seals due to the impact force of the thermal runaway flue gas, thereby preventing flue gas leakage and improving the reliability of orderly flue gas emission.

[0050] Furthermore, the flexible seal includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring disposed within the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The limiting component is a flame-retardant rubber plate with N positioning holes, each containing a flexible seal. In this design, the inner heat-expanding ring combined with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring forms two sealing barriers. This ensures that even if the high-temperature resistant silicone ring collapses and fails to seal due to prolonged high temperatures of the thermal runaway flue gas, the heat-expanding ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas. Simultaneously, the limiting component uses a flame-retardant rubber plate whose shape and size are adapted to the bottom surface of the explosion vent manifold. This external limiting method restrains the flexible seal, thereby preventing horizontal displacement of the flexible seal under the impact force of the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0051] The battery pack provided in this solution mainly includes a support platform, a liquid cooling plate, an outer cover, a flue gas manifold, and multiple battery modules as described in the third aspect. Multiple battery modules are installed side-by-side on the support platform, and a liquid cooling plate is provided between the bottom surface of each battery module and the support platform. The exhaust port of the explosion vent manifold in each battery module is connected to a flue gas manifold. The outer cover includes a top plate and four side plates. The four side plates of the outer cover are fixed to the support platform, and multiple battery modules are located inside the outer cover. One of the side plates integrates a BMS slave unit, a fire extinguishing interface, a liquid cooling medium interface, and an electrical signal interface. The fire extinguishing interface is connected to the flue gas manifold.

[0052] The battery pack of this application connects the exhaust ports of the explosion relief manifolds of multiple battery modules through a flue gas manifold, which is also connected to the fire extinguishing interface on the side plate of the battery pack. In the event of thermal runaway, the thermal runaway flue gas is discharged out of the battery pack in an orderly manner through the first through hole, the flue gas channel, the exhaust port, the flue gas manifold, and the fire extinguishing interface, thus avoiding the problem of thermal runaway flue gas spreading inside the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0053] Furthermore, considering cost and ease of installation, the flue gas manifold includes a main pipeline and multiple branch corrugated pipes. One end of each branch corrugated pipe is connected to the main pipeline, and the other end is connected to the exhaust port of the explosion venting manifold in the corresponding battery module.

[0054] This application provides a fifth type of explosion-proof manifold and a corresponding battery module.

[0055] This solution's explosion-venting manifold is used to orderly discharge thermal runaway fumes in the event of thermal runaway in the battery module. It includes a pipe body, which serves as a fumes channel. The pipe body has one exhaust port and N first through holes located on the bottom surface of the pipe body, each corresponding to a single explosion-vent port in the battery module. A limiting mechanism is provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body at each first through hole location to restrict horizontal displacement of the sealing structure. By placing the explosion-venting manifold on the battery module, this application allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing the thermal runaway of one battery from affecting other batteries and causing more serious safety hazards. Furthermore, the limiting mechanisms at each first through hole location on the bottom surface of the explosion-venting manifold prevent horizontal displacement of the sealing structure under the impact of thermal runaway fumes, thus preventing fumes leakage and further improving the sealing reliability between the explosion-venting manifold and each battery cell.

[0056] In this application, the limiting mechanism can adopt the following solutions:

[0057] Option 1: The limiting mechanism consists of N recesses on the bottom surface of the explosion vent manifold, each recess having a first through hole. The outer diameter of each recess must be large enough to accommodate a sealing structure, and the depth of the recess must ensure that the sealing structure remains protruding from the bottom surface of the manifold after compression and deformation. Preferably, the manifold body is welded from a first U-shaped member and a second U-shaped member; the N recesses and N first through holes are formed on the first or second U-shaped member by stamping. This option provides a manifold body that meets strength requirements, is easy to manufacture, and has low cost.

[0058] Option 2: The limiting mechanism consists of N annular grooves engraved on the bottom surface of the tube, with each first through hole opened within the area enclosed by its corresponding annular groove.

[0059] Furthermore, the explosion venting manifold also includes at least two sleeves that are fixedly embedded in the pipe body. The sleeves and screws work together to fix the pipe body to the battery module, eliminating the need for additional clamping components to secure the explosion venting manifold to the battery module. This simplifies the structure and makes the assembly of the pipe body and the battery module easier.

[0060] Furthermore, the inner hole of the aforementioned sleeve is a stepped hole. Therefore, countersunk screws can be used. The screw head of the countersunk screw is located in the larger section of the stepped hole, which can prevent the screw head from protruding from the tube body, thus saving a certain amount of space in the height direction of the battery module. Furthermore, it can avoid the problem of interference between the exposed screw head and the battery pack shell when assembling the battery pack.

[0061] The battery module provided by this solution includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells. The first and last individual cells are each equipped with a clamping plate and are bound together by steel strips to form a battery string; N≥2; it also includes a venting manifold as described in the first aspect; a sealing structure is provided at each limiting mechanism in the venting manifold; the sealing structure has through holes, and the N first through holes, N through holes and the venting port on the top of each individual cell correspond one-to-one and remain connected; the venting manifold is fixed to the battery string by a clamping component, and the venting manifold provides downward pressure to the sealing structure to ensure that the venting manifold and each sealing structure, and each sealing structure and the top surface of the corresponding individual cell are tightly fitted. At the same time, the limiting mechanism can also prevent the sealing structure from being displaced horizontally under the impact of thermal runaway smoke, ensuring that the thermal runaway smoke can only be discharged sequentially along the first through hole, smoke channel and exhaust port, avoiding the spread of thermal runaway smoke in the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway. Furthermore, due to the sealing structure, the gap between the explosion vent of each individual battery cell and the explosion vent manifold is sealed individually, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0062] Furthermore, the aforementioned clamping components consist of at least two sleeves fixedly embedded within the tube body. The sleeves, in conjunction with screws, secure the tube body to the battery module, eliminating the need for additional clamping components to fix the explosion vent manifold to the battery module. This simplifies the structure and makes assembly of the tube body and battery module easier.

[0063] Furthermore, it also includes at least one fixing component and a sleeve fitted inside the tube to cooperate with the fixing component; the fixing component includes a nut and a partition; two studs are spaced apart at the top of the partition; the partition is clamped and fixed between adjacent single cells, the two studs respectively protrude through the locking member, and the nut is locked at the part where the studs protrude through the locking member; two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the partition; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the main body of the partition and parallel to the lower cover of the single cell, and the two limiting plates extend to different sides of the main body of the partition and limit the lower cover of the single cells on both sides.

[0064] In this application, the nut and separator are used as fixing components in the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof busbar in the battery module. When the explosion-proof busbar is fixed to the top of the battery module, this structure can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof busbar from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion-proof busbar and the clamping plate, the sealing reliability is further improved. In addition, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When a single cell swells and deforms, the separator is squeezed by the single cell and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell. At the same time, the heat generated by each single cell during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. In addition, by setting two limiting plates extending in different directions on the bottom surface of the separator, the reliability of fixing the explosion-proof busbar can be further improved.

[0065] Furthermore, the flexible seal includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring disposed inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. In this solution, the inner heat-expanding ring combined with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring forms two sealing barriers. When the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a long time, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the heat-expanding ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0066] This application also provides battery modules and battery packs with the following structures.

[0067] The battery module includes m individual cells arranged in the same direction, where m is an integer greater than 1; it also includes a venting manifold with a first through hole corresponding to the venting part of the individual cell, for orderly emission of thermal runaway fumes when the battery module experiences thermal runaway.

[0068] This application provides a battery module with an alternative structure, and a corresponding battery pack for the battery module.

[0069] The battery module provided by this solution includes a battery string consisting of N individual cells; N≥2; its improvement lies in that it also includes a venting manifold covering the venting port of each individual cell; the venting manifold includes a manifold and N sealing gaskets; N first through holes are opened on the bottom of the manifold; a sealing gasket is placed between the top of each individual cell and the bottom of the manifold, and a fifth through hole is provided on the sealing gasket. The projection of the fifth through hole on the top of the individual cell needs to completely cover the venting port of the individual cell; the manifold is fixedly installed on the battery string, and provides downward pressure to each sealing gasket to fix the N sealing gaskets to their respective individual cells, and the manifold and each sealing gasket are tightly fitted. The N first through holes of the manifold and the N fifth through holes of the sealing gaskets correspond one-to-one and remain connected to ensure that thermal runaway fumes can only be discharged from the fumes outlet of the manifold.

[0070] This application adds a venting manifold to the battery module. This venting manifold allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing their spread within the battery module and improving safety after thermal runaway. Furthermore, the venting manifold consists of a manifold and a sealing gasket. The downward pressure of the manifold fixes the sealing gasket to the venting port on top of each individual battery cell. The deformation of the sealing gasket ensures a seal between the manifold and the sealing gasket, as well as a seal between the sealing gasket and the top of the individual battery cell. This prevents fumes leakage from the venting manifold and improves the reliability of orderly fumes discharge. Thirdly, in this application, the explosion-proof busbar consisting of the busbar and the sealing gasket is fixed to the battery module by crimping, which is convenient. Compared with the method of welding the explosion-proof busbar on the individual battery, the installation of the explosion-proof busbar is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the crimping method avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery. At the same time, the explosion-proof busbar of this crimping method can improve the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway without modifying any other structure of the original battery module.

[0071] Furthermore, the aforementioned manifold is made of metal and includes a pipe body and connecting bodies on both sides of the pipe body. The pipe body is provided with at least one reinforcing rib, and N first through holes are provided at the bottom of the pipe body.

[0072] Furthermore, the aforementioned sealing gasket includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion; the vertical portion passes through the first through hole of the manifold. The purpose of providing a vertical portion for the sealing gasket is as follows: First, since the top surface of each individual battery cell is not at the same height, the vertical portion extending into the first through hole compensates for the height difference between the top surfaces of each individual battery cell, ensuring full communication between the first and fifth through holes and avoiding potential leakage caused by the height difference leading to insufficient compression between the manifold and part of the sealing gasket; Second, the high temperature of thermal runaway flue gas may cause the sealing gasket to collapse, potentially leading to leakage of thermal runaway flue gas. The vertical portion increases the height dimension of the sealing gasket, which, even if collapse occurs during thermal runaway, can significantly reduce the sealing performance between the sealing gasket and the manifold, thus improving the reliability of the seal.

[0073] Furthermore, at least one sealing structure is provided between the aforementioned sealing gasket and the manifold. This sealing structure can further improve the sealing performance of the explosion venting manifold, ensuring the orderly discharge of thermal runaway flue gas. The sealing structure can be of the following types:

[0074] The first type of sealing structure is: at least one additional sealing ring is provided between the sealing gasket and the manifold, and the sealing ring is used to ensure the sealing between the sealing gasket and the manifold;

[0075] The second type of sealing structure includes a first seal; the first seal consists of a chamfer at the opening of the first through hole and a first protrusion integrally formed at the junction of the vertical and horizontal parts. The chamfer and the first protrusion fit tightly together. The downward pressure of the manifold causes the chamfer at the opening of the first through hole to press against the first protrusion, causing the first protrusion to deform and thus achieving a seal.

[0076] The third type of sealing structure includes a second seal in addition to the second sealing structure. The second seal consists of an annular groove at the bottom of the manifold and a second protrusion integrally formed on the horizontal part. The second protrusion is embedded in the annular groove, and the two fit tightly together. The downward pressure of the manifold causes the second protrusion to deform within the annular groove, thereby achieving a seal.

[0077] The third sealing structure employs a dual-seal method, resulting in a better sealing effect. Furthermore, since both the first and second protrusions are integrally formed on the sealing gasket, the structure is simpler and easier to assemble compared to setting an additional sealing ring.

[0078] Furthermore, the battery string includes multiple individual cells, a steel strip, and two clamping plates; the two ends of the busbar are connected to the two clamping plates respectively, thereby fixing the busbar to the battery string. This application makes full use of the existing steel strip clamping plate structure of the battery module to fix the two ends of the busbar to the clamping plates, realizing the assembly of the explosion-venting busbar onto the battery module without additional structure, resulting in a simple structure.

[0079] Furthermore, since the temperature of a single cell is high during thermal runaway, a heat insulation pad is provided between the sealing gasket and the single cell to prevent the sealing gasket from collapsing and deforming at high temperatures.

[0080] The battery pack provided in this solution includes a support platform, a liquid cooling plate, an outer cover, a flue gas emission pipe, and multiple battery modules as described above. Multiple battery modules are installed side-by-side on the support platform, and a liquid cooling plate is installed between the bottom of each battery module and the support platform. The smoke outlet of the explosion vent manifold in each battery module is connected to the flue gas emission pipe. The outer cover includes a top plate and four side plates. The four side plates of the outer cover are fixed to the support platform, and multiple battery modules are located inside the outer cover. One of the side plates integrates a BMS slave unit, a fire alarm interface, a liquid cooling medium interface, and an electrical signal interface.

[0081] The battery pack of this application connects the explosion relief manifolds of multiple battery modules to the flue gas emission pipeline. The thermal runaway vent on the side panel of the battery pack can be used to orderly discharge the thermal runaway fumes outside the battery pack, avoiding the problem of thermal runaway fumes spreading inside the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0082] Furthermore, in order to press the sealing gasket onto the individual battery cells through the manifold, multiple pressing ribs are provided inside the top plate of the battery pack, with each pressing rib pressing against the top of the manifold of its corresponding battery module.

[0083] This application provides a battery module with an alternative structure, and a corresponding battery pack for the battery module.

[0084] The battery module provided by this solution includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells. The first and last individual cells are each equipped with a clamping plate on their outer side and are bound together by steel strips to form a battery string. The improvement is that it also includes a venting manifold fixed to the battery string. The bottom surface of the venting manifold has N first through holes. A thermal expansion body is set between the top surface of the battery string and the bottom surface of the venting manifold. The thermal expansion body is provided with N sixth through holes that correspond one-to-one with the N first through holes and are kept in communication. When the battery heats up, the thermal expansion body expands, so that the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the thermal expansion body, as well as the thermal expansion body and the top surface of each individual cell, are in close contact, ensuring that thermal runaway fumes can only be discharged from the fumes outlet of the venting manifold.

[0085] This application adds a venting manifold to the battery module, which allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing their spread within the battery module and improving safety in the event of thermal runaway. Furthermore, a thermal expansion body is installed between the venting manifold and the individual battery cells. Before thermal runaway occurs, the temperature of the individual battery cell casing rises rapidly, causing the thermal expansion body to expand. During thermal runaway, the expansion force ensures a tight seal between the thermal expansion body and the bottom surface of the venting manifold, as well as between the thermal expansion body and the top surface of the individual battery cells, preventing leakage of thermal runaway fumes from the area between them and improving the reliability of orderly fumes discharge. Simultaneously, the thermal expansion body ensures a seal between the venting manifold and the individual battery cells during thermal runaway, resulting in a simple structure that is easy to assemble.

[0086] In this application, the thermally expanded body can take the following two forms:

[0087] Form 1: The thermal expansion body is a long strip of gasket. The size of the long strip of gasket is adapted to the bottom size of the explosion relief manifold. N sixth through holes are opened on the long strip of gasket. The N sixth through holes correspond one-to-one with the N first through holes and are interconnected.

[0088] Form 2: The thermal expansion body consists of N annular gaskets. One annular gasket is placed between the top surface of each individual cell and the bottom surface of the explosion vent manifold. The area enclosed by the annular gaskets must completely cover the explosion vent of the individual cell when projected onto the top surface of the individual cell.

[0089] To achieve proper positioning of the annular gasket and prevent horizontal displacement due to thermal runaway gas pressure impact, which could lead to gas leakage, the bottom surface of the explosion vent manifold is provided with N grooves, each groove containing an annular gasket; alternatively, each individual battery cell has a groove on its top surface, containing an annular gasket. Alternatively, a long strip of flame-retardant rubber sheet, with length and width dimensions similar to the explosion vent manifold, is added, and N positioning holes are formed on it; the N annular gaskets are then fitted into these N positioning holes, thus achieving proper positioning of the annular gasket.

[0090] Furthermore, the aforementioned explosion-proof manifold is made of metal and includes a pipe body and connecting bodies on both sides of the pipe body in the width direction. At least one reinforcing rib is provided inside the pipe body, and N first through holes are provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body. The connecting bodies on both sides are used to fix the pipe body to the clamping plates at both ends by screws. In this application, the explosion-proof manifold uses a threaded connection to press the thermally expanded body between the explosion-proof manifold and the individual battery, making the connection convenient. Compared to welding the explosion-proof manifold onto the individual battery, the installation of the explosion-proof manifold is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the threaded crimping method avoids the problem of high temperatures during welding potentially damaging the internal structure of the individual battery. Furthermore, this crimped explosion-proof manifold, as a fire-fighting structure, improves the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway without requiring any modifications to the original battery module structure.

[0091] Furthermore, the battery module also includes a locking nut and a separator; two studs are spaced apart at the top of the separator; the separator is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, and the two studs pass through the mounting holes of the two side connectors respectively, with the locking nut locked at the part where the studs pass through the mounting holes.

[0092] In this embodiment, the locking nut and separator are used as fixing parts in the middle area of ​​the explosion venting manifold in the battery module. This can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion venting manifold from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion venting manifold and the clamping plate, the sealing reliability is further improved. In addition, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When a single cell swells and deforms, the separator is squeezed by the single cell and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell. At the same time, the heat generated by each single cell during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0093] Furthermore, in order to improve the reliability of the explosion venting manifold fixing, two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the separator; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the separator body and parallel to the lower cover of the individual battery. The two limiting plates extend to different sides of the separator body and limit the lower cover of two adjacent individual batteries.

[0094] The battery pack provided by this solution includes a support platform, a liquid cooling plate, an outer cover, a flue gas emission pipe, and multiple battery modules as described in the first aspect; multiple battery modules are installed side by side on the support platform, and a liquid cooling plate is provided between the bottom surface of multiple battery modules and the support platform; the smoke outlet of the explosion relief manifold in each battery module is connected to the flue gas emission pipe; the outer cover includes a top plate and four side plates; the four side plates of the outer cover are fixed to the support platform, and multiple battery modules are located inside the outer cover; one of the side plates integrates a BMS slave unit, a fire protection interface, a liquid cooling medium interface, and an electrical signal interface.

[0095] The battery pack of this application connects the explosion relief manifolds of multiple battery modules to the flue gas emission pipeline. The thermal runaway vent on the side panel of the battery pack can be used to orderly discharge the thermal runaway fumes outside the battery pack, avoiding the problem of thermal runaway fumes spreading inside the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0096] This application provides a battery module with an alternative structure, and a corresponding battery pack for the battery module.

[0097] The battery module provided by this solution includes a battery string consisting of N individual cells; N≥2; its improvement lies in that it also includes a venting manifold fixed to the battery string and covering the venting port of each individual cell; the bottom of the venting manifold has N first through holes; a sealing structure is provided between the top of each individual cell and the bottom of the venting manifold, the sealing structure includes N flexible seals and a limiting member that limits each flexible seal in the horizontal direction; each flexible seal has a seventh through hole, and the N first through holes of the venting manifold and the N seventh through holes of the flexible seals are connected one-to-one; the venting manifold provides downward pressure to the flexible seals, so that the bottom of the venting manifold and the flexible seals, as well as the flexible seals and the tops of each individual cell, are tightly fitted, ensuring that thermal runaway fumes can only be discharged from the venting manifold.

[0098] This application adds a venting manifold to the battery module, which allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing their spread within the battery module and improving safety after thermal runaway. Furthermore, a sealing structure is provided between the venting manifold and the individual battery cells. This sealing structure includes N flexible seals and horizontally limiting members for each flexible seal. The venting manifold provides downward pressure to the flexible seals. In the event of thermal runaway, the flexible seals are tightly fitted to the venting manifold, as are the top of the individual battery cells and the flexible seals. Simultaneously, the limiting members position the flexible seals, preventing horizontal displacement caused by the impact of the thermal runaway fumes, thus preventing fumes leakage and improving the reliability of orderly fumes discharge.

[0099] The flexible seal in this application can be selected from the following options:

[0100] Option 1: The flexible seal is a high-temperature resistant silicone ring. Under the downward pressure of the venting manifold, the high-temperature resistant silicone ring deforms, ensuring sealing in the event of thermal runaway.

[0101] Option 2: The flexible sealing element includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring set inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. In this option, the inner heat-expanding ring combined with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring forms two sealing barriers. Even if the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a prolonged period, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the heat-expanding ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0102] The limiting component in this application can be selected from the following forms:

[0103] Form 1: The limiting component is a flame-retardant rubber sheet with N positioning holes, each containing a flexible seal. This form uses a flame-retardant rubber sheet whose shape and size are adapted to the bottom of the explosion vent manifold. Flexible seals are installed in the N positioning holes of the flame-retardant rubber sheet. The flexible seals are restrained by external limiting, thus preventing horizontal displacement of the flexible seals under the impact force of thermal runaway smoke.

[0104] Form 2: The limiting component is an annular protrusion located on the top of the individual battery cell and around the explosion vent, with a flexible seal fitted around the annular protrusion. In this form, an annular protrusion is set on the top of the individual battery cell, and the flexible seal is fitted around the annular protrusion. The flexible seal is restrained by an internal limiting method, thereby preventing the flexible seal from shifting horizontally under the impact force of thermal runaway flue gas.

[0105] Form 3: The limiting component is a long strip-shaped thermal expansion plate with N positioning holes, each containing a flexible seal. This long strip-shaped thermal expansion plate is adapted to the shape and size of the bottom of the explosion vent manifold, and the flexible seal is restrained by external limiting, thus preventing horizontal displacement of the flexible seal under the impact force of thermal runaway flue gas.

[0106] Among them, the limiting members of types one and two are applicable to the flexible seals of schemes one and two above; the limiting member of type three is only applicable to the flexible seals of scheme one above.

[0107] Furthermore, the aforementioned explosion-venting manifold is made of metal and includes a pipe body and connecting bodies on both sides of the pipe body in the width direction. At least one reinforcing rib is provided inside the pipe body, and N first through holes are provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body. The connecting bodies on both sides are used to fix the pipe body to the clamping plates at both ends by screws. In this application, the explosion-venting manifold uses a threaded connection to press the thermal expansion ring between the explosion-venting manifold and the individual battery cell, making the connection convenient. Compared to welding the explosion-venting manifold onto the individual battery cell, the installation of the explosion-venting manifold is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the threaded crimping method avoids the problem of high temperatures during welding potentially damaging the internal structure of the individual battery cell. Simultaneously, this crimped explosion-venting manifold, as a fire-fighting structure, improves the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway without requiring any modifications to the original battery module structure.

[0108] Furthermore, the battery module also includes a locking nut and a separator; two studs are spaced apart at the top of the separator; the separator is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, and the two studs pass through the mounting holes of the two side connectors respectively, with the locking nut locked at the part where the studs pass through the mounting holes.

[0109] In this application, the locking nut and separator are used as fixing parts in the middle area of ​​the explosion venting combiner in the battery module, which can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion venting combiner from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion venting combiner and the clamping plate, the sealing reliability is further improved. In addition, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When a single cell swells and deforms, the separator is squeezed by the single cell and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell. At the same time, the heat generated by each single cell during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0110] Furthermore, in order to improve the reliability of the explosion venting manifold fixing, two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the separator; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the separator body and parallel to the lower cover of the individual battery. The two limiting plates extend to different sides of the separator body and limit the lower cover of two adjacent individual batteries.

[0111] The battery pack provided in this solution includes a support platform, a liquid cooling plate, an outer cover, a flue gas emission pipeline, and multiple battery modules as described in the first aspect. Multiple battery modules are installed side-by-side on the support platform, and a liquid cooling plate is installed between the bottom of each battery module and the support platform. The smoke outlet of the explosion vent manifold in each battery module is connected to the flue gas emission pipeline. The outer cover includes a top plate and four side plates. The four side plates of the outer cover are fixed to the support platform, and multiple battery modules are located inside the outer cover. One of the side plates integrates a BMS slave unit, a fire extinguishing interface, a liquid cooling medium interface, and an electrical signal interface. In this application, thermal runaway smoke generated by a battery module in the battery pack is guided to the flue gas emission pipeline through the explosion vent manifold. Then, the fire extinguishing interface on the side plate of the battery pack is used to orderly discharge the thermal runaway smoke outside the battery pack, preventing the thermal runaway smoke from spreading within the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0112] This application provides a battery module with an alternative structure, and a corresponding battery pack for the battery module.

[0113] The battery module provided in this solution includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of each individual cell. The first and last two individual cells each have clamping plates on their outer sides, and are bound together with steel strips to form a battery string; N≥2. Its improvement lies in that it also includes a venting manifold fixed to the battery string; a first flue gas channel is provided inside the venting manifold, N first through holes are opened on the bottom surface of the venting manifold, and at least one exhaust port is provided on the venting manifold; at least one clamping plate has a second flue gas channel communicating with the exhaust port; each individual cell... A first sealing structure is provided between the top surface of the battery and the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold; the first sealing structure has N eighth through holes, and the N first through holes and N eighth through holes of the explosion venting manifold, as well as the explosion venting port on the top of each battery, correspond one-to-one and remain connected; the explosion venting manifold provides downward pressure to the first sealing structure, so that the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold and the first sealing structure, and the first sealing structure and the top surface of each battery are tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged sequentially along the first channel, the exhaust port, and the second flue gas channel in the clamping plate.

[0114] This application adds a venting manifold with a first flue gas channel inside the battery module. At least one clamping plate in the battery module has a second flue gas channel. A first sealing structure is provided between the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the top surface of each individual battery cell. The venting manifold provides downward pressure to the first sealing structure. Therefore, the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the first sealing structure, as well as the first sealing structure and the top surfaces of each individual battery cell, are tightly fitted. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, the thermal runaway flue gas is orderly discharged through the first flue gas channel in the venting manifold and the second flue gas channel in the clamping plate, preventing the thermal runaway flue gas from spreading within the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway. Furthermore, because the first sealing structure individually seals the gap between the explosion vent of each individual battery cell and the venting manifold, the sealing effect is excellent.

[0115] Furthermore, the aforementioned smoke exhaust port is located on the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold, and the second flue gas channel inlet is located on the top surface of the clamping plate. A second sealing structure is provided between the second flue gas channel inlet and the smoke exhaust port. A ninth through hole is provided on the second sealing structure, and the smoke exhaust port, the ninth through hole, and the second flue gas channel inlet are kept in communication. The explosion venting manifold provides downward pressure to the second sealing structure, so that the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold and the second sealing structure, as well as the second sealing structure and the top surface of the clamping plate, are tightly fitted. This application sets the smoke exhaust port on the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold and the second flue gas channel inlet on the top surface of the clamping plate. It also uses the explosion venting manifold to provide downward pressure to the second sealing structure to ensure the sealing between the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold and the top surface of the clamping plate. Compared with setting up an additional pipeline to connect the smoke exhaust port and the second channel inlet, the structure is simpler and more compact, and the assembly process is simpler.

[0116] Furthermore, the aforementioned explosion-venting manifold is made of a rectangular metal profile and is fixedly connected to at least two clamping plates, thereby securing the explosion-venting manifold to the battery string. Using a metal profile to manufacture the explosion-venting manifold not only reduces cost but also improves sealing reliability when applying downward pressure to the first and second sealing structures, as the metal profile has good rigidity and is less prone to deformation.

[0117] Furthermore, the aforementioned battery module also includes two short steel plates distributed at both ends of the explosion-venting combiner tube, with both short steel plates contacting the top surface of the explosion-venting combiner tube. Two mounting through holes are formed on the short steel plates, through which screws connect to the clamping plates, thus fixing the explosion-venting combiner tube to the battery string. This application uses short steel plates combined with screws to fix the explosion-venting combiner tube to the battery string, which is not only simple in structure and low in cost, but also allows for arbitrary adjustment of the short steel plates along the length of the explosion-venting combiner tube, thus avoiding errors between the clamping plates at both ends and facilitating assembly.

[0118] Furthermore, the aforementioned battery module also includes at least one fixing component and the short steel plate that cooperates with the fixing component; the fixing component includes a nut and a partition; two studs are spaced apart at the top of the partition; the partition is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, the two studs protrude from the short steel plate respectively, and the nut is locked at the part where the studs protrude from the short steel plate; two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the partition; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the main body of the partition and parallel to the lower cover plate of the individual cells, and the two limiting plates extend to different sides of the main body of the partition, limiting them on the lower cover plates of the individual cells on both sides.

[0119] In this application, a short steel plate, nut, and separator are used as fixing components in the middle area of ​​the battery module and the explosion-venting busbar. When the explosion-venting busbar is fixed to the top of the battery module, this structure can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion-venting busbar from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion-venting busbar and the clamping plate, the sealing reliability is further improved. Furthermore, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When a single cell swells and deforms, the separator is compressed by the single cell and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell. At the same time, the heat generated by each single cell during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. In addition, by setting two limiting plates extending in different directions on the bottom surface of the separator, the reliability of fixing the explosion-venting busbar can be further improved.

[0120] Furthermore, the first sealing structure includes N flexible seals and a limiting member that limits each flexible seal in the horizontal direction. In the event of thermal runaway, the limiting member positions the flexible seals, preventing the horizontal displacement of the flexible seals caused by the impact force of the thermal runaway flue gas, thereby preventing flue gas leakage and improving the reliability of orderly flue gas emission.

[0121] Furthermore, the flexible seal includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring disposed within the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The limiting component is a flame-retardant rubber plate with N positioning holes, each containing a flexible seal. In this design, the inner heat-expanding ring combined with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring forms two sealing barriers. This ensures that even if the high-temperature resistant silicone ring collapses and fails to seal due to prolonged high temperatures of the thermal runaway flue gas, the heat-expanding ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas. Simultaneously, the limiting component uses a flame-retardant rubber plate whose shape and size are adapted to the bottom surface of the explosion vent manifold. This external limiting method restrains the flexible seal, thereby preventing horizontal displacement of the flexible seal under the impact force of the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0122] Furthermore, the second sealing structure is a high-temperature resistant silicone gasket.

[0123] The battery pack provided by this solution includes a support platform, a liquid cooling plate, an outer cover, a flue gas manifold, and multiple battery modules as described in the first aspect; multiple battery modules are installed side by side on the support platform, and a liquid cooling plate is provided between the bottom surface of multiple battery modules and the support platform; the smoke outlet of the explosion vent manifold in each battery module is connected to the flue gas manifold; the outer cover includes a top plate and four side plates; the four side plates of the outer cover are fixed to the support platform, and multiple battery modules are located inside the outer cover; one of the side plates integrates a BMS slave unit, a fire protection interface, a liquid cooling medium interface, and an electrical signal interface. The battery pack of this application connects the second flue gas outlets of multiple battery modules through a flue gas manifold, and the flue gas manifold is connected to the fire protection interface on the side plate of the battery pack. In the event of thermal runaway, the thermal runaway flue gas passes through the first flue gas channel, the second flue gas channel, the flue gas manifold, and the fire protection interface in sequence, and is discharged out of the battery pack in an orderly manner. This avoids the problem of thermal runaway flue gas spreading inside the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0124] Furthermore, the second flue gas channel outlet is located on the large end face of the clamping plate; the flue gas manifold is fixedly connected to the clamping plate on the same side as each battery module, and a third sealing structure is provided between the flue gas manifold and each clamping plate. The flue gas manifold provides pressure to the third sealing structure, so that the bottom surface of the flue gas manifold and the third sealing structure are tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway flue gas discharged from the second flue gas channel outlet can only be discharged from the fire interface outside the battery pack.

[0125] Furthermore, in order to reduce costs through mass production, the flue gas manifold has the same structure as the explosion vent manifold, and the third sealing structure is made of the same material as the second sealing structure.

[0126] This application provides a battery pack, including a housing, a primary flue gas manifold located within the housing, and n battery modules arranged along the y-direction within the housing; each battery module includes a venting manifold and m individual batteries; the m individual batteries are arranged along the x-direction; the venting manifold extends along the x-direction, covering the venting section of the m individual batteries, and the inner cavity of the venting manifold serves as a thermal runaway flue gas confluence channel, communicating with the venting section of the m individual batteries; where n and m are both integers greater than 1; the thermal runaway flue gas discharge ports of the venting manifolds in the n battery modules are all connected to the primary flue gas manifold, and the outlet end of the primary flue gas manifold extends out of the housing. When any single cell in the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the runaway fumes break through the explosion vent and enter the explosion vent manifold and the primary fumes manifold in sequence. The fumes are then discharged from the outlet of the primary fumes manifold into the casing, preventing the runaway fumes from spreading into the inner cavity of the casing and causing other cells in the battery module to overheat and runaway, thus further improving the safety performance of the battery pack.

[0127] Furthermore, this application forms a first cavity between the first sidewall of the outer casing and each battery module; wherein the first sidewall is a sidewall in the outer casing parallel to the yz plane; and the primary flue gas manifold extends along the y direction and is located in the first cavity.

[0128] Furthermore, in the x-direction, the size of the explosion venting manifold is larger than that of the battery module, and one end of the explosion venting manifold extends out of the battery module; the thermal runaway flue gas discharge port of the explosion venting manifold is located on the first pipe wall at the end of the explosion venting manifold extending out of the battery module, wherein the first pipe wall is parallel to the xy plane and close to the primary flue gas manifold; the thermal runaway flue gas discharge ports of the explosion venting manifolds of the n battery modules are respectively connected to the primary flue gas manifold through n first connecting pipes extending in the z-direction.

[0129] This application sets the thermal runaway flue gas discharge port of the explosion venting manifold on the first pipe wall at the end of the explosion venting manifold extending from the battery module, and connects it to the primary flue gas manifold through a first connecting pipe extending along the z direction. Compared with using the end of the explosion venting manifold (parallel to the yz plane) as the thermal runaway flue gas discharge port and using a bent pipe to connect it to the primary flue gas manifold, the size of the first cavity in the x direction can be reduced, making the entire battery pack structure compact and smaller in volume, thereby ensuring that such battery packs have high energy density.

[0130] Furthermore, the explosion-venting manifold includes a hollow tube and a connecting part; the first tube wall of the hollow tube has m first through holes penetrating its inner cavity, the m first through holes are arranged along the length of the hollow tube and correspond one-to-one with the explosion-venting parts on the m individual batteries, the inner cavity of the hollow tube is connected to the corresponding explosion-venting parts through the m first through holes and to the explosion-venting parts of each individual battery through the first through holes; compared with opening a long strip through hole, it is easier to ensure the sealing performance between the explosion-venting manifold and the battery module after fixing the explosion-venting manifold to the top of the battery module; the connecting part includes two connecting plates; the two connecting plates are respectively fixed on two opposite third tube walls of the hollow tube and extend along the length of the hollow tube, wherein the third tube walls are parallel to the xz plane; this structure can be integrally formed by aluminum extrusion process. Both connecting plates have i second through holes, arranged along the length of the connecting plates, where i is an integer greater than 1. These second through holes serve as protrusions for fixing posts (bolts), securing the explosion-venting manifold to the top of the battery module using bolts. The battery module also includes locking components and separators. A fixing post is located at the top of the separator; the fixing post corresponds to the second through holes on the connecting plates. The separator clamps and fixes adjacent individual cells, with the fixing post protruding from the corresponding second through hole, and the locking component locks onto the part of the fixing post protruding from the second through hole. Using the separator as the fixing point for the explosion-venting manifold in the battery module ensures that fixing the explosion-venting manifold to the top of the battery module does not cause any damage to the structure of individual cells. Furthermore, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When an individual cell swells and deforms, the separator undergoes elastic deformation under the pressure of the cell, providing expansion space for the cell's expansion. Simultaneously, the heat generated during the charging and discharging of each individual cell can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0131] Furthermore, the aforementioned battery pack also includes an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold; each battery module also includes a heat transfer pipe assembly; the inner cavity of the heat transfer pipe assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel, fixed to the polarity terminal of the battery module, forming a heat exchange channel at the top of the battery module; the inlet end of the heat exchange channel in each of the n battery modules is connected to the inlet manifold; the outlet end of the heat exchange channel in each of the n battery modules is connected to the outlet manifold; the inlet end of the inlet manifold and the outlet end of the outlet manifold both extend out of the outer shell.

[0132] Research has shown that the temperature at the battery's polarity terminals is the highest during charging and discharging. Managing the heat at these terminals effectively dissipates heat, thus enabling effective temperature control. Based on this research, this application utilizes heat transfer pipe assemblies to directly exchange heat at the polarity terminals. When the battery module's temperature exceeds a set threshold, a cooler heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange device to lower the module's temperature. Conversely, when the battery module's temperature falls below the set threshold, a warmer heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange device to raise its temperature. By controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, the battery module can be kept at its normal operating temperature, further improving the safety performance of this type of battery pack.

[0133] Furthermore, the inlet manifold and outlet manifold extend along the y direction and are located within the first cavity; the inlet ends of the heat exchange channels in the n battery modules are respectively connected to the inlet manifold through n second connecting pipes extending along the z direction; the outlet ends of the heat exchange channels in the n battery modules are respectively connected to the outlet manifold through n third connecting pipes extending along the z direction.

[0134] This application makes full use of the first cavity space, and both the liquid inlet manifold and the liquid outlet manifold are set in the first cavity; at the same time, the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end of the heat exchange channel are connected to the liquid inlet manifold and the liquid outlet manifold respectively by using the second connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe extending along the z direction. The pipeline layout is neat and the structure is compact, ensuring that this type of battery pack has a high energy density.

[0135] Furthermore, the aforementioned battery pack also includes a flue gas pretreatment device located within the first cavity, with the outlet end of the primary flue gas manifold extending out of the outer casing via the flue gas pretreatment device. The flue gas pretreatment device of this application pretreats the thermal runaway flue gas generated by the battery pack to avoid safety hazards arising from the direct discharge of the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0136] Furthermore, the flue gas pretreatment equipment includes fire-fighting equipment, which includes at least one of a liquid treatment device, a solid treatment device, and a flue gas cooling device; the liquid treatment device is mainly used to treat the electrolyte and gas in the thermal runaway flue gas; the solid treatment device is mainly used to adsorb the gas in the thermal runaway flue gas; and the flue gas cooling device is mainly used to cool the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0137] Furthermore, the liquid treatment device includes M liquid treatment tanks, each equipped with a flue gas inlet and a flue gas outlet. The first to the (M-1)th liquid treatment tanks are filled with liquid treatment medium, while the Mth liquid treatment tank is empty. Here, M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. When a single cell experiences thermal runaway, the free electrolyte is ejected with the thermal runaway flue gas and passes through the liquid treatment device. The liquid treatment device effectively treats the electrolyte in the thermal runaway flue gas. Simultaneously, the Mth liquid treatment tank of this device is empty. When the thermal runaway flue gas pressure is too high, the empty tank can collect the liquid treatment medium squeezed out of the liquid treatment tank by the high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas, preventing the liquid treatment medium from being squeezed into subsequent devices and affecting them.

[0138] Furthermore, the flue gas pretreatment equipment includes a buffer device, which comprises at least one buffer tank for buffering thermal runaway flue gas. This buffer device can be used independently or in conjunction with fire-fighting equipment. When used with fire-fighting equipment, the buffer device is typically installed between the primary flue gas manifold and the fire-fighting equipment. When used independently, the buffer device buffers the thermal runaway flue gas, allowing it to exit at a relatively stable flow rate. Simultaneously, the buffer device can collect a portion of the electrolyte carried in the thermal runaway flue gas. When used in conjunction with fire-fighting equipment, the buffer device buffers the thermal runaway flue gas, allowing it to enter the fire-fighting equipment at a relatively stable flow rate, ensuring thorough treatment of the flue gas. Simultaneously, the buffer tank can also collect a portion of the electrolyte carried in the thermal runaway flue gas, reducing the amount of liquid treatment media used in the fire-fighting equipment.

[0139] The beneficial effects of the technical solution in this application are:

[0140] 1. The battery module of this application is fixed with a venting manifold at the top. When any single cell of the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway fumes break through the venting section and are discharged from the venting manifold, preventing the thermal runaway fumes from spreading and affecting the remaining single cells, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0141] 2. This application incorporates a connecting portion on the hollow tube, thereby securing the explosion-proof manifold to the battery module. Compared to directly fixing the hollow tube to the battery module, the connecting portion facilitates the fixation process without affecting the structure of the hollow tube. Furthermore, this application adds a separator to the battery module, using it as the fixing point for the explosion-proof manifold. Fixing the explosion-proof manifold to the top of the battery module does not damage the structure of any individual battery cells.

[0142] 3. This application connects the explosion venting sections of each individual battery cell using a single explosion venting manifold. When any individual battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the runaway fumes break through the explosion venting section and exit through the explosion venting manifold, preventing the fumes from spreading and affecting the remaining individual batteries. Furthermore, when manufacturing errors cause differences in the height dimensions of each individual battery cell, and if the lower covers of each individual battery cell are on the same plane, the upper covers of each individual battery cell will inevitably not be on the same plane. This application compensates for the height difference between the upper covers by deforming a flexible base plate; therefore, this embodiment has lower requirements for the flatness of each upper cover plate, i.e., each explosion venting section. Additionally, placing the flexible base plate between the upper cover plate of the individual battery cell and the first half-tube can act as a sealing gasket, improving the sealing performance between the first half-tube and the upper cover plate.

[0143] 4. This application adds a venting manifold to the battery module. This venting manifold can orderly discharge thermal runaway fumes, preventing the spread of thermal runaway fumes within the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway. In addition, the venting manifold of this application consists of a manifold and a sealing gasket. The downward pressure of the manifold fixes the sealing gasket to the venting port position on the top of each individual battery cell. Through the deformation of the sealing gasket, the contact surface between the manifold and the sealing gasket can be kept sealed, and the contact surface between the sealing gasket and the top of the individual battery cell can also be sealed, thereby preventing fumes leakage from the venting manifold and improving the reliability of orderly fumes discharge. Thirdly, in this application, the explosion-proof busbar consisting of the busbar and the sealing gasket is fixed to the battery module by crimping, which is convenient. Compared with the method of welding to install the explosion-proof busbar on the individual battery, the installation of the explosion-proof busbar is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the crimping method avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery. At the same time, the crimping method can also easily add the explosion-proof busbar as a fire protection measure to the existing battery module without changing any other structure of the original battery module.

[0144] 5. In this application, the manifold is composed of a pipe body and a connector and is made of metal material. At the same time, at least one reinforcing rib is provided in the pipe body. Therefore, the manifold has sufficient strength to prevent deformation during the pressing process. Moreover, the setting of the reinforcing rib can also ensure the pressure resistance of the manifold in the event of thermal runaway.

[0145] 6. The sealing gasket of this application consists of a vertical part and a horizontal part. The purpose of setting the vertical part of the sealing gasket is as follows: First, since the top surface of each individual battery cell is not at the same height, the vertical part extends into the first through hole to make up for the height difference of the top surface of each individual battery cell, which can ensure that the first through hole and the fifth through hole are fully connected and avoid the problem that the height difference may cause the manifold and part of the sealing gasket to be not pressed tightly, thus leading to leakage. Second, the high temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas may cause the sealing gasket to collapse, which may lead to leakage of the thermal runaway flue gas. The setting of the vertical part increases the dimension of the sealing gasket in the height direction. Even if collapse occurs during thermal runaway, it can greatly reduce the sealing performance between the sealing gasket and the manifold, thereby improving the reliability of the seal.

[0146] 7. This application achieves a seal between the gasket and the manifold by integrally molding a first protrusion and / or a second protrusion on the gasket. Compared with setting an additional sealing ring, the structure is simpler and the assembly is more convenient.

[0147] 8. This application makes full use of the existing steel strip clamping plate structure of the battery module to fix both ends of the busbar to the clamping plate. The explosion-proof busbar can be assembled on the battery module without additional structure, and the structure is simple.

[0148] 9. The explosion venting manifold in this application includes a pipe body and a sleeve embedded in the pipe body. The pipe body serves as an explosion venting channel. The sleeve and screws work together to fix the pipe body to the battery module. No additional clamping parts are needed to fix the pipe body to the battery module. The structure is simpler and the pipe body and battery module are easier to assemble.

[0149] 10. In this application, the inner hole of the sleeve is a stepped hole, so the screw connected to the clamping plate can be a countersunk screw. The screw head of the countersunk screw is located in the large hole section of the stepped hole, which can prevent the screw head from protruding from the tube body, thus saving the size in the height direction of the battery module to a certain extent. Furthermore, it can avoid the problem of interference between the screw head and the battery pack shell when the battery pack is assembled.

[0150] 11. In this application, the pipe body is made of rectangular cross-section steel profile, and the sleeve is made of steel. The sleeve is installed into the pipe body by welding. Using metal profiles to make the pipe body is not only low in cost, but also provides good rigidity and makes it less prone to deformation.

[0151] 12. This application adds a venting manifold with an internal flue gas channel to the battery module. A sealing structure is set between the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the top surface of each individual battery cell. The venting manifold provides downward pressure to the sealing structure. Therefore, the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the sealing structure, as well as the sealing structure and the top surface of each individual battery cell, are tightly fitted. When the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged in an orderly manner along the first through hole, the flue gas channel, and the exhaust port, preventing the thermal runaway flue gas from spreading within the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway. Furthermore, because the sealing structure is set up to individually seal the gap between the explosion vent of each individual battery cell and the venting manifold, the sealing effect is good.

[0152] 13. In this application, the explosion relief manifold is made of a metal profile with a rectangular cross-section, which not only reduces the cost, but also improves the sealing reliability when applying downward pressure to the sealing structure. Furthermore, due to the good rigidity of the profile, it is not easy to deform.

[0153] 14. In this application, the nut and separator are used as fixing components to connect to the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof manifold. This structure can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof manifold from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion-proof manifold and the clamping plate, the sealing reliability is further improved. Furthermore, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When a single cell swells and deforms, the separator is compressed by the single cell and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell. At the same time, the heat generated by each single cell during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. In addition, by setting two limiting plates extending in different directions on the bottom surface of the separator, the reliability of fixing the explosion-proof manifold can be further improved.

[0154] 15. The sealing structure in this application includes N flexible seals and a limiting member that limits each flexible seal in the horizontal direction. When thermal runaway occurs, the limiting member positions the flexible seal, preventing the impact force of the thermal runaway flue gas from causing horizontal displacement of the flexible seal, thereby preventing flue gas leakage and improving the reliability of orderly flue gas emission.

[0155] 16. In this application, the flexible seal uses an inner thermal expansion ring combined with an outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring to form two sealing barriers. Compared with setting a high-temperature resistant sealing ring alone, even if the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a long time, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the thermal expansion ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0156] 17. The battery pack of this application connects the exhaust ports of the explosion relief manifolds of multiple battery modules through a single flue gas manifold, which is connected to the fire protection interface on the side plate of the battery pack. In the event of thermal runaway, the thermal runaway flue gas is discharged out of the battery pack in an orderly manner through the first through hole, flue gas channel, exhaust port, flue gas manifold, and fire protection interface, thus avoiding the problem of thermal runaway flue gas spreading inside the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0157] 18. In this application, the explosion-venting manifold is installed on the battery module, which allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing the thermal runaway of one individual battery cell from affecting other individual cells and causing more serious safety hazards. Furthermore, a limiting mechanism is installed at each of the first through holes on the bottom surface of the explosion-venting manifold. This limiting mechanism prevents the sealing structure from shifting horizontally under the impact of thermal runaway fumes, thus preventing fumes leakage and further improving the sealing reliability between the explosion-venting manifold and each individual battery cell.

[0158] 19. In this application, the tube body is welded from two sheet metal parts, and a recess is formed by stamping to serve as a limiting mechanism. The tube body of this solution not only meets the strength requirements, but is also easy to manufacture and has low cost.

[0159] 20. This application adds a venting manifold with an internal flue gas channel to the battery module. The bottom surface of the venting manifold is sealed by a limiting mechanism. The venting manifold provides downward pressure to the sealing structure. Therefore, the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the sealing structure, as well as the sealing structure and the top surface of each individual battery cell, are tightly fitted. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged sequentially along the first through hole, the flue gas channel, and the exhaust port, preventing the thermal runaway flue gas from spreading within the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway. Furthermore, because the sealing structure individually seals the gap between the explosion vent of each individual battery cell and the venting manifold, the sealing effect is excellent.

[0160] 21. This application provides a thermal insulation pad between the sealing gasket and the individual cell, which can avoid the problem of thermal runaway gas leakage caused by the high temperature of the individual cell leading to the collapse and deformation of the sealing gasket at high temperature during thermal runaway, thereby improving the reliability of orderly emission of thermal runaway gas.

[0161] 22. The battery pack of this application uses a flue gas emission pipeline to connect the explosion relief manifolds of multiple battery modules, and at the same time uses a thermal runaway outlet on the side plate of the battery pack to orderly discharge the thermal runaway flue gas outside the battery pack, avoiding the problem of thermal runaway flue gas spreading inside the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0162] 23. This application provides multiple clamping ribs inside the top plate of the battery pack housing. Each clamping rib presses against the top of the current collector of its corresponding battery module, which can further increase the downward pressure of the current collector, so that the current collector is more reliably pressed against the sealing gasket, and at the same time, the sealing gasket can be reliably pressed against the individual battery cells.

[0163] 24. This application adds a venting manifold to the battery module. This manifold allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway gases, preventing their spread within the battery module and improving safety after thermal runaway. Furthermore, a thermal expansion body is installed between the venting manifold and the individual battery cells. Before thermal runaway occurs, the temperature of the individual battery cell casing rises rapidly, causing the thermal expansion body to expand. During thermal runaway, under the action of expansion force and pre-pressure, the thermal expansion body fits tightly against the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the top surface of the individual battery cells, preventing leakage of thermal runaway gases from the area between the venting manifold and the individual battery cells, thus improving the reliability of orderly gas discharge. Simultaneously, the thermal expansion body ensures a seal between the venting manifold and the individual battery cells during thermal runaway. The structure is simple and easy to assemble.

[0164] 25. The explosion venting manifold in this application consists of a pipe body and a connector and is made of metal. At the same time, at least one reinforcing rib is provided in the pipe body. Therefore, the explosion venting manifold has sufficient strength to prevent deformation during the pressing process. Moreover, the setting of the reinforcing rib can also ensure the pressure resistance of the explosion venting manifold in the event of thermal runaway.

[0165] 26. In this application, the explosion-proof busbar is connected by threads (i.e., the explosion-proof busbar is fixed to the battery string by a partition with studs, or the two ends of the explosion-proof busbar are threaded to the clamping plates at both ends of the battery string) to press the thermal expansion body between the explosion-proof busbar and the individual battery. The connection is convenient. Compared with the method of welding the explosion-proof busbar to the individual battery, the installation of the explosion-proof busbar is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the threaded crimping method avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery. At the same time, the explosion-proof busbar of this crimping method can improve the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway without modifying any other structure of the original battery module.

[0166] 27. This application adds a venting manifold to the battery module, which allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing their spread within the battery module and improving safety after thermal runaway. Furthermore, a sealing structure is provided between the venting manifold and the individual battery cells. This sealing structure includes N flexible seals and horizontally limiting elements for each flexible seal. The venting manifold provides pre-pressure to the sealing structure, ensuring tight contact between the sealing structure and the venting manifold, as well as between the top of the individual battery and the sealing structure, during thermal runaway. Simultaneously, the limiting elements position the flexible seals, preventing horizontal displacement caused by the impact of the thermal runaway fumes, thus preventing fumes leakage and improving the reliability of orderly fumes discharge.

[0167] 28. In this application, the flexible sealing element uses the deformation of the high-temperature resistant sealing ring to achieve the sealing between the explosion relief manifold and the individual battery; in particular, it can also use an inner heat-expanding ring combined with an outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring to form two sealing barriers. Compared with setting a separate high-temperature resistant sealing ring, even if the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a long time, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the heat-expanding ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0168] 29. In this application, the explosion-proof busbar is fixed to the battery string by a threaded connection (i.e., the explosion-proof busbar is fixed to the battery string by a partition with studs, or the two ends of the explosion-proof busbar are threaded to the clamping plates at both ends of the battery string, or a combination of the above two methods is used to fix the explosion-proof busbar to the battery string). The sealing structure is pressed between the explosion-proof busbar and the individual battery, which is convenient. Compared with the method of welding to set the explosion-proof busbar on the individual battery, the setting of the explosion-proof busbar is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the threaded crimping method also avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery.

[0169] 30. In this application, thermal runaway fumes generated by a battery module in the battery pack are guided to the fumes discharge pipeline through the explosion relief manifold. Then, the thermal runaway fumes are discharged out of the battery pack in an orderly manner through the fire-fighting interface on the side plate of the battery pack, which avoids the problem of thermal runaway fumes spreading in the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0170] 31. This application adds a venting manifold with a first flue gas channel inside the battery module. At least one clamping plate in the battery module has a second flue gas channel. A first sealing structure is provided between the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the top surface of each individual battery cell. The venting manifold provides downward pressure to the first sealing structure. Therefore, the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the first sealing structure, as well as the first sealing structure and the top surfaces of each individual battery cell, are tightly fitted. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, the thermal runaway flue gas is orderly discharged through the first flue gas channel in the venting manifold and the second flue gas channel in the clamping plate, preventing the thermal runaway flue gas from spreading within the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway. Furthermore, because the first sealing structure individually seals the gap between the explosion vent of each individual battery cell and the venting manifold, the sealing effect is good.

[0171] 32. In this application, the smoke exhaust port is located on the bottom surface of the explosion relief manifold, and the second smoke channel inlet is located on the top surface of the clamping plate. Similarly, the explosion relief manifold is used to provide downward pressure to the second sealing structure to ensure the sealing between the bottom surface of the explosion relief manifold and the top surface of the clamping plate. Compared with setting up an additional pipeline to connect the smoke exhaust port and the second channel inlet, the structure is simpler and more compact, and the assembly process is simpler.

[0172] 33. In this application, the explosion relief manifold is made of a metal profile with a rectangular cross-section, which not only reduces the cost, but also improves the sealing reliability when providing downward pressure to the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure. Furthermore, due to the good rigidity of the profile, it is not easy to deform.

[0173] 34. In this application, the nut and separator are used as fixing components to connect to the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof manifold. This structure can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof manifold from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion-proof manifold and the clamping plate, the sealing reliability is further improved. Furthermore, the separator has a certain degree of elasticity. When a single cell swells and deforms, the separator is compressed by the single cell and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell. At the same time, the heat generated by each single cell during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. In addition, by setting two limiting plates extending in different directions on the bottom surface of the separator, the reliability of fixing the explosion-proof manifold can be further improved.

[0174] 35. The first sealing structure in this application includes N flexible seals and a limiting member that limits each flexible seal in the horizontal direction. When thermal runaway occurs, the limiting member positions the flexible seals, preventing the impact force of the thermal runaway flue gas from causing horizontal displacement of the flexible seals, thereby preventing flue gas leakage and improving the reliability of orderly flue gas emission.

[0175] 36. In this application, the flexible seal uses an inner thermal expansion ring combined with an outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring to form two sealing barriers. Compared with setting a high-temperature resistant sealing ring alone, even if the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a long time, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the thermal expansion ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0176] 37. The battery pack of this application connects the second flue gas outlets of multiple battery modules through a flue gas manifold, and the flue gas manifold is connected to the fire protection interface on the side plate of the battery pack. When thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway flue gas passes through the first flue gas channel, the second flue gas channel, the flue gas manifold, and the fire protection interface in sequence and is discharged out of the battery pack in an orderly manner, avoiding the problem of thermal runaway flue gas spreading in the battery pack and affecting other modules, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0177] 38. This application provides explosion-proof manifolds on each battery module constituting the battery pack, and connects the thermal runaway gas exhaust ports of each explosion-proof manifold to a primary gas manifold, with the outlet end of the primary gas manifold extending out of the casing. When any single cell in a battery module experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway gas breaks through the explosion-proof section and sequentially enters the explosion-proof manifold and the primary gas manifold, exiting from the outlet end of the primary gas manifold. This prevents the thermal runaway gas from diffusing into the inner cavity of the casing, causing other battery modules to overheat and experience thermal runaway, further improving the safety performance of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0178] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the explosion relief manifold from a first-view perspective in Example 1;

[0179] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the explosion relief manifold from a second perspective in Example 1;

[0180] Figure 3 is a first cross-sectional view of the explosion relief manifold in Example 1;

[0181] Figure 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the explosion relief manifold in Example 1;

[0182] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the explosion relief manifold in Example 1;

[0183] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the explosion relief manifold in Example 2;

[0184] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the explosion relief manifold in Example 2;

[0185] Figure 8 is a first cross-sectional view of the explosion relief manifold in Example 2;

[0186] Figure 9 is a second cross-sectional view of the explosion relief manifold in Example 2;

[0187] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the battery module in Example 3;

[0188] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery module in Example 3;

[0189] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the partition structure in Example 3;

[0190] Figure 13 is a partial structural diagram of the battery module in Example 3;

[0191] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 3;

[0192] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the battery module from another perspective in Example 3;

[0193] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the battery module in Example 4;

[0194] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery module in Example 4;

[0195] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the battery module in Example 5;

[0196] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery module in Example 5;

[0197] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 5;

[0198] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the battery cell in Example 5;

[0199] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a partial explosion structure of the battery cell in Example 5;

[0200] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a partial exploded structure of the first hollow component assembly in Embodiment 5;

[0201] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of a single cell in Example 5;

[0202] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of a partial explosion structure of another battery cell in Example 5;

[0203] Figure 26 is a second schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of the battery cell in Example 5;

[0204] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of the battery cell in Example 5;

[0205] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the battery cell in Example 6;

[0206] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the battery cell in Example 7;

[0207] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell in Example 8;

[0208] Figure 31 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 9;

[0209] Figure 32 is a structural diagram of the manifold in Example 9;

[0210] Figure 33 is a structural diagram of the manifold in Example 9;

[0211] Figure 34 is a structural diagram of the sealing gasket in Example 9;

[0212] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 9;

[0213] Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the explosion relief manifold in Example 9;

[0214] Figure 37 is an external view of the battery pack in Example 10;

[0215] Figure 38 is a structural diagram of the battery pack after the outer cover is removed in Example 10;

[0216] Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack in Example 10;

[0217] Figure 40 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 11;

[0218] Figure 41 is a structural diagram of the explosion relief manifold with a sleeve in Example 11;

[0219] Figure 42 is a structural diagram of the sleeve in Example 11;

[0220] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 11;

[0221] Figure 44 is a structural diagram of the sealing structure in Example 11;

[0222] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 12;

[0223] Figure 46 is a structural diagram of the partition in Example 12;

[0224] Figure 47 is a structural diagram of the battery pack in Example 13;

[0225] Figure 48 is a structural diagram of the battery pack after the outer cover is removed in Example 13;

[0226] Figure 49 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 14;

[0227] Figure 50 is a structural diagram of the explosion relief manifold in Example 14;

[0228] Figure 51 is a structural diagram of the assembly of the explosion relief manifold and the flexible seal in Example 14;

[0229] Figure 52 is a structural diagram of the sleeve in Example 14;

[0230] Figure 53 is a structural diagram of the combination of the short steel plate and the explosion relief manifold in Example 14;

[0231] Figure 54 is a structural diagram of the short steel plate in Example 14;

[0232] Figure 55 is an unfolded view of two sheet metal parts in the first method of the explosion relief manifold in Example 14;

[0233] Figure 56 is an unfolded view of two sheet metal parts in the second method of the explosion relief manifold in Example 14;

[0234] Figure 57 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 16;

[0235] Figure 58 is a structural diagram of the partition in Example 16;

[0236] Figure 59 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 19;

[0237] Figure 60 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 59;

[0238] Figure 61 is a structural diagram of the explosion relief manifold in Example 19;

[0239] Figure 62 is a structural diagram of the explosion relief manifold in Example 19;

[0240] Figure 63 is a structural diagram of the long strip pad in Example 19;

[0241] Figure 64 is a structural diagram of the annular gasket in Example 19;

[0242] Figure 65 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 20;

[0243] Figure 66 is a structural diagram of the partition in Example 20;

[0244] Figure 67 is an external view of the battery pack in Example 21;

[0245] Figure 68 is a structural diagram of the battery pack after the outer cover is removed in Example 21;

[0246] Figure 69 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 22;

[0247] Figure 70 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 22;

[0248] Figure 71 is a structural diagram of the sealing structure in Example 22 (consisting of the flexible sealing element of Scheme 1 and the limiting element of Form 1);

[0249] Figure 72 shows the structure of the explosion relief manifold in Example 22;

[0250] Figure 73 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 23;

[0251] Figure 74 is a structural diagram of the sealing structure in Example 23 (consisting of the flexible sealing element of Scheme 2 and the limiting element of Form 1);

[0252] Figure 75 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 24;

[0253] Figure 76 is a structural diagram of the partition in Example 24;

[0254] Figure 77 is an external view of the battery pack in Example 25;

[0255] Figure 78 is a structural diagram of the battery pack after the outer cover is removed in Example 25;

[0256] Figure 79 is a structural diagram of the battery module in Example 26;

[0257] Figure 80 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 26;

[0258] Figure 81 is a structural diagram of the explosion relief manifold in Example 26;

[0259] Figure 82 is a structural diagram of the clamping plate in Example 26;

[0260] Figure 83 is a structural diagram of the first sealing structure in Example 26;

[0261] Figure 84 shows the structure of the second sealing structure in Example 26;

[0262] Figure 85 is a structural diagram of the short steel plate in Example 26;

[0263] Figure 86 is a structural diagram of the partition in Example 27;

[0264] Figure 87 is a structural diagram of the battery pack in Example 28;

[0265] Figure 88 is a structural diagram of the battery pack after the outer cover is removed in Example 28;

[0266] Figure 89 is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in Example 29;

[0267] Figure 90 is an exploded view of the battery pack of Example 29;

[0268] Figure 91 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery pack of Example 29;

[0269] Figure 92 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the explosion relief manifold and the primary flue gas manifold in the battery pack of Example 29;

[0270] Figure 93 is a structural schematic diagram of a venting manifold from a first-view perspective in Embodiment 29;

[0271] Figure 94 is a structural schematic diagram of a venting manifold from a second perspective in Embodiment 29;

[0272] Figure 95 is a first cross-sectional view of a venting manifold in Embodiment 29;

[0273] Figure 96 is a second cross-sectional view of a venting manifold in Embodiment 29;

[0274] Figure 97 is a schematic diagram of the explosion relief manifold in other embodiments;

[0275] Figure 98 is a schematic diagram of another type of explosion relief manifold in Example 29;

[0276] Figure 99 is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of another type of explosion relief manifold in Example 29;

[0277] Figure 100 is a first cross-sectional view of another type of explosion relief manifold in Embodiment 29;

[0278] Figure 101 is a second cross-sectional view of another type of explosion relief manifold in Embodiment 29;

[0279] Figure 102 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery module in Example 29;

[0280] Figure 103 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery module in Example 29;

[0281] Figure 104 is a schematic diagram of the partition structure in Example 29;

[0282] Figure 105 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 29;

[0283] Figure 106 is a schematic diagram of the battery module from another perspective in Example 29;

[0284] Figure 107 is a schematic diagram of the battery module in Example 30;

[0285] Figure 108 is an exploded structural diagram of the battery module in Example 30;

[0286] Figure 109 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery pack in Example 30;

[0287] Figure 110 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery pack in Example 30;

[0288] Figure 111 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between each heat transfer tube assembly and the inlet manifold and outlet manifold in Example 30;

[0289] Figure 112 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery pack in Example 31;

[0290] Figure 113 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery pack in Example 31;

[0291] Figure 114 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the explosion relief manifold, the primary flue gas manifold, and the flue gas pretreatment equipment in Example 31.

[0292] Reference numerals: 100, Battery module; 200, Battery pack; 01, Hollow tube; 011, First tube wall; 012, First through hole; 013, Third tube wall; 02, Connecting part; 021, Second through hole; 03, Flexible base plate; 031, Third through hole; 032, Fourth through hole; 04, Single cell; 041, Terminal post; 042, Explosion vent; 05, Separator; 051, Separator body; 052, Fixing post; 053, Limiting plate; 06, Nut; 07, Terminal post adapter; 08, Heat transfer tube assembly; 081, First sub-hollow component; 082, Second sub-hollow component; 083, Metal conductive and thermally conductive layer; 11, Outer shell; 111, Barrel body; 112, First top plate; 12, Battery unit; 121, First... A hollow component assembly; 1211, First sub-hollow component; 1212, Second sub-hollow component; 1213, Hot-melt connector; 1214, Heat dissipation fins; 1215, External pipe; 122, Explosion relief manifold; 1221, First through hole; 1222, First half-pipe; 1223, Flexible base plate; 1224, Second top plate; 1225, Second half-pipe; 123, Single cell; 1231, Polar terminal; 1232, Terminal post; 1233, Terminal post adapter; 1234, Explosion relief section; 1235, Through groove; 1236, Metal conductive and thermally conductive layer; 1237, Explosion relief branch pipe; 1238, First end face; 1239, Side wall; 124, Third electrical connection plate; 125, First electrical connection plate; 126, Second electrical connection plate; 13. Connecting plate; 14. Partition plate; 15. Insulating plate; 21. Insulating sealant layer; 22. Single cell; 23. Clamping plate; 24. Steel strip; 24. Explosion relief manifold; 241. Manifold; 2411. First through hole; 2412. Pipe body; 2413. Connector; 2414. Reinforcing rib; 2415. Chamfer; 2416. Annular groove; 242. Sealing gasket; 2421. Fifth through hole; 2422. Horizontal part; 2423. Vertical part; 2424. First protrusion; 2425. Second protrusion; 25. Heat insulation pad; 26. Support platform; 27. Liquid cooling plate; 28. Outer cover; 281. Top plate; 2811. Pressing rib plate; 282. Side plate; 2821. BMS slave unit; 2822. Fire interface 2823. Liquid cooling medium interface; 2824. Electrical signal interface; 29. ​​Flue gas emission pipeline; 31. Single cell; 32. Clamping plate; 33. Steel strip; 34. Explosion relief manifold; 341. Pipe body; 3411. Smoke outlet; 3412. First through hole; 342. Sleeve; 35. Sealing structure; 351. Through hole; 352. Flexible seal; 3521. High temperature resistant silicone ring; 3522. Thermal expansion ring; 353. Limiting component; 3531. Flame retardant rubber plate; 36. Fixing component; 361. Nut; 362. Partition; 3621. Partition body; 3622. Stud; 3623. Limiting plate; 3300. Support platform; 3400. Liquid cooling plate; 3500. Outer cover; 3501. Top plate;3502, Side plate; 3503, BMS slave unit; 3504, Fire protection interface; 3505, Liquid cooling medium interface; 3506, Electrical signal interface; 3600, Flue gas manifold; 3601, Main pipe; 3602, Branch corrugated pipe; 3413, Recess; 37, Clamping component; 371, Sleeve; 372, Short steel plate; 3721, Mounting through hole; 41, Single cell; 42, Clamping plate; 43, Steel strip; 44, Explosion relief manifold; 441, First through hole; 442, Groove; 443, Pipe body; 444, Connector; 445, Reinforcing rib; 45, Thermal expansion body; 451, Sixth through hole; 452, Long strip gasket; 453, Annular gasket; 46, Locking nut; 47, Partition plate; 471. 472. Main body of partition; 473. Stud; 474. Limiting plate; 48. Support platform; 49. Liquid cooling plate; 410. Outer cover; 4101. Top plate; 4102. Side plate; 4103. BMS slave unit; 4104. Fire interface; 4105. Liquid cooling medium interface; 4106. Electrical signal interface; 411. Flue gas exhaust pipe; 51. Single battery; 52. Clamping plate; 53. Steel strip; 54. Explosion relief manifold; 541. First through hole; 543. Pipe body; 544. Connector; 545. Reinforcing rib; 55. Sealing structure; 551. Flexible sealing element; 5511. High temperature resistant silicone ring; 5512. Thermal expansion ring; 552. Limiting element; 5521. Flame retardant rubber sheet; 553. Seventh through hole; 56. Lock 57. Tightening nut; 571. Partition plate; 572. Stud; 573. Limiting plate; 58. Support platform; 59. Liquid cooling plate; 510. Outer cover; 5101. Top plate; 5102. Side plate; 5103. BMS slave unit; 5104. Fire interface; 5105. Liquid cooling medium interface; 5106. Electrical signal interface; 511. Flue gas exhaust pipe; 61. Single battery; 62. Clamping plate; 621. Second flue gas passage; 6211. Second flue gas passage inlet; 6212. Second flue gas passage outlet; 63. Steel strip; 64. Explosion relief manifold; 641. First flue gas passage; 642. First through hole; 643. Smoke outlet; 65. First sealing structure; 651. Eighth through hole; 652. Flexible 6521, High-temperature resistant silicone ring; 6522, Thermal expansion ring; 653, Limiting component; 6531, Flame-retardant rubber sheet; 66, Second sealing structure; 661, Ninth through hole; 662, High-temperature resistant silicone gasket; 67, Short steel plate; 671, Mounting through hole; 68, Fixing component; 681, Nut; 682, Partition; 6821, Partition body; 6822, Stud; 6823, Limiting plate; 6300, Support platform; 6400, Liquid cooling plate; 6500, Outer cover; 6501, Top plate; 6502, Side plate; 6503, BMS slave unit; 6504, Fire interface; 6505, Liquid cooling medium interface; 6506, Electrical signal interface; 6600, Flue gas manifold; 71, Outer shell;711. First sidewall; 712. First cavity; 72. Primary flue gas manifold; 73. Battery module; 731. Explosion relief manifold; 7311. Thermal runaway flue gas exhaust port; 7312. Hollow tube fitting; 7313. Connecting part; 7314. First through hole; 7315. Second through hole; 7316. First pipe wall; 7317. Third pipe wall; 7318. Flexible base plate; 7319. Third through hole; 7320. Fourth through hole; 732. Single battery cell; 733. Locking component; 734. Separator; 735. 736. Fixed column; 737. Partition body; 738. Limiting plate; 739. Polar terminal; 74. Explosion relief section; 75. First connecting pipe; 76. Flue gas pretreatment equipment; 77. Liquid inlet manifold; 78. Liquid inlet end of liquid inlet manifold; 79. Liquid outlet manifold; 70. Liquid outlet end of liquid outlet manifold; 710. Heat transfer tube assembly; 711. First sub-hollow component; 722. Second sub-hollow component; 733. Metal conductive and thermally conductive layer; 74. Second connecting pipe; 75. Third connecting pipe; 76. Polar column adapter. Detailed Implementation

[0293] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0294] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0295] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention 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 the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," ... "ninth," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0296] This application provides a venting manifold as a thermal runaway gas collection component for a battery module. The battery module includes m individual cells arranged in the same direction, where m is an integer greater than 1. The venting manifold has a first through hole corresponding to the venting section of each individual cell, used for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway gas in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module. When any individual cell constituting the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway gas is discharged from the venting manifold, preventing the thermal runaway gas from spreading and affecting the remaining individual cells, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0297] The following are explosion venting manifolds, battery modules, and battery packs with different structural forms.

[0298] This application provides a first type of explosion-proof manifold and a corresponding battery module.

[0299] This application's explosion-venting manifold includes a hollow tube, on which a connecting portion for connection with a battery module is provided. The hollow tube can be understood as a hollow tubular structure, which can be a split structure or a one-piece structure. To facilitate fixing the hollow tube to the top of the battery module, the tube wall of the hollow tube in contact with the top of the battery module is flat. Typically, for ease of manufacturing, a rectangular tube is directly selected for the hollow tube; the following explanation mainly uses a rectangular tube as an example. For ease of description, the tube wall in contact with the top of the battery module is defined as the first tube wall, the tube wall parallel to it is defined as the second tube wall, and the remaining two tube walls are defined as the third tube wall.

[0300] At least one through hole penetrating the inner cavity is formed on the first tube wall of the hollow tube. After the explosion venting manifold is fixed to the top of the battery module, the inner cavity of the hollow tube serves as a channel for thermal runaway fumes to converge, and is connected to the explosion venting sections of each individual battery cell in the battery module through the first through hole. When any individual battery cell constituting the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway fumes break through the explosion venting sections and are discharged from the hollow tube, preventing the thermal runaway fumes from spreading and affecting the remaining individual batteries, thus improving the safety performance of the battery module. Simultaneously, this application provides a connecting part on the hollow tube, which is used to fix the explosion venting manifold to the battery module. Compared to directly fixing the hollow tube to the battery module, fixing them using the connecting part is more convenient, reducing installation costs. Furthermore, the fixing process has no impact on the hollow tube, resulting in a higher yield rate.

[0301] It should be noted that: 1. The single-cell battery explosion vent can also be called a single-cell battery explosion-proof part, pressure relief port, explosion-proof port, etc., mainly used for the emission of thermal runaway flue gas from the single-cell battery. 2. The above-mentioned connecting part is set on the outer tube wall of the hollow tube, and may include two connecting plates. The two connecting plates are respectively fixed to the two third tube walls of the hollow tube and extend along the length of the hollow tube. The above-mentioned two connecting plates and the hollow tube can be an integral part or separate parts; the above-mentioned connecting part can also be multiple sub-connecting plates fixed to the two third tube walls of the hollow tube. 3. The above-mentioned connecting part can be fixed to the battery module by welding, screw connection, bonding, riveting, bolt connection, etc. 4. The above-mentioned first through hole can be a single elongated through hole or multiple through holes, which are arranged along the length of the first tube wall of the hollow tube and correspond one-to-one with each explosion vent.

[0302] Example 1

[0303] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this embodiment is a venting manifold, including a hollow tube 01 and a connecting part 02. The hollow tube 01 is a rectangular tube with 13 first through holes 012 formed on its first tube wall 011. The 13 first through holes 012 are arranged along the length of the hollow tube 01. Each first through hole 012 corresponds to a venting part on the cover plate of a single battery 04. The inner cavity of the hollow tube 01 is connected to the venting parts of the 13 single batteries 04 through the 13 first through holes 012. In this embodiment, one end of the hollow tube 01 is closed, and the other end is open, serving as a thermal runaway gas exhaust port. In other embodiments, both ends of the hollow tube 01 can be open, serving as thermal runaway gas exhaust ports.

[0304] To reduce the precision requirements between each first through hole 012 and its corresponding explosion vent during installation, the orthographic projection of each first through hole 012 onto the cover plate of the individual battery 04 containing the corresponding explosion vent completely covers the explosion vent. During installation, concentricity between the first through hole 012 and the explosion vent is not required; it is sufficient that the first through hole 012 covers the explosion vent. Furthermore, before installing the explosion vent manifold, positioning marks can be pre-set on the cover plate and the explosion vent manifold according to the designed dimensions to ensure that each first through hole 012 accurately covers its corresponding explosion vent.

[0305] In some other embodiments, an elongated through hole can be opened on the first tube wall 011 of the hollow tube 01. The orthographic projection of the elongated through hole on the top of the battery module completely covers the explosion venting parts of all individual batteries 04. Compared with this embodiment, its processing and installation are simpler. However, the sealing performance between the elongated through hole and each explosion venting part is difficult to guarantee, and the problem of smoke leakage is easy to occur.

[0306] As can be seen from Figures 1 to 4, this embodiment uses two connecting plates as connecting parts 02. The two connecting plates are respectively fixed on the two third pipe walls 013 of the hollow pipe 01 and extend along the length direction of the hollow pipe 01.

[0307] It should be noted that: 1. The length of the connecting plate is not limited in this embodiment. Its length can be equal to or less than the length of the hollow tube 01; 2. In order to improve the sealing between the explosion relief manifold and the cover plate of each individual battery 04 and to prevent smoke from leaking between the two, it is preferred in this embodiment that the bottom surface of the two connecting plates is located on the same plane as the first tube wall 011 of the hollow tube 01.

[0308] In this embodiment, the hollow tube 01 and the two connecting plates are integrally formed using an aluminum extrusion process. In other embodiments, the hollow tube 01 and the two connecting plates can be separate parts, fixedly connected by welding. In other embodiments, multiple sub-connecting plates as shown in Figure 5 can be used as connecting parts 02; the multiple connecting plates are all fixed to the third tube wall 013 of the hollow tube 01 and arranged along the length of the third tube wall 013.

[0309] This embodiment uses bolt fixing to secure the explosion-venting manifold to the top of the battery module via a connecting plate. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this embodiment has five second through holes 021 arranged along the length of each connecting plate, serving as bolt outlets. For specific installation methods, refer to Embodiment 3. In other embodiments, the number and position of the second through holes 021 can be adjusted according to actual needs. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the connecting plate may not have second through holes 021, and the connecting plate may be fixed to the top of the battery module by welding, screw connection, or adhesive bonding.

[0310] Example 2

[0311] This embodiment is also a type of explosion-proof manifold. Unlike embodiment 1, this embodiment, based on embodiment 1, also includes a flexible base plate 03, the structure of which is shown in Figures 6 to 9. The flexible base plate 03 is disposed between the hollow tube 01 and the connecting plate and the top of the battery module (the top of the battery module here can be understood as the cover plate of each individual battery 04).

[0312] A third through hole 031 is formed on the flexible base plate 03, corresponding one-to-one with and communicating with the first through hole 012 on the hollow tube 01. As shown in Figure 7, this embodiment has 13 third through holes 031 on the flexible base plate 03, each of which is connected to a first through hole 012 on the hollow tube 01. Simultaneously, when a second through hole 021 is formed on the connecting plate, multiple fourth through holes 032 are also formed on the flexible base plate, each of which is connected to a second through hole 021 on one of the two connecting plates. The flexible base plate 03 is typically made of high-temperature resistant rubber or plastic, where high temperature usually refers to the battery thermal runaway temperature. The flexible base plate 03 can be sealed and fixed to the cover plate of each individual battery cell 04 by adhesive bonding.

[0313] In this embodiment, when the dimensions of each individual battery cell 04 differ in the height direction due to processing errors, if the lower cover plates of each individual battery cell 04 are located on the same plane, it will inevitably lead to the upper cover plates of each individual battery cell 04 not being able to maintain the same plane. This application can compensate for the height difference between each upper cover plate by deforming the flexible base plate 03 and adjusting the thickness of the adhesive layer; therefore, this embodiment has lower requirements for the flatness of each upper cover plate, i.e., each explosion venting part. In addition, the flexible base plate 03 is placed between the upper cover plate of the individual battery cell 04 and the hollow tube 01, which can be used as a sealing gasket to improve the sealing performance between the hollow tube 01 and the upper cover plate.

[0314] Example 3

[0315] This embodiment is a battery module, the structure of which is shown in Figures 10 and 11, including 13 individual battery cells 04 arranged in the same direction. For ease of description, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the individual battery cells 04 is defined as the x-direction, the height direction of the individual battery cells 04 is defined as the z-direction, and the direction perpendicular to the x and z directions is defined as the y-direction.

[0316] In this embodiment, the single cell 04 is a prismatic cell. In other embodiments, the number and shape of the single cells 04 can be adjusted according to actual needs. Each single cell 04 has two terminals 041 with opposite polarities on its upper cover plate, and a venting section 042 located between the two terminals 041.

[0317] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the battery module in this embodiment also includes the explosion-proof busbar from the above embodiments, which is fixed to the top of the battery module via the connecting part 02. Figure 10 shows an example using the explosion-proof busbar from Embodiment 2.

[0318] As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, a separator 05 can also be provided between any two adjacent single cells 04, wherein the number of separators 05 is the same as the number of second through holes 021 on each connecting plate. The specific structure of the separator 05 is shown in Figure 12. As can be seen from the figure, the separator 05 in this embodiment includes a separator body 051, two fixing posts 052 (in this embodiment, the fixing posts 052 can be understood as bolts) provided at the top of the separator body 051, and two limiting plates 053 provided at the bottom of the separator body 051. In other embodiments, the number of fixing posts 052 and the number of limiting plates 053 can be adjusted according to actual needs; the two fixing posts 052 extend along the z direction and are arranged along the y direction, and the two fixing posts 052 correspond one-to-one with the two second through holes 021 on the two connecting plates located on the same straight line and the two fourth through holes 032 on the flexible base plate 03 corresponding to the two second through holes 021; the two limiting plates 053 are both perpendicular to the partition body 051 and parallel to the xy plane, and the two limiting plates 053 extend to different sides of the partition body 051.

[0319] Referring to Figures 13 (in Figure 13, the outermost single cell is removed for easier display of the separator 05), 14, and 15, it can be seen that the separator 05 is fixed between two adjacent single cells 04, with the separator body 051 in large-area contact with the adjacent single cells 04. Two limiting plates 053 limit the two single cells 04 on their lower cover plates, and two fixing posts 052 protrude through the corresponding fourth through hole 032 and second through hole 021. A locking element is provided at the top of the fixing post 052. It should be noted that when the fixing post 052 is a bolt, the locking element mentioned here is a nut 06 that is compatible with it.

[0320] In this embodiment, the explosion-venting manifold can be connected to the battery module through the following process, as shown in Figure 11: First, the separator 05 is fixed between adjacent individual cells 04, so that the two limiting plates 053 are limited to the lower cover plates of different individual cells 04; second, the flexible base plate 03 is bonded to the upper cover plate of each individual cell 04 using sealant, so that the projection of each third through hole 031 completely covers the corresponding explosion-venting part, and the fixing post 052 on the separator 05 passes through the corresponding fourth through hole 032; in order to improve the bonding strength between the flexible base plate 03 and the upper cover plate of the individual cell 04, the size of the flexible base plate 03 can be increased to increase the contact area between the flexible base plate 03 and the upper cover plate, that is, the length of the flexible base plate 03 is greater than or equal to the length of the hollow tube 01, and the width is greater than the sum of the widths of the hollow tube 01 and the two connecting plates. In addition, the surface of the flexible base plate 03 can be treated to improve the bonding strength. Next, the hollow tube 01 is fixed to the flexible base plate 03, so that the fixing post 052 on the partition plate 05 passes through the corresponding second through hole 021. Sealant can be applied to the contact area between the first tube wall 011 of the hollow tube 01 and the flexible base plate 03, as well as the contact area between the connecting plate and the flexible base plate 03, to bond the hollow tube 01 and the connecting plate to the flexible base plate 03. Finally, the nut 06 is tightened onto the fixing post 052, generating axial tension. Under the limiting action of the limiting plate 053, the explosion venting pipe assembly is tightly fitted to the top of the battery module.

[0321] In this embodiment, the separator 05 has at least the following advantages: First, as a fixing part for the battery module and the explosion venting manifold, fixing the explosion venting manifold to the top of the battery module does not cause any damage to the structure of each individual battery cell 04; Second, the separator 05 has a certain elasticity. When the individual battery cell 04 swells and deforms, the separator 05 is squeezed by the individual battery cell 04 and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator 05 undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the individual battery cell 04; Third, the heat generated during the charging and discharging process of each individual battery cell 04 can be transferred to the outside through the separator 05, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0322] In this embodiment, an insulating layer can also be provided on the outer wall of the hollow tube 01 and the connecting plate to prevent short circuits caused by contact between the hollow tube 01, the connecting plate, and the electrode post. In some other embodiments, when the first through hole 012 is not provided on the connecting plate, the connecting plate can be welded to the fixing post 052 of the separator 05, thereby fixing the explosion-proof manifold to the top of the battery module. In some other embodiments, the battery module may not have a separator 05, and the connecting plate can be directly welded to the cover plate of each individual battery 04. However, compared with this embodiment, the welding process has a certain impact on the individual battery 04, which may damage the individual battery 04 and reduce the yield. In some other embodiments, the limiting plate 053 may not be provided on the separator 05. The separator body 051 and the large surface of the individual battery 04 can be fixed by adhesive bonding, and the separator 05 can be limited in the z-direction to achieve the function of the limiting plate 053.

[0323] Example 4

[0324] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, this embodiment adds a terminal heat exchange device to the battery module of embodiment 3 to further improve the safety performance of this type of battery module.

[0325] This embodiment of the electrode heat exchange device includes electrode adapters 07 fixed on each electrode and heat transfer tube assemblies 08 fixed on the electrode adapters 07. In this embodiment, blind holes can be formed on the electrode adapters 07 along their height direction, and the bottom of the blind holes can be welded to the electrode of the individual battery 04. Through slots are formed on each electrode adapter 07, and the heat transfer tube assembly 08 is fitted into the through slots. The inner cavity of the heat transfer tube assembly 08 serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel, enabling heat exchange between the electrode adapters 07 of each individual battery 04 based on the heat exchange medium, thereby achieving heat exchange between each individual battery 04 and the battery module. Preferably, in this embodiment, the heat transfer tube assembly 08 can also be used as an electrical connector to achieve electrical connection between each individual battery 04; this embodiment takes series connection as an example.

[0326] As can be seen from Figures 16 and 17, the heat transfer tube assembly 08 in this embodiment is a spliced ​​tube segment, which is spliced ​​together by multiple first sub-hollow components 081 and multiple second sub-hollow components 082. Since the heat transfer tube assembly 08 in this embodiment is an electrical connector, the part of its structure connected to the electrode adapter 07 must be a conductive component. At the same time, insulating components need to be set between the conductive components to prevent the single cell 04 from short-circuiting.

[0327] In this embodiment, the first hollow sub-component 081 is used as a conductive component, which is usually made of metal, such as aluminum or copper; the second hollow sub-component 082 is used as an insulating component, which is usually made of plastic or rubber with good thermal conductivity; each segment of the first hollow sub-component 081 is connected to the terminal adapter 07 of different polarities of two adjacent single cells 04, and each segment of the second hollow sub-component 082 is connected between adjacent first hollow sub-components 081.

[0328] As can be seen from Figures 16 and 17, in this embodiment, after the first sub-hollow component 081 and the second sub-hollow component 082 complete the series connection of each individual cell 04, two heat exchange channels are formed on the top of each individual cell 04. The two heat exchange channels are connected in series through an insulated external pipe. In some other embodiments, the two heat exchange channels can be connected in parallel.

[0329] To further improve the heat dissipation performance of the heat transfer tube assembly 08, this embodiment may also provide heat dissipation teeth in the first sub-hollow component 081 and / or the second sub-hollow component 082. Multiple heat dissipation teeth are arranged circumferentially along the first sub-hollow component 081 and / or the second sub-hollow component 082, and each heat dissipation tooth extends circumferentially along the first sub-hollow component 081 and / or the second sub-hollow component 082.

[0330] In addition, in order to optimize the conductivity of the first sub-hollow component 081, a metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 083 is added between the first sub-hollow component 081 and the through slot in this embodiment. The metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 083 is usually made of a metal material with good conductivity and thermal conductivity, such as solder material. The solder material can be melted and poured between the first sub-hollow component 081 and the through slot. After cooling, a solder layer is formed between the first sub-hollow component 081 and the through slot.

[0331] When the gap between the first hollow component 081 and the through slot is too small, molten solder cannot easily flow into the gap. To overcome this problem, a tin sheet can be pre-wrapped on the first hollow component 081, then inserted into the through slot, and heated. The tin sheet melts and welds the first hollow component 081 and the through slot together. These two methods can also be used in combination: a tin sheet is wrapped on the first hollow component 081, then inserted into the through slot; the solder material is then melted and poured between the first hollow component 081 and the through slot; it is heated again, the tin sheet melts, and after cooling, the first hollow component 081 and the through slot are welded together. By setting a metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 083, the bonding strength and thermal conductivity between the first hollow component 081 and the electrode adapter 07 can be further improved.

[0332] This application provides a second type of explosion-proof manifold and a corresponding battery module.

[0333] This application discloses a battery module, including a housing and n battery cells located inside the housing; where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. A rectangular housing is typically used. For ease of description, the length direction of the housing is defined as the x-direction, the width direction as the y-direction, and the height direction as the z-direction.

[0334] This application does not specifically limit the shell structure, but at least the following two structures can be adopted: The first structure includes a cylindrical body with open ends (i.e., the port parallel to the yz plane is the open end) and end plates fixed to the two open ends of the cylindrical body (i.e., the end plates are parallel to the yz plane); the second structure includes a cylindrical body with open ends at the top and bottom (i.e., the port parallel to the xy plane is the open end) and a top plate and a bottom plate fixed to the top and bottom open ends of the cylindrical body (i.e., both the top plate and the bottom plate are parallel to the xy plane, and the top plate or bottom plate can be an integral structure with the cylindrical body). n battery cells are arranged along the y-direction in the inner cavity of the shell; each battery cell includes a first hollow component assembly, a venting manifold, and m individual cells; the m individual cells are arranged along the x-direction; where m is an integer greater than 1.

[0335] The casing in this application primarily serves two purposes: First, it enhances the overall safety of the battery module. 1) When a single battery cell located within the casing explodes due to thermal runaway, the flying debris is prevented from posing a threat to the safety of personnel near the battery module by the casing's protection. 2) The casing also provides some protection to each individual battery cell, preventing damage caused by direct exposure. Second, it facilitates the storage and transportation of the entire battery module. Placing multiple individual batteries within a relatively structured casing makes the battery module easier to store and transport.

[0336] The inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel; the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the first hollow component assembly extend out of the outer shell; at least a portion of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is a conductive component, connected to the polarity terminals of each individual cell in the battery unit; another portion of the structure is an insulating component to prevent short circuits in the individual cells; the first hollow component assembly in this application has two functions: firstly, it can be used as a heat exchange device, with its inner cavity serving as a heat exchange medium flow channel, realizing heat exchange between the polarity terminals of each individual cell based on the heat exchange medium, thereby realizing heat exchange between each individual cell and the battery module; secondly, it can be used as an electrical connector to realize the electrical connection between each individual cell in the battery unit.

[0337] It should be noted that:

[0338] 1. The polarity terminal of the above-mentioned single battery can be the single battery post. In order to avoid the single battery post height not meeting the set requirements, a post adapter can be connected to the single battery post, and the overall structure of the single battery post and the post adapter can be used as the single battery polarity terminal.

[0339] 2. Heat exchange here can be understood as: heat dissipation or heating; when the temperature of the battery module is higher than the set threshold, the battery module is cooled down by introducing a lower temperature heat exchange medium into the heat exchange device; when the temperature of the battery module is lower than the set threshold, the battery module is heated up by introducing a higher temperature heat exchange medium into the heat exchange device; by controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, it can be ensured that the battery module always operates at the normal operating temperature.

[0340] 3. Part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is a conductive component, which is connected to the polar terminal of the individual battery to achieve electrical connection; another part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is an insulating component, which is connected between the two conductive components to avoid short circuits between individual batteries; in this application, for ease of description, the conductive component is defined as the first sub-hollow component and the insulating component is defined as the second sub-hollow component; both the first sub-hollow component and the second sub-hollow component can be understood as hollow tubular structures, and in this application, the first sub-hollow component and the second sub-hollow component can be an integral part, that is, processed by an integral molding process; or they can be separate parts, that is, connected by a specific connection method.

[0341] 4. The above-mentioned electrical connections include series, parallel, or mixed connections; for different electrical connection methods, the structure of the corresponding first hollow component assembly is slightly different, and the number and length of the main conductive and insulating components are different; in this application, the series connection of a single cell is mainly used as an example for illustration.

[0342] 5. The liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the first hollow component extend out of the outer shell, serving as liquid inlet and liquid outlet, and can also serve as electrical connection terminals of the battery module; or electrical connection pieces can be connected to the liquid inlet and liquid outlet as electrical connection terminals of the battery module.

[0343] 6. The first hollow component assembly is directly connected to the polar terminal, which facilitates heat exchange at the polar terminal of the individual battery cells where heat is concentrated, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the battery. There are various connection methods between the first hollow component assembly and the polar terminal. The larger the contact area between the first hollow component assembly and the polar terminal, the better the heat exchange effect between them.

[0344] The explosion-proof manifold extends along the x-direction, covering the explosion-proof sections of m individual batteries. The inner cavity of the manifold serves as a confluence channel for thermal runaway fumes, connecting with the explosion-proof sections of the m individual batteries. A portion of the manifold extends out of the outer casing, serving as the exhaust end for the thermal runaway fumes. When any individual battery in the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the fumes break through the explosion-proof sections and exit through the manifold, preventing the fumes from diffusing into the inner cavity of the casing and affecting the remaining individual batteries, thus further improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0345] It should be noted that: 1. The single-cell explosion vent can also be called a single-cell explosion-proof section, pressure relief port, explosion-proof port, etc., and is mainly used for the emission of thermal runaway flue gas from single-cell batteries. 2. The aforementioned explosion vent manifold can be understood as a hollow tubular structure, which can be a split structure or an integrated structure.

[0346] Example 5

[0347] This embodiment is a battery module, the structure of which is shown in Figures 18 to 20. It includes a housing 11 and a battery unit 12 located inside the housing 11. In other embodiments, the number of battery units 12 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0348] To improve the protective performance of the outer shell 11, in this embodiment, the outer shell 11 is made of metal, typically aluminum or iron. Iron is preferred due to cost considerations. As shown in Figure 19, this embodiment uses the second type of outer shell structure, and the bottom plate and the cylinder are an integral structure. For ease of description, in this embodiment, the component with the bottom plate and the cylinder as an integral structure is defined as the barrel 111, and the first top plate 112 is sealed and fixed to the open end of the barrel 111.

[0349] The battery unit 12 in this embodiment includes multiple individual cells 123 arranged along the x-direction. In this embodiment, the individual cells 123 are prismatic cells, and there are 13 of them. In other embodiments, the number and shape of the individual cells 123 can be adjusted according to actual needs. Each individual cell 123 has two polarity terminals with opposite polarities and a venting part 1234 located between the two polarity terminals 1231 on its upper cover plate.

[0350] As can be seen from Figures 20 and 24, the polarity terminal 1231 described in this embodiment is an integral structure consisting of the terminal post 1232 of the single cell 123 and the terminal post adapter 1233. A blind hole can be formed on the terminal post adapter 1233 along its height direction, and the bottom of the blind hole can be welded to the terminal post 1232 of the single cell 123. In some other embodiments, the polarity terminal 1231 is the terminal post 1232 of the single cell 123, and the height of this terminal post 1232 is higher than that of a conventional single cell 123 terminal post 1232.

[0351] As shown in Figure 19, the battery unit 12 in this embodiment also includes a first hollow component assembly 121. The first hollow component assembly 121 is fixed on the polar terminals 1231 of each individual battery cell 123. On the one hand, it is used as a heat exchange device, and its inner cavity serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel. Based on the heat exchange medium, heat exchange is realized at the polar terminals 1231 of each individual battery cell 123, thereby realizing heat exchange of each individual battery cell 123 and the battery module. On the other hand, it is used as an electrical connector to realize the electrical connection of each individual battery cell 123 in the battery unit 12. In this embodiment, series connection is taken as an example.

[0352] As can be seen from Figures 21 to 23, the first hollow component assembly 121 in this embodiment is a spliced ​​pipe segment, which is spliced ​​together from multiple first sub-hollow components 1211 and multiple second sub-hollow components 1212. Since the first hollow component assembly 121 in this embodiment serves as an electrical connector, the part of its structure connected to the polar terminal 1231 must be a conductive component. At the same time, insulating components need to be provided between the conductive components to prevent short circuits of the individual cells 123. In addition, the inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly 121 in this embodiment also serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel, so the sealing of the spliced ​​parts is particularly important.

[0353] In this embodiment, the first sub-hollow component 1211 is used as a conductive component and is usually made of metal, such as aluminum or copper; the second sub-hollow component 1212 is used as an insulating component and is usually made of plastic or rubber with good thermal conductivity; each segment of the first sub-hollow component 1211 is connected to the polar terminals 1231 of different polarities of two adjacent single cells 123, and each segment of the second sub-hollow component 1212 is connected between adjacent first sub-hollow components 1211.

[0354] To ensure the sealing of the connection between the first hollow component 1211 and the second hollow component 1212, this embodiment pre-installs heat-fusion connectors 1213 at both ends of the first hollow component 1211. The heat-fusion connector 1213 is a sleeve structure, which is fixed to both ends of the first hollow component 1211 by injection molding. The diameter of the sleeve should ensure that it can be fitted with the second hollow component 1212, and its material should be able to be connected with the second hollow component 1212 by heat fusion.

[0355] Specifically, the connection between the first sub-hollow component 1211 and the second sub-hollow component 1212 can be completed through the following process: First, a fixed hot melt connector 1213 is fitted onto both ends of the first sub-hollow component 1211 by injection molding; second, the hot melt connector 1213 is fitted onto the second sub-hollow component 1212, and the two are fixed and sealed by hot melting.

[0356] In some other embodiments, the connection between the first hollow component 1211 and the second hollow component 1212 can also be achieved by a threaded connection. In order to improve the sealing performance, a sealing ring can be added to the threaded connection.

[0357] Referring to Figures 18 and 21, in this embodiment, after connecting each individual battery cell 123 in series using the first sub-hollow component 1211 and the second sub-hollow component 1212, two heat exchange channels are formed on the top of each individual battery cell 123. The two heat exchange channels are connected in series through an insulated external pipe 1215, and the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the two heat exchange channels are led out from the same side of the outer casing 11. In some other embodiments, the two heat exchange channels can be connected in parallel. The ends of the two heat exchange channels on different sides can serve as terminals of different polarities for the battery module; in this embodiment, to facilitate electrical connection, two terminals of different polarities are led out from the same side of the outer casing 11 based on a first electrical connection plate, and a second electrical connection plate 126 is added to the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the two heat exchange channels.

[0358] Referring to Figures 20, 21, and 22, it can be seen that in this embodiment, a through groove 1235 is formed on the polarity terminal 1231, and the first hollow component 1211 is inserted into the through groove 1235 to achieve the connection between the two. As shown in Figure 24, the polarity terminal 1231 in this embodiment is a cylindrical body, including a first end face 1238, a second end face, and a side wall 1239 (the first end face 1238 and the second end face are parallel to each other); the through groove 1235 is formed on the first end face 1238, that is, the opening of the through groove 1235 is located on the first end face 1238; in some other embodiments, the through groove 1235 can also be formed on the side wall 1239, that is, the opening of the through groove 1235 is located on the side wall 1239. The second end face is used for electrical connection with the electrode assembly inside the battery casing.

[0359] The cross-section of the through groove 1235 is C-shaped or U-shaped. For a C-shaped through groove 1235, the opening width is smaller than the widest point of the through groove 1235. This design facilitates the interference fit of the first hollow component 1211 within the through groove 1235. The curvature formed at both ends of the C-shaped through groove 1235 provides natural tension, which helps to tightly fit the first hollow component 1211 within the through groove 1235. The through groove 1235 has a near-U-shaped cross-section... The cross-section at the opening 35 is rectangular, while the cross-section near the bottom of the groove is a large semi-circular shape. The size of the opening is slightly smaller than the widest part of the through groove 1235 and also slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first sub-hollow component 1211. This design is also conducive to the first sub-hollow component 1211 being interference-fitted into the through groove 1235, and at the same time, it is also conducive to fixing the first sub-hollow component 1211 into the through groove 1235. The interference fit is mainly in the bottom area of ​​the groove with a large semi-circular cross-section.

[0360] To further improve the heat dissipation performance of the first hollow component assembly 121, this embodiment may also provide heat dissipation teeth 1214 in the first sub-hollow component 1211 and / or the second sub-hollow component 1212. Multiple heat dissipation teeth 1214 are arranged circumferentially along the first sub-hollow component 1211 and / or the second sub-hollow component 1212, and each heat dissipation tooth 1214 extends axially along the first sub-hollow component 1211 and / or the second sub-hollow component 1212.

[0361] In addition, as shown in Figure 25, in order to optimize the conductivity of the first sub-hollow component 1211, a metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 1236 is added between the first sub-hollow component 1211 and the through groove 1235. The metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 1236 is usually made of a metal material with good conductivity and thermal conductivity, such as solder material. The solder material can be melted and poured between the first sub-hollow component 1211 and the through groove 1235. After cooling, a solder layer is formed between the first sub-hollow component 1211 and the through groove 1235.

[0362] To prevent molten solder from failing to flow into the gap between the first hollow sub-component 1211 and the through-slot 1235, a tin sheet can be pre-wrapped on the first hollow sub-component 1211, then inserted into the through-slot 1235, and heated. The molten tin sheet melts and welds the first hollow sub-component 1211 and the through-slot 1235. These two methods can also be combined: a tin sheet is wrapped on the first hollow sub-component 1211, then inserted into the through-slot 1235. Molten solder is then poured between the first hollow sub-component 1211 and the through-slot 1235, and heated again. After cooling, the first hollow sub-component 1211 and the through-slot 1235 are welded. By providing a metal conductive and thermally conductive layer 1236, the bonding strength and thermal conductivity between the first hollow sub-component 1211 and the polar terminal 1231 can be further improved.

[0363] In some other embodiments, a through hole can be made on the side wall of the polar terminal 1231, and the first sub-hollow member 1211 can be inserted into the through hole to achieve the connection between the two.

[0364] As can be seen from Figures 19, 20, 26, and 27, the battery unit 12 in this embodiment also includes a venting manifold 122. Thirteen first through holes 1221 arranged along the x-direction are formed on the wall of the venting manifold 122. Each first through hole 1221 corresponds to a venting portion 1234 on the cover plate of a single battery cell 123. The inner cavity of the venting manifold 122 is connected to the venting portions 1234 of the 13 single batteries 123 through the 13 first through holes 1221. In this embodiment, one end of the venting manifold 122 is closed, and the other end extends out of the outer casing 11, serving as a thermal runaway gas exhaust port. In other embodiments, both ends of the venting manifold 122 can extend out of the outer casing 11, serving as thermal runaway gas exhaust ports.

[0365] To reduce the precision requirements between each first through hole 1221 and the corresponding explosion vent 1234 during installation, the orthographic projection of each first through hole 1221 onto the cover plate of the corresponding single cell 123 completely covers the explosion vent 1234 on the cover plate. During installation, it is not required that the first through hole 1221 and the explosion vent 1234 be concentric; it is only necessary to ensure that the first through hole 1221 covers the explosion vent 1234.

[0366] As shown in Figure 26, the explosion-venting manifold 122 in this embodiment is a split component, including a flexible base plate 1223 and a first half-pipe 1222 with a U-shaped cross-section. The flexible base plate 1223 is typically made of high-temperature resistant rubber or plastic material, where high temperature usually refers to the battery thermal runaway temperature. Thirteen first through holes 1221 are formed on the flexible base plate 1223. The first half-pipe 1222 is fastened to the flexible base plate 1223 and sealed and fixed to it. A connecting joint can also be provided on at least one of the two open ends of the first half-pipe for connection to an external pipeline. When a battery pack is constructed using such battery modules, the connecting joints of each battery module can be connected to a single pipeline, improving the safety performance of the battery pack.

[0367] As shown in Figure 27, in this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 122 can be connected to the upper cover plate of each individual battery cell 123 through the following process:

[0368] First, the flexible base plate 1223 is bonded to the top cover of each individual battery cell 123 using sealant, ensuring that the projection of each first through hole 1221 completely covers the corresponding explosion vent 1234. To improve the bonding strength between the flexible base plate 1223 and the top cover of the individual battery cell 123, the size of the flexible base plate 1223 can be increased, thereby increasing the contact area between the flexible base plate 1223 and the top cover. Specifically, the projection of the flexible base plate 1223 on the xy plane can be larger than the projection of the first half-tube 1222 on the xy plane. Furthermore, the surface of the flexible base plate 1223 can be treated to further enhance the bonding strength.

[0369] Next, the first half-tube 1222 is fastened onto the flexible base plate 1223, and sealant is applied to the contact area between the first half-tube 1222 and the flexible base plate 1223 to bond the first half-tube 1222 to the flexible base plate 1223.

[0370] To improve the bonding strength between the explosion vent manifold 122 and the upper cover plate, the explosion vent manifold 122 and the upper cover plate can be connected by an L-shaped connecting piece. Specifically, the L-shaped connecting piece can be connected to the first half-pipe 1222 and the upper cover plate by welding.

[0371] In this embodiment, when the dimensions of each individual battery cell 123 differ in the height direction due to processing errors, if the lower covers of each individual battery cell 123 are located on the same plane, it will inevitably lead to the upper covers of each individual battery cell 123 not being able to maintain the same plane. This application can compensate for the height difference between each upper cover by deforming the flexible base plate 1223 and adjusting the thickness of the sealing adhesive layer; therefore, this embodiment has lower requirements for the flatness of each upper cover, i.e., each explosion venting part 1234. In addition, the flexible base plate 1223 is placed between the upper cover of the individual battery cell 123 and the first half-tube 1222, which can be used as a sealing gasket to improve the sealing performance between the first half-tube 1222 and the upper cover.

[0372] In this embodiment, an insulating layer can also be provided on the outer wall of the explosion-venting manifold 122 to prevent short circuits caused by contact between the explosion-venting manifold 122 and the first electrical connection plate 125. In some other embodiments, the explosion-venting manifold 122 can be a single piece, fixed to the upper cover plate of each individual battery 123 by adhesive bonding. Furthermore, before installing the explosion-venting manifold 122, positioning marks can be pre-set on the upper cover plate and the explosion-venting manifold 122 according to the designed dimensions, so that the first through hole 1221 can accurately cover the corresponding explosion-venting part 1234.

[0373] As shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, a separator 13 can also be provided between two adjacent single cells 123. The separator 13 is made of insulating material. For each single cell 123 near the middle, the side walls (large surface of the single cell) on both sides are in contact with the separator 13. For the two single cells 123 near the outermost part, one side wall is in contact with the separator 13, and the other side wall is in contact with the outer casing 11.

[0374] In this embodiment, the separator 13 has at least the following advantages: First, it can achieve insulation between the two individual cells 123, improving the safety performance of the battery module; second, it improves the installation stability of each individual cell 123 within the casing; third, the separator 13 has a certain elasticity. When the individual cell 123 swells and deforms, the separator 13 undergoes elastic deformation under the pressure of the individual cell 123. After the separator 13 undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the individual cell, so that the expansion and deformation of the individual cell will not compress the casing 11, avoiding deformation and leakage problems caused by the compression of the casing 11, thereby improving the performance and safety of the battery module; fourth, the heat generated during the charging and discharging of each individual cell 123 can be transferred to the outside through the separator 13, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0375] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, it can be seen that in this embodiment, an insulating plate 14 is provided between the battery unit 12 and the outer casing 11 for insulation between the outer casing 11 and the battery unit 12. In this embodiment, five insulating plates 14 are included, respectively disposed between the four side walls of the battery unit 12 and the four side walls of the outer casing 11, and between the bottom of the battery unit 12 and the bottom plate of the outer casing 11. In some other embodiments, as shown in Figure 20, an insulating plate 14 can also be provided between the top of the battery unit 12 and the outer casing 11, and this insulating plate 14 can also serve as a seal between the first top plate 112 and the barrel body 111.

[0376] As shown in Figure 20, in this embodiment, an insulating sealant layer 15 can also be laid between each individual battery cell 123 and the outer casing 11. The insulating sealant layer 15 is mainly laid in the space between the top of each individual battery cell 123 and the outer casing 11. The first hollow component assembly 121 inside the outer casing 11 is located within the insulating sealant layer 15; the explosion venting manifold 122 inside the outer casing 11 is also located within the insulating sealant layer 15; when there is a gap between each individual battery cell 123, the insulating sealant liquid can also penetrate into the gap to form the insulating sealant layer 15; when there is a gap between the four side walls and the bottom of each individual battery cell 123 and the outer casing 11, the insulating sealant liquid can also penetrate into the gap to form the insulating sealant layer 15.

[0377] In this embodiment, the insulating sealant layer 15 has at least the following advantages:

[0378] 1. Further improve the sealing performance of each part of the first hollow component assembly 121; specifically, the insulating sealant liquid constituting the insulating sealant layer 15 penetrates into the gap between the first sub-hollow component 1211 and the second sub-hollow component 1212, and further seals the gap radially (the insulating sealant liquid cannot flow into the heat exchange medium flow cavity through the gap).

[0379] 2. Anti-condensation: During long-term use, condensation will form on the surface of the first hollow component 121 due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside. When the condensation accumulates to a certain amount, it may cause a short circuit. By laying an insulating sealant layer 15 to completely wrap the first hollow component 121, when condensation forms on the surface of the first hollow component 121, the insulating sealant layer 15 can prevent the battery from short-circuiting.

[0380] Third, further improve the insulation performance between each individual battery cell 123 and the outer casing 11; the insulating sealant penetrates into the gaps between the battery cell 12 and the insulating plate 14, and between the insulating plate 14 and the outer casing 11, which can further improve the insulation performance between each individual battery cell 123 and the outer casing.

[0381] IV. Further improve the insulation performance between individual cells 123; the insulating sealant penetrates into the gaps between individual cell units 12, which can further improve the insulation performance between individual cells 123.

[0382] 5. Improve the bonding strength and sealing performance between the explosion venting manifold 122 and the cover plates of each individual battery 123; the insulating sealant layer 15 covers the explosion venting manifold 122, which can further press the explosion venting manifold 122 onto the cover plates of each individual battery 123. At the same time, the insulating sealant liquid can penetrate into the gap between the explosion venting manifold 122 and the cover plate, and further seal the gap (the insulating sealant liquid cannot flow into the inner cavity of the explosion venting manifold 122 through the gap).

[0383] In this embodiment, a protrusion or groove can be provided on the wall of the explosion relief manifold 122 to form a stop fit structure with the insulating sealant layer 15, thereby improving the stability of the insulating sealant layer 15.

[0384] Example 6

[0385] Unlike Embodiment 5, as shown in Figure 28, this embodiment can also connect a third electrical connection plate 124 to the first end face of the polarity terminal 1231 to realize the series connection of adjacent single cells 123. When there is a problem with the electrical connection between the first sub-hollow component and the polarity terminal in Embodiment 5, the electrical connection can also be realized based on the third electrical connection plate 124, further improving the reliability of the battery module.

[0386] Example 7

[0387] Unlike the above embodiments, this embodiment uses a different structure of explosion venting manifold 122, and the connection method between the explosion venting manifold 122 and the cover plate of each individual battery 123 is also different from the above embodiments.

[0388] As shown in Figure 29, the explosion relief manifold 122 in this embodiment is a split component, including a second half-pipe 1225 with a U-shaped cross-section and a second top plate 1224 for sealing the open end of the top of the second half-pipe 1225; 13 first through holes 1221 are opened on the bottom plate of the second half-pipe 1225.

[0389] Based on the split design, this embodiment can fix the explosion venting manifold 122 to the top cover of the individual battery 123 by welding. Specifically, this can be achieved through the following process: positioning the second half-tube 1225 on the top cover of each individual battery 123, so that the projection of each first through hole 1221 completely covers the corresponding explosion venting part 1234; extending the welding head from the open end of the top of the second half-tube 1225 into the edge of the first through hole 1221, and sealingly welding the edge of each first through hole 1221 to the top cover of the corresponding individual battery 123; so that the explosion venting part 1234 of each individual battery 123 is connected to the corresponding first through hole 1221; and sealingly welding the second top plate 1224 to the open end of the top of the second half-tube 1225.

[0390] It should be noted that the welding head mentioned here refers to the component that the welding equipment extends into the part to be welded. If electric arc welding or argon arc welding is used, then the welding head here refers to the end of the welding rod. If laser welding is used, then the welding head here refers to the laser beam.

[0391] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 122 is configured as a split structure, which makes it easier to fix it from the top open end of the second half tube 1225 to the top cover plate of each individual battery cell 123, reducing the processing difficulty and increasing the yield.

[0392] This embodiment only needs to ensure that the orthographic projection of the first through hole 1221 on the cover plate of each individual battery 123 covers the corresponding explosion vent 1234, and that each explosion vent 1234 and each first through hole 1221 are located on the same plane as much as possible. There is no need to consider the concentricity of the explosion vent 1234 and the first through hole 1221, or the consistency of each explosion vent 1234 and the first through hole 1221. The requirements for processing accuracy are low, which weakens the impact of processing accuracy and assembly accuracy on the product yield. Moreover, during welding, the welding head extends from the open end without any obstruction, and the welding of the edge of the first through hole 1221 to the cover plate of each individual battery 123 can be completed in one go. The process is simple and the sealing effect is good.

[0393] Example 8

[0394] Unlike Embodiment 7, this embodiment uses a different method to connect the explosion-venting manifold 122 to the upper cover plates of each individual battery cell 123. As shown in Figure 30, this embodiment provides an explosion-venting branch pipe 1237 on the upper cover plate of each individual battery cell 123. The orthographic projection of the explosion-venting branch pipe 1237 on the upper cover plate completely covers the explosion-venting portion 1234 on the upper cover plate. The free end of the explosion-venting branch pipe 1237 passes through the corresponding first through hole 1221 on the bottom plate of the second half-tube 1225 and extends into the inner cavity of the second half-tube 1225; the wall of the explosion-venting branch pipe 1237 is welded and sealed to the wall of the first through hole 1221.

[0395] In this embodiment, the explosion venting branch pipe 1237 is generally a thin-walled tubular structure, which can be integrally formed with the upper cover body by means of integral processing, or it can be fixed to the upper cover body by means of riveting, welding or injection molding. The horizontal cross-section (the cross-section along its radial direction) of the explosion venting branch pipe 1237 can be a rectangular ring or a circular ring. In order to better adapt to the shape of the explosion venting part 1234, the horizontal cross-section of the explosion venting branch pipe is usually annular.

[0396] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 122 can be connected to the upper cover plate of each individual battery 123 through the following process: the second half-tube 1225 is positioned on the upper cover plate of each individual battery 123, so that each explosion venting branch pipe 1237 corresponds one-to-one with each first through hole 1221, and ensuring that each explosion venting branch pipe 1237 is inserted into the first through hole 1221; the welding head is extended from the open end of the top of the second half-tube 1225 into the edge of the first through hole 1221, and the edge of each first through hole 1221 is welded to the outer wall of the corresponding explosion venting branch pipe 1237 to achieve a seal; the second top plate 1224 is sealed and welded to the open end of the top of the second half-tube 1225.

[0397] In this embodiment, when the dimensions of each individual battery cell 123 differ in the height direction due to processing errors, if the lower cover plates of each individual battery cell 123 are located on the same plane, it will inevitably cause the upper cover plates of each individual battery cell 123 to be unable to maintain the same plane. In this application, the explosion venting branch pipe 1237 connects the explosion venting part 1234 and the first through hole 1221. The explosion venting branch pipe 1237 can compensate for the height difference between each upper cover plate in the height direction. Therefore, this embodiment has a low requirement for the flatness of each upper cover plate, i.e., each explosion venting part 1234. When there is a certain height difference between the upper cover plates of each individual battery cell 123, the explosion venting branch pipe 1237 can also ensure the sealed connection between the explosion venting part 1234 and the first through hole 1221.

[0398] This application provides a third type of explosion-proof manifold and a corresponding battery module.

[0399] This application proposes a venting manifold, which is disposed on a battery module and includes a manifold and N sealing gaskets. The manifold is used to provide downward pressure to each sealing gasket to fix the N sealing gaskets to their respective individual cells. The manifold and each sealing gasket are tightly fitted together, and the sealing gaskets and the top of the individual cells are tightly fitted together. The N first through holes of the manifold and the N fifth through holes of the sealing gaskets are connected one-to-one to ensure that thermal runaway fumes can only be discharged from the fumes outlet of the manifold. This explosion-proof manifold allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing their spread within the battery module and enhancing safety after thermal runaway. Furthermore, the explosion-proof manifold comprises a manifold and a sealing gasket. The downward pressure of the manifold secures the sealing gasket to the explosion-proof port on top of each individual battery cell. Deformation of the sealing gasket ensures a seal between the manifold and the sealing gasket, as well as between the sealing gasket and the top of the individual battery cell, thus preventing fumes leakage and improving the reliability of orderly fumes discharge. Thirdly, in this application, the explosion-proof busbar consisting of the busbar and the sealing gasket is fixed to the battery module by crimping, which is convenient. Compared with the method of welding the explosion-proof busbar on the individual battery, the installation of the explosion-proof busbar on the battery module is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the crimping method avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery. At the same time, the explosion-proof busbar of this crimping method can improve the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway without modifying any other structure of the original battery module.

[0400] It should be noted that: 1. The sealing gasket needs to have a certain degree of flexibility and deformation, and also needs to have high temperature resistance, for example, silicone; 2. The battery module consists of multiple individual cells; the individual cells are square aluminum-cased lithium batteries, including a shell consisting of a top cover, a cylindrical body, and a bottom cover; and an electrode assembly located inside the shell; the electrode assembly here consists of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode arranged in sequence, assembled using a stacking or winding process. This commercially available square aluminum-cased lithium battery has completed processes such as electrolyte injection and formation.

[0401] Example 9

[0402] As shown in Figure 31, this embodiment provides a battery module 100, in which N individual cells 21 are arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells, N≥2; clamping plates 22 are respectively provided at the beginning and end, and steel strips 23 are used to bind them, thereby forming a battery string; the steel strips 23 and clamping plates 22 can effectively suppress the problem of individual cells expanding and affecting the cycle performance of the battery module.

[0403] To ensure the orderly discharge of fumes after thermal runaway of the battery module, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 further includes a venting manifold 24 covering the venting port of each individual battery cell 21. As shown in Figures 32 to 35, in this embodiment, the venting manifold 24 includes a manifold 241 and N sealing gaskets 242. As shown in Figure 33, N first through holes 2411 are provided on the bottom of the manifold 241. A sealing gasket 242 is placed between the top of each individual battery cell 21 and the bottom of the manifold 241, as shown in Figure 34. The sealing gasket 242 is provided with a first through hole 2411. The projection of the fifth through hole 2421 on the top of the single cell must completely cover the explosion vent of the single cell; the manifold 241 is fixedly installed on the battery string and provides downward pressure to each sealing gasket 242 to fix N sealing gaskets 242 to their respective single cells 21, and the manifold 241 and each sealing gasket 242 are tightly fitted. The N first through holes 2411 of the manifold 241 and the N fifth through holes 2421 of the sealing gaskets 242 are connected one by one to ensure that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged from the flue gas outlet of the manifold.

[0404] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 24 consists of a manifold 241 and a sealing gasket 242. The downward pressure of the manifold fixes the sealing gasket to the explosion vent position on the top of each individual battery. Through the deformation of the sealing gasket, the contact surface between the manifold and the sealing gasket can be kept sealed, and the contact surface between the sealing gasket and the top of the individual battery can also be sealed, thereby preventing smoke leakage from the explosion venting manifold and improving the reliability of orderly smoke emission.

[0405] In this embodiment, the manifold 241 and the sealing gasket 242 can be formed into an integral structure by bonding or other methods. During assembly, they are fixed to the battery module by pressing, which is convenient. Compared with directly welding a metal tube to the top cover of each individual battery cell to form a venting manifold, this avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery cells. At the same time, compared with a venting manifold composed of a single manifold and multiple branch pipes, the venting manifold in this embodiment has a simpler structure and lower manufacturing cost. Moreover, the venting manifold 24 in this embodiment is fixed to the battery string by pressing, which can add the function of orderly venting thermal runaway fumes to the battery string without modifying any other structure of the original battery module, thereby improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway.

[0406] In this embodiment, the manifold 241 is made of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum. Since the manifold 241 needs to provide downward pressure to the sealing gasket, to ensure higher strength and prevent deformation under the applied downward pressure, as shown in Figure 32, the manifold 241 in this embodiment includes a pipe body 2412 and connecting bodies 2413 on both sides of the pipe body 2412. At least one reinforcing rib 2414 is provided inside the pipe body 2412, and N first through holes 2411 are located at the bottom of the pipe body 2412. For ease of processing, the manifold 241 can be integrally formed by extrusion. In some other embodiments, the manifold can also be made of high-temperature resistant hard plastic, such as PEEK or PPS.

[0407] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, the sealing gasket 242 includes a horizontal portion 2422 and a vertical portion 2423. The vertical portion 2423 passes through the first through hole 2411 of the manifold 241, and a limiting flange is provided on the portion of the vertical portion 2423 located inside the manifold 241. The purpose of providing the vertical portion of the sealing gasket 242 is as follows: First, since the top surface height of each individual battery cell is inconsistent, the vertical portion extending into the first through hole compensates for the height difference of the top surface of each individual battery cell, ensuring that the first through hole and the fifth through hole are fully connected, avoiding the problem that the height difference may cause the manifold and part of the sealing gasket to be not properly compressed, thus leading to leakage. Second, the high temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas may cause the sealing gasket to collapse, which may then cause leakage of the thermal runaway flue gas. The vertical portion increases the dimension of the sealing gasket in the height direction, and even if collapse occurs during thermal runaway, it can greatly reduce the sealing performance between the sealing gasket and the manifold, thus improving the reliability of the seal.

[0408] To further improve the sealing performance between the manifold and the gasket, at least one sealing structure is provided between the gasket 242 and the manifold 241 to ensure the orderly discharge of thermal runaway flue gas. The sealing structure can be one of the following:

[0409] The first type of sealing structure is as follows: at least one additional sealing ring is provided between the sealing gasket 242 and the manifold 241, and the sealing ring is used to ensure the sealing between the sealing gasket and the manifold.

[0410] The second type of sealing structure is as shown in Figure 36, including a first seal. The first seal consists of a chamfer 2415 at the opening of the first through hole 2411 and a first protrusion 2424 integrally formed at the junction of the vertical part 2423 and the horizontal part 2422. The chamfer 2415 and the first protrusion 2424 fit tightly together. The downward pressure of the manifold 241 causes the chamfer 2415 at the opening of the first through hole 2411 to press against the first protrusion 2424, causing the first protrusion 2424 to deform, thereby achieving a seal.

[0411] The third type of sealing structure, as shown in Figure 36, includes a first seal and a second seal. The first seal is similar in form to the second type of sealing structure. The second seal consists of an annular groove 2416 at the bottom of the manifold 241 and a second protrusion 2425 integrally formed on the horizontal portion 2422. The second protrusion 2425 is embedded in the annular groove 2416, and the two fit tightly together. The downward pressure of the manifold 241 causes the second protrusion 2425 to deform within the annular groove 2416, thereby achieving a seal. Because this third type of sealing structure uses two seals, it offers a better sealing effect compared to the second type. Furthermore, since both the first and second protrusions are integrally formed on the sealing gasket, the structure is simpler and easier to assemble compared to using an additional sealing ring.

[0412] In this embodiment, the two ends of the combiner tube 241 are connected to two clamping plates 22 respectively, thereby fixing the combiner tube to the battery string. Specifically, the connecting bodies 2413 on both sides of the combiner tube 241 and the clamping plates 22 can be connected with screws to fix the combiner tube to the battery string. Alternatively, the connecting bodies 2413 on both sides of the combiner tube can be welded to the top of the clamping plates 22 to fix the combiner tube to the battery string. This embodiment cleverly utilizes the clamping plates to fix the combiner tube, eliminating the need for additional fasteners and simplifying the structure.

[0413] Because the temperature of a single battery cell is high during thermal runaway, in order to reduce the possibility and extent of collapse and deformation of the sealing gasket at high temperatures, prevent leakage, and ensure that thermal runaway fumes can be discharged in an orderly manner from the explosion vent manifold, a heat insulation pad 25 is provided between the sealing gasket 242 and the single battery cell 21 in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 35. Specifically, for ease of installation, the heat insulation pad is installed on the top cover of the single battery cell by adhesive bonding. The material of the heat insulation pad 25 can be aramid fiber (Nomex) or polyimide (PI film / foam).

[0414] Example 10

[0415] As shown in Figures 37 to 39, this embodiment provides a battery pack composed of battery modules from Embodiment 9. The battery pack includes a support platform 26, a liquid cooling plate 27, an outer cover 28, a flue gas emission pipe 29, and the aforementioned multiple battery modules 100. The battery pack structure is basically consistent with the external structure of existing battery packs. Specifically, multiple battery modules 100 are mounted side-by-side on the support platform 26, and a liquid cooling plate 27 is provided between the bottom of the multiple battery modules 100 and the support platform. To ensure insulation between the battery modules 100 and the liquid cooling plate 27, the multiple battery modules 100... An insulating layer needs to be provided between the bottom and the liquid cooling plate 27; the outer cover 28 includes a top plate 281 and four side plates 282; the bottom of the four side plates 282 of the outer cover 28 is provided with folded edges, which are fixed to the support platform 26 by screw connection, and multiple battery modules 100 are located inside the outer cover; one of the side plates 282 integrates a BMS slave 2821, a fire interface 2822, a liquid cooling medium interface 2823 and an electrical signal interface 2824; the BMS slave 2821 is used to collect the voltage and temperature information of each individual battery and upload it to the BMS host;

[0416] As shown in Figure 38, the smoke outlet of the explosion relief manifold in each battery module 100 is connected to the smoke emission pipe 29. The smoke emission pipe 29 is connected to the fire-fighting interface 2822 on the side plate of the outer cover 28. When thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway smoke in the single cell is discharged from the battery pack in an orderly manner through the fifth through hole, the first through hole, the return pipe, the smoke emission pipe and the fire-fighting interface of the single cell explosion relief port for subsequent processing. The liquid cooling plate 27 is connected to the liquid cooling medium interface 2823 through a water pipe. There are two liquid cooling medium interfaces, one as the medium inlet and the other as the medium outlet.

[0417] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG39, multiple clamping ribs 2811 are provided in the top plate 281 of the outer cover 28 in the battery pack. When the outer cover 28 is installed on the support platform 26, each clamping rib 2811 in the top plate of the outer cover can provide downward pressure to the manifold 241 of its corresponding battery module.

[0418] In some cases, if the battery module inside the battery pack does not have a clamping plate, the pressing rib on the top of the outer cover can be used to provide downward pressure to the manifold. If the battery module inside the battery pack has a clamping plate, the manifold and the clamping plate can be connected to provide downward pressure to the manifold. Alternatively, a dual structure of connecting the manifold and the clamping plate, combined with the pressing rib on the top of the outer cover pressing against the manifold, can be used to provide downward pressure to the manifold.

[0419] This application provides a fourth type of explosion-proof manifold and a corresponding battery module.

[0420] Example 11

[0421] As shown in Figures 40 to 44, this embodiment provides a battery module 100, in which N individual batteries 31 are arranged along the thickness direction of the individual batteries, N≥2, and in this embodiment N=13. This number can be adjusted according to actual conditions. Clamping plates 32 are respectively provided at both ends (i.e., the 13 individual batteries are numbered 1 to 13 sequentially, with two clamping plates respectively located on both sides of battery number 1 and battery number 13), and steel strips 33 are used to bind them, thus forming a battery string. The steel strips 33 and clamping plates 32 effectively suppress the problem of individual battery expansion affecting the cycle performance of the battery module. It should be noted that the individual batteries are square aluminum-cased lithium batteries, including a shell composed of a top cover, a cylindrical body, and a bottom cover; and an electrode assembly located inside the shell. The electrode assembly here consists of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode arranged in sequence, assembled using a stacking or winding process. This commercially available square aluminum-cased lithium battery has completed processes such as liquid injection and formation.

[0422] In order to orderly discharge the flue gas after thermal runaway of the battery module, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 also includes a venting manifold 34; as shown in Figure 41, the venting manifold 34 includes a pipe body 341 and a sleeve 342; the pipe body 341 is provided with a flue gas channel, and the pipe body 341 is provided with a flue gas outlet 3411 and N first through holes 3412. The N first through holes 3411 are provided at the bottom of the pipe body to correspond one-to-one with the venting ports of individual batteries in the battery module, serving as flue gas inlets; two sets of sleeves 342 are provided, which are respectively embedded at both ends of the pipe body 341 (the specific setting positions of the sleeves at both ends correspond to the two clamping plates 32 of the battery string below them), and the inner hole of the sleeve 342 serves as a channel for screw connection; A sealing structure 35 is provided between the top surface of each individual battery 31 and the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 34; the sealing structure 35 has N through holes 351, and the N first through holes 3411, N through holes 351 of the explosion venting manifold and the explosion venting port on the top of each individual battery are corresponding one to one; after the screw passes through the inner hole of the sleeve 342 of the explosion venting manifold, it is threadedly connected to the clamping plate 3, fixing the explosion venting manifold 34 to the battery string, and the explosion venting manifold 34 provides downward pressure to the sealing structure 35, ensuring that the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 34 and the sealing structure 35, and the sealing structure 35 and the top surface of each individual battery 31 are tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged sequentially along the first through hole, the flue gas channel, and the exhaust port.

[0423] The above-mentioned explosion venting manifold 34 bottom surface and sealing structure 35, and sealing structure 35 and top surface of each individual battery 31 are tightly fitted to meet the following conditions: after the explosion venting manifold 34 is installed in place, under the downward pressure of the explosion venting manifold 34, the corresponding sealing structure part on each individual battery has a certain amount of compression deformation.

[0424] In use, first place the sealing structure 35 on the battery string, ensuring that the N through holes 351 on the sealing structure 35 are aligned with the explosion vent of each individual battery 31; then, place the explosion vent manifold 34 on the sealing structure 35; finally, thread the screws through the sleeves 342 at both ends of the explosion vent manifold 34 and connect them to their respective clamping plates 3, so that the sealing structure 35 is compressed and deformed by the downward pressure of the explosion vent manifold 34.

[0425] Since the explosion venting manifold 34 needs to provide downward pressure to the sealing structure 35, in order to make the explosion venting manifold have higher strength and avoid deformation of the explosion venting manifold under the provided downward pressure, in this embodiment, the pipe body 341 is made of a rectangular steel profile, and its two ends are welded with plugs for sealing. Similarly, the sleeve 342 is also made of steel and is embedded in the pipe body 341 by welding. In this embodiment, the manufacturing process of the explosion venting manifold is as follows: 1. Material preparation: First, prepare a finished steel pipe; 2. Machining: Open N first through holes on the bottom surface of the steel pipe, open a smoke exhaust port, and open four sleeve installation holes on the steel pipe, wherein the sleeve installation holes penetrate from the top surface of the steel pipe to the bottom surface of the steel pipe; 3. Welding process: Weld the sleeve in the sleeve installation holes and weld plugs at both ends of the steel pipe.

[0426] In this embodiment, the inner hole of the sleeve 342 can be provided with a stepped through hole. Therefore, the stud connected to the clamping plate 32 can be a countersunk screw. The countersunk screw can be embedded in the large-diameter section of the stepped through hole, which can prevent the screw head from protruding outside the explosion vent manifold, thus saving a certain amount of space in the height direction of the battery module. Furthermore, it can avoid the problem of interference between the exposed screw head and the battery pack shell when the battery pack is assembled. In order to facilitate the connection between the battery module and the external pipeline, in this embodiment, a threaded interface is installed on the exhaust port.

[0427] As shown in Figures 43 and 44, in this embodiment, the sealing structure 35 includes N flexible sealing elements 352 and limiting elements 353 that limit the movement of each flexible sealing element 352 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the flexible sealing element 352 includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring 3521 and a thermal expansion ring 3522 disposed inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The inner thermal expansion ring 3522, combined with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring 3521, forms two sealing barriers. Even when the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a prolonged period, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the thermal expansion ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas. The thermal expansion ring can also be called a fire-resistant expansion sealing ring, which needs to have the characteristics of thermal expansion and also needs to have a certain degree of high-temperature resistance.

[0428] It should be noted that after the explosion relief manifold 34 is installed in place, each high-temperature resistant silicone ring will have a certain amount of compression deformation under the downward pressure of the explosion relief manifold, and the thickness of each high-temperature resistant silicone ring after compression deformation is greater than the thickness of the limiting component and the thickness of the thermal expansion ring.

[0429] The limiting member 353 is a flame-retardant rubber plate 3531 with dimensions and shape similar to the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 34. The flame-retardant rubber plate 3531 is provided with N positioning holes, and a high-temperature resistant silicone ring 3521 is provided in each positioning hole. In some other embodiments, the flexible sealing member 352 may also be only a high-temperature resistant silicone ring 3521. In some other embodiments, the limiting member 353 is N flame-retardant rubber plates, and a flame-retardant rubber plate is provided between the top surface of each individual battery and the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold. Each flame-retardant rubber plate is provided with a positioning hole, and a flexible sealing member is provided in each positioning hole.

[0430] In some other embodiments, the limiting member 353 is an annular protrusion located on the top of the individual battery and around the vent, and the flexible seal is sleeved around the annular protrusion. In some other embodiments, the limiting member 353 is an annular groove located on the top of the individual battery and around the vent, and the flexible seal is embedded in the annular groove. In some other embodiments, the sealing structure 35 includes only N flexible seals 352 (without the limiting member 353); the flexible seals 352 use the same high-temperature resistant silicone rings 3521 as in this embodiment; in some other embodiments, the sealing structure 35 includes only a high-temperature resistant silicone plate with a size and shape equivalent to the bottom surface of the vent manifold, and the high-temperature resistant silicone plate has N through holes;

[0431] It should be noted that the high-temperature resistant silicone ring mentioned above can also be replaced with high-temperature resistant fluororubber rings, high-temperature resistant hydrogenated nitrile rubber rings, etc., but considering the high-temperature resistance, deformability and cost, the high-temperature resistant silicone ring is preferred.

[0432] The flame-retardant rubber sheet 3531 mentioned above can be a PEEK (polyether ether ketone) sheet or a PI (polyimide) sheet, a glass fiber silicone resin sheet, an insulating bakelite sheet, an epoxy sheet, or a metal sheet that has undergone insulation treatment; the material of the flame-retardant rubber sheet is required to not deform or to deform very little after being heated, so as to be able to restrain the flexible seal.

[0433] Example 12

[0434] This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 11 in structure, except that: a structure for fastening the middle part of the explosion relief manifold is added, including at least one fixing component 36 and a sleeve 342 that cooperates with the fixing component 36; as shown in Figures 45 and 46, the fixing component 36 is provided between at least one set of two adjacent single cells 31 in the battery module 100 (preferably the fixing component is provided between two adjacent single cells in the middle area); specifically, the fixing component 36 includes a nut 361 and a partition 362; the structure of the partition 362 is shown in Figure 46. As can be seen from the figure, the partition 362 in this embodiment includes a partition body 3621, two studs 3622 provided at the top of the partition body 3621, and two limiting plates 3623 provided at the bottom of the partition body 3621. Two studs 3622 extend along the height direction of the single cell and are arranged along the width direction of the single cell. The two studs 3622 correspond to two sleeves on the same straight line at the middle position of the explosion relief manifold. The two limiting plates 3623 are perpendicular to the separator body 3621 and parallel to the lower cover plate of the single cell. The two limiting plates 3623 extend to different sides of the separator body 3621.

[0435] As can be seen from Figure 45, the above-mentioned separator 362 is fixed between two adjacent single cells 31, the separator body 3621 is in contact with the large surface of the adjacent single cell 31, two limiting plates 3623 are limited on the lower cover plates of the two single cells 31, two studs 3622 pass through the corresponding sleeves, and a nut 361 is provided at the top of the studs 3622.

[0436] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 34 is connected to the battery pack via the following process, as shown in Figure 45: First, the separator 362 is fixed between adjacent individual cells 31, so that two limiting plates 3623 are positioned on the lower cover plates of the individual cells 31 on both sides; second, the sealing structure is installed to ensure that the projection of the N through holes 351 of the sealing structure 35 completely covers the explosion vent of the corresponding individual cell 31; then, the explosion venting manifold 34 is placed on the sealing structure to ensure that each first through hole 41 of the explosion venting manifold 34 and the sealing structure are aligned. Each through hole corresponds to and is interconnected, allowing the studs 3622 on the separator 362 to pass through the corresponding sleeves; finally, the nut 361 is tightened onto the studs 3622 on the separator, and then the studs are threaded through the corresponding sleeves on the top of the clamping plates at both ends and connected to the clamping plates. The studs 3622 generate axial tension, and under the limiting action of the limiting plate 3623, the sealing structure is clamped between the explosion venting manifold and the battery string, ensuring that the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold and the sealing structure, as well as the sealing structure and the top surface of each individual battery, are tightly fitted.

[0437] In this embodiment, the separator 362 has at least the following advantages: First, by using the nut 361 and the separator 362 as fixing components in the middle area of ​​the explosion venting manifold 34 in the battery module, the explosion venting manifold 34 can be fixed to the top of the battery module. This structure can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion venting manifold 34 from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion venting manifold 34 and the clamping plate 32, the sealing reliability is further improved. Second, the separator 362 has a certain elasticity. When the single cell 31 swells and deforms, the separator 362 is squeezed by the single cell 31 and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator 362 undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell 31. Third, the heat generated by each single cell 31 during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator 362, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0438] Example 13

[0439] As shown in Figures 47 and 48, this embodiment provides a battery pack 200 composed of battery modules from Embodiment 11 or Embodiment 12. The battery pack includes a support platform 3300, a liquid cooling plate 3400, an outer cover 3500, a flue gas manifold 3600, and the aforementioned multiple battery modules 100. The structure of this battery pack is basically consistent with the external structure of existing battery packs. Specifically:

[0440] Multiple battery modules 100 are mounted side-by-side on a support platform 3300, and a liquid cooling plate 3400 is provided between the bottom surfaces of the battery modules 100 and the support platform. To ensure insulation between the battery modules 100 and the liquid cooling plate 3400, an insulating layer is required between the bottom surfaces of the battery modules 100 and the liquid cooling plate 3400. The outer cover 3500 includes a top plate 3501 and four side plates 3502. The bottom surfaces of the four side plates 3502 of the outer cover 3500 are provided with folded edges, which are fixed to the support platform 3300 by screws, and the multiple battery modules 100 are located inside the outer cover. A BMS is integrated on one of the side plates 3502. The BMS slave device 3503 is used to collect the voltage and temperature information of each individual battery cell and upload it to the BMS host. The exhaust port of the explosion relief manifold in each battery module 100 is connected to the smoke manifold 3600. The smoke manifold 3600 is connected to the fire interface 3504 on the side plate of the outer cover 3500. When thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway smoke in the individual battery cell is discharged from the battery pack in an orderly manner through the individual battery explosion relief port, through hole 351, first through hole 3412, smoke manifold 3600 and fire interface 3504 for subsequent processing.

[0441] In this embodiment, considering cost and ease of installation, the flue gas manifold includes a main pipe and multiple branch corrugated pipes. One end of the main pipe 3601 is fitted with a plug, and the other end is connected to the fire interface 3504. One end of each branch corrugated pipe 3602 is connected to the main pipe, and the other end is connected to the exhaust port of the explosion relief manifold in the corresponding battery module. The liquid cooling plate 3400 is connected to the liquid cooling medium interface 3505 through a water pipe. There are two liquid cooling medium interfaces 3505, one as the medium inlet and the other as the medium outlet.

[0442] This application provides another type of explosion-proof busbar and a corresponding battery module.

[0443] The design concept of this solution is to add a venting manifold to the battery module, which can orderly discharge thermal runaway fumes, avoiding the problem that thermal runaway of one individual battery might affect other individual batteries and cause more serious safety hazards. In this application, the venting manifold structure includes a pipe body, which serves as a fumes channel. The pipe body is provided with a vent outlet and N first through holes. The N first through holes are located on the bottom surface of the pipe body and correspond one-to-one with the venting outlets of individual batteries in the battery module. A limiting mechanism is provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body corresponding to the position of each first through hole to limit the horizontal displacement of the sealing structure.

[0444] Example 14

[0445] As shown in Figures 49 to 52, this embodiment provides a battery module 100, in which N individual cells 31 are arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells, N≥2, and in this embodiment N=13. This number can be adjusted according to actual conditions. Clamping plates 32 are respectively provided at the beginning and end (i.e., the 13 individual cells are numbered 1 to 13 in sequence, and the two clamping plates are respectively set on both sides of cell number 1 and cell number 13), and steel strips 33 are used to bind them, thereby forming a battery string. The setting of steel strips 33 and clamping plates 32 can effectively suppress the problem of individual cell expansion affecting the cycle performance of the battery module.

[0446] It should be noted that the single battery is a square aluminum-cased lithium battery, including a shell consisting of a top cover, a cylindrical body, and a bottom cover; and an electrode assembly located inside the shell; the electrode assembly here consists of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode arranged in sequence, assembled using a stacking or winding process. This commercially available square aluminum-cased lithium battery has completed processes such as electrolyte filling and formation.

[0447] In order to orderly discharge the flue gas after thermal runaway of the battery module, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 also includes a venting manifold 34; as shown in FIG50, the venting manifold 34 includes a pipe body 341; a flue gas channel is provided inside the pipe body 341, and the pipe body 341 is provided with a flue gas outlet 3411 and N first through holes 3412. The N first through holes 3412 are provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body to correspond one-to-one with the venting ports of individual batteries in the battery module, serving as flue gas inlets; a recess 3413 is provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body 341 corresponding to the position of each first through hole 3412.

[0448] As shown in Figure 51, each recess 3413 is provided with a sealing structure 35, and the sealing structure 35 has a through hole 351. The outer diameter of the recess 3413 needs to be sufficient to accommodate a sealing structure 35 inside it. It is best to ensure that the sealing structure 35 and the recess 3413 are tightly fitted. At the same time, the depth of the recess 3413 needs to ensure that the sealing structure 35 still protrudes from the bottom surface of the explosion relief manifold body 341 after being compressed and deformed.

[0449] The N first through holes 3412, N through holes 351 of the explosion venting manifold 34 and the explosion vent on the top of each individual battery are one-to-one and connected; the explosion venting manifold 34 is fixed to the battery string by a clamping member, and the explosion venting manifold 34 provides downward pressure to the sealing structure 35 to ensure that the explosion venting manifold 34 and each sealing structure 35, and each sealing structure 35 and the top surface of the corresponding individual battery are tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged sequentially along the first through hole, flue gas channel and exhaust port.

[0450] As shown in Figures 49, 51, and 52, in this embodiment, the clamping component 37 consists of two sleeves 371 fixedly embedded in the tube body. The two sleeves 371 are respectively embedded at both ends of the tube body 341 (the specific setting positions of the sleeves at both ends correspond to the two clamping plates 32 of the battery string below them). The inner hole of the sleeve 371 serves as a channel for screw connection. The sleeve 371 and the screw can fix the tube body to the battery module. There is no need to set other clamping components 37 to fix the explosion venting manifold to the battery module. The structure is simpler and the tube body and battery module are easier to assemble.

[0451] In this embodiment, the inner hole of the sleeve 371 can be provided with a stepped through hole. Therefore, the stud connected to the clamping plate 32 can be a countersunk screw. The countersunk screw can be embedded in the large diameter section of the stepped through hole, which can prevent the screw head from protruding outside the explosion venting manifold. This saves the size of the battery module in the height direction to a certain extent. Furthermore, it can avoid the problem of interference between the exposed screw head and the battery pack shell when the battery pack is assembled.

[0452] In some other embodiments, as shown in Figures 49, 53, and 54, the clamping member 37 can also be a short steel plate 372. The short steel plate 372 contacts the top surface of the explosion venting manifold, and two mounting through holes 3721 are provided on the short steel plate 372. In use, two short steel plates 372 are placed at both ends of the top surface of the explosion venting manifold, and then screws are passed through the mounting through holes 3721 and connected to the clamping plate. Using short steel plates 372 to fasten the explosion venting manifold 34 is not only simple in structure and low in cost, but also, because the position of the short steel plates can be arbitrarily adjusted in the length direction of the explosion venting manifold, it will not be affected by the errors in the length direction between the clamping plates at both ends, or between the partition and the clamping plates, making assembly easy. The thickness of the short steel plate can be selected from 3 to 8 mm.

[0453] In use, first place N sealing structures 35 in the recess of the explosion venting manifold; then, place the explosion venting manifold with the sealing structures 35 installed on it on the battery module, ensuring that the N first through holes 3412 of the explosion venting manifold, the N through holes 351 of the sealing structure 35, and the explosion vent on the top of each individual battery correspond one-to-one; finally, thread the screws through the sleeves 371 at both ends of the explosion venting manifold 34 and connect them to their respective clamping plates 32, so that the sealing structure 35 is compressed and deformed by the downward pressure of the explosion venting manifold 34.

[0454] In this embodiment, the pipe body 341 of the explosion relief manifold 34 is welded from sheet metal parts, specifically in the following two ways:

[0455] Method 1: 1. Prepare a thin plate A of the first shape, and bend it to form a first U-shaped part. The three sides of the first U-shaped part serve as the top or bottom surface of the tube body, and the two side surfaces, respectively. 2. Prepare a thin plate B of the second shape, and bend it to form a second U-shaped part. The three sides of the second U-shaped part serve as the bottom or top surface of the tube body, and the two end faces, respectively. 3. Weld the first U-shaped part and the second U-shaped part together to form the tube body. Note: N recesses and N first through holes are formed by stamping the portion of the first or second shaped thin plate that serves as the bottom surface of the tube body, as shown in Figure 55.

[0456] Method 2: 1. Prepare a third-shaped thin plate C, and bend it to form a rectangular tube with an open top or bottom; 2. Prepare a rectangular thin plate D, and bend it into a second U-shaped part. The three sides of the second U-shaped part serve as the bottom or top surface of the tube body, and the two end faces, respectively; 3. Weld the rectangular tube with an open top or bottom and the rectangular thin plate to form the tube body. Note: N recesses and N first through holes are formed on the part of the third-shaped thin plate or the rectangular thin plate that serves as the bottom surface of the tube body by stamping, as shown in Figure 56. To facilitate the connection between the battery module and external pipelines, in this embodiment, a threaded interface is installed on the exhaust port.

[0457] As shown in Figures 50 and 51, in this embodiment, the sealing structure 35 is a flexible seal. The flexible seal 352 includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring 3521 and a thermal expansion ring 3522 disposed inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The inner thermal expansion ring 3522, combined with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring 3521, forms two sealing barriers. Even when the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a prolonged period, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the thermal expansion ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas. The thermal expansion ring can also be called a fire-resistant expansion seal ring, which needs to have the characteristics of thermal expansion and also needs to have a certain degree of high-temperature resistance.

[0458] It should be noted that after the explosion vent manifold 34 is installed in place, each high-temperature silicone ring undergoes a certain amount of compression deformation under the downward pressure of the explosion vent manifold. In some other embodiments, the flexible seal 352 may also be simply the high-temperature silicone ring 3521.

[0459] Example 15

[0460] This embodiment is basically the same in structure as embodiment 14. The difference is that the limiting mechanism is an annular groove engraved on the bottom surface of the tube, and the first through hole is opened in the area enclosed by the annular groove.

[0461] Example 16

[0462] This embodiment is basically the same as the structure of embodiment 14 or 2, except that: a structure for fastening the middle part of the explosion relief manifold is added, including at least one fixing component 36 and a clamping member 37 that cooperates with the fixing component 36 (taking the clamping member as a sleeve as an example); as shown in Figure 57, the fixing component 36 is provided between at least one set of two adjacent single cells 31 in the battery module 100 (preferably the fixing component is provided between two adjacent single cells in the middle area); specifically, the fixing component 36 includes a nut 361 and a partition 362; the structure of the partition 362 is shown in Figure 58. As can be seen from the figure, the partition 362 in this embodiment includes a partition body 3621, two studs 3622 provided at the top of the partition body 3621, and two limiting plates 3623 provided at the bottom of the partition body 3621. Two studs 3622 extend along the height direction of the single cell and are arranged along the width direction of the single cell. The two studs 3622 correspond to two sleeves on the same straight line at the middle position of the explosion relief manifold. The two limiting plates 3623 are perpendicular to the separator body 3621 and parallel to the lower cover plate of the single cell. The two limiting plates 3623 extend to different sides of the separator body 3621.

[0463] As can be seen from Figure 54, the above-mentioned separator 362 is fixed between two adjacent single cells 31. The separator body 3621 is in contact with the large surface of the adjacent single cell 31. Two limiting plates 3623 are limited on the lower cover plates of the two single cells 31. Two studs 3622 pass through the corresponding sleeves, and nuts 361 are provided at the top of the studs 3622.

[0464] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 34 is connected to the battery pack via the following process, as shown in Figure 54: First, the separator 362 is fixed between adjacent individual cells 31, so that two limiting plates 3623 are positioned on the lower cover plates of the individual cells 31 on both sides; second, a sealing structure is installed to ensure that the projections of the N through holes 351 of the sealing structure 35 completely cover the explosion vents of the corresponding individual cells 31; then, the explosion venting manifold 34 is placed on the sealing structure, ensuring that each first through hole 41 of the explosion venting manifold 34 and the sealing structure are aligned. Each through hole 351 corresponds to and is interconnected, allowing the studs 3622 on the separator 362 to pass through the corresponding sleeves. Finally, the nuts 361 are tightened onto the studs 3622 on the separator, and then the studs are threaded through the corresponding sleeves on the top of the clamping plates at both ends and connected to the clamping plates. The studs 3622 generate axial tension, and under the limiting action of the limiting plate 3623, the sealing structure is clamped between the explosion venting manifold and the battery string, ensuring that the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold and the sealing structure, as well as the sealing structure and the top surface of each individual battery cell, are tightly fitted.

[0465] In this embodiment, the separator 362 has at least the following advantages: First, as a fixing part for the battery string and the explosion venting manifold, fixing the explosion venting manifold 34 to the top surface of the battery string does not cause any damage to the structure of each individual battery cell 31; Second, the separator 362 has a certain elasticity. When the individual battery cell 31 swells and deforms, the separator 362 is squeezed by the individual battery cell 31 and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator 362 undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the individual battery cell 31; Third, the heat generated by each individual battery cell 31 during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator 362, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0466] This application provides another type of explosion-proof busbar and a corresponding battery module.

[0467] The design concept of this solution is as follows: This application proposes a battery module, including a battery string composed of N individual batteries; an explosion venting manifold is added to the battery string, the explosion venting manifold includes a manifold and N sealing gaskets; the manifold is fixedly installed on the battery string and provides downward pressure to each sealing gasket to fix the N sealing gaskets to their respective individual batteries, the manifold and each sealing gasket are tightly fitted, the sealing gaskets and the top of the individual batteries are tightly fitted, the N first through holes of the manifold and the N fifth through holes of the sealing gaskets correspond one-to-one and remain connected, ensuring that thermal runaway fumes can only be discharged from the fumes outlet of the manifold. This explosion-proof manifold allows for the orderly discharge of thermal runaway fumes, preventing their spread within the battery module and enhancing safety after thermal runaway. Furthermore, the explosion-proof manifold comprises a manifold and a sealing gasket. The downward pressure of the manifold secures the sealing gasket to the explosion-proof port on top of each individual battery cell. Deformation of the sealing gasket ensures a seal between the manifold and the sealing gasket, as well as between the sealing gasket and the top of the individual battery cell, thus preventing fumes leakage and improving the reliability of orderly fumes discharge. Thirdly, in this application, the explosion-proof busbar consisting of the busbar and the sealing gasket is fixed to the battery module by crimping, which is convenient. Compared with the method of welding the explosion-proof busbar on the individual battery, the installation of the explosion-proof busbar on the battery module is simpler and the manufacturing cost is lower. Moreover, the crimping method avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery. At the same time, the explosion-proof busbar of this crimping method can improve the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway without modifying any other structure of the original battery module.

[0468] It should be noted that: 1. The sealing gasket needs to have a certain degree of flexibility and deformation, as well as a certain degree of high-temperature resistance, such as silicone; 2. The single battery adopts a square aluminum-cased lithium battery, including a shell consisting of a top cover, a cylindrical body, and a bottom cover; and an electrode assembly located inside the shell; the electrode assembly here consists of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode arranged in sequence, assembled using a stacking or winding process. This commercially available square aluminum-cased lithium battery has completed processes such as liquid filling and formation.

[0469] Example 17

[0470] As shown in Figure 31, this embodiment provides a battery module 100, in which N individual cells 21 are arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells, N≥2; clamping plates 22 are respectively provided at the beginning and end, and steel strips 23 are used to bind them, thereby forming a battery string; the steel strips 23 and clamping plates 22 can effectively suppress the problem of individual cells expanding and affecting the cycle performance of the battery module.

[0471] To ensure the orderly discharge of fumes after thermal runaway of the battery module, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 further includes a venting manifold 24 covering the venting port of each individual battery cell 21. As shown in Figures 32 to 35, in this embodiment, the venting manifold 24 includes a manifold 241 and N sealing gaskets 242. As shown in Figure 33, N first through holes 2411 are provided on the bottom of the manifold 241. A sealing gasket 242 is placed between the top of each individual battery cell 21 and the bottom of the manifold 241, as shown in Figure 34. The sealing gasket 242 is provided with a first through hole 2411. The projection of the fifth through hole 2421 on the top of the single cell must completely cover the explosion vent of the single cell; the manifold 241 is fixedly installed on the battery string and provides downward pressure to each sealing gasket 242 to fix N sealing gaskets 242 to their respective single cells 21, and the manifold 241 and each sealing gasket 242 are tightly fitted. The N first through holes 2411 of the manifold 241 and the N fifth through holes 2421 of the sealing gaskets 242 are connected one by one to ensure that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged from the flue gas outlet of the manifold.

[0472] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 24 consists of a manifold 241 and a sealing gasket 242. The downward pressure of the manifold fixes the sealing gasket to the explosion vent position on the top of each individual battery. Through the deformation of the sealing gasket, the contact surface between the manifold and the sealing gasket can be kept sealed, and the contact surface between the sealing gasket and the top of the individual battery can also be sealed, thereby preventing smoke leakage from the explosion venting manifold and improving the reliability of orderly smoke emission.

[0473] In this embodiment, the manifold 241 and the sealing gasket 242 can be formed into an integral structure by bonding or other methods. During assembly, they are fixed to the battery module by pressing, which is convenient. Compared with directly welding a metal tube to the top cover of each individual battery cell to form a venting manifold, this avoids the problem that the high temperature during the welding process may damage the internal structure of the individual battery cells. At the same time, compared with a venting manifold composed of a single manifold and multiple branch pipes, the venting manifold in this embodiment has a simpler structure and lower manufacturing cost. Moreover, the venting manifold 24 in this embodiment is fixed to the battery string by pressing, which can add the function of orderly venting thermal runaway fumes to the battery string without modifying any other structure of the original battery module, thereby improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway.

[0474] In this embodiment, the manifold 241 is made of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum. Since the manifold 241 needs to provide downward pressure to the sealing gasket, to ensure higher strength and prevent deformation under the applied downward pressure, as shown in Figure 32, the manifold 241 in this embodiment includes a pipe body 2412 and connecting bodies 2413 on both sides of the pipe body 2412. At least one reinforcing rib 2414 is provided inside the pipe body 2412, and N first through holes 2411 are located at the bottom of the pipe body 2412. For ease of processing, the manifold 241 can be integrally formed by extrusion. In some other embodiments, the manifold can also be made of high-temperature resistant hard plastic, such as PEEK or PPS.

[0475] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, the sealing gasket 242 includes a horizontal portion 2422 and a vertical portion 2423. The vertical portion 2423 passes through the first through hole 2411 of the manifold 241, and a limiting flange is provided on the portion of the vertical portion 2423 located inside the manifold 241. The purpose of providing the vertical portion of the sealing gasket 242 is as follows: First, since the top surface height of each individual battery cell is inconsistent, the vertical portion extending into the first through hole compensates for the height difference of the top surface of each individual battery cell, ensuring that the first through hole and the fifth through hole are fully connected, avoiding the problem that the height difference may cause the manifold and part of the sealing gasket to be not properly compressed, thus leading to leakage; Second, the high temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas may cause the sealing gasket to collapse, which may then cause leakage of the thermal runaway flue gas. The vertical portion increases the dimension of the sealing gasket in the height direction, and even if collapse occurs during thermal runaway, it can greatly reduce the sealing performance between the sealing gasket and the manifold, thus improving the reliability of the seal.

[0476] To further improve the sealing performance between the manifold and the gasket, at least one sealing structure is provided between the gasket 242 and the manifold 241 to ensure the orderly discharge of thermal runaway flue gas. The sealing structure can be one of the following:

[0477] The first type of sealing structure is as follows: at least one additional sealing ring is provided between the sealing gasket 242 and the manifold 241 to ensure the sealing between the sealing gasket and the manifold; as shown in Figure 36. The second type of sealing structure is as follows: including a first seal; the first seal is a chamfer 2415 provided at the opening of the first through hole 2411 and a first protrusion 2424 integrally formed at the junction of the vertical part 2423 and the horizontal part 2422. The chamfer 2415 and the first protrusion 2424 fit tightly together. The downward pressure of the manifold 241 causes the chamfer 2415 at the opening of the first through hole 2411 to press against the first protrusion 2424, causing the first protrusion 2424 to deform, thereby achieving a seal.

[0478] As shown in Figure 36, the third type of sealing structure includes a first seal and a second seal. The first seal is similar in form to the second type of sealing structure described above. The second seal consists of an annular groove 2416 at the bottom of the manifold 241 and a second protrusion 2425 integrally formed on the horizontal portion 2422. The second protrusion 2425 is embedded in the annular groove 2416, and the two are tightly fitted together. The downward pressure of the manifold 241 causes the second protrusion 2425 to deform within the annular groove 2416, thereby achieving a seal.

[0479] The third sealing structure, due to its dual-seal design, offers a better sealing effect compared to the second type. Furthermore, since both the first and second protrusions are integrally formed on the sealing gasket, the structure is simpler and easier to assemble compared to using an additional sealing ring.

[0480] In this embodiment, the two ends of the combiner tube 241 are connected to two clamping plates 22 respectively, thereby fixing the combiner tube to the battery string. Specifically, the connecting bodies 2413 on both sides of the combiner tube 241 and the clamping plates 22 can be connected with screws to fix the combiner tube to the battery string. Alternatively, the connecting bodies 2413 on both sides of the combiner tube can be welded to the top of the clamping plates 22 to fix the combiner tube to the battery string. This embodiment cleverly utilizes the clamping plates to fix the combiner tube, eliminating the need for additional fasteners and simplifying the structure.

[0481] Because the temperature of a single battery cell is high during thermal runaway, in order to reduce the possibility and extent of collapse and deformation of the sealing gasket at high temperatures, prevent leakage, and ensure that thermal runaway fumes can be discharged in an orderly manner from the explosion vent manifold, a heat insulation pad 5 is provided between the sealing gasket 242 and the single battery cell 21 in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 35. Specifically, for ease of installation, the heat insulation pad is installed on the top cover of the single battery cell by adhesive bonding. The material of the heat insulation pad 5 can be aramid fiber (Nomex) or polyimide (PI film / foam).

[0482] Example 18

[0483] As shown in Figures 37 to 39, this embodiment provides a battery pack 200 composed of battery modules from Embodiment 17. The battery pack includes a support platform 26, a liquid cooling plate 27, an outer cover 28, a flue gas emission pipe 29, and the aforementioned multiple battery modules 100. The battery pack structure is basically consistent with the external structure of existing battery packs. Specifically, multiple battery modules 100 are installed side-by-side on the support platform 26, and a liquid cooling plate 27 is provided between the bottom of the multiple battery modules 100 and the support platform. To ensure insulation between the battery modules 100 and the liquid cooling plate 27, multiple battery modules... An insulating layer needs to be provided between the bottom of 100 and the liquid cooling plate 27; the outer cover 28 includes a top plate 281 and four side plates 282; the bottom of the four side plates 282 of the outer cover 28 is provided with folded edges, which are fixed to the support platform 26 by screw connection, and multiple battery modules 100 are located inside the outer cover; one of the side plates 282 integrates a BMS slave 2821, a fire interface 2822, a liquid cooling medium interface 2823 and an electrical signal interface 2824; the BMS slave 2821 is used to collect the voltage and temperature information of each individual battery and upload it to the BMS host.

[0484] As shown in Figure 38, the smoke outlet of the explosion relief manifold in each battery module 100 is connected to the smoke emission pipe 29. The smoke emission pipe 29 is connected to the fire-fighting interface 2822 on the side plate of the outer cover 28. When thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway smoke in the single cell is discharged from the battery pack in an orderly manner through the fifth through hole, the first through hole, the return pipe, the smoke emission pipe and the fire-fighting interface of the single cell explosion relief port for subsequent processing. The liquid cooling plate 27 is connected to the liquid cooling medium interface 2823 through a water pipe. There are two liquid cooling medium interfaces 2823, one as the medium inlet and the other as the medium outlet.

[0485] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 39, multiple clamping ribs 2811 are provided inside the top plate 281 of the outer cover 28 in the battery pack 200. When the outer cover 28 is installed on the support platform 26, each clamping rib 2811 inside the top plate of the outer cover can provide downward pressure to the busbar 241 of its corresponding battery module. In some cases, if no clamping plate is provided on the battery module inside the battery pack, the clamping ribs on the top plate of the outer cover can be used alone to provide downward pressure to the busbar; if a clamping plate is provided on the battery module inside the battery pack, the busbar and the clamping plate can be connected together to provide downward pressure to the busbar; alternatively, a dual structure of connecting the busbar and the clamping plate, combined with the clamping ribs on the top plate of the outer cover pressing against the busbar, can be used to provide downward pressure to the busbar.

[0486] This application provides another type of explosion-proof busbar and a corresponding battery module.

[0487] The design concept of this solution is as follows: This application proposes a battery module, including a battery string composed of N individual batteries; a venting manifold is added to the battery string, the venting manifold is fixed to the battery string and covers the venting port of each individual battery; N first through holes are opened on the bottom surface of the venting manifold; a thermal expansion body is set between the top surface of the battery string and the bottom surface of the venting manifold, and the venting manifold provides pre-pressure to the thermal expansion body, and a sixth through hole is set on the thermal expansion body; using this venting manifold, thermal runaway fumes can be discharged in an orderly manner, avoiding thermal runaway. The controlled spread of flue gas within the battery module enhances safety in the event of thermal runaway. Furthermore, a thermal expansion body is installed between the explosion-proof manifold and the individual battery cells. Before thermal runaway occurs, the temperature of the individual battery cell casing rises rapidly, causing the thermal expansion body to expand. During thermal runaway, the expansion force ensures a tight seal between the thermal expansion body and the bottom surface of the explosion-proof manifold, as well as between the thermal expansion body and the top surface of the individual battery cells, preventing leakage of flue gas from the area between the manifold and the individual cells, thus improving the reliability of orderly flue gas emission. Simultaneously, the thermal expansion body ensures a seal between the explosion-proof manifold and the individual battery cells during thermal runaway, resulting in a simple structure that is easy to assemble.

[0488] It should be noted that: 1. The thermally expanding body in this application can also be called a fire-resistant expanding sealant, which needs to have the characteristic of thermal expansion and also needs to have a certain high-temperature resistance. 2. The single battery adopts a square aluminum-cased lithium battery, including a shell composed of a top cover, a cylindrical body, and a bottom cover; and an electrode assembly located inside the shell; the electrode assembly here is composed of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode arranged in sequence, and assembled by a stacking or winding process. The commercially available square aluminum-cased lithium battery has completed processes such as liquid injection and formation.

[0489] Example 19

[0490] As shown in Figures 59 to 64, this embodiment provides a battery module 100, in which N individual cells 41 are arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells, N≥2; clamping plates 42 are respectively provided at the beginning and end, and steel strips 43 are used to bind them, thereby forming a battery string; the steel strips 43 and clamping plates 42 can effectively suppress the problem of individual cells expanding and affecting the cycle performance of the battery module.

[0491] To ensure the orderly discharge of flue gas after thermal runaway of the battery module, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 further includes a venting manifold 44 covering the venting port of each individual battery cell 41; as shown in Figures 60 to 62, N first through holes 441 are provided on the bottom surface of the venting manifold 44; a thermal expansion body 45 is provided between the top surface of each individual battery cell 41 and the bottom surface of the venting manifold 44, as shown in Figure 60, and the thermal expansion body 45 is provided with N sixth through holes 451 that correspond one-to-one with the N first through holes and maintain communication. Preferably, the sixth through holes 451 are located in the individual battery cell. The projection on the top surface needs to completely cover the explosion vent of the individual battery; the explosion vent manifold 44 is fixedly installed on the battery string. In order to improve the sealing effect, the installed explosion vent manifold can provide pre-pressure to the thermal expansion body 45 to press the thermal expansion body 45 tightly onto its corresponding individual battery 41. The explosion vent manifold 44 and each thermal expansion body 45 are tightly fitted together. The N first through holes 441 of the explosion vent manifold 44 and the N sixth through holes 451 of the thermal expansion body 45 are connected one by one to ensure that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged from the flue gas outlet of the explosion vent manifold.

[0492] In this embodiment, the thermal expansion body can take the following two forms:

[0493] Form 1: As shown in Figure 63, the thermal expansion body 45 is a long strip of gasket 452. The size of the long strip of gasket is adapted to the bottom surface size of the explosion venting manifold. N sixth through holes 451, N second through holes 51, and N first through holes 441 are provided on the long strip of gasket 452, corresponding one-to-one and interconnected. It should be noted that the "adaptation" here specifically means that the length of the long strip of gasket is basically the same as the length and width of the explosion venting manifold.

[0494] Form 2: As shown in Figure 64, the thermal expansion body 45 consists of N annular gaskets 453. An annular gasket 453 is set between the top surface of each individual cell 41 and the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 44, and the area enclosed by the annular gasket 453 must completely cover the explosion vent of the individual cell when projected onto the top surface of the individual cell.

[0495] In order to achieve the positioning of the annular gasket and at the same time avoid the displacement of the annular gasket under the pressure impact of thermal runaway flue gas, resulting in flue gas leakage, this embodiment provides a positioning method, as shown in Figure 62, where the bottom surface of the explosion relief manifold 44 is provided with N grooves 442, and an annular gasket is embedded in each groove; or a groove is provided on the top surface of each individual battery 41, and an annular gasket is embedded in each groove.

[0496] In some other embodiments, a long strip of flame-retardant rubber sheet may be added; the long strip of flame-retardant rubber sheet is provided with N positioning holes, and an annular gasket is embedded in each positioning hole. In some other embodiments, the thermal expansion body 45 may also be a thermal expansion adhesive applied to the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 44 or to the top surface of each individual battery cell 41.

[0497] In this embodiment, the aforementioned explosion venting manifold 44 is made of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum. Since the explosion venting manifold 44 needs to provide downward pressure to the sealing gasket, in order to make the explosion venting manifold have higher strength and avoid deformation of the explosion venting manifold when the downward pressure is provided, as shown in Figure 60, in this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 44 includes a pipe body 443 and connecting bodies 444 on both sides of the pipe body 443. At least one reinforcing rib 445 is provided inside the pipe body 443, and N first through holes 441 are provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body 443. For ease of processing, the structure of the explosion venting manifold 44 can be integrally formed by extrusion.

[0498] In this embodiment, the battery string has a clamping plate 42 and a steel strip 43 (this is also a common method for grouping multiple individual batteries in existing battery modules). The two ends of the explosion-venting busbar 44 are connected to the two clamping plates 42 respectively, thereby fixing the explosion-venting busbar to the battery string. Specifically, the connection method is as follows: the connecting bodies 444 on both sides of the explosion-venting busbar 44 and the clamping plates 42 are connected by screws to fix the explosion-venting busbar 44 to the battery string. This embodiment cleverly uses the clamping plates 42 to fix the explosion-venting busbar 44, without the need for additional fasteners to fix the explosion-venting busbar, making the structure simpler.

[0499] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the explosion relief manifold 44 is pressed and fixed to the battery string by means of clamping plate 42 and screw connection. Without changing any other structure of the original battery module, the battery string can be equipped with the function of orderly discharge of thermal runaway smoke, thereby improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway.

[0500] Example 20

[0501] This embodiment is basically the same in structure as embodiment 19, except that the fixing method of the explosion relief manifold 44 in this embodiment is different from that in embodiment 19. Specifically, as shown in Figure 65, the battery module also includes a locking nut 46 and a separator 47; a separator is provided between at least one set of two adjacent single cells 41 in the battery module, wherein the number of separators is the same as the number of mounting holes on each connector 444.

[0502] The structure of the separator 47 is shown in Figure 66. As can be seen from the figure, the separator 47 in this embodiment includes a separator body 471, two studs 472 disposed at the top of the separator body 471, and two limiting plates 473 disposed at the bottom of the separator body 471. The two studs 472 extend along the height direction of the single cell and are arranged along the width direction of the single cell. The two studs 472 correspond to two mounting holes on the two connecting bodies that are located on the same straight line. The two limiting plates 473 are perpendicular to the separator body 471 and parallel to the lower cover plate of the single cell. The two limiting plates 473 extend to different sides of the separator body 471.

[0503] Referring to Figures 65 and 66, the above-mentioned separator 47 is fixed between two adjacent single cells 41. The separator body 471 is in contact with the large surface of the adjacent single cell 41. Two limiting plates 473 are limited on the lower cover plates of the two single cells 41. Two studs 472 pass through the corresponding mounting holes, and a locking nut 46 is provided at the top of the studs 472.

[0504] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold is connected to the battery string through the following process, as shown in Figure 65: First, the separator 47 is fixed between adjacent individual cells 41, so that the two limiting plates 473 are limited to the lower cover plates of different individual cells 41; second, a thermal expansion body 45 is provided on the top surface of the battery string, ensuring that the projection of each sixth through hole 451 of the thermal expansion body completely covers the explosion vent of the corresponding individual cell; then, the explosion venting manifold 44 is placed on the thermal expansion body 45, ensuring that the explosion venting manifold 44... Each first through hole 441 of the 4-cell structure corresponds to and is interconnected with each sixth through hole 451 of the thermal expansion body, allowing the studs 472 on the partition plate 47 to pass through the corresponding mounting holes. Finally, the locking nut 46 is tightened onto the stud 472, which generates axial tension. Under the limiting action of the limiting plate 473, the thermal expansion body is clamped between the explosion venting manifold and the battery string, and the top surface of the thermal expansion body is in close contact with the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold, as well as the bottom surface of the thermal expansion body and the top surface of the individual battery cell.

[0505] In this embodiment, the separator 47 has at least the following advantages: First, as a fixing part in the middle area between the battery string and the explosion-proof busbar, it can prevent the middle area of ​​the explosion-proof busbar from twisting and deforming. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion-proof busbar and the clamping plate, it further improves the sealing reliability. Second, the separator 47 has a certain elasticity. When the individual battery 41 swells and deforms, the separator 47 is squeezed by the individual battery 41 and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator 47 undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the individual battery 41. Third, the heat generated by each individual battery 41 during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator 47, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Due to the presence of the separator, it can suppress the expansion of the individual battery and fix the explosion-proof busbar. In some embodiments, in order to save the volume and weight of the battery module and reduce the cost of the battery module, the steel strip and clamping plate can also be eliminated.

[0506] Example 21

[0507] As shown in Figures 67 and 68, this embodiment provides a battery pack 200 composed of battery modules from Embodiment 19 or Embodiment 20. The battery pack includes a support platform 48, a liquid cooling plate 49, an outer cover 410, a flue gas emission pipe 411, and the aforementioned multiple battery modules 100. The structure of this battery pack is basically consistent with the external structure of existing battery packs. Specifically:

[0508] Multiple battery modules 100 are mounted side-by-side on a support platform 48, and a liquid cooling plate 49 is provided between the bottom surface of the multiple battery modules 100 and the support platform. To ensure insulation between the battery modules 100 and the liquid cooling plate 49, an insulating layer is required between the bottom surface of the multiple battery modules 100 and the liquid cooling plate 49. The outer cover 410 includes a top plate 4101 and four side plates 4102. The bottom surface of the four side plates 4102 of the outer cover 410 is provided with folded edges, which are fixed to the support platform 48 by screws. The multiple battery modules 100 are located inside the outer cover. One of the side plates 4102 integrates a BMS slave 4103, a fire interface 4104, a liquid cooling medium interface 4105, and an electrical signal interface 4106. The BMS slave 4103 is used to collect the voltage and temperature information of each individual battery and upload it to the BMS host.

[0509] The smoke outlet of the explosion relief manifold in each battery module 100 is connected to the smoke emission pipe 411. The smoke emission pipe 411 is connected to the fire interface 4104 on the side plate of the outer cover 410. When thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway smoke in the single cell is discharged from the battery pack in an orderly manner through the single cell explosion relief port, the sixth through hole, the first through hole, the explosion relief manifold, the smoke emission pipe and the fire interface for subsequent processing. The liquid cooling plate 49 is connected to the liquid cooling medium interface 4105 through a water pipe. There are two liquid cooling medium interfaces 4105, one as the medium inlet and the other as the medium outlet.

[0510] This application provides another type of explosion-proof busbar and a corresponding battery module.

[0511] The design concept of this solution is as follows: This application proposes a battery module, including a battery string composed of N individual batteries; N≥2; a venting manifold is added to the battery string, fixed to the battery string and covering the venting port of each individual battery; the bottom of the venting manifold has N first through holes corresponding one-to-one with the venting ports of each individual battery; in order to effectively seal the gap between the bottom of the venting manifold and the top of the individual battery, this application also adds a sealing structure, which includes N flexible sealing elements and a limiting element that limits the position of each flexible sealing element in the horizontal direction; each flexible sealing element has A seventh through hole is provided, and the projection of the through hole on the top of the single cell must completely cover the explosion vent of the single cell. When thermal runaway occurs, the explosion vent manifold provides downward pressure to each flexible seal, making the bottom of the explosion vent manifold and each flexible seal, as well as the flexible seal and the top of each single cell, fit tightly. This ensures that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged from the flue gas outlet of the explosion vent manifold. At the same time, the limiting component positions the flexible seal, preventing the impact force of the thermal runaway flue gas from causing the flexible seal to shift horizontally, thereby preventing flue gas leakage and improving the reliability of orderly flue gas emission.

[0512] It should be noted that: 1. The single cell in this application is a square aluminum-cased lithium battery, including a shell consisting of a top cover, a cylindrical body, and a bottom cover; and an electrode assembly located inside the shell; the electrode assembly here consists of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode arranged in sequence, and assembled using a stacking or winding process. The commercially available square aluminum-cased lithium battery has completed processes such as liquid injection and formation.

[0513] 2. The flexible seal in this application can be selected from the following two options:

[0514] Option 1: The flexible seal is a high-temperature resistant silicone ring. Under the downward pressure of the venting manifold, the high-temperature resistant silicone ring deforms, ensuring sealing in the event of thermal runaway.

[0515] Option 2: The flexible sealing element includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring set inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. In this option, the inner heat-expanding ring combined with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring forms two sealing barriers. Even if the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a prolonged period, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the heat-expanding ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0516] 3. The limiting component in this application may be selected from the following three forms:

[0517] Form 1: The limiting component is a flame-retardant rubber sheet with N positioning holes, each containing a flexible seal. This form uses a flame-retardant rubber sheet whose shape and size are adapted to the bottom of the explosion vent manifold. Flexible seals are installed in the N positioning holes of the flame-retardant rubber sheet. The flexible seals are restrained by external limiting, thus preventing horizontal displacement of the flexible seals under the impact force of thermal runaway smoke.

[0518] Form 2: The limiting component is an annular protrusion located on the top of the individual battery cell and around the explosion vent, with a flexible seal fitted around the annular protrusion. In this form, an annular protrusion is set on the top of the individual battery cell, and the flexible seal is fitted around the annular protrusion. The flexible seal is restrained by an internal limiting method, thereby preventing the flexible seal from shifting horizontally under the impact force of thermal runaway flue gas.

[0519] Form 3: The limiting component is a long strip-shaped thermal expansion plate with N positioning holes, each containing a flexible seal. This long strip-shaped thermal expansion plate is adapted to the shape and size of the bottom of the explosion vent manifold. It restrains the flexible seal through external limiting, thus preventing horizontal displacement of the flexible seal under the impact force of thermal runaway flue gas. The long strip-shaped thermal expansion plate not only limits the position of the seal but also serves as a second seal after thermal expansion.

[0520] 4. Based on the above-mentioned two forms of flexible seals and three forms of limiting components, the following five types of sealing structures can be formed by combining them: The first sealing structure includes the flexible seal of Scheme 1 and the limiting component of Form 1, that is, the high-temperature resistant silicone ring is embedded in the positioning hole of the flame-retardant rubber plate; The second sealing structure includes the flexible seal of Scheme 2 and the limiting component of Form 1, that is, the internal heat-expanding ring is fitted inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to form a flexible seal and then fitted into the positioning hole of the flame-retardant rubber plate; The third sealing structure includes the flexible seal of Scheme 1 and the limiting component of Form 2, that is, the high-temperature resistant silicone ring is fitted onto the annular protrusion on the top of the single cell; The fourth sealing structure includes the flexible seal of Scheme 2 and the limiting component of Form 2, that is, the internal heat-expanding ring is fitted inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to form a flexible seal and then fitted onto the annular protrusion on the top of the single cell; The fifth sealing structure includes the flexible seal of Scheme 1 and the limiting component of Form 3, that is, the high-temperature resistant silicone ring is embedded in the positioning hole of the elongated heat-expanding plate. 5. The above-mentioned flexible seals must be tightly fitted to the bottom of the explosion venting manifold, as well as the top of the individual battery and each flexible seal, to meet the following conditions: After the explosion venting manifold is installed in place, each flexible seal has a certain amount of compression deformation under the downward pressure of the explosion venting manifold, and the thickness of each flexible seal after compression deformation is greater than the thickness of the limiting component.

[0521] Example 22

[0522] As shown in Figures 69 to 72, this embodiment provides a battery module 100, in which N individual cells 51 are arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells, N≥2; clamping plates 52 are respectively provided at the beginning and end, and steel strips 53 are used to bind them, thereby forming a battery string; the steel strips 53 and clamping plates 52 can effectively suppress the problem of individual cells expanding and affecting the cycle performance of the battery module.

[0523] In order to orderly discharge the flue gas after thermal runaway of the battery module, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 also includes a venting manifold 54 covering the venting port of each individual battery 51; as shown in Figures 70 and 72, the bottom of the venting manifold 54 is provided with N first through holes 541; a sealing structure 55 is provided between the top of each individual battery 51 and the bottom of the venting manifold 54, the sealing structure 55 includes N flexible seals 551 and a limiting member 552 that limits each flexible seal 551 in the horizontal direction; as shown in Figure 70, a seventh through hole 553 is provided on the flexible seal, and the projection of the seventh through hole 553 on the top of the individual battery needs to completely cover the venting port of the individual battery.

[0524] The explosion venting manifold 54 is fixedly installed on the battery string and provides pre-pressure to the sealing structure 55 to press the sealing structure 55 tightly onto its corresponding individual battery cell 51. The bottom of the explosion venting manifold 54 and the sealing structure 55, as well as the sealing structure 55 and the top of the individual battery cell, are tightly fitted together. The N first through holes 541 of the explosion venting manifold 54 and the N seventh through holes 553 of the flexible seals are connected one-to-one. At the same time, the limiting component positions the flexible seals to prevent the impact force of thermal runaway flue gas from causing horizontal displacement of the flexible seals, thereby preventing flue gas leakage and improving the reliability of orderly flue gas emission.

[0525] In this embodiment, the sealing structure adopts the first sealing structure described above, namely, the high-temperature resistant silicone ring 5511 is embedded in the positioning hole of the flame-retardant rubber plate 5521.

[0526] In some other embodiments, the high-temperature resistant silicone ring 5511 can be replaced with a high-temperature resistant fluororubber ring, a high-temperature resistant hydrogenated nitrile rubber ring, etc., but considering factors such as high-temperature resistance, deformability, and cost, a high-temperature resistant silicone ring is preferred. In some other embodiments, the flame-retardant rubber plate 5521 can be a PEEK (polyetheretherketone) plate, a PI (polyimide) plate, a glass fiber silicone resin plate, or an insulating bakelite board; in some other embodiments, the limiting member 552 can be divided into N parts, with one flame-retardant rubber plate provided between the top of each individual battery and the bottom of the explosion-venting manifold; each flame-retardant rubber plate is provided with a positioning hole, and a flexible sealing element is provided in each positioning hole.

[0527] In this embodiment, the aforementioned explosion venting manifold 54 is made of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum. Since the explosion venting manifold 54 needs to provide pre-pressure to the flexible seal, in order to make the explosion venting manifold have higher strength and avoid deformation of the explosion venting manifold when the applied downward pressure is applied, as shown in Figures 70 and 71, in this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold 54 includes a pipe body 543 and connecting bodies 544 provided on both sides of the width direction of the pipe body 543. At least one reinforcing rib 545 is provided inside the pipe body 543, and N first through holes 541 are provided at the bottom of the pipe body 543. For ease of processing, the structure of the explosion venting manifold 54 can be integrally formed by extrusion.

[0528] In this embodiment, the battery string has a clamping plate 52 and a steel strip 53 (this is also a common method for grouping multiple individual batteries in existing battery modules). The two ends of the explosion-venting busbar 54 are connected to the two clamping plates 52 respectively, thereby fixing the explosion-venting busbar to the battery string. Specifically, the connection method is as follows: the connecting bodies 544 on both sides of the explosion-venting busbar 54 and the clamping plates 52 are connected by screws to fix the explosion-venting busbar 54 to the battery string. This embodiment cleverly uses the clamping plates 52 to fix the explosion-venting busbar 54, eliminating the need for additional fasteners to fix the explosion-venting busbar, resulting in a simpler structure.

[0529] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the explosion relief manifold 54 is pressed and fixed to the battery string by means of clamping plate 52 and screw connection. Without changing any other structure of the original battery module, the battery string can be equipped with the function of orderly discharge of thermal runaway smoke, thereby improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway.

[0530] Example 23

[0531] This embodiment is basically the same in structure as Embodiment 22, except that the sealing structure in this embodiment is different from that in Embodiment 22. As shown in Figures 73 and 74, this embodiment uses a second sealing structure, in which the inner thermal expansion ring 5512 is fitted inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring 5511 to form a flexible seal 551, which is then embedded in the positioning hole of the flame-retardant rubber plate 5521. Compared with Embodiment 22, the sealing structure used in this embodiment forms two sealing barriers by combining the inner thermal expansion ring with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring. This allows the thermal expansion ring to effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas even when the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a long time, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal. The thermal expansion ring can also be called a fireproof expansion sealing ring, which needs to have the characteristics of thermal expansion and also needs to have a certain high-temperature resistance.

[0532] It should be noted that after the explosion vent manifold is installed in place, each flexible seal will have a certain amount of compression deformation under the downward pressure of the explosion vent manifold, and the thickness of each flexible seal after compression deformation will be greater than the thickness of the limiting component and the thickness of the thermal expansion ring.

[0533] Example 24

[0534] This embodiment is basically the same in structure as embodiments 22 and 2, except that the fixing method of the explosion relief manifold 54 in this embodiment is different from that in embodiment 22. Specifically, as shown in Figure 75, the battery module also includes a locking nut 56 and a separator 57; a separator is provided between at least one set of two adjacent single cells 51 in the battery module, wherein the number of separators is the same as the number of mounting holes on each connector 544.

[0535] The structure of the separator 57 is shown in Figure 76. As can be seen from the figure, the separator 57 in this embodiment includes a separator body 571, two studs 572 disposed at the top of the separator body 571, and two limiting plates 573 disposed at the bottom of the separator body 571. The two studs 572 extend along the height direction of the single cell and are arranged along the width direction of the single cell. The two studs 572 correspond to two mounting holes on the two connecting bodies that are located on the same straight line. The two limiting plates 573 are perpendicular to the separator body 571 and parallel to the lower cover plate of the single cell. The two limiting plates 573 extend to different sides of the separator body 571.

[0536] Referring to Figures 75 and 76, the aforementioned separator 57 is fixed between two adjacent single cells 51, with the separator body 571 in contact with the large surface of the adjacent single cell 51. Two limiting plates 573 are limited on the lower cover plates of the two single cells 51, and two studs 572 pass through corresponding mounting holes. A locking nut 56 is provided at the top of the studs 572.

[0537] In this embodiment, the explosion venting manifold is connected to the battery pack via the following process, as shown in Figure 73: First, the separator 57 is fixed between adjacent individual cells 51, so that the two limiting plates 573 are limited to the lower cover plates of different individual cells 51; second, the sealing structure 55 is installed, ensuring that the projection of the seventh through hole 553 of the flexible seal in the sealing structure completely covers the explosion vent of the corresponding individual cell; then, the explosion venting manifold 54 is placed on the sealing structure 55, ensuring that the explosion venting manifold 54... Each first through hole 541 and each seventh through hole 553 of the sealing structure correspond one-to-one and are interconnected, so that the studs 572 on the partition 57 pass through the corresponding mounting holes; finally, the locking nut 56 is tightened on the studs 572, and the studs 572 generate axial tension. Under the limiting action of the limiting plate 573, the sealing structure is clamped between the explosion venting manifold and the battery string, and the top surface of the sealing structure is in close contact with the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold, and the bottom surface of the sealing structure is in close contact with the top surface of the individual battery.

[0538] In this embodiment, the separator 57 has at least the following advantages: First, by using the locking nut and the separator as the fixing parts in the middle area of ​​the explosion venting manifold in the battery module, the twisting deformation of the middle area of ​​the explosion venting manifold can be prevented. Combined with the connection between the two ends of the explosion venting manifold and the clamping plate, the sealing reliability is further improved. Second, the separator 57 has a certain elasticity. When the single cell 51 swells and deforms, the separator 57 is squeezed by the single cell 51 and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator 57 undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell 51. Third, the heat generated by each single cell 51 during charging and discharging can be transferred to the outside through the separator 57, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0539] In some embodiments, the clamping plates at both ends of the explosion venting manifold and the battery string can be fixed by screw connection, with the studs on the partition plate extending out of the mounting hole in the middle of the explosion venting manifold and the locking nut tightened on the studs.

[0540] The presence of the separator can suppress the expansion of individual cells and fix the explosion venting manifold. In some embodiments, in order to save the volume and weight of the battery module and reduce the cost of the battery module, the steel strip and clamping plate can be eliminated.

[0541] Example 25

[0542] As shown in Figures 77 and 78, this embodiment provides a battery pack 200 composed of battery modules from Embodiment 22 or Embodiment 23. The battery pack includes a support platform 58, a liquid cooling plate 59, an outer cover 510, a flue gas emission pipe 511, and the aforementioned multiple battery modules 100. The battery pack structure is basically consistent with the external structure of existing battery packs. Specifically, multiple battery modules 100 are installed side-by-side on the support platform 58, and a liquid cooling plate 59 is provided between the bottom of the multiple battery modules 100 and the support platform. To ensure insulation between the battery modules 100 and the liquid cooling plate 59, multiple battery modules... An insulating layer needs to be provided between the bottom of the group 100 and the liquid cooling plate 59; the outer cover 510 includes a top plate 5101 and four side plates 5102; the bottom of the four side plates 5102 of the outer cover 510 is provided with folded edges, which are fixed to the support platform 58 by screw connection, and multiple battery modules 100 are located inside the outer cover; one of the side plates 5102 integrates a BMS slave 5103, a fire interface 5104, a liquid cooling medium interface 5105, and an electrical signal interface 5106; the BMS slave 5103 is used to collect the voltage and temperature information of each individual battery and upload it to the BMS host.

[0543] The smoke outlet of the explosion relief manifold in each battery module 100 is connected to the smoke emission pipe 511. The smoke emission pipe 511 is connected to the fire-fighting interface 5104 on the side plate of the outer cover 510. When thermal runaway occurs, the thermal runaway smoke in the individual battery is discharged from the battery pack in an orderly manner through the individual battery explosion relief port, the seventh through hole, the first through hole, the explosion relief manifold, the smoke emission pipe and the fire-fighting interface for subsequent processing. The liquid cooling plate 59 is connected to the liquid cooling medium interface 5105 through a water pipe. There are two liquid cooling medium interfaces 5105, one as the medium inlet and the other as the medium outlet.

[0544] This application provides another type of explosion-proof busbar and a corresponding battery module.

[0545] The design concept of this solution is as follows: This application proposes a battery module, including N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of each individual cell. The first and last individual cells are each fitted with a clamping plate and bound together with steel strips to form a battery string; N≥2. It also includes a venting manifold fixed to the battery string and covering the venting port of each individual cell. A first flue gas channel is provided inside the venting manifold, and a second flue gas channel is provided inside the clamping plate, with the first and second flue gas channels connected. A first sealing structure is provided between the top surface of each individual cell and the bottom surface of the venting manifold. The venting manifold provides downward pressure to the first sealing structure, ensuring a tight fit between the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the first sealing structure, and between the first sealing structure and the top surface of each individual cell. When the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway flue gas is orderly discharged through the first flue gas channel inside the venting manifold and the second flue gas channel inside the clamping plate, preventing the thermal runaway flue gas from spreading within the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module after thermal runaway.

[0546] It should be noted that: 1. The single cell in this application uses a square aluminum-cased lithium battery, including a shell composed of a top cover, a cylindrical body, and a bottom cover; and an electrode assembly located inside the shell; the electrode assembly here is composed of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode arranged in sequence, and assembled using a stacking or winding process. The commercially available square aluminum-cased lithium battery has completed processes such as liquid injection and formation. 2. The tight fit between the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold and the first sealing structure, between the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold and the second sealing structure, between the first sealing structure and the top surface of each single cell, and between the second sealing structure and the top surface of the clamping plate, as mentioned above, must meet the following conditions: after the explosion venting manifold is installed in place, each first sealing structure has a certain amount of compression deformation under the downward pressure of the explosion venting manifold.

[0547] Example 26

[0548] As shown in Figure 79, this embodiment provides a battery module 100, in which N individual cells 61 are arranged along the thickness direction of the individual cells, N≥2, and in this embodiment N=13. This number can be adjusted according to the actual situation. Clamping plates 62 are respectively provided at the beginning and end (i.e., the 13 individual cells are numbered 1 to 13 in sequence, and the two clamping plates are respectively set on both sides of cell No. 1 and cell No. 13), and steel strips 63 are used to bind them, thereby forming a battery string. The setting of steel strips 63 and clamping plates 62 can effectively suppress the problem of individual cell expansion affecting the cycle performance of the battery module.

[0549] In order to orderly discharge the flue gas after thermal runaway of the battery module, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 also includes a venting manifold 64;

[0550] As shown in Figures 80 and 81, a first flue gas channel 641 is provided inside the explosion venting manifold 64, and N first through holes 642 and a smoke exhaust port 643 are opened on the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 64; a second flue gas channel 621 is provided inside at least one clamping plate 62, and the inlet of the second flue gas channel 621 is located on the top surface of the clamping plate 62; a first sealing structure 65 is provided between the top surface of each individual battery 61 and the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 64, and a second sealing structure 66 is provided between the second flue gas channel inlet 6211 on the top surface of the clamping plate 62 and the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 64; N eighth through holes 651 are opened on the first sealing structure 65, and the N first through holes 642 and N eighth through holes 651 of the explosion venting manifold 64 are also provided. 1. Each individual battery cell has a corresponding explosion vent at its top; the second sealing structure 66 has a ninth through hole 661, and the exhaust port 643 of the explosion venting manifold 64 corresponds to and is connected to the ninth through hole 661; the explosion venting manifold 64 provides downward pressure to the first sealing structure 65 and the second sealing structure 66, so that the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 64 and the first sealing structure 65, the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 64 and the second sealing structure 66, the first sealing structure 65 and the top surface of each individual battery cell 61, and the second sealing structure 66 and the top surface of the clamping plate 62 are all tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged sequentially along the first channel 41, the exhaust port 643, and the second flue gas channel outlet 6212. In some other embodiments, the exhaust port 643 may also be located at the end of the explosion venting manifold, and the exhaust port is connected to the second flue gas channel of the clamping plate through a connecting pipe.

[0551] As shown in Figure 82, in this embodiment, the first sealing structure 65 includes N flexible sealing elements 652 and a limiting element 653 that limits the movement of each flexible sealing element 652 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the flexible sealing element 652 includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring 6521 and a thermal expansion ring 6522 disposed inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The inner thermal expansion ring 6522, combined with the outer high-temperature resistant silicone ring 6521, forms two sealing barriers. Even when the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is too high for a prolonged period, causing the high-temperature resistant silicone ring to collapse and fail to seal, the thermal expansion ring can still effectively seal the thermal runaway flue gas. The thermal expansion ring can also be called a fire-resistant expansion sealing ring, which needs to have the characteristics of thermal expansion and also needs to have a certain degree of high-temperature resistance.

[0552] It should be noted that after the explosion relief manifold 64 is installed in place, each high-temperature resistant silicone ring will have a certain amount of compression deformation under the downward pressure of the explosion relief manifold, and the thickness of each high-temperature resistant silicone ring after compression deformation is greater than the thickness of the limiting component and the thickness of the thermal expansion ring.

[0553] The limiting member 653 is a flame-retardant rubber plate 6531 with dimensions and shape similar to the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold 64. The flame-retardant rubber plate 6531 has N positioning holes, and a high-temperature resistant silicone ring 6521 is disposed within each positioning hole. In some other embodiments, the flexible seal 652 may also be only a high-temperature resistant silicone ring 6521. In some other embodiments, the limiting member 653 consists of N flame-retardant rubber plates, with one flame-retardant rubber plate disposed between the top surface of each individual battery and the bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold. Each flame-retardant rubber plate has a positioning hole, and a flexible seal is disposed within each positioning hole. In some other embodiments, the limiting member 653 is an annular protrusion located on the top of the individual battery and around the explosion vent, with the flexible seal fitted around the annular protrusion. In some other embodiments, the limiting member 653 is an annular groove located on the top of the individual battery and around the explosion vent, with the flexible seal embedded within the annular groove. In some other embodiments, the first sealing structure 65 includes only N flexible sealing elements 652 (without any position element 653); the flexible sealing elements 652 adopt the same high-temperature resistant silicone rings 6521 as in this embodiment; in some other embodiments, the first sealing structure 65 includes only a high-temperature resistant silicone plat...

Claims

A venting manifold is used in a battery module, the battery module comprising m individual cells arranged in the same direction; wherein, m is an integer greater than 1; characterized in that the explosion venting manifold has a first through hole corresponding to the explosion venting part of the single battery, which is used to orderly discharge the thermal runaway smoke when the battery module thermally runs away. According to claim 1, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The explosion venting manifold includes a hollow tube and a connecting part; at least one first through hole is opened on the first tube wall of the hollow tube, which penetrates its inner cavity. The inner cavity of the hollow tube serves as a thermal runaway flue gas venting channel and is connected to the explosion venting part of each individual battery through the first through hole. The connecting part is provided on the hollow tube and is used to connect with the battery module. According to claim 1, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, There are m first through holes, which are arranged along the length of the hollow tube and correspond one-to-one with the explosion venting parts on the m individual batteries. The inner cavity of the hollow tube is connected to the corresponding explosion venting parts through the m first through holes. According to claim 3, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The connecting part includes two connecting plates; the two connecting plates are respectively fixed on two opposite third pipe walls of the hollow pipe fitting and extend along the length of the hollow pipe fitting. According to claim 4, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, Both connecting plates have n second through holes, which are arranged along the length of the connecting plates, where n is an integer greater than 1. The explosion relief manifold according to any one of claims 2 to 5 is characterized in that, It also includes a flexible base plate, which is used to be installed between the hollow tube and the connecting part and the top cover of the single battery cell; the flexible base plate is provided with a third through hole that corresponds to and penetrates the first through hole. According to claim 1, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The explosion venting manifold includes a flexible base plate and a first half-tube with a U-shaped cross-section; m first through holes are opened on the flexible base plate; the m first through holes correspond one-to-one with the explosion venting parts on the m individual cells in the battery module; the flexible base plate is used to fix and connect with the cover plate of each individual cell; the first half-tube is fastened on the flexible base plate and sealed and fixed with the flexible base plate, where m is an integer greater than 1. According to claim 7, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The first half-tube is bonded and fixed to the flexible base plate. According to claim 8, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The flexible base plate is bonded and fixed to the top cover of the individual battery. According to claim 9, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The projection of the flexible base plate onto the xy plane is greater than the projection of the first half-tube onto the xy plane. According to claim 7, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, Each first through hole's projection onto the top cover of the individual battery cell completely covers the corresponding explosion vent. According to claim 7, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The flexible base plate is made of high-temperature resistant rubber or plastic material, where high temperature refers to the battery thermal runaway temperature. According to claim 7, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The outer wall of the first half-pipe has protrusions or grooves. According to claim 13, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The protrusion or groove extends axially along the outer wall of the first half-pipe. According to claim 7, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, A connecting joint is provided on at least one of the two open ends of the first half-pipe for connection to an external pipeline. According to claim 1, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The explosion venting manifold includes a manifold and N sealing gaskets; N≥2; N first through holes are opened on the bottom of the manifold; a sealing gasket is placed at each first through hole of the manifold, and a fifth through hole is provided on the sealing gasket. The size of the fifth through hole needs to meet the following requirements: the projection of the fifth through hole on the top of the single cell needs to completely cover the explosion vent of the single cell; the manifold provides downward pressure to each sealing gasket to fix the N sealing gaskets to their respective single cells in the battery module. The manifold and each sealing gasket are tightly fitted, and the sealing gasket and the top of the single cell are tightly fitted. The N first through holes of the manifold and the N fifth through holes of the sealing gaskets are connected one-to-one to ensure that the thermal runaway smoke can only be discharged from the smoke outlet of the manifold. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 16 is characterized in that, The manifold is made of metal and includes a pipe body and connecting bodies on both sides of the pipe body. At least one reinforcing rib is provided inside the pipe body, and N first through holes are provided at the bottom of the pipe body. According to claim 17, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The tube body and connector are formed by integral molding. The explosion relief manifold according to any one of claims 16 to 18 is characterized in that, The sealing gasket includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion; the vertical portion passes through the first through hole of the manifold. According to claim 19, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, At least one sealing structure is provided between the sealing gasket and the manifold. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 20 is characterized in that, The sealing structure includes a first seal; the first seal is a chamfer set at the opening of the first through hole and a first protrusion integrally formed at the junction of the vertical and horizontal parts, the chamfer and the first protrusion being tightly fitted together. According to claim 21, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The sealing structure also includes a second seal; the second seal is an annular groove at the bottom of the manifold and a second protrusion integrally formed on the horizontal part, the first protrusion being embedded in the annular groove and the two fitting tightly together. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 22 is characterized in that, The vertical section located inside the manifold is fitted with a limiting flange. According to claim 1, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The explosion venting manifold includes a pipe body and a sleeve; the pipe body is provided with a flue gas channel, and the pipe body is provided with a flue gas outlet and N first through holes. The N first through holes are provided at the bottom of the pipe body to correspond one-to-one with the explosion venting ports of individual batteries in the battery module; at least two sets of sleeves are provided, which are respectively embedded at both ends of the pipe body, and the inner hole of the sleeve serves as a channel for screw connection. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 24 is characterized in that, The inner hole of the sleeve is a stepped hole. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 24 is characterized in that, The pipe body is made of rectangular steel profile, and the sleeve is made of steel. The sleeve is installed in the pipe body by welding. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 24 is characterized in that, The exhaust port is a threaded interface. According to claim 1, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The explosion venting manifold includes a pipe body, which serves as a flue gas passage. The pipe body is provided with a smoke exhaust port and N first through holes. The N first through holes are provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body and are used to correspond one-to-one with the explosion vents of individual batteries in the battery module. A limiting mechanism is provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body corresponding to the position of each first through hole to limit the horizontal displacement of the sealing structure. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 28 is characterized in that, The limiting mechanism is a recessed part with the bottom surface of the tube facing inward, and the first through hole is opened in the recessed part. According to claim 29, the explosion relief manifold is characterized in that, The tube body is welded together from a first U-shaped part and a second U-shaped part; wherein, N recesses and N first through holes are formed on the first U-shaped part or the second U-shaped part by stamping. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 28 is characterized in that, The limiting mechanism is an annular groove engraved on the bottom surface of the tube, and the first through hole is opened in the area enclosed by the annular groove. The explosion relief manifold according to any one of claims 28 to 31 is characterized in that, It also includes at least two sleeves that are fixedly embedded in the tube body. The explosion relief manifold according to claim 32 is characterized in that, The inner hole of the sleeve is a stepped hole. A battery module includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of each cell. The first and last two cells each have clamping plates on their outer sides, and are bound together by steel strips to form a battery string; N ≥ 2. It also includes a venting manifold as described in any one of claims 28 to 33. Each limiting mechanism in the venting manifold has a sealing structure. The sealing structure has through holes, and the N first through holes, N through holes, and the venting port on the top of each individual cell correspond one-to-one and remain connected. The venting manifold is fixed to the battery string by a clamping member, and the venting manifold provides downward pressure to the sealing structure, ensuring a tight fit between the venting manifold and each sealing structure, and between each sealing structure and the top surface of its corresponding individual cell, ensuring that thermal runaway fumes can only be discharged sequentially along the first through holes, the fumes channel, and the exhaust port. The battery module according to claim 34 is characterized in that, The clamping element consists of at least two sleeves that are fixedly embedded in the tube body. The battery module according to claim 35 is characterized in that, It also includes at least one fixing component and a sleeve that mates with the fixing component; the fixing component includes a nut and a partition; a stud is provided at the top of the partition; the partition is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, and the stud passes through the sleeve and locks the nut at the part where the stud passes through the sleeve; two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the partition; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the main body of the partition and parallel to the lower cover of the individual cells, and the two limiting plates extend to different sides of the main body of the partition and limit the lower cover of the individual cells on both sides. The battery module according to any one of claims 34 to 36 is characterized in that, The sealing structure is a flexible seal, which includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring disposed inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. A battery module comprising m individual batteries arranged in the same direction, characterized in that, It also includes the explosion venting manifold as described in any one of claims 2 to 6; the explosion venting manifold is fixed to the top of the battery module via a connecting part. The battery module according to claim 38 is characterized in that, It also includes a locking component and a partition; the top of the partition is provided with a fixing post; the fixing post corresponds to the second through hole on the connecting plate; the partition is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, the fixing post protrudes through the corresponding second through hole, and the locking component is locked at the part of the fixing post that protrudes through the second through hole. The battery module according to claim 39 is characterized in that, Two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the separator; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the separator body and parallel to the lower cover of the individual battery. The two limiting plates extend to different sides of the separator body and limit the lower cover of two adjacent individual batteries. The battery module according to claim 39 is characterized in that, A sealing layer is provided between the flexible base plate and the cover plate of each individual battery; a sealing layer is provided between the hollow tube and the connecting plate and the flexible base plate. The battery module according to claim 38 is characterized in that, It also includes a pole heat exchange device; the pole heat exchange device includes a heat transfer tube assembly and pole adapters corresponding to each pole; the pole adapters have through slots and are fixed on the corresponding poles; the inner cavity of the heat transfer tube assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel and is fitted into the through slots, forming two heat exchange channels at the top of the battery module. A battery module includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of each cell. The first and last two cells each have clamping plates on their outer sides, and are bound together by steel strips to form a battery string; N ≥ 2. It also includes a venting manifold as described in any one of claims 24 to 27. A sealing structure is provided between the top surface of each individual cell and the bottom surface of the venting manifold. The sealing structure has N through holes, and the N first through holes, N through holes, and the venting port on the top of each individual cell correspond one-to-one. A screw passes through the inner hole of the sleeve of the venting manifold and is threadedly connected to the clamping plate, fixing the venting manifold to the battery string. The venting manifold provides downward pressure to the sealing structure, ensuring a tight fit between the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the sealing structure, and between the sealing structure and the top surface of each individual cell, ensuring that thermal runaway fumes can only be discharged sequentially along the first through holes, the fumes channel, and the exhaust port. The battery module according to claim 43 is characterized in that, It also includes at least one fixing component and a sleeve that mates with the fixing component; the fixing component includes a nut and a partition; a stud is provided at the top of the partition; the partition is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, and the stud passes through the sleeve and locks the nut at the part where the stud passes through the sleeve; two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the partition; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the main body of the partition and parallel to the lower cover of the individual cells, and the two limiting plates extend to different sides of the main body of the partition and limit the lower cover of the individual cells on both sides. The battery module according to claim 43 is characterized in that, The sealing structure includes N flexible seals and a limiting element that limits the position of each flexible seal in the horizontal direction. The battery module according to claim 45 is characterized in that, The flexible seal includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring disposed inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The limiting member is a flame-retardant rubber plate with N positioning holes, and a flexible seal is disposed in each positioning hole. A battery module comprising a battery string of N individual cells; N ≥ 2; characterized in that, It also includes a venting manifold covering the vent of each individual battery cell; the venting manifold includes a manifold and N sealing gaskets; N first through holes are opened on the bottom of the manifold; a sealing gasket is placed between the top of each individual battery cell and the bottom of the manifold, and a fifth through hole is provided on the sealing gasket. The projection of the fifth through hole on the top of the individual battery cell needs to completely cover the vent of the individual battery cell; the manifold is fixedly installed on the battery string and provides downward pressure to each sealing gasket to fix the N sealing gaskets to their respective individual batteries. The manifold and each sealing gasket are tightly fitted, and the sealing gasket and the top of the individual battery cell are tightly fitted. The N first through holes of the manifold and the N fifth through holes of the sealing gaskets are connected one-to-one to ensure that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged from the flue outlet of the manifold. The battery module according to claim 47 is characterized in that, The manifold is made of metal and includes a pipe body and connecting bodies on both sides of the pipe body. At least one reinforcing rib is provided inside the pipe body, and N first through holes are provided at the bottom of the pipe body. The battery module according to claim 47 is characterized in that, The sealing gasket includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion; the vertical portion passes through the first through hole of the manifold. The battery module according to claim 49 is characterized in that, At least one sealing structure is provided between the sealing gasket and the manifold. The battery module according to claim 50 is characterized in that, The sealing structure includes a first seal; the first seal is a chamfer set at the opening of the first through hole and a first protrusion integrally formed at the junction of the vertical and horizontal parts, the chamfer and the first protrusion being tightly fitted together. The battery module according to claim 51 is characterized in that, The sealing structure also includes a second seal; the second seal is an annular groove at the bottom of the manifold and a second protrusion integrally formed on the horizontal part, the second protrusion being embedded in the annular groove and the two fitting tightly together. The battery module according to any one of claims 47 to 52 is characterized in that, The battery string consists of multiple individual cells, a steel strip, and two clamping plates; the two ends of the busbar are connected to the two clamping plates respectively, thereby fixing the busbar to the battery string. The battery module according to claim 53 is characterized in that, A heat insulation pad is provided between the sealing gasket and the individual battery cell. A battery module includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of each cell. The first and last two cells each have clamping plates on their outer sides, and are bound together by steel strips to form a battery string. Its distinguishing feature is that... It also includes a venting manifold fixed to the battery string; N first through holes are opened on the bottom surface of the venting manifold; a thermal expansion body is set between the top surface of the battery string and the bottom surface of the venting manifold; the thermal expansion body is provided with N sixth through holes that correspond one-to-one with the N first through holes and are kept in communication; the thermal expansion body expands when the battery heats up, so that the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the thermal expansion body, as well as the thermal expansion body and the top surface of each individual battery, are tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway smoke can only be discharged from the smoke outlet of the venting manifold. The battery module according to claim 55 is characterized in that, The thermal expansion body is a long strip of gasket. The size of the long strip of gasket is adapted to the bottom size of the explosion relief manifold. N sixth through holes are opened on the long strip of gasket. The N sixth through holes correspond one-to-one with the N first through holes and are interconnected. The battery module according to claim 55 is characterized in that, The thermal expansion body consists of N annular gaskets. An annular gasket is placed between the top surface of each individual cell and the bottom surface of the explosion vent manifold. The area enclosed by the annular gaskets must completely cover the explosion vent of the individual cell when projected onto the top surface of the individual cell. The battery module according to claim 57 is characterized in that, The bottom surface of the explosion venting manifold is provided with N grooves, and each groove is fitted with an annular gasket; or each individual battery cell has a groove on its top surface, and each groove is fitted with an annular gasket. The battery module according to claim 58 is characterized in that, It also includes a long strip of flame-retardant rubber sheet; the long strip of flame-retardant rubber sheet is provided with N positioning holes, and each positioning hole is fitted with an annular gasket. The battery module according to any one of claims 55 to 59 is characterized in that, The explosion relief manifold is made of metal and includes a pipe body and connecting bodies on both sides of the pipe body in the width direction. At least one reinforcing rib is provided inside the pipe body, and N first through holes are provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body. The connecting bodies on both sides are used to fix the pipe body to the clamping plates at both ends by screw connection. The battery module according to claim 60 is characterized in that, It also includes a locking nut and a separator; the top of the separator is provided with two studs spaced apart; the separator is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, and the two studs pass through the mounting holes of the two side connectors respectively, and the locking nut is locked on the part of the studs that pass through the mounting holes. The battery module according to claim 61 is characterized in that, Two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the separator; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the separator body and parallel to the lower cover of the individual battery. The two limiting plates extend to different sides of the separator body and limit the lower cover of the adjacent individual battery on both sides. A battery module includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of each cell. The first and last two cells each have clamping plates on their outer sides, and are bound together by steel strips to form a battery string. Its distinguishing feature is that... It also includes a venting manifold fixed to the battery string; N first through holes are opened at the bottom of the venting manifold; a sealing structure is set between the top of each individual battery and the bottom of the venting manifold, the sealing structure includes N flexible seals and a limiting member that limits each flexible seal in the horizontal direction; a seventh through hole is opened on each flexible seal, and the N first through holes of the venting manifold and the N seventh through holes of the flexible seals are connected one-to-one; the venting manifold provides downward pressure to each flexible seal, so that the bottom of the venting manifold and each flexible seal, as well as each flexible seal and the top of each individual battery, are tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway smoke can only be discharged from the smoke outlet of the venting manifold. The battery module according to claim 63 is characterized in that, The flexible seal is a high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The battery module according to claim 63 is characterized in that, The flexible seal includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring disposed inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The battery module according to any one of claims 63 to 65 is characterized in that, The limiting component is a flame-retardant rubber sheet with N positioning holes, and a flexible sealing component is installed in each positioning hole. The battery module according to any one of claims 63 to 65 is characterized in that, The limiting component is an annular protrusion located on the top of the single battery cell and around the vent, and a flexible sealing component is sleeved around the annular protrusion. The battery module according to claim 63 or 64 is characterized in that, The limiting component is a long strip-shaped heat-expanding plate with N positioning holes, and a flexible sealing component is installed in each positioning hole. The battery module according to claim 63 is characterized in that, The explosion relief manifold is made of metal and includes a pipe body and connecting bodies on both sides of the pipe body in the width direction. At least one reinforcing rib is provided inside the pipe body, and N first through holes are provided on the bottom surface of the pipe body. The connecting bodies on both sides are used to fix the pipe body to the clamping plates at both ends by screw connection. The battery module according to claim 69 is characterized in that, It also includes a locking nut and a separator; the top of the separator is provided with two studs spaced apart; the separator is clamped and fixed between adjacent individual cells, and the two studs pass through the mounting holes of the two side connectors respectively, and the locking nut is locked on the part of the studs that pass through the mounting holes. The battery module according to claim 70 is characterized in that, Two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the separator; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the separator body and parallel to the lower cover of the individual battery. The two limiting plates extend to different sides of the separator body and limit the lower cover of two adjacent individual batteries. A battery module includes N individual cells arranged along the thickness direction of each cell. The first and last two cells each have clamping plates on their outer sides, and are bound together by steel strips to form a battery string; N≥2; characterized in that... It also includes a venting manifold fixed to the battery string; a first flue gas channel is provided inside the venting manifold, N first through holes are opened on the bottom surface of the venting manifold, and at least one exhaust port is provided on the venting manifold; a second flue gas channel communicating with the exhaust port is provided in at least one clamping plate; a first sealing structure is provided between the top surface of each individual battery and the bottom surface of the venting manifold; N eighth through holes are opened on the first sealing structure, and the N first through holes and N eighth through holes of the venting manifold correspond one-to-one and remain connected; the venting manifold provides downward pressure to the first sealing structure, so that the bottom surface of the venting manifold and the first sealing structure, and the first sealing structure and the top surface of each individual battery are tightly fitted, ensuring that the thermal runaway flue gas can only be discharged sequentially along the first channel, the exhaust port, and the second flue gas channel in the clamping plate. The battery module according to claim 72 is characterized in that, The exhaust port is located on the bottom surface of the explosion relief manifold, and the inlet of the second flue gas channel is located on the top surface of the clamping plate. A second sealing structure is provided between the inlet of the second flue gas channel and the exhaust port. A ninth through hole is provided on the second sealing structure, and the exhaust port, the ninth through hole and the inlet of the second flue gas channel are kept in communication. The explosion relief manifold provides downward pressure to the second sealing structure, so that the bottom surface of the explosion relief manifold and the second sealing structure, and the second sealing structure and the top surface of the clamping plate are tightly fitted together. The battery module according to claim 72 or 73 is characterized in that, The explosion venting manifold is made of a rectangular metal profile and is fixedly connected to at least two clamping plates, thereby fixing the explosion venting manifold to the battery string. The battery module according to claim 74 is characterized in that, It also includes two short steel plates, which are distributed at both ends of the explosion venting manifold and both short steel plates are in contact with the top surface of the explosion venting manifold. Two mounting through holes are opened on the short steel plates. After the screw passes through the mounting through holes, it is connected to the clamping plate, so that the explosion venting manifold is fixed on the battery string. The battery module according to claim 75 is characterized in that, It also includes at least one fixing component and the short steel plate that cooperates with the fixing component; the fixing component includes a nut and a partition; two studs are spaced apart at the top of the partition; the partition is clamped and fixed between adjacent single cells, the two studs protrude from the short steel plate respectively, and the nut is locked at the part where the studs protrude from the short steel plate; two limiting plates are also provided at the bottom of the partition; both limiting plates are perpendicular to the main body of the partition and parallel to the lower cover of the single cell, and the two limiting plates extend to different sides of the main body of the partition and limit the lower cover of the single cells on both sides. The battery module according to claim 72 is characterized in that, The first sealing structure includes N flexible seals and a limiting member that limits each flexible seal in the horizontal direction. The battery module according to claim 77 is characterized in that, The flexible seal includes a high-temperature resistant silicone ring and a heat-expanding ring disposed inside the high-temperature resistant silicone ring. The limiting member is a flame-retardant rubber plate with N positioning holes, and a flexible seal is disposed in each positioning hole. The battery module according to claim 72 is characterized in that, The second sealing structure is a high-temperature resistant silicone gasket. A battery pack, characterized in that, The device includes a support platform, a liquid cooling plate, an outer cover, a flue gas manifold, and multiple battery modules as described in any one of claims 72 to 79. The multiple battery modules are mounted side-by-side on the support platform, and a liquid cooling plate is provided between the bottom surface of each battery module and the support platform. The outlet of the second flue gas passage in each battery module is connected via a flue gas manifold. The outer cover includes a top plate and four side plates. The four side plates of the outer cover are fixed to the support platform, and the multiple battery modules are located within the outer cover. One of the side plates integrates a BMS slave unit, a fire alarm interface, a liquid cooling medium interface, and an electrical signal interface. The fire alarm interface is connected to the flue gas manifold. The battery pack according to claim 80 is characterized in that, The second flue gas passage outlet is located on the large end face of the clamping plate; the flue gas manifold is fixedly connected to each clamping plate, and a third sealing structure is provided between the flue gas manifold and each clamping plate. The flue gas manifold provides pressure to the third sealing structure, so that the bottom surface of the flue gas manifold and the third sealing structure are tightly sealed, ensuring that the thermal runaway flue gas discharged from the second flue gas passage outlet can only be discharged from the fire interface outside the battery pack. A battery pack, characterized in that, The device includes a support platform, a liquid cooling plate, an outer cover, a flue gas manifold, and multiple battery modules as described in any one of claims 43 to 46. Multiple battery modules are mounted side-by-side on the support platform, and a liquid cooling plate is provided between the bottom surface of each battery module and the support platform. The exhaust port of the explosion-proof manifold in each battery module is connected to a flue gas manifold. The outer cover includes a top plate and four side plates. The four side plates of the outer cover are fixed to the support platform, and multiple battery modules are located within the outer cover. One of the side plates integrates a BMS slave unit, a fire alarm interface, a liquid cooling medium interface, and an electrical signal interface. The fire alarm interface is connected to the flue gas manifold. The battery pack according to claim 82 is characterized in that, The flue gas manifold includes a main pipe and multiple branch corrugated pipes. One end of each branch corrugated pipe is connected to the main pipe, and the other end is connected to the exhaust port of the explosion vent manifold in the corresponding battery module. A battery pack, characterized in that, The device includes a support platform, a liquid cooling plate, an outer cover, a flue gas emission pipe, and multiple battery modules as described in any one of claims 47 to 71. Multiple battery modules are installed side-by-side on the support platform, and a liquid cooling plate is provided between the bottom of each battery module and the support platform. The smoke outlet of the explosion vent manifold in each battery module is connected to the flue gas emission pipe. The outer cover includes a top plate and four side plates. The four side plates of the outer cover are fixed to the support platform, and multiple battery modules are located within the outer cover. One of the side plates integrates a BMS slave unit, a fire alarm interface, a liquid cooling medium interface, and an electrical signal interface. A battery pack according to claim 84, characterized in that, The top plate is equipped with multiple clamping ribs, each clamping rib pressing against the top of the busbar of its corresponding battery module. A battery pack, characterized in that, The device includes an outer casing, a primary flue gas manifold located inside the casing, and n battery modules arranged along the y-direction inside the casing. Each battery module includes a venting manifold and m individual batteries. The m individual batteries are arranged along the x-direction. The venting manifold extends along the x-direction, covering the venting section of the m individual batteries, and its inner cavity serves as a thermal runaway flue gas confluence channel, communicating with the venting section of the m individual batteries. Here, n and m are both integers greater than 1. The thermal runaway flue gas discharge ports of the venting manifolds in the n battery modules are all connected to the primary flue gas manifold, and the outlet end of the primary flue gas manifold extends out of the outer casing. The explosion venting manifold includes a hollow tube and a connecting part; the hollow tube has m first through holes that penetrate its inner cavity on its first tube wall, the m first through holes are arranged along the length of the hollow tube and correspond one-to-one with the explosion venting parts on the m individual batteries, the inner cavity of the hollow tube is connected to the corresponding explosion venting parts through the m first through holes and to the explosion venting parts of each individual battery through the first through holes; the connecting part is provided on the hollow tube and is used to connect with the battery module. The battery pack according to claim 86 is characterized in that, A first cavity is formed between the first sidewall of the outer casing and each battery module; wherein the first sidewall is a sidewall in the outer casing that is parallel to the yz plane; the first-stage flue gas manifold extends along the y direction and is located in the first cavity. The battery pack according to claim 87 is characterized in that, In the x-direction, the size of the explosion vent manifold is larger than that of the battery module, and one end of the explosion vent manifold extends out of the battery module; the thermal runaway flue gas discharge port of the explosion vent manifold is located on the first pipe wall at the end of the explosion vent manifold extending out of the battery module, wherein the first pipe wall is parallel to the xy plane and close to the primary flue gas manifold; the thermal runaway flue gas discharge ports of the explosion vent manifolds of n battery modules are respectively connected to the primary flue gas manifold through n first connecting pipes extending in the z-direction. The battery pack according to claim 88 is characterized in that, The connecting part includes two connecting plates; the two connecting plates are respectively fixed on two opposite third tube walls of the hollow tube and extend along the length of the hollow tube, wherein the third tube walls are parallel to the xz plane; each of the two connecting plates has i second through holes, and the i second through holes are arranged along the length of the connecting plate, wherein i is an integer greater than 1; the battery module also includes a locking component and a separator; the top of the separator is provided with a fixing post; the fixing post corresponds to the second through hole on the connecting plate; the separator clamps and fixes between adjacent single cells, the fixing post protrudes through the corresponding second through hole, and the locking component locks at the part of the fixing post that protrudes through the second through hole. The battery pack according to claim 87 is characterized in that, It also includes an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold; each battery module also includes a heat transfer tube assembly; the inner cavity of the heat transfer tube assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel, fixed on the polarity terminal of the battery module, forming a heat exchange channel at the top of the battery module; the inlet end of the heat exchange channel in each of the n battery modules is connected to the inlet manifold; the outlet end of the heat exchange channel in each of the n battery modules is connected to the outlet manifold; the inlet end of the inlet manifold and the outlet end of the outlet manifold both extend out of the outer shell. The battery pack according to claim 90 is characterized in that, The inlet manifold and outlet manifold extend along the y direction and are located in the first cavity; the inlet end of the heat exchange channel in each of the n battery modules is connected to the inlet manifold through n second connecting pipes extending along the z direction; the outlet end of the heat exchange channel in each of the n battery modules is connected to the outlet manifold through n third connecting pipes extending along the z direction. The battery pack according to any one of claims 86 to 91 is characterized in that, It also includes flue gas pretreatment equipment located in the first cavity, with the outlet end of the primary flue gas manifold extending out of the outer shell via the flue gas pretreatment equipment. The battery pack according to claim 92 is characterized in that, The flue gas pretreatment equipment includes fire-fighting equipment, which includes at least one of a liquid treatment device, a solid treatment device, and a flue gas cooling device; the liquid treatment device is mainly used to treat the electrolyte and gas in the thermal runaway flue gas; the solid treatment device is mainly used to adsorb and treat the gas in the thermal runaway flue gas. Flue gas cooling devices are mainly used to cool thermally runaway flue gas. The battery pack according to claim 93 is characterized in that, The liquid processing device includes M liquid processing tanks, each of which is equipped with a flue gas inlet and a flue gas outlet. The first to the (M-1)th liquid processing tanks are filled with liquid processing medium, and the Mth liquid processing tank is empty. Here, M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The battery pack according to claim 92 is characterized in that, The flue gas pretreatment equipment includes a buffer device, which includes at least one buffer tank for buffering the thermal runaway flue gas.

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