RU2829325C2 - Battery, electric device, method of producing battery and device for producing battery - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electricity.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to a battery, an electrical device, a method of producing a battery and a device for producing a battery. Battery comprises: a plurality of battery cells including first battery cells and second battery cells, wherein a pressure release mechanism is provided on both the first battery cell first wall and the second battery cell second wall; and a temperature control component configured to contain a fluid for controlling temperatures of a plurality of battery cells, wherein the temperature control component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell and to the first wall of the second battery cell and is provided with a pressure release section in a position corresponding to the pressure release mechanism of the first battery cell, for release of emissions from the first battery cell during actuation of the pressure release mechanism of the first battery cell.

EFFECT: increased safety of the battery.

18 cl, 16 dwg

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of batteries, and in particular to a battery, an electrical device, a method for producing a battery, and an apparatus for producing a battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Energy conservation and emission reduction are crucial for the sustainable development of the automobile industry. In this regard, electric vehicles have become an important part of the sustainable development of the automobile industry due to their advantages in energy conservation and environmental protection. For electric vehicles, battery technology is an important factor in their development.

In the development of battery technology, in addition to improving the performance, another important issue is safety. If the safety of the battery cannot be guaranteed, the battery cannot be used. Therefore, improving the safety performance is an urgent technical problem that needs to be solved in battery technology.

ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

The present application provides a battery, an electrical device, a method for producing a battery, and an apparatus for producing a battery to improve the safety of a battery.

According to the first aspect, a battery is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells include first battery cells and second battery cells, and a pressure relief mechanism is provided on the first wall of the first battery cell and on the second wall of the second battery cell, and the pressure relief mechanism is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell provided with the pressure relief mechanism reaches a threshold value, to reduce the internal pressure; and a temperature control component configured to contain a fluid for regulating the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the temperature control component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell and the first wall of the second battery cell, the first wall of the second battery cell differs from the second wall of the second battery cell, the temperature control component is provided with a pressure relief portion in a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell, and the pressure relief portion is used to release emissions from the first battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is activated.

In the technical solution in this embodiment of the present application, in a plurality of battery cells, the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is located on the first wall of the first battery cell, and the pressure relief mechanism of the second battery cell is located on the second wall of the second battery cell. The temperature control component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell, on which the pressure relief mechanism is located, and to the first wall of the second battery cell, on which the pressure relief mechanism is not provided. Therefore, the first wall of the second battery cell, to which the temperature control component is attached, can be completely formed as a heat-dissipating surface. Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to effectively increase the total heat-dissipating area of the battery, which improves the safety characteristics of the battery and promotes the development of fast battery charging technology. In addition, since the temperature control component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell on which the pressure relief mechanism is located and to the first wall of the second battery cell on which the pressure relief mechanism is not provided, it is only necessary to provide a pressure relief portion at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell in the temperature control component for releasing emissions from the first battery cell, while the portion corresponding to the second battery cell can still accommodate a fluid for regulating the temperature of the second battery cell, which further improves the overall performance of the battery.

In some possible implementations, the temperature control component comprises a flow passage for containing a fluid, wherein the flow passage is not provided in the pressure relief portion.

In the technical solution of this implementation, a section in the temperature control component corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is provided as a pressure relief section, and a flow channel and a fluid medium are not provided in the pressure relief section in order to prevent an impact on the flow channel in the temperature control component when the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is activated, the consumption of the fluid medium in the temperature control component and an impact on the temperature control effect of the temperature control component on a plurality of battery cells.

In some possible implementations, the temperature control component is provided with a flow channel in a position corresponding to the first wall of the second battery cell.

In the technical solution of this implementation, a flow channel that completely covers the first wall of the second battery cell may be provided in the temperature control component, and the flow channel with complete coverage may ensure proper temperature control of the second battery cells to improve the overall performance of the battery.

In some possible implementations, an electrode clamp is provided on both the second wall of the first battery cell and the second wall of the second battery cell; and the second wall of the first battery cell is a wall opposite the first wall of the first battery cell, and the second wall of the second battery cell is a wall opposite the first wall of the second battery cell.

In the technical solution of this embodiment, the second wall of the first battery cell provided with the electrode clamp is a wall opposite the first wall of the first battery cell provided with the pressure relief mechanism, which can keep emissions from the first battery cell released by the pressure relief mechanism at a maximum distance from the electrode clamp of the first battery cell to ensure the safety characteristics of the battery. In addition, the second wall of the second battery cell provided with the pressure relief mechanism is a wall opposite the first wall of the second battery cell, to which the temperature control component is attached, to minimize the influence of emissions from the second battery cell released by the pressure relief mechanism on the temperature control component. In addition, in the second battery cell, both the electrode clamp and the pressure relief mechanism are located on the second wall to facilitate the processing and installation of the electrode clamp and the pressure relief mechanism in the second battery cell and to improve the production efficiency of the battery.

In some possible implementations, the first battery cell and the second battery cell satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell is greater than the specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell; the energy density of the first battery cell is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell; or the temperature of the vapor released from the first battery cell upon actuation of the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is higher than the temperature of the vapor released from the second battery cell upon actuation of the pressure relief mechanism of the second battery cell.

In the technical solution of this embodiment, compared with the first battery cell, the probability that the second battery cell experiences a thermal runaway is lower, or, even if the second battery cell experiences a thermal runaway when the pressure release mechanism of the second battery cell is activated, compared with the first battery cell, the temperature of the vapor discharged from the second battery cell is lower. Thus, it is possible to reduce the influence of the emissions from the second battery cell discharged by the pressure release mechanism of the second battery cell on the second battery cell, which improves the safety characteristics of the battery. Based on this, compared with the second battery cell, it is possible to release more electric energy per unit mass of the first battery cell, and/or it is possible to store more electric energy per unit mass of the first battery cell, which thereby helps to improve the overall characteristics of the battery.

In some possible implementations, the first battery cell and the second battery cell satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the mass specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell is greater than or equal to 180 mAh/g, and the mass specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell is less than or equal to 170 mAh/g; the mass energy density of the first battery cell is greater than or equal to 230 Wh/kg, and the mass energy density of the second battery cell is less than or equal to 220 Wh/kg; or the temperature of the vapors released from the first battery cell upon actuation of the pressure release mechanism of the first battery cell is greater than or equal to 600°C, and the temperature of the vapors released from the second battery cell upon actuation of the pressure release mechanism of the second battery cell is less than or equal to 500°C.

In some possible implementations, the plurality of battery cells includes at least one second battery cell, and the ratio of the number of the at least one second battery cell to the number of the plurality of battery cells is from 20% to 50%.

In the technical solution of this implementation, the ratio of the number of at least one second battery cell to the number of the plurality of battery cells, less than or equal to 50%, can ensure that the number of the first battery cells is more than half of the total number of battery cells in the entire battery, in order to ensure excellent overall electrical characteristics of the battery, such as high energy density. In addition, the ratio of the number of at least one second battery cell to the number of the plurality of battery cells, greater than or equal to 20%, can ensure the thermal control effect of the thermal control component on the second battery cell and the first battery cells surrounding the second battery cell, which improves the overall characteristics of the battery.

In some possible implementations, the plurality of battery cells includes a row of battery cells arranged in a first direction, and in this row of battery cells, one second battery cell follows every N first battery cells, where N is a positive integer and N≤4.

In the technical solution of this embodiment, the ratio of the number of second battery cells in the row of battery cells to the total number in the row of battery cells is from 20% to 50%, so that the temperature control component ensures proper temperature control of the row of battery cells, and all battery cells in the row have a relatively high energy density. In addition, in the row of battery cells, one second battery cell follows every N first battery cells, so that the second battery cell can be uniformly arranged in the row of battery cells, which allows the temperature control component to ensure uniform temperature control of the row of battery cells, which further increases the temperature control effect of the temperature control component on the row of battery cells.

In some possible implementations, the second battery element is located in an edge region of the plurality of battery elements.

Since the temperature control component ensures proper regulation of the temperatures of the second battery cells, in the technical solution of this implementation, the second battery cells can be located in the edge regions of the plurality of battery cells, so that the temperature control component regulates the temperatures of the second battery cells located in the edge regions of the plurality of battery cells, reducing the influence of the external environment on the second battery cells and improving the overall characteristics of the battery.

In some possible implementations, the battery further comprises: a collection chamber configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell when the pressure release mechanism of the first battery cell is activated; and a buffer element located in the collection chamber and configured to increase the pressure-resistant strength of the collection chamber.

In the technical solution of this implementation, a buffer element is provided in a collection chamber configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell. Compared with a cavity structure, the buffer element can provide cushioning and energy absorption in the collection chamber so that the collection chamber provided with the buffer element has increased pressure-resistant strength. In other words, when an external pressure acts on the battery, the collection chamber provided with the buffer element can absorb most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the effect of external pressure on the temperature control component and electrical components, such as battery cells, in the electrical chamber and improving the pressure-resistant and safety characteristics of the battery. In some application scenarios, the battery can be mounted on the chassis of an electric vehicle and can provide electrical energy for driving the electric vehicle. In particular, the battery collection chamber faces the chassis of the electric vehicle relative to the electrical chamber. An electric vehicle may be subject to impacts when driving over bumps, flying stones and other undesirable conditions, which lead to impacts and impacts of balls on the bottom of the chassis of the electric vehicle and even the battery installed on the chassis. In the technical solution of this embodiment of the present application, the buffer element in the collection chamber can provide a proper anti-impact function and a function of counteracting impacts of balls on the bottom to reduce or eliminate the impact on the battery caused by undesirable conditions occurring during the movement of the electric vehicle and improve the impact resistance and safety characteristics of the battery, thereby further improving the safety characteristics of the electric vehicle.

In some possible implementations, the temperature control component is a wall of the collection chamber, and the buffer element is attached to a surface of the temperature control component at a distance from the plurality of battery cells.

In the technical solution of this embodiment, a buffer element is attached to the temperature control component, which can improve the pressure resistance of the temperature control component and reduce or eliminate damage caused by external pressure on the temperature control component. In addition, the buffer element can perform a heat conservation function in addition to the pressure resistance and cushioning characteristics, which can maintain the temperature of the fluid in the temperature control component, prevent the temperature of the fluid in the temperature control component from changing, and further ensure the temperature control effect of the temperature control component to improve the battery performance.

In some possible implementations, the buffer element is provided with an opening, wherein the opening is located opposite the pressure relief section in the temperature control component and is designed in such a way as to allow emissions from the first battery element to pass through the pressure relief section.

In the technical solution of this implementation, the buffer element must also be provided with an opening in a position corresponding to the pressure relief section in order to allow emissions to pass through it and to prevent the buffer element from blocking the path for releasing emissions, thereby preventing the emissions from affecting the first battery element and ensuring the safety characteristics of the battery.

In some possible implementations, the buffer is provided with a gas channel, wherein the gas channel is configured to direct emissions released from the first battery element outward from the buffer element.

In the technical solution of this embodiment, a gas channel provided in the buffer element can direct emissions from the first battery element, in particular high-temperature gas and/or high-temperature liquid in the emissions, to the outside to prevent high-temperature emissions from being limited by the space in which the buffer element is located, thereby preventing potential safety hazards caused by high-temperature emissions. In addition, the emissions can also remove heat during the flow in the gas channel. The gas channel can be used to extend the path of movement of emissions in the collection chamber. If the emissions pass through the collection chamber and are then discharged to the outside of the battery, the temperature of the emissions passing a longer path is lower, which reduces the impact of the emissions on the external environment of the battery and further improves the safety of use of the battery.

In some possible implementations, a buffer element is provided in the collection chamber at a position corresponding to the second battery cell to protect the second battery cell and improve overall battery performance.

In some possible implementations, the buffer element is made of a porous energy-absorbing material and/or a heat-saving material.

Provided that the buffer element is made of a porous energy-absorbing material, when the battery is subjected to external pressure, the buffer element made of the porous energy-absorbing material can absorb the external pressure and withstand most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the influence of the external pressure on the temperature control component and the battery cells. Provided that the buffer element is made of a heat-saving material, the buffer element can maintain the temperature of the fluid, prevent the temperature of the fluid in the temperature control component from changing, and further ensure the temperature control effect of the temperature control component to improve the performance of the battery.

According to a second aspect, an electrical device is provided, comprising a battery according to any of the first aspect and possible implementations of the first aspect, wherein the battery is configured to supply electrical energy.

According to a third aspect, a method for producing a battery is provided, comprising: providing a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells include first battery cells and second battery cells, and a pressure relief mechanism is provided on the first wall of the first battery cell and on the second wall of the second battery cell, and the pressure relief mechanism is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell provided with the pressure relief mechanism reaches a threshold value, to reduce the internal pressure; providing a temperature control component, wherein the temperature control component is configured to contain a fluid for regulating the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells; and attaching the temperature control component to the first wall of the first battery cell and the first wall of the second battery cell; wherein the first wall of the second battery cell differs from the second wall of the second battery cell, the temperature control component is provided with a pressure relief portion in a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell, and the pressure relief portion is used to release emissions from the first battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is activated.

According to a fourth aspect, a device for producing a battery is provided, comprising: a providing module configured to: provide a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells include first battery cells and second battery cells, and a pressure relief mechanism is provided on the first wall of the first battery cell and on the second wall of the second battery cell, and the pressure relief mechanism is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell provided with the pressure relief mechanism reaches a threshold value, to reduce the internal pressure; and provide a temperature control component, wherein the temperature control component is configured to contain a fluid medium for regulating the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells; and a mounting module configured to attach a temperature control component to a first wall of the first battery cell and a first wall of the second battery cell, wherein the first wall of the second battery cell is different from the second wall of the second battery cell, the temperature control component is provided with a pressure relief portion in a position corresponding to a pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell, and the pressure relief portion is used to release emissions from the first battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is activated.

In the technical solution in this embodiment of the present application, in a plurality of battery cells, the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is located on the first wall of the first battery cell, and the pressure relief mechanism of the second battery cell is located on the second wall of the second battery cell. The temperature control component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell, on which the pressure relief mechanism is located, and to the first wall of the second battery cell, on which the pressure relief mechanism is not provided. Therefore, the first wall of the second battery cell, to which the temperature control component is attached, can be completely formed as a heat-dissipating surface. Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to effectively increase the total heat-dissipating area of the battery, which improves the safety characteristics of the battery and promotes the development of fast battery charging technology. In addition, since the temperature control component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell on which the pressure relief mechanism is located and to the first wall of the second battery cell on which the pressure relief mechanism is not provided, it is only necessary to provide a pressure relief portion at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell in the temperature control component for releasing emissions from the first battery cell, while the portion corresponding to the second battery cell can still accommodate a fluid for regulating the temperature of the second battery cell, which further improves the overall performance of the battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

In order to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the accompanying drawings necessary for describing the embodiments of the present application are briefly described below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description show only some embodiments of the present application, and a person skilled in the art can still obtain other drawings from the accompanying drawings without creative efforts.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic structural illustration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic structural illustration of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 3 is a schematic structural illustration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 4 is a schematic structural illustration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic structural illustration of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 6 shows a locally enlarged schematic representation of part A in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 shows a locally enlarged schematic representation of part B in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a schematic three-dimensional structural illustration of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 9 is a schematic three-dimensional structural illustration of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 10 is a schematic three-dimensional exploded structural view of the temperature control component in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is another schematic three-dimensional exploded structural view of the temperature control component in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a schematic structural illustration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 13 is a schematic three-dimensional illustration of a buffer element according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of the buffer element shown in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a method for producing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application; and

Fig. 16 shows a schematic block diagram of a device for producing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application.

In the attached graphic materials the figures are not drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Below, the embodiments of the present application are further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings is used to exemplarily illustrate the principle of the present application, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application, i.e., the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

It should be noted that in the description of the present application, unless otherwise indicated, "a plurality" means two or more; and the orientations or relative positions indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inside", "outside" and the like are intended only to facilitate the description of the present application and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or suggest that devices or components are to have particular orientations or that they are formed and to be handled in particular orientations, and therefore they should not be construed as limitations with respect to the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are intended for the purpose of description only and are not to be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance. "Vertical" means vertical within an acceptable range of error, but not strictly vertical. "Parallel" means parallel within an acceptable range of error, but not strictly parallel.

All terms relating to orientations used in the following description represent the directions shown in the figures and do not limit the specific design according to the present application. It should be further noted that in the description of the present application, unless otherwise indicated and clearly defined, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" are to be understood in their general meaning. For example, these terms may denote a fixed connection, a detachable connection or a connection made in one piece, or may denote a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate means. A person skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present application based on specific situations.

The term "and/or" in this description denotes only a connection relationship for describing related objects, indicating that three relationships may be present. For example, "A and/or B" may indicate three cases: the presence of only A; the presence of both A and B; and the presence of only B. In addition, the symbol "/" in this description generally indicates an "or" relationship between objects related by context.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used in the description of this application are intended to describe particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "include," "comprise," and any variations thereof in the description and claims of this application, as well as in the above description of the drawings, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. In the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, the terms "first," "second," and the like are intended to distinguish between different items and are not intended to indicate a particular order or relative importance.

Reference to "an embodiment" in this application means that particular features, structures, or characteristics described with reference to the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The term "an embodiment" used in various places in the description does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or to an independent or alternative embodiment that excludes other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand, both explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments.

In the present application, a battery is a physical module containing one or more battery cells for supplying electric power. For example, a battery referred to in the present application may contain a battery module, a battery pack, or the like. A battery typically contains a casing configured to contain one or more battery cells. The casing may prevent liquids or other foreign substances from influencing the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

Optionally, the battery element may include a secondary lithium-ion battery, a primary lithium-ion battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium/lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a magnesium-ion battery, or the like. In the embodiments of the present application, this is not limited. The battery element may have a cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shape, which is also not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Typically, battery elements are classified into three types according to the packaging method: a cylindrical battery element, a prismatic battery element, and a pouch battery element. In the embodiments of the present application, this is also not limited.

A battery cell comprises an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly comprises a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator. The operation of the battery cell is mainly based on the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate comprises a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active substance layer. The positive electrode active substance layer is applied to the surface of the positive electrode current collector, and a portion of the current collector not covered by the positive electrode active substance layer protrudes from the portion of the current collector covered by the positive electrode active substance layer and serves as a positive contact terminal. A lithium-ion battery is used as an example, for which the positive electrode current collector may be made of aluminum, and the positive electrode active substance may be lithium cobaltate, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate or the like. The negative electrode plate comprises a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active substance layer. The negative electrode active substance layer is applied to the surface of the negative electrode current collector, and the current collector not covered with the negative electrode active substance layer protrudes from the current collector covered with the negative electrode active substance layer and serves as a negative contact terminal. The negative electrode current collector may be made of copper, and the negative electrode active substance may be carbon, silicon, or the like. In order to ensure that melting does not occur when a large current passes through, there are a plurality of positive contact terminals assembled together, and there are a plurality of negative contact terminals assembled together. The separator material may be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or the like. In addition, the electrode assembly may be a wound structure or a laminated structure, but embodiments of the present application are not limited to them.

When developing battery technology, many design factors need to be considered, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, full charge-discharge time, and other performance parameters. In addition, battery safety also needs to be considered.

In batteries, the main hazard is the process of charging and discharging. In order to improve the safety performance of the battery, a pressure relief mechanism is usually provided for the battery cell. The "pressure relief mechanism" refers to an element or component that is activated to reduce the internal pressure or release high-temperature gas when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value can be adjusted according to different design requirements. The predetermined threshold value may depend on the material used for one or more of the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, the electrolyte, and the separator in the battery cell. The pressure relief mechanism may use an element or part that is sensitive to pressure or temperature so that the pressure relief mechanism is activated when the pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold value, thereby forming a channel for reducing the internal pressure or temperature.

"Activation" as referred to in this application means activation of a pressure relief mechanism to reduce the internal pressure and temperature of a battery cell. The action in which the pressure relief mechanism is activated may include, but is not limited to, for example, cracking, rupturing, or melting at least a portion of the pressure relief mechanism. When the pressure relief mechanism is activated, high-pressure and high-temperature substances inside the battery cell are released from the pressure relief mechanism in the form of emissions. In this way, the pressure of the battery cell can be reduced under controlled pressure or temperature conditions, which allows more serious potential incidents to be avoided.

Emissions from a battery cell referred to in this application include, but are not limited to: electrolyte, fragments of the positive and negative electrode plates, as well as separator due to dissolution or destruction, high temperature and high pressure gases and flames formed as a result of reactions, etc.

The pressure relief mechanism of the battery cell has a significant impact on the safety of the battery. For example, a short circuit, overcharging of the battery cell, etc. may cause thermal runaway inside the battery cell, resulting in a sharp increase in pressure or temperature. In this case, activating the pressure relief mechanism can ensure that the internal pressure and temperature can be released to prevent the battery cell from exploding or catching fire.

In addition to the pressure relief mechanism provided on the battery cell in order to ensure the safety of the battery, a temperature control component may also be provided in the housing for housing the battery cells. The temperature control component may be configured to contain a fluid for regulating the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells. In this case, the "fluid" may be a liquid or a gas, and "temperature control" refers to heating or cooling the plurality of battery cells. In the case of cooling, or lowering the temperatures, of the battery cells, the temperature control component is configured to contain a cooling fluid for lowering the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells. In this case, the temperature control component may also be called a cooling component, a cooling system, a cooling plate, or the like, and the fluid contained therein may also be called a cooling medium or a cooling fluid, in particular a cooling liquid or a cooling gas. In addition, the temperature control component may also be configured to heat the plurality of battery cells. In this embodiment of the present application, this is not limited. Optionally, the fluid medium may be circulated to achieve better thermal control effect. Optionally, the fluid medium may be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, air, or the like.

In some embodiments, the temperature control component may be used to separate the internal space of the battery case into an electrical chamber in which the battery cells are placed and a collection chamber in which emissions are collected. When the pressure relief mechanism is activated, emissions from the battery cell enter the collection chamber through the temperature control component, but do not enter the electrical chamber, or only a small amount of emissions enter the electrical chamber, thereby reducing the impact of emissions on the busbar in the electrical chamber, as a result of which the safety of the battery can be increased.

An electrical chamber is used to accommodate a plurality of battery cells and a busbar. The electrical chamber may be hermetically sealed or non-hermetically sealed. The electrical chamber provides space for installing the battery cells and the busbar. In some embodiments, a structure for securing the battery cells may also be provided in the electrical chamber. The shape of the electrical chamber may be determined according to the plurality of battery cells and the busbar that need to be accommodated. In some embodiments, the electrical chamber may have a square shape with six walls. Since the battery cells in the electrical chamber are electrically connected to form a relatively high output voltage, the electrical chamber may also be called a "high-voltage chamber".

A busbar is used to implement an electrical connection between a plurality of battery cells, such as a parallel, series or hybrid connection. The busbar may provide an electrical connection between battery cells by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells. In some embodiments, the busbar may be secured to the electrode terminals of the battery cells by welding. The electrical connection corresponding to the "high-voltage chamber" formed by the busbar may also be called a "high-voltage connection".

The collection chamber is used to collect emissions and may be hermetically sealed or non-hermetically sealed. In some embodiments, the collection chamber may contain air or other gases. The collection chamber does not have an electrical connection to the output voltage. The collection chamber corresponding to the "high pressure chamber" may also be called a "low pressure chamber". Optionally, the collection chamber may also contain a liquid, such as a cooling medium, or a component for containing liquid for additional cooling of emissions entering the collection chamber. In addition, optionally, gas or liquid circulates in the collection chamber.

However, in this embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism of the battery cell is arranged in the direction of the temperature control component. The pressure relief mechanism has an unsatisfactory heat dissipation effect. The portion in the temperature control component that corresponds to the pressure relief mechanism of the battery cell must be used to discharge emissions from the battery cell, and therefore it is not able to accommodate the fluid for regulating the temperatures of the battery cell, as a result of which the area of the portion used for regulating the temperatures of the battery cells in the temperature control component is reduced. With the development of battery charging and discharging technology, the heat of the battery cells increases significantly during rapid charging of the battery. However, a relatively small temperature-controlled area in the temperature control element can cause the temperature of the battery cells to rise to relatively high values, which is not conducive to rapid charging of the battery and also creates certain safety hazards.

In view of this, a technical solution is provided in the present application. Among the plurality of battery cells of the battery, only the pressure relief mechanisms of the first battery cells are arranged opposite the temperature control component, and the pressure relief mechanisms of the second battery cells are not arranged opposite the temperature control component. Therefore, the surface of the second battery cell facing the temperature control component can completely constitute a heat-dissipating surface. Thanks to this technical solution, the total heat-dissipating area of the battery can be effectively increased, which further improves the safety performance of the battery and promotes the development of the battery fast-charging technology. In addition, it is only additionally necessary to provide a pressure relief portion in the temperature control component at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell for discharging emissions from the first battery cell, and the portion corresponding to the second battery cell can still accommodate the fluid for regulating the temperature of the second battery cell. Thanks to this technical solution, the temperature regulation area can be increased for regulating the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells in the temperature control component, which further improves the safety performance of the battery.

All technical solutions described in this embodiment of the present application are applicable to various devices that use batteries, such as cellular phones, portable devices, notebooks, battery-powered vehicles, electric toys, mechanical tools, electric vehicles, ships and spacecraft, such as spacecraft including aircraft, rockets, space shuttles and spacecraft. The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to various devices that use batteries, such as cellular phones, portable devices, notebooks, electric bicycles, electric toys, electric tools, electric vehicles, ships and spacecraft. For example, spacecraft include aircraft, rockets, space shuttles, spacecraft and the like.

It should be understood that the technical solutions described in this embodiment of the present application are not limited to the above-described device and can be applied to all devices that use batteries, but for brevity of description, an electric vehicle is used as an example in the following embodiments.

For example, Fig. 1 shows a schematic structural illustration of a vehicle 1 in an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 may be a vehicle powered by fossil fuel, a vehicle powered by natural gas, or a vehicle powered by new types of energy. The vehicle powered by new types of energy may be a battery electric vehicle, a vehicle with a hybrid engine, an electric vehicle with an extended range, or the like. The engine 11, the controller 12 and the battery 10 may be provided inside the vehicle 1, wherein the controller 12 is configured to control the battery 10 for supplying power to the engine 11. For example, the battery 10 may be located at the bottom, the front or the rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 may be configured to supply power to the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 may be used as a source of operating power for the vehicle 1, intended for the circuit system of the vehicle 1, such as to meet the energy needs for starting, navigating and operating the vehicle 1. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 may be used not only as a source of operating power for the vehicle 1, but also as a source of drive power for the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fossil fuel or natural gas to provide traction force when moving for the vehicle 1.

In order to meet different energy use needs, the battery may comprise a plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells may be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel, wherein the series-parallel connection means a combination of series and parallel connections. The battery may also be called a battery pack. Optionally, the plurality of battery cells may first be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel to form a battery module, and then the plurality of battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel to form a battery. In short, the plurality of battery cells may be directly combined into a battery or may first be combined into battery modules, which are then combined into a battery.

For example, as shown in Fig. 2, which is a schematic structural illustration of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 may comprise a plurality of battery cells 20. The battery 10 may further comprise a casing (or a main part of the shell) having a hollow internal structure, and the plurality of battery cells 20 are accommodated in the casing. As shown in Fig. 2, the casing may comprise two parts, referred to herein as a first part 111 and a second part 112, respectively. The first part 111 and the second part 112 are fitted to each other. The shapes of the first part 111 and the second part 112 may be determined in accordance with the shape of the combined plurality of battery cells 20. Each of the first part 111 and the second part 112 may comprise an opening. For example, both the first part 111 and the second part 112 may be hollow cuboids, and each of them comprises only one surface as the surface of the opening. The opening of the first part 111 and the opening of the second part 112 are located oppositely, and the first part 111 and the second part 112 are adjusted to each other to form a casing with a closed chamber. A plurality of battery elements 20 are connected in parallel, in series or in the form of a hybrid connection, and then placed in the casing formed by adjusting the first part 111 to the second part 112.

Optionally, the battery 10 may also comprise other structures. The details are not described in this document. For example, the battery 10 may also comprise a busbar, which is used to implement an electrical connection between a plurality of battery cells 20, such as a parallel, series or hybrid connection. In particular, the busbar may provide an electrical connection between the battery cells 20 by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. In addition, the busbar may be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electrical energy of the plurality of battery cells 20 may then be output from the casing by means of a conductive mechanism. Optionally, the conductive mechanism may also relate to the busbar.

According to different needs for electric power, any number of battery cells 20 can be installed. In order to achieve a higher capacity or power, a plurality of battery cells 20 can be connected in series, in parallel or in a hybrid connection. Since the number of battery cells 20 contained in each battery 10 can be large, for ease of installation, the battery cells 20 can be arranged in groups, wherein each group of battery cells 20 forms a battery module. The number of battery cells 20 contained in the battery module is not limited and can be installed according to needs.

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, which are schematic structural illustrations of battery cells 20 of two types according to an embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 20 comprises one or more electrode assemblies 22, a housing 211 and a cover plate 212. Each of the walls of the housing 211 and the cover plate 212 is called a wall of the battery cell 20. The shape of the housing 211 depends on the combined shape of the one or more electrode assemblies 22. For example, the housing 211 can be a hollow cuboid, a cube or a cylinder, and one surface of the housing 211 comprises an opening for accommodating one or more electrode assemblies 22 in the housing 211. For example, when the housing 211 is a hollow cuboid or a cube, one surface of the housing 211 is an opening surface, which means that this surface does not include a wall, so that the spaces inside and outside the housing 211 communicate. When the housing 211 is a hollow cylinder, the surface of the opening is the end surface of the housing 211, which means that the end surface does not contain a wall, so that the spaces inside and outside the housing 211 communicate. The cover plate 212 closes the opening and is connected to the housing 211 to form a closed cavity of the electrode assembly 22. The housing 211 is filled with an electrolyte, for example a liquid electrolyte.

The battery element 20 may also comprise two electrode clamps 214, which may be located on the cover plate 212. The cover plate 212 generally has the shape of a flat plate, and the two electrode clamps 214 are fixed on the flat surface of the cover plate 212. The two electrode clamps 214 are a positive electrode clamp 214a and a negative electrode clamp 214b, respectively. Each electrode clamp 214 is suitably provided with a connecting element 23, or a current collector element 23, which is located between the cover plate 212 and the electrode assembly 22 for electrically connecting the electrode assembly 22 with the electrode clamp 214.

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, each electrode assembly 22 comprises a first contact terminal 221a and a second contact terminal 222a. The first contact terminal 221a and the second contact terminal 222a have opposite polarities. For example, when the first contact terminal 221a is a positive contact terminal, the second contact terminal 222a is a negative contact terminal. The first contact terminals 221a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 are connected to one electrode terminal by means of one connecting element 23, and the second contact terminals 222a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 are connected to another electrode terminal by means of another connecting element 23. For example, the positive electrode terminal 214a is connected to the positive contact terminal by means of one connecting element 23, and the negative electrode terminal 214b is connected to the negative contact terminal by means of another connecting element 23.

In the battery cell 20, based on the actual needs in use, one electrode assembly 22 or a plurality of electrode assemblies 22 may be provided. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, four independent electrode assemblies 22 are provided in the battery cell 20.

In one example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 may also be provided on the wall of the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is configured to be activated to reduce the internal pressure or release high-temperature gas when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold value.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode clip 214 are located on different walls of the battery cell 20. In one example, as shown in Fig. 3, the electrode clip 214 of the battery cell 20 can be located on the upper wall of the battery cell 20, that is, on the cover plate 212. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is located on another wall of the battery cell 20, different from the upper wall. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located on the lower wall 215, opposite the upper wall. For ease of presentation, in Fig. 3, the lower wall 215 is separated from the housing 211, but this does not mean that the lower side of the housing 211 contains an opening.

In this embodiment of the present application, the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode clamp 214 are located on different walls of the battery cell 20, so that when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated, emissions from the battery cell 20 are further away from the electrode clamp 214, thereby reducing the influence of emissions on the electrode clamp 214 and the busbar, so that the safety of the battery can be improved.

In addition, when the electrode clamp 214 is disposed on the cover plate 212 of the battery cell 20, the pressure release mechanism 213 is disposed on the lower wall 215 of the battery cell 20, so that when the pressure release mechanism 213 is operated, emissions from the battery cell 20 are discharged to the lower portion of the battery 10. In this way, the danger of emissions can be reduced by using a temperature control component and the like in the lower portion of the battery 10, and the lower portion of the battery 10 is usually located away from the user, which reduces the harm to the user.

Optionally, in another embodiment of the present application, the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode clip 214 are located on the same wall of the battery cell 20. In one example, as shown in Fig. 4, both the electrode clip 214 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be located on the upper wall of the battery cell 20, that is, on the cover plate 212.

The arrangement of the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode clamp 214 on the same wall of the battery cell 20, for example on the cover plate 212 of the battery cell 20, can facilitate the processing and installation of the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode clamp 214 and contributes to the improvement of the production efficiency of the battery 10.

The pressure relief mechanism 213 may be part of the wall on which it is located, or may be a structure separate from the wall on which it is located and may be fixed to the wall on which it is located, for example, by welding. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is part of the lower wall 215, the pressure relief mechanism 213 may be formed by providing a slot on the lower wall 215. The thickness of the lower wall 215 corresponding to the slot is less than the thickness of other sections of the pressure relief mechanism 213 other than the slot. The weakest part of the pressure relief mechanism 213 is in the slot. When the battery cells 20 generate too much gas and when the internal pressure of the housing 211 increases and reaches a threshold value, or when heat is generated in reactions inside the battery cells 20, causing the internal temperature of the battery cells 20 to increase and reach a threshold value, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can break in the slot, which causes communication between the spaces inside and outside the housing 211, as well as a release of the pressure and temperature of the gas through the rupture of the pressure relief mechanism 213, thereby preventing the explosion of the battery cell 20.

In addition, the pressure release mechanism 213 may be a variety of pressure release mechanisms. In this embodiment of the present application, this is not limited. For example, the pressure release mechanism 213 may be a temperature-sensitive pressure release mechanism configured to melt when the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure release mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value; and/or the pressure release mechanism 213 may be a pressure-sensitive pressure release mechanism configured to break when the internal air pressure of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure release mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value.

Fig. 5 shows another schematic structural illustration of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application.

As shown in Fig. 5, the battery 10 comprises: a plurality of battery cells 20, wherein the plurality of battery cells 20 includes first battery cells 20a and second battery cells 20b, a pressure relief mechanism 213 is provided on both the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, and the pressure relief mechanism 213 is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value for lowering the internal pressure; and

a temperature control component 30 configured to contain a fluid for regulating the temperatures of a plurality of battery cells 20, wherein the temperature control component 30 is attached to a first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and a first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, wherein the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b is different from the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, the temperature control component 30 is provided with a pressure relief portion 301 in a position corresponding to a pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a, and the pressure relief portion 301 is used to release emissions from the first battery cell 20a upon actuation of the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a.

In some implementations of the present application, in a plurality of battery cells 20, the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may have the same shape, which facilitates their installation in the battery casing 10. In one example, both the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may have a cuboid structure. The first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b may be understood as walls facing in the same direction in the cuboid structure. Similarly, the second wall 202a of the first battery cell 20a and the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b may be understood as other walls facing in the same direction in the cuboid structure.

In another example, both the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may have a cylindrical structure or another three-dimensional structure. The first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b may be understood as walls facing in the same direction in the three-dimensional structure. Similarly, the second wall 202a of the first battery cell 20a and the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b may be understood as other walls facing in the same direction in the three-dimensional structure.

Since the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b face the same direction, the temperature control component 30 is easily attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b.

Optionally, in terms of a specific shape, the temperature control component 30 may be a plate-shaped component, a tubular component or a component of another shape. The temperature control component 30 may contain a fluid for regulating the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells 20. Furthermore, in terms of a specific mounting method, the temperature control component 30 may be arranged on the plurality of battery cells 20 by using fastening means so that the temperature control component 30 is attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b. Alternatively, the temperature control component 30 may be arranged in the battery 10 on another structural element, such as a casing, by using fastening means so that the temperature control component 30 is attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b.

In one example, as shown in Fig. 5, the temperature control component 30 may be a plate-shaped component. The temperature control component 30 in the form of a plate may completely cover the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b over a large area to improve the temperature control capability of the temperature control component 30 and to improve the safety of the battery 10. In addition, the temperature control component 30 in the form of a plate may be further configured to isolate the space in which the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b are located from the space in which emissions from the first battery cell 20a are located to prevent the emissions from influencing the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b.

Since the pressure releasing mechanism 213 is provided in the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a, and the pressure releasing mechanism 213 is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the first battery cell 20a reaches a threshold value for releasing the internal pressure of the first battery cell 20a, in the temperature control component 30 attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a, the pressure releasing portion 301 is provided in a position corresponding to the pressure releasing mechanism 213, and the pressure releasing portion 301 is used to release emissions from the first battery cell 20a when the pressure reducing mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated. The interaction of the temperature control component 30 and the first battery cell 20a may allow the first battery cell 20a to release the internal pressure via the pressure release mechanism 213 and the pressure release portion 301 in the temperature control component 30, which prevents the explosion of the first battery cell 20a and improves the safety characteristics of the battery 10. Optionally, the pressure release portion 301 may be a through hole passing through the temperature control component 30, or a weak portion, such as a portion with low thickness or strength, which is easily damaged by emissions when the pressure release mechanism 213 is activated.

In addition, the pressure release mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is provided not on the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, but on the second wall 202b different from the first wall 201b. The first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, to which the temperature control component 30 is attached, can be entirely formed as a heat dissipation surface, which increases the total heat dissipation area of the battery 10. Therefore, in the case of the second battery cell 20b, the second battery cell 20b can release the internal pressure by means of the pressure release mechanism 213 to prevent an explosion and improve the safety performance of the battery 10; and further, the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, to which the temperature control component 30 is attached, can be entirely formed as a heat dissipation surface, and due to the increased total heat dissipation area of the battery 10, the safety performance of the battery 10 can be further improved.

Finally, in the technical solution in this embodiment of the present application, in the plurality of battery cells 20 of the battery 10, the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is disposed on the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a, and the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is disposed on the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b. The temperature control component 30 is attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a, on which the pressure relief mechanism 213 is disposed, and to the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, on which the pressure relief mechanism 213 is not provided. Therefore, the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, to which the temperature control component 30 is attached, can be completely formed as a heat-dissipating surface. This technical solution can effectively increase the total heat dissipation area of the battery 10, which further improves the safety performance of the battery and promotes the development of fast battery charging technology.

In addition, since the temperature control component 30 is fixed to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a on which the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located, and to the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b on which the pressure relief mechanism 213 is not provided, it is only necessary to provide in the temperature control component 30 a pressure relief portion 301 at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a for releasing emissions from the first battery cell 20a, and the portion corresponding to the second battery cell 20b can still accommodate a fluid for regulating the temperature of the second battery cell 20b. In this technical solution, both the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b can release the internal pressure by means of their pressure relief mechanisms 213, and the total heat dissipation area of the battery 10 can be increased, which further improves the safety performance of the battery 10.

Optionally, in the first battery element 20a, the first wall 201a provided with the pressure release mechanism 213 is not provided with the electrode clamp 214. In other words, the electrode clamp 214 and the pressure release mechanism 213 are provided on different walls of the first battery element 20a.

In this technical solution, in the first battery element 20a, the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode clamp 214 are located on different walls, so that when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated, emissions from the first battery element 20a are located at a distance from the electrode clamp 214, due to which the influence of emissions on the electrode clamp 214 and the component associated with it is reduced, so that the safety of the battery 10 can be further increased.

In the example shown in Fig. 5, in the first battery cell 20a, the electrode clamp 214 can be located on the second wall 202a of the first battery cell 20a. Optionally, the second wall 202a is a wall opposite the first wall 201a. Thanks to this technical solution, emissions from the first battery cell 20a can be kept at a maximum distance from the electrode clamp 214 of the first battery cell 20a in order to ensure the safety characteristics of the battery 10.

With regard to the specific structure of the first battery element 20a shown in Fig. 5, in an optional implementation, reference may be made to the related technical solutions of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 above.

In particular, in the second battery element 20b, the first wall 201b to which the temperature-regulating component 30 is attached is not provided with the electrode clamp 214, so the entire section of the first wall 201b is a heat-dissipating surface, and the temperature-regulating component 30 can regulate the temperature of the entire section of the first wall 201b.

In one example in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213, can be located opposite the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, to which the temperature control component 30 is attached, to minimize the impact of emissions from the second battery cell 20b released by the pressure relief mechanism 213 on the temperature control component 30.

Optionally, as shown in Fig. 5, in the second battery cell 20b, both the electrode clamp 214 and the pressure release mechanism 213 are located on the same wall, that is, both the electrode clamp 214 and the pressure release mechanism 213 are located on the second wall 202b to facilitate the processing and installation of the electrode clamp 214 and the pressure release mechanism 213 on the second battery cell 20b and to improve the production efficiency of the battery 10.

With regard to the specific structure of the second battery element 20b shown in Fig. 5, in an optional implementation, reference may be made to the related technical solutions of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 above.

As follows from the above description, since the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is located on the first wall 201a to which the temperature control component 30 is attached, and the emissions from the first battery cell 20a are discharged through the pressure relief portion 301 in the temperature control component 30, the temperature control component 30 can isolate the emissions from the first battery cells 20a from the first battery cells 20a, so that the emissions from the first battery cells 20a have less influence on the first battery cells 20a. However, the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is not provided on the first wall 201b to which the temperature control component 30 is attached, therefore the temperature control component 30 cannot isolate the emissions from the second battery cell 20b, so that the emissions from the second battery cell 20b have more influence on the second battery cell 20b.

Therefore, in order to reduce the influence of emissions from the second battery cell 20b on the second battery cell 20b and comprehensively improve the overall performance of the battery 10, the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

(1) the specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a is greater than the specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell 20b;

(2) the energy density of the first battery cell 20a is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell 20b; or

(3) the temperature of the vapor discharged from the first battery cell 20a when the pressure release mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated is higher than the temperature of the vapor discharged from the second battery cell 20b when the pressure release mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is activated.

Provided that the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b satisfy the above condition (1) and/or condition (2), the second battery cell 20b is less susceptible to thermal runaway compared to the first battery cell 20a. Therefore, the probability of reaching a threshold value by the internal pressure or temperature in the second battery cell 20b is lower. In other words, the probability of the second battery cell 20b releasing emissions through its pressure release mechanism 213 is lower, which can reduce the influence of the emissions from the second battery cell 20b released through its pressure release mechanism 213 on the second battery cell 20b and improve the safety of the battery 10.

By way of example and not limitation, the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a includes, but is not limited to: a three-component nickel-cobalt-manganese (NiCoMn, NCM) material, such as NCM 811, NCM 622, NCM 523, or the like; and the cathode material of the second battery cell 20b includes, but is not limited to: a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO, LFP) material, a lithium titanate (LiTiO) material, NCM 111, or the like.

Based on this, the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a has a higher specific capacity than the second battery cell 20b, wherein the specific capacity may be a mass specific capacity (or gram capacity) or a volumetric specific capacity, and more electric power can be released per unit mass/unit volume of the first battery cell 20a; and/or the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a has a higher energy density, wherein the energy density may be a mass energy density or a volumetric energy density, and more electric power can be stored per unit mass/unit volume of the first battery cell 20a, thereby contributing to the improvement of the electrical characteristics of the battery 10.

Provided that the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b satisfy the above condition (3), even if the second battery cell 20b experiences a thermal runaway, when the pressure release mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is activated, the temperature of the vapor discharged from the second battery cell 20b is lower than that of the first battery cell 20a. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of the emissions from the second battery cell 20b discharged by the pressure release mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b on the second battery cell 20b, which improves the safety performance of the battery 10.

Additionally, by way of example and not limitation, the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

(1a) the mass specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a is greater than or equal to 180 mAh/g, and the mass specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell 20b is less than or equal to 170 mAh/g;

(2a) the mass energy density of the first battery cell 20a is greater than or equal to 230 Wh/kg, and the mass energy density of the second battery cell 20b is less than or equal to 220 Wh/kg; or

(3a) the temperature of the vapor discharged from the first battery cell 20a upon actuation of the pressure release mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is greater than or equal to 600°C, and the temperature of the vapor discharged from the second battery cell 20b upon actuation of the pressure release mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is less than or equal to 500°C.

Optionally, in the above condition (3a), in addition to the temperature threshold value that the vapor discharged from the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b can satisfy, a time threshold value can be additionally satisfied. For example, when the pressure release mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated, the first battery cell 20a discharges vapor with a temperature greater than or equal to 600°C for a time greater than or equal to 3 seconds.

In some implementations of this embodiment of the present application, the temperature control component 30 may comprise a flow passage 330 for containing a fluid, wherein the fluid is not provided in the pressure relief portion 301.

Fig. 6 shows a locally enlarged schematic representation of part A in Fig. 5.

As shown in Fig. 6, the temperature-control component 30 may comprise a first heat-conducting plate 310 and a second heat-conducting plate 320. The first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second heat-conducting plate 320 form a flow channel 330 for containing a fluid medium. The first heat-conducting plate 310 is located between the first wall 201a of the first heat-conducting element 20a and the second heat-conducting plate 320 and is attached to the first wall 201a.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the pressure relief portion 301 in the temperature control component 30 corresponds to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery element 20a, and the pressure relief portion 301 is not provided with the flow channel 330, so that the fluid is not provided in the pressure relief portion 301.

In this technical solution, a section in the temperature control component 30 corresponding to the pressure release mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is provided as the pressure release section 301, and the flow passage 330 and the fluid are not provided in the pressure release section 301, so as to prevent the flow passage 330 in the temperature control component 30 from being affected when the pressure release mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is actuated, the fluid in the temperature control component 30 from being consumed, and the temperature control effect of the temperature control component 30 from being affected on the plurality of battery cells 20.

Optionally, as shown in Fig. 6, a portion in the first heat-conducting plate 310 corresponding to the pressure-releasing mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is a first pressure-releasing portion 311, a portion in the second heat-conducting plate 320 corresponding to the pressure-releasing mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is a second pressure-releasing portion 321, and the first pressure-releasing portion 311 and the second pressure-releasing portion 321 together form a pressure-releasing portion 301 in this embodiment of the present application.

In one example, the first pressure relief section 311 and/or the second pressure relief section 321 may be a weak section. The strength of the first pressure relief section 311 may be less than the strength of other sections in the first heat-conducting plate 310, and/or the strength of the second pressure relief section 321 may be less than the strength of other sections in the second heat-conducting plate 320.

Optionally, the first pressure relief portion 311 and/or the second pressure relief portion 321 are provided with a groove opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213, and the lower wall of the groove forms a weak portion. When the pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated, emissions from the first battery element 20a can damage the lower wall of the groove and be released.

The weak portion may optionally be alternatively formed in other ways in the first heat-conducting plate 310 and/or in the second heat-conducting plate 320 as the first pressure relief portion 311 and/or the second pressure relief portion 321. For example, to form the weak portion as the first pressure relief portion 311, a slit or the like is formed in the first heat-conducting plate 310. This is not particularly limited in the present application.

In another example, the first pressure relief section 311 and/or the second pressure relief section 321 may be a through hole. When the pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated, emissions from the first battery element 20a may be released directly through the first pressure relief section 311 and/or the second pressure relief section 321 in the form of a through hole.

Of course, in other examples, one of the first pressure relief portion 311 and the second pressure relief portion 321 may be a through hole, and the other may be formed as a weak portion. The through hole facilitates the passage of emissions from the first battery cell 20a, and the weak portion can block external influence on the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the first battery cell 20a, thereby increasing the safety and reliability of the battery 10.

Fig. 7 shows a locally enlarged schematic representation of part B in Fig. 5.

Optionally, as shown in Fig. 7, the temperature control component 30 is provided with a flow channel 330 in a position corresponding to the first wall 201b of the second battery element 20b.

In addition to being located between the first wall 201a of the first battery element 20a and the second heat-conducting plate 320, and also being attached to the first wall 201a, the first heat-conducting plate 310 may be located between the first wall 201b of the second battery element 20b and the second heat-conducting plate 320 and attached to the first wall 201b.

Optionally, the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b is not provided with a pressure relief mechanism 213. Therefore, a flow channel 330 can be provided that completely envelops the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, and the flow channel 330 with complete envelopment can ensure proper regulation of the temperature of the second battery cells 20b.

Optionally, in the plurality of battery elements 20 of the battery 10, the second battery element 20b is located in the edge region of the plurality of battery elements 20.

Since the battery cells 20 located in the edge regions of the plurality of battery cells 20 are strongly affected by the external environment, and the battery cells 20 located in the central region of the plurality of battery cells 20 are less affected by the external environment, the battery cells 20 located in the edge regions of the plurality of battery cells 20 in particular require regulation of their temperatures by the temperature control component 30 so that they can be in an acceptable temperature range and have proper operating characteristics and safety characteristics.

As described above, since the temperature control component 30 contributes to achieving a proper temperature control effect on the second battery cells 20b, in the technical solutions of this embodiment of the present application, the second battery cells 20b may be located in the edge regions of the plurality of battery cells 20, so that the temperature control component 30 controls the temperatures of the second battery cells 20b located in the edge regions of the plurality of battery cells 20, reducing the influence of the external environment on the plurality of second battery cells 20b and improving the overall performance of the battery 10.

Additionally, since the energy density of the first battery cell 20a may be higher than the energy density of the second battery cell 20b, and the temperature of the emissions from the first battery cell 20a may also exceed the temperature of the second battery cell 20a, in order to prevent the emissions with a relatively high temperature, released from the first battery cell 20a, from being released directly outside the battery 10 and creating a safety hazard, in some possible implementations the second battery cell 20b may be located near the outlet valve of the battery 10, and the first battery cell 20a is located at a distance from the outlet valve of the battery 10, wherein the outlet valve of the battery 10 may be located in the casing of the battery 10 and is used to release the emissions from the first battery cell 20a and the emissions from the second battery cell 20 outside the battery 10.

In this technical solution, the first battery cell 20a is located relatively far from the discharge valve of the battery 10, so that emissions from the first battery cell 20a can pass through the specified discharge path in the battery 10 and then be discharged to the outside from the battery 10, thereby reducing the influence of high-temperature emissions from the first battery cell 20a on the external environment and improving the safety characteristics of the battery 10.

Optionally, the plurality of battery cells 20 of the battery 10 may include at least one first battery cell 20a and at least one second battery cell 20b.

As described above, the temperature control component 30 ensures proper temperature control of the second battery cells 20b, wherein the first battery cells 20a have better electrical characteristics, such as higher energy density. The number of the first battery cells 20a and the second battery cells 20b in the battery 10 is controlled within a predetermined range of ratios, which can balance the temperature control effect of the temperature control component 30 and the energy density of the battery 10, so that the battery 10 achieves optimal overall characteristics.

By way of example, and not limitation, in some possible implementations, in the plurality of battery cells 20, the ratio of the number of at least one second battery cell 20b to the number of the plurality of battery cells 20 is from 20% to 50%.

In particular, the ratio of the number of at least one second battery cell 20b to the number of the plurality of battery cells 20, less than or equal to 50%, can ensure that the number of the first battery cells 20a is more than half of the total number of battery cells 20 in the entire battery 10, in order to ensure a relatively high energy density of the battery 10. In addition, the ratio of the number of at least one second battery cell 20b to the number of the plurality of battery cells 20, greater than or equal to 20%, can ensure the temperature control effect of the temperature control component 30 on the second battery cell 20b and the first battery cells 20a surrounding the second battery cell 20b, which improves the overall safety characteristics of the battery 10.

Optionally, in some implementations, the plurality of battery cells 20 includes a row of battery cells 20 arranged in a first direction, and in the row of battery cells 20, one second battery cell 20b follows every N first battery cells 20a, wherein N is a positive integer and N≤4.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show two schematic three-dimensional structural views of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application.

In one example, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, in this embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 may comprise two rows of battery cells 20, and a plurality of battery cells 20 in each row of battery cells 20 are arranged in a first x-direction, and the battery cells 20 in each column are arranged in a second y-direction.

As shown in Fig. 8, in the row of battery cells 20, one second battery cell 20b follows each first battery cell 20a. In other words, in the row of battery cells 20, the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b are arranged in series and spaced apart from each other. In the row of battery cells 20, the ratio of the number of first battery cells 20a to the number of second battery cells 20b is 1:1.

As shown in Fig. 9, in the row of battery cells 20, one second battery cell 20b follows every two first battery cells 20a. In the row of battery cells 20, the ratio of the number of first battery cells 20a to the number of second battery cells 20b is 2:1.

In addition to the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, in the row of battery cells 20, alternatively one second battery cell 20b follows every three or four first battery cells 20a. In this case, the ratio of the number of first battery cells 20a to the number of second battery cells 20b is 3:1 or 4:1.

In this technical solution, the ratio of the number of the second battery cells 20b in the row of battery cells 20 to the total number of battery cells 20 in the row is from 20% to 50%, so that the temperature control component 30 ensures proper temperature control of the row of battery cells 20, and the battery cells 20 in the row have a relatively high energy density. Additionally, in the row of battery cells 20, one second battery cell 20b follows every N first battery cells 20a, so that the second battery cell 20b can be uniformly arranged in the row of battery cells 20, which allows the temperature control component 30 to ensure uniform temperature control of the row of battery cells 20, which further increases the temperature control effect of the temperature control component 30 on the row of battery cells 20.

Optionally, in some implementations, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, in two rows of battery cells 20, the battery cells 20 in each row are arranged in the same manner, and in the second direction y, two adjacent battery cells 20 belong to the same type of battery cells, that is, both of the two adjacent battery cells 20 are first battery cells 20a or second battery cells 20b.

Of course, in other implementations in the second direction y, two adjacent battery cells 20 may alternatively be battery cells of different types. For example, in the second direction y, one second battery cell 20b follows every N first battery cells 20a. Thus, in the second direction y, the second battery cells 20b may also be uniformly distributed in a plurality of rows of battery cells 20, thereby further improving the temperature regulation of the plurality of rows of battery cells 20 provided by the temperature control component 30.

It is understood that the number of rows of battery cells 20 and the number of battery cells 20 in each row of battery cells 20, which are shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, are illustrative and not limiting. The number and arrangement of battery cells 20 in the present application are not particularly limited.

In the example of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the first walls 201a of the plurality of first battery cells 20a and the first walls 201b of the plurality of second battery cells 20b are located on the same plane, and the first walls 201a of the plurality of first battery cells 20a and the first walls 201b of the plurality of second battery cells 20b may be collectively referred to as the first wall 201 of the plurality of battery cells 20. Similarly, the second walls 202a of the plurality of first battery cells 20a and the second walls 202b of the plurality of second battery cells 20b are also located on the same plane, and the second walls 202a of the plurality of first battery cells 20a and the second walls 202b of the plurality of second battery cells 20b may be collectively referred to as the second wall 202 of the plurality of battery cells 20.

The first wall 201 of the plurality of battery cells 20 is a wall of the plurality of battery cells 20 on the side facing the temperature control component 30, and the second wall 202 of the plurality of battery cells 20 is a wall of the plurality of battery cells 20 on the side facing away from the temperature control component 30.

The temperature control component 30 is provided with a plurality of pressure relief portions 301 in accordance with a plurality of pressure relief mechanisms 213 (not shown in the figures) of the plurality of first battery cells 20a provided on the first wall 201 in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The plurality of pressure relief portions 301 correspond to the plurality of pressure relief mechanisms 213 of the plurality of first battery cells 20a in a one-to-one correspondence and are spaced from each other in the temperature control component 30.

In the example of Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, two schematic three-dimensional exploded structural views of the temperature control component 30 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 are shown.

As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the thermal control component 30 may comprise a first heat-conducting plate 310 and a second heat-conducting plate 320, which are located opposite each other. Optionally, in one example, the first thermally conductive plate 310 may be a flat plate-shaped structure, and the second thermally conductive plate 320 is provided with a recessed portion that is recessed in a direction away from the first thermally conductive plate 310 to form a channel 330 for flow between the first thermally conductive plate 310 and the second thermally conductive plate 320. Alternatively, in other examples, the second thermally conductive plate 320 may be a flat plate-shaped structure, the first thermally conductive plate 310 is provided with a recessed portion that is recessed in a direction away from the second thermally conductive plate 320 to form a channel 330 for flow between the first thermally conductive plate 310 and the second thermally conductive plate 320. Or, optionally, in other examples, both the first thermally conductive plate 310 and the second thermally conductive plate 320 are provided with a recessed portion to form a channel 330 for flow between the first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second heat-conducting plate 320. The specific method for forming the flow channel 330 in this embodiment of the present application is not limited.

Optionally, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the first pressure relief portion 311 in the first heat-conducting plate 310 may be a through-hole structure, and the dimensions of this through-hole structure may be configured to be adapted to the dimensions of the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery element 20a. Additionally, the second pressure relief portion 321 in the second heat-conducting plate 320 may be a weak portion structure, and the dimensions of this weak portion structure may be configured to be adapted to the dimensions of the through-hole structure.

In other embodiments, with respect to the respective structural solutions of the first pressure relief portion 311 in the first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second pressure relief portion 321 in the second heat-conducting plate 320, reference may be made to the corresponding descriptions in the embodiment shown above in Fig. 6. The details are not repeated here. The specific shapes of the first pressure relief portion 311 and the second pressure relief portion 321 in this embodiment of the present application are also not limited.

Optionally, as shown in Fig. 10, in this example the flow channel 330 is a flow channel 330 in the form of a strip. Referring to Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, in accordance with the row of battery cells 20, a row of pressure relief portions 301 and two channels 330 in the form of a strip are provided in the temperature control component 30. Both the two channels 330 for flow in the form of a strip and the row of pressure relief portions 301 extend in the first direction x, and in the second direction y the two channels 330 for flow in the form of a strip are located on both sides of the row of pressure relief portions 301.

In this embodiment, the flow channel 330 in the temperature control component 30 is simple to process, but does not completely cover the first wall 201b of the second battery element 20b, and therefore the optimal temperature control effect of the temperature control component 30 is not achieved.

In order to further improve the thermal control effect of the thermal control component 30 based on the strip-shaped flow channel shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the flow channel 330 further comprises a connecting portion 331 which is used to connect two strip-shaped flow channels corresponding to a row of battery cells 20, and the connecting portion 331 is located between two adjacent pressure relief portions 301 and is located in correspondence with the first wall 201b of the second battery cells 20b.

In the technical solution of this implementation, in the sections of the plurality of battery elements 20 corresponding to the temperature-regulating component 30, in addition to the pressure relief section 301 provided in the section corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery element 20a, a flow channel is provided in other sections for fully regulating the temperatures of the plurality of battery elements 20. In this way, an optimal temperature-regulating effect of the temperature-regulating component 30 is achieved, which guarantees the safety characteristics of the battery 10.

Fig. 12 shows another schematic structural illustration of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application.

As shown in Fig. 12, in this embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 further comprises: a collection chamber 11b configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell 20a when the pressure release mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated; and a buffer element 40 located in the collection chamber 11b and configured to increase the pressure-resistant strength of the collection chamber 11b.

In particular, in this embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 may further comprise an electrical chamber 11a and a collection chamber 11b. The temperature control component 30 is configured to isolate the electrical chamber 11a from the collection chamber 11b. The electrical chamber 11a is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 20, and the collection chamber 11b is configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell 20a when the pressure release mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated.

In this embodiment of the present application, the temperature control component 30 is used to isolate the electrical chamber 11a from the collection chamber 11b. In other words, the electrical chamber 11a for accommodating a plurality of battery cells 20 is separated from the collection chamber 11b for collecting emissions. In this way, when the pressure release mechanism 213 is activated, emissions from the first battery cell 20a enter the collection chamber 11b, but do not enter the electrical chamber 11a, or only a small amount of emissions enter the electrical chamber 11a without affecting the electrical connections in the electrical chamber 11a, so that the safety of the battery 10 can be improved.

In addition, the collection chamber 11b is also provided with a buffer element 40. Compared with the cavity structure, the buffer element 40 can provide cushioning and energy absorption in the collection chamber 11b, so that the collection chamber 11b provided with the buffer element 40 has better pressure-resistant strength. In other words, when the battery 10 is subjected to external pressure, the collection chamber 11b provided with the buffer element 40 can absorb most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the influence of the external pressure on the temperature control component 30 and electrical components such as the battery cells 20 in the electrical chamber 11a and improving the pressure-resistant and safety characteristics of the battery 10.

In some application scenarios, the battery 10 can be installed on the chassis of the electric vehicle and provide electric power for driving the electric vehicle. In particular, the battery collection chamber 11b faces the chassis of the electric vehicle relative to the electrical chamber 11a. The electric vehicle can be subjected to impacts when driving over bumps, flying stones and other undesirable conditions that lead to impacts and impacts with balls on the bottom of the chassis of the electric vehicle and even the battery installed on the chassis. In the technical solution of this embodiment of the present application, the buffer element 40 in the collection chamber 11b can provide a proper anti-impact function and a function of counteracting impacts with balls on the bottom to reduce or eliminate the impact on the battery caused by undesirable conditions occurring during the movement of the electric vehicle and to improve the impact resistance and safety characteristics of the battery 10, thereby further improving the safety characteristics of the electric vehicle.

Optionally, in order to improve the cushioning effect of the buffer element 40, the buffer element 40 in this embodiment of the present application may be a multilayer structure, and in the collection chamber 11b, the buffer element 40 of the multilayer structure 40 is provided in accordance with the positions of the plurality of battery elements 20.

Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the temperature control component 30 comprises a wall that is common to the electrical chamber 11a and the collection chamber 11b. As shown in Fig. 12, the temperature control component 30 can be both a wall of the electrical chamber 11a and a wall of the collection chamber 11b. In other words, the temperature control component 30 (or a part thereof) can directly serve as a wall that is common to the electrical chamber 11a and the collection chamber 11b. Due to this, emissions from the first battery cell 20a can enter the collection chamber 11b through the temperature control component 30, and the presence of the temperature control component 30 can isolate emissions from the electrical chamber 11a to the maximum possible extent, thereby reducing the risk of emissions and improving the safety characteristics of the battery 10.

Optionally, in some implementations, the buffer element 40 may be attached to the surface of the temperature control component 30 at a distance from the plurality of battery cells 20 and located in the collection chamber 11b.

In this embodiment, the buffer element 40 is located in the collection chamber 11b, which can improve the pressure resistance of the collection chamber 11b. In addition, the buffer element 40 is attached to the temperature-regulating component 30, which can improve the pressure resistance of the temperature-regulating component 30 and reduce or eliminate damage caused by external pressure on the temperature-regulating component 30 to ensure that the temperature-regulating component 30 does not lose the fluid contained therein and ensures proper temperature regulation.

Optionally, the buffer element 40 can be made of a heat-saving material. The buffer element 40, made of a heat-saving material, can have a relatively large area and be attached to the temperature-regulating component 30, in particular to the flow channel 330 in the temperature-regulating component 30. Therefore, the buffer element 40 can perform a heat-saving function in addition to the pressure-resistant and cushioning characteristics, which can maintain the temperature of the fluid in the temperature-regulating component 30, prevent a change in the temperature of the fluid in the temperature-regulating component 30 and further ensure the temperature-regulating effect of the temperature-regulating component 30 to improve the characteristics of the battery 10.

Optionally, the buffer element 40 may be made of a porous energy-absorbing material. When the battery 10 is subjected to external pressure, the buffer element 40, made of a porous energy-absorbing material, may absorb the external pressure and withstand most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the effect of the external pressure on the temperature-regulating component 30 and electrical components such as the battery cells 20 in the electrical chamber 11a.

By way of example and not limitation, the material of the buffer element 40 may in particular be a foam material, such as microcellular polypropylene (MPP) foam, silicone foam, or the like, which may have both energy absorbing and heat-saving properties and is suitable for use in this embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the collection chamber 11b may be formed by the temperature-regulating component 30 and the protective element 50. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the casing 11 further comprises the protective element 50. The protective element 50 serves to protect the temperature-regulating component 30, and the protective element 50 and the temperature-regulating component 30 form the collection chamber 11b.

The collection chamber 11b formed by the protective element 50 and the thermal control component 30 does not occupy the space in the casing 11 for accommodating the battery cells 20. Therefore, a collection chamber 11b with a relatively large space can be provided that effectively collects and absorbs emissions and reduces the risk of emissions.

Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the collection chamber 11b may be a sealed chamber. For example, the connection between the protective element 50 and the temperature-regulating component 30 may be sealed using a sealing element.

Optionally, in some other embodiments of the present application, the collection chamber 11b may be a non-hermetic chamber. For example, the collection chamber 11b may communicate with the air outside the battery 10, as a result of which a portion of the emissions may then be released to the outside of the battery 10. Optionally, the protective element 50 may be provided with a release valve, and the collection chamber 11b may communicate with the air outside the battery 10 through the release valve.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the buffer element 40 in the collection chamber 11b may be attached to the protective element 50 and/or the temperature-regulating component 30, for example fixedly attached to the protective element 50 and/or the temperature-regulating component 30 and positioned thereon using a fastening means.

In the example shown in Fig. 12, the buffer element 40 is attached to both the protective element 50 and the thermal control component 30. In this case, the thickness of the buffer element 40 is relatively large, which increases the rigidity of the buffer element 40 and further increases the impact resistance of the battery 10.

Fig. 13 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a buffer element 40 according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of the buffer element 40 shown in Fig. 13.

In this embodiment of the present application, the corresponding structure of the buffer element 40 may be associated with the position of the pressure relief portion 301 in the temperature control component 30, that is, the corresponding structure of the buffer element 40 is associated with the position of the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery element 20a.

As shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the buffer element 40 is provided with an opening 401, wherein the opening 401 is located opposite the pressure relief section 301 in the temperature control component 30 and is designed in such a way as to allow the passage of emissions from the first battery element 20a passing through the pressure relief section 301.

When the pressure release mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated, its internal pressure is reduced and the first battery cell 20a releases emissions, the emissions have a relatively large impact and a relatively high temperature. Therefore, in addition to the pressure release portion 301 provided in the temperature control component 30, in order to facilitate the passage of emissions, the buffer element 40 must also be provided with an opening 401 in a position corresponding to the pressure release portion 301, so as to allow emissions to pass through it and prevent the buffer element 40 from blocking the path for releasing emissions, thereby preventing the emissions from influencing the first battery cell 20a and ensuring the safety of the battery 10.

Optionally, in addition to providing an opening 401 in the buffer element 40 to allow emissions from the first battery cell 20a to pass through it, in other implementations the buffer element 40 may not be attached to the temperature control component 30, and a gap may exist between the buffer element 40 and the temperature control component 30, wherein the gap may also allow emissions from the first battery cell 20a to pass through it without blocking the exhaust path.

Optionally, in the collection chamber 11b, the buffer element 40 is provided in a position corresponding to the second battery element 20b to protect the second battery element 20b.

As shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, in accordance with the plurality of pressure relief portions 301 arranged in the first direction x, a plurality of openings 401 are also arranged in the first direction x, and a physical buffer portion 403 of the buffer element 40 is formed between two adjacent openings 401, wherein the physical buffer portion 403 corresponds to the position of the second battery element 20b in the plurality of battery elements 20 to protect the second battery element 20b.

Of course, in the collection chamber 11b, in addition to providing the physical buffer portion 403 of the buffer element 40 in a position corresponding to the second battery element 20b, the physical buffer portion 403 of the buffer element 40 may also be provided in a position corresponding to the first battery element 20a, wherein the physical buffer portion is located around the opening 401.

Optionally, as shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, in this embodiment of the present application, the buffer element 40 is provided with a gas channel 402, wherein the gas channel 402 is configured to direct emissions from the first battery element 20a outward from the buffer element 40.

The buffer element 40 in the collection chamber 11b occupies a portion of the space that, after the emissions are released from the first battery element 20a into the collection chamber 11b through the pressure relief section 301 of the temperature control component 30, does not promote the flow of high-temperature gas and/or high-temperature liquid in the emissions in the collection chamber 11b and therefore does not promote the cooling of the emissions, creating certain safety hazards for the battery 10.

Therefore, in the technical solution of this embodiment of the present application, the gas passage 402 provided in the buffer element 40 can direct the emissions from the first battery element 20a, in particular the high-temperature gas and/or the high-temperature liquid in the emissions, to the outside to prevent the high-temperature emissions from being limited by the space in which the buffer element 40 is located, thereby preventing potential safety hazards caused by the high-temperature emissions. In addition, the emissions can also remove heat during the flow in the gas passage 402. The gas passage 402 can be used to extend the path of movement of the emissions in the collection chamber 11b. If the emissions pass through the collection chamber and are then discharged to the outside from the battery 10, the temperature of the emissions passing the longer path of movement is lower, which reduces the impact of the emissions on the external environment of the battery 10 and further improves the safety of use of the battery 10.

Optionally, with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the gas channel 402 can be located between two adjacent rows of stack elements 20. Optionally, the gas channel 402 can communicate with the opening 401, so that the emissions after passing through the opening 401 are discharged into the buffer element 40 through the gas channel 402. The interaction of the opening 401 and the gas channel 402 can make the flow of emissions in the buffer element 402 smoother, thereby further contributing to the cooling of the emissions.

As shown in Fig. 14, in this embodiment of the present application, the buffer element 40 can be configured to be adapted to the flow channel 330. In the buffer element 40, in addition to the opening 401 and the gas channel 402, other physical buffer parts are provided in accordance with the flow channel 330, which means that, under the condition of being able to circulate and discharge emissions from the first stack element 20a, the ability of the buffer element 40 to protect the flow channel 330 in the temperature control component 30 is maximized, and the temperature of the fluid in the flow channel 330 is maintained.

In an embodiment of the present application, an electrical device is further provided, wherein the electrical device may comprise a battery 10 in the above embodiments, and the battery 10 is configured to supply electrical energy to the electrical device.

Optionally, the electrical device may be a vehicle 1, a ship or a spacecraft.

The battery 10 and the electrical device according to the embodiments of the present application are described above; and the method and device for producing the battery according to the embodiments of the present application are described below. For what is not described in detail, refer to the above embodiments.

Fig. 15 is a flow chart of a method 600 for producing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 15, the method 600 may include the following steps.

601: providing a plurality of battery cells 20, wherein the plurality of battery cells 20 include first battery cells 20a and second battery cells 20b, and a pressure relief mechanism 213 is provided on a first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and on a second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, and the pressure relief mechanism 213 is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value, to reduce the internal pressure;

602: providing a temperature control component 30, wherein the temperature control component 30 is configured to contain a fluid for regulating temperatures of the plurality of battery cells 20;

603: attaching the temperature control component 30 to the first wall 201a of the first battery element 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery element 20b.

The first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b differs from the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, the temperature control component 30 is provided with a pressure relief portion 301 in a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a, and the pressure relief portion 301 is used to release emissions from the first battery cell 20a when the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated.

Fig. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a device 700 for producing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 16, the device 700 for producing a battery may include a providing module 701 and an installation module 702.

The providing module 701 is configured to provide a plurality of battery cells 20, wherein the plurality of battery cells 20 include first battery cells 20a and second battery cells 20b, and a pressure relief mechanism 213 is provided on the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and on the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, and the pressure relief mechanism 213 is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value, to reduce the internal pressure.

The providing module 701 is further configured to provide a temperature-regulating component 30, wherein the temperature-regulating component 30 is configured to contain a fluid for regulating the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells 20.

The installation module 702 is configured to attach the temperature control component 30 to the first wall 201a of the first battery element 20a and to the first wall 201b of the second battery element 20b.

The first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b differs from the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, the temperature control component 30 is provided with a pressure relief portion 301 in a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a, and the pressure relief portion 301 is used to release emissions from the first battery cell 20a when the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated.

Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications of the present application and replacement of equivalent components can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, provided that there is no structural contradiction, various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any manner. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in this description, but includes all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims (40)

1. A battery (10), characterized in that it contains: a plurality of battery cells (20) comprising first battery cells (20a) and second battery cells (20b), wherein a pressure relief mechanism (213) is provided on both the first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b), and the pressure relief mechanism (213) is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell (20) provided with the pressure relief mechanism (213) reaches a threshold value, to reduce the internal pressure; and a temperature control component (30) configured to contain a fluid for regulating the temperatures of a plurality of battery cells (20), wherein the temperature control component (30) is attached to a first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and to a first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b), the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) is different from the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b), the temperature control component (30) is provided with a pressure relief portion (301) in a position corresponding to a pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a), and the pressure relief portion (301) is used to release emissions from the first battery cell (20a) upon actuation of the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a); wherein the first wall (201b) of the second battery element (20b) does not have a pressure release mechanism (213). 2. A battery (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature-regulating component (30) comprises a flow channel (330) for containing a fluid medium, wherein the flow channel (330) is not provided in the pressure relief section (301). 3. The battery (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the temperature-regulating component (30) is provided with a channel (330) for flow in a position corresponding to the first wall (201b) of the second battery element (20b). 4. A battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrode clamp (214) is provided both on the second wall (202a) of the first battery cell (20a) and on the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b); and the second wall (202a) of the first battery cell (20a) is a wall opposite the first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a), and the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b) is a wall opposite the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b). 5. The battery (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first battery cell (20a) and the second battery cell (20b) satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell (20a) is greater than the specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell (20b); the energy density of the first battery cell (20a) is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell (20b); or the temperature of the vapor released from the first battery cell (20a) upon actuation of the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is higher than the temperature of the vapor released from the second battery cell (20b) upon actuation of the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the second battery cell (20b). 6. The battery (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first battery cell (20a) and the second battery cell (20b) satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the mass specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell (20a) is greater than or equal to 180 mAh/g, and the mass specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell (20b) is less than or equal to 170 mAh/g; the mass energy density of the first battery cell (20a) is greater than or equal to 230 Wh/kg, and the mass energy density of the second battery cell (20b) is less than or equal to 220 Wh/kg; or the temperature of the vapor released from the first battery cell (20a) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is actuated is greater than or equal to 600°C, and the temperature of the vapor released from the second battery cell (20b) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the second battery cell (20b) is actuated is less than or equal to 500°C. 7. The battery (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the plurality of battery cells (20) includes at least one second battery cell (20b), and the ratio of the number of at least one second battery cell (20b) to the number of the plurality of battery cells (20) is from 20% to 50%. 8. The battery (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of battery cells (20) includes a row of battery cells (20) arranged in a first direction, and in the row of battery cells (20) one second battery cell (20b) follows every N first battery cells (20a), wherein N is a positive integer and N≤4. 9. The battery (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second battery element (20b) is located in the edge region of the plurality of battery elements (20). 10. The battery (10) according to item 1, characterized in that the battery (10) additionally contains: a collection chamber (11b) configured to collect emissions from the first battery cell (20a) upon actuation of the pressure release mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a); and a buffer element (40) located in the collection chamber (11b) and designed to increase the pressure-resistant strength of the collection chamber (11b). 11. The battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the temperature-regulating component (30) is the wall of the collection chamber (11b), and the buffer element (40) is attached to the surface of the temperature-regulating component (30) at a distance from the plurality of battery elements (20). 12. A battery (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the buffer element (40) is provided with an opening (401), wherein the opening (401) is located opposite the pressure relief section (301) in the thermostatic component (30) and is designed in such a way as to ensure the possibility of emissions from the first battery element (20a) passing through the pressure relief section (301). 13. The battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the buffer element (40) is provided with a channel (402) for gas, wherein the channel (402) for gas is designed with the possibility of directing emissions from the first battery element (20a) outward from the buffer element (40). 14. The battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that in the collection chamber (11b) the buffer element (40) is provided in a position corresponding to the second battery element (20b). 15. A battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the buffer element (40) is made of a porous energy-absorbing material and/or heat-saving material. 16. An electrical device, which is a vehicle, characterized in that it contains a battery (10) according to any of paragraphs 1–15, wherein the battery (10) is designed with the possibility of supplying electrical energy. 17. A method for producing a battery, characterized in that it includes: providing (601) a plurality of battery cells (20), wherein the plurality of battery cells (20) include first battery cells (20a) and second battery cells (20b), both on the first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and on the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b) a pressure relief mechanism (213) is provided, and the pressure relief mechanism (213) is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell (20) provided with the pressure relief mechanism (213) reaches a threshold value, to reduce the internal pressure; providing (602) a temperature control component (30), wherein the temperature control component (30) is configured to contain a fluid for controlling the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells (20); and attaching (603) the temperature control component (30) to the first wall (201a) of the first battery element (20a) and to the first wall (201b) of the second battery element; wherein the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) is different from the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b), the temperature control component (30) is provided with a pressure relief portion (301) in a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a), and the pressure relief portion (301) is used to release emissions from the first battery cell (20a) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is activated; wherein the first wall (201b) of the second battery element (20b) does not have a pressure release mechanism (213). 18. A device for producing a battery, characterized in that it contains: a provision module (701) configured to: providing a plurality of battery cells (20), wherein the plurality of battery cells (20) include first battery cells (20a) and second battery cells (20b), a pressure relief mechanism (213) is provided on both the first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b), and the pressure relief mechanism (213) is configured to be activated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell (20) provided with the pressure relief mechanism (213) reaches a threshold value, to reduce the internal pressure; and providing a temperature control component (30), wherein the temperature control component (30) is configured to contain a fluid for controlling the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells (20); and a module (702) for installing, configured to attach a temperature control component (30) to a first wall (201a) of a first battery cell (20a) and to a first wall (201b) of a second battery cell (20b), wherein the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) is different from the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b), the temperature control component (30) is provided with a pressure relief portion (301) in a position corresponding to a pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a), and the pressure relief portion (301) is used to release emissions from the first battery cell (20a) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is actuated; wherein the first wall (201b) of the second battery element (20b) does not have a pressure release mechanism (213).