BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS

A battery and an electrical apparatus are described. The battery includes: a battery cell, a first wall of the battery cell being provided with a pressure relief mechanism; a thermal management component configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell, the thermal management component being attached to a second wall of the battery cell, and the second wall being different from the first wall; and a box body, the box body including an electrical cavity and a collection cavity, wherein the electrical cavity is configured to accommodate the battery cell and the thermal management component, and the collection cavity is configured to collect emissions from the battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism is actuated. The battery and the electrical apparatus of the embodiments of the present application can improve the safety of the battery.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular, to a battery and an electrical apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Energy conservation and emission reduction are the key to the sustainable development of the automobile industry. In this case, electric vehicles have become an important part of the sustainable development of the automobile industry because of their advantages of energy saving and environmental friendliness. For the electric vehicles, the battery technology is an important factor related to their development.

In the development of the battery technology, in addition to improving the performance of batteries, safety is also an issue that cannot be ignored. If the safety of the battery cannot be guaranteed, the battery cannot be used. Therefore, how to enhance the safety of the batteries is an urgent technical problem to be solved in the battery technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery and an electrical apparatus, which can improve the safety of the battery.

In a first aspect, provided is a battery, including: a battery cell, a first wall of the battery cell being provided with a pressure relief mechanism; a thermal management component configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell, the thermal management component being attached to a second wall of the battery cell, and the second wall being different from the first wall; and a box body, the box body including an electrical cavity and a collection cavity, wherein the electrical cavity is configured to accommodate the battery cell and the thermal management component, and the collection cavity is configured to collect emissions from the battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism is actuated.

Therefore, in the battery of the embodiments of the present application, since the second wall to which the thermal management component is attached is not the first wall of the battery cell that is provided with a pressure relief mechanism, when the battery cell is subjected to thermal runaway, the emissions discharged from the battery cell through the pressure relief mechanism will be discharged in a direction away from the thermal management component. Therefore, the emissions are less likely to break through the thermal management component. The thermal management component can cool the battery cell that is subjected to thermal runaway, avoiding thermal diffusion, and enhancing the safety of the battery.

In some embodiments, the area of the second wall is greater than or equal to that of the first wall. Due to the large contact area between the thermal management component and the battery cell, the effect of regulating the temperature of the battery cell is more significant when the battery cell is operating normally.

In some embodiments, the second wall is the wall of the battery cell that has the largest area, to increase the contact area between the thermal management component and the battery cell, so as to better regulate the temperature of the battery cell and improve the heating or cooling efficiency.

In some embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of rows of battery cells arranged in a first direction, and each row of battery cells of the plurality of rows of battery cells includes at least one battery cell arranged in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction and the second wall. In this way, the plurality of battery cells in the battery are arranged in an array, so that the assembly of the battery is facilitated, and the space utilization rate of the plurality of battery cells in the battery can also be improved.

In some embodiments, the thermal management component is attached to the second wall of the at least one battery cell of at least one row of battery cells of the plurality of rows of battery cells. In this way, there is at least one thermal management component within the battery. The thermal management component may regulate the temperature of the at least one battery cell attached thereto for temperature regulation.

In some embodiments, the battery cell includes two second walls oppositely arranged in the first direction, and on two sides of at least one row of battery cells of the plurality of rows of battery cells in the first direction, provided are the thermal management components attached to the two second walls of the at least one battery cell respectively. In this way, the temperature of one row of battery cells can be adjusted by two thermal management components at the same time, so that it is possible to improve the temperature regulation efficiency and improve the safety of the battery.

In some embodiments, among the plurality of rows of battery cells, at least two adjacent rows of battery cells are provided therebetween with the same thermal management component, so that it is possible to the temperature regulation effect.

In some embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of thermal management components arranged in the first direction, so as to improve the temperature regulation efficiency.

In some embodiments, the plurality of thermal management components are arranged at intervals in the first direction, so that at least one battery cell is arranged between two adjacent thermal management components, so that both the space utilization rate of the battery and the temperature regulation efficiency can be improved.

In some embodiments, the thermal management components are each provided with a heat exchange channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium, and the heat exchange channels of the plurality of thermal management components are in communication with each other. In this way, the plurality of thermal management components are in communication with each other, so that management and control are facilitated, and the integration and safety of the battery are improved; moreover, when the temperature of some thermal management components in the battery changes greatly, heat exchange can be realized by means of the heat exchange channels, so that the temperature difference between the plurality of thermal management components is small, and the temperature regulation efficiency is improved.

In some embodiments, the battery further includes: a support member arranged in the collection cavity, the support member being configured to increase the compressive strength of the collection cavity. Compared with a hollow cavity structure, since the support member provides a support function in the collection cavity, the collection cavity provided with the support member has a better compressive strength. In other words, when an external pressure acts on the battery, the collection cavity provided with the support member can resist most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the impact of the external pressure on the battery cell, the thermal management component and other components in the electrical cavity, and improving the compression resistance and the safety performance of the battery.

In some embodiments, the support member includes a channel configured to allow at least part of the emissions to pass through. In addition to providing a support function, the support member may also be configured to form a channel through which the emissions of the battery cell pass, so as to improve the discharge efficiency of the emissions.

In some embodiments, the channel is configured to allow gases in the emissions to pass through, and a region of the support member other than the channel is configured to block solids in the emissions. The channel can allow high-temperature gases and/or high-temperature liquids in the emissions to pass through, while the other regions of the support member block high-temperature solids in the emissions. That is, the channel in the support member can filter the high-temperature solids from the emissions, block the high-temperature solids inside the support member, and prevent the high-temperature solids in the emissions from being discharged out of the box body to cause safety hazards, thereby improving the safety of the battery and the electrical apparatus where the battery is located.

In some embodiments, the support member is provided with an aperture configured to form the channel in the support member. The machining of the channel, which is formed by the aperture, is facilitated.

In some embodiments, the battery further includes: an isolation component attached to the first wall, the isolation component being configured to isolate the electrical cavity from the collection cavity. By isolating the electrical cavity from the collection cavity by means of the isolation component, it is possible to prevent at least part of the emissions from entering the electrical cavity from the collection cavity, avoiding thermal diffusion.

In some embodiments, the isolation component is provided with a pressure relief region, the pressure relief region being configured to discharge the emissions to the collection cavity through the pressure relief region when the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, thereby preventing the emissions from damaging other battery cells in the electrical cavity, avoiding thermal diffusion and thus improving the safety of the battery.

In some embodiments, the support member is arranged corresponding to a non-pressure relief region of the isolation component, so as to form a channel, through which the emissions pass, outside the support member. The support member is arranged corresponding to the non-pressure relief region, and the emissions discharged through the pressure relief region is outside the support member, thereby forming a channel, through which the emissions from the battery cell pass, outside the support member. For example, a channel may be formed between a plurality of support members or between the support member and a wall of the collection cavity such that the emissions are collected by the collection cavity.

In some embodiments, the support member abuts against the non-pressure relief region of the isolation component. The support member may be in contact with the non-pressure relief region of the isolation component, so as to ensure that the support member has a good support effect on the isolation component.

In some embodiments, the support member is provided with a first aperture, the first aperture being arranged corresponding to the pressure relief region such that the emissions passing through the pressure relief region are discharged through the first aperture. In this way, while the support member implements the support function, the first aperture of the support member also facilitates the receiving of the emissions discharged from the battery cell through the pressure relief mechanism and the pressure relief region, and the emissions can be collected into the collection cavity of the box body after passing through the first aperture, to prevent the emissions from affecting the components in the electrical cavity.

In some embodiments, the first aperture is in communication with the corresponding pressure relief region, so as to achieve a good conduction effect of the first aperture on the emissions.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the first aperture is not less than the area of the pressure relief region, so as to further improve the good conduction effect of the first aperture on the emissions, and prevent the first aperture from blocking the emissions from entering the collection cavity.

In some embodiments, the pressure relief region is a weakened region configured to be capable of being damaged when the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, such that the emissions pass through the weakened region into the collection cavity. Configuring the pressure relief region as a weakened region can make the isolation component in a relatively sealed state when the pressure relief mechanism is not actuated, for example, during normal use of the battery, effectively protecting the pressure relief mechanism from being damaged and failed due to external force. In addition, when the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, the strength of the weakened region is less than that of other regions in the isolation component except the pressure relief region, and the weakened region is thus easily damaged, so that the emissions from the battery cell provided with the pressure relief mechanism are discharged out of the electrical cavity through the weakened region, for example, may pass through the weakened region into the collection cavity.

In some embodiments, the pressure relief region is a first through hole configured such that when the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, the emissions are capable of entering the collection cavity through the first through hole. When the pressure relief region is the first through hole, the machining is facilitated, and the emissions discharged through the pressure relief mechanism can be also released more quickly.

In some embodiments, the box body further includes: a protective member configured to form the collection cavity with the isolation component. The protective member may also be configured to protect the isolation component.

In some embodiments, the support member abuts against the isolation component and/or the protective member. The support member can provide a support function for the protective member and/or the isolation component, so as to improve the overall compressive strength of the protective member and/or the isolation component. Especially, when abutting against both the protective member and the isolation component, the support member can improve the compressive strength of the protective member and the isolation component as a whole, thereby preventing external pressure from affecting the battery cell and other components in the electrical cavity.

In some embodiments, a connection surface of the support member abuts against the isolation component and/or the protective member, and a non-connection surface of the support member is provided with a second aperture to form a channel, through which the emissions pass, in the support member, so as to add a discharge path of the emissions from the battery cell.

In some embodiments, the protective member and the support member are of an integral structure, to facilitate subsequent mounting.

In some embodiments, a minimum distance between a region of the isolation component corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism and the protective member is greater than or equal to 7 mm, so as to avoid that the distance is too small to affect the actuation of the pressure relief mechanism. In addition, if the distance is set too small, the deformed isolation component will directly come into contact with the protective member below, resulting in a too small gap between the isolation component and the protective member, or even no gap, thereby affecting the discharge of the emissions from the pressure relief mechanism, so that it is likely to cause the battery cell subjected to thermal runaway to explode and cause thermal diffusion, which reduces the safety of the battery.

In some embodiments, the support member is of a hollow structure. Compared with a support member of a solid structure, the support member of the hollow structure provides support for the collection cavity and increases the compressive strength, while the weight of the support member itself is small, so that no large additional weight will be added to the battery, thereby improving the energy density of the battery.

In some embodiments, the support member is of a tubular structure having a high axial rigidity, and its radial dimension may be adapted to the height of the collection cavity, so that a good support can be provided for the collection cavity.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the tubular structure is a polygon, and the number of sides of the polygon is greater than or equal to 4, so as to improve the stability of the tubular structure in the collection cavity.

In some embodiments, the tubular structure is strip-shaped or ring-shaped, to facilitate machining and mounting.

In some embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of tubular structures, which are arranged at intervals in the collection cavity. The plurality of support members arranged at intervals can provide uniform and comprehensive support for the collection cavity, thereby uniformly and comprehensively increasing the compressive strength of the collection cavity.

In some embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of tubular structures, which are stacked on top of each other, wherein the cross-sections of the plurality of tubular structures are in the form of a honeycomb. The arrangement of tubular support members in the form of a honeycomb having a single-point yield, high axial rigidity, and high compressive strength in the collection cavity of the box body of the battery can increase the compressive strength of the collection cavity, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery and the electrical apparatus where the battery is located.

In some embodiments, connection surfaces of two interconnected tubular structures are provided with a second through hole penetrating through the connection surfaces of the two tubular structures, the second through hole being configured to form a channel, through which the emissions pass, in the two tubular structures. A large number of support members are provided and connected to each other. In addition to providing relatively stable support for the collection cavity, the second through hole provided in the support member can provide a channel between the interconnected support members, and a channel between the support member and the collection cavity. Therefore, through this implementation, a large number of channels can be formed in the support members, the discharge path of the emissions from the battery cell in the channel can be added, the temperature of the emissions discharged from the collection cavity can be reduced, and the safety performance of the battery can be improved.

In a second aspect, provided is an electrical apparatus, including the battery described in the first aspect, the battery being configured to supply electric energy to the electrical apparatus.

In some embodiments, the electrical apparatus is a vehicle, a ship or a spacecraft.

In the accompanying drawings, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present application are described in further detail below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present application by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of the present application, that is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, “plurality of” means two or more; the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “inner” and “outer” are only for facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the apparatus or element referred to must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore will not be interpreted as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms “first”, “second” and “third” are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. “Perpendicular” is not strictly perpendicular, but within the allowable range of errors. “Parallel” is not strictly parallel, but within the allowable range of error.

Orientation words appearing in the following description are all directions shown in the drawings, and do not limit the specific structure of the present application. In the description of the present application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms “mount,” “connected,” and “connecting” should be broadly understood, for example, they may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection or be an integrated connection; or may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application may be understood according to specific circumstances.

In the embodiments of the present application, the same reference signs denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of the present application shown in the drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width and other dimensions of an integrated apparatus, are for illustrative purposes only, and should not constitute any limitation to the present application.

In the present application, the battery cell may include a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a sodium lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery or a magnesium-ion battery and so on, which will not be limited in the embodiments of the present application. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid or in another shape, which will not be limited in the embodiments of the present application. The battery cells are generally classified into three types depending on the way of package: cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells and pouch battery cells, which are also not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide a higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in the present application may include a battery module or a battery pack, etc. The battery generally includes a box body for packaging one or more battery cells. The box body can prevent liquid or other foreign matters from affecting charging or discharging of the battery cells.

The battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolytic solution, and the electrode assembly is composed of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and an separator. The operation of the battery cell mainly relies on the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is coated on a surface of the positive electrode current collector, and the current collector not coated with the positive electrode active material layer protrudes from the current collector coated with the positive electrode active material layer and is used as a positive tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the positive electrode current collector may be of a material of aluminum, and the positive electrode active material may be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium or lithium manganate, etc. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is coated on a surface of the negative electrode current collector, and the current collector not coated with the negative electrode active material layer protrudes from the current collector coated with the negative electrode active material layer and is used as a negative tab. The material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper, and the negative electrode active material may be carbon or silicon, etc. In order to ensure that no fusing occurs when a large current passes, there are a plurality of positive tabs which are stacked together, and there are a plurality of negative tabs which are stacked together. A material of the separator may be polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). In addition, the electrode assembly may have a wound structure or a laminated structure, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

With the development of the battery technology, it is necessary to consider many design factors, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, C-rate and other performance parameters. In addition, the safety of the battery should also be considered.

With respect to battery cells, the main safety hazards come from the charging and discharging processes, and a suitable environmental temperature design is also required. In order to effectively avoid unnecessary losses, at least triple protection measures are generally taken for the battery cells. Specifically, the protection measures include at least a switching element, a properly selected separator material and a pressure relief mechanism. The switching element refers to an element that can stop the charging or discharging of a battery when the temperature or resistance in a battery cell reaches a certain threshold. The separator is configured to isolate the positive electrode plate from the negative electrode plate and can automatically dissolve micron-sized (or even nanoscale) micropores attached thereto when the temperature rises to a certain value, thus preventing metal ions from passing through the separator and terminating the internal reaction of the battery cell.

The pressure relief mechanism refers to an element or component that is actuated to release an internal pressure or heat of the battery cell when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a predetermined threshold. The threshold design is different according to different design requirements. The threshold may depend on the material of one or more of the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, the electrolytic solution and the separator in the battery cell. The pressure relief mechanism may take the form of an anti-explosion valve, an air valve, a pressure relief valve or a safety valve, etc., and may specifically adopt a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive element or structure. That is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism performs an action or a weakened structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism is damaged, so as to form an opening or channel for releasing the internal pressure or heat.

The “actuation” mentioned in the present application means that the pressure relief mechanism acts or is activated to a certain state, such that the internal pressure and heat of the battery cell can be released. The action generated by the pressure relief mechanism may include, but not limited to, at least a part of the pressure relief mechanism being fractured, broken, torn or opened. When the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell are discharged outwards from an actuated position as emissions. In this way, the pressure and heat in the battery cell can be released at a controllable pressure or temperature, thereby avoiding potential, more serious accidents.

The emissions from the battery cell mentioned in the present application include, but are not limited to: an electrolytic solution, dissolved or split positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of a separator, high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by reaction, flames, etc.

The pressure relief mechanism on the battery cell has an important impact on the safety of the battery. For example, when short circuit, overcharge and other phenomena occur, it may lead to thermal runaway inside the battery cell, resulting in a sudden increase in pressure or temperature. In this case, the internal pressure and heat can be released outward through the actuation of the pressure relief mechanism, to prevent the battery cell from exploding and catching fire.

In the assembly scheme of the battery, the thermal management component may be attached to the wall of the battery cell provided with the pressure relief mechanism. In this way, when the battery cell is operating normally, the thermal management component can regulate the temperature of the battery cell. However, since the pressure relief mechanism is generally arranged on the wall of the battery cell that has a small area, the effect of regulating the temperature of the battery cell is not significant when the battery cell is operating normally. Furthermore, when the battery cell is subjected to thermal runaway, for example, when the pressure relief mechanism of the battery cell is actuated, the emissions discharged from the battery cell through the pressure relief mechanism may be powerful and destructive, possibly enough to break through the thermal management component in this direction, causing safety issues.

In view of this, the present application provides a battery and an electrical apparatus. The battery includes a battery cell and a thermal management component. A first wall of the battery cell is provided with a pressure relief mechanism, and the thermal management component is attached to a second wall of the battery cell. The second wall is different from the first wall. Since the second wall to which the thermal management component is attached is not the first wall of the battery cell that is provided with a pressure relief mechanism, when the battery cell is subjected to thermal runaway, the emissions discharged from the battery cell through the pressure relief mechanism will be discharged in a direction away from the thermal management component. Therefore, the emissions are less likely to break through the thermal management component. The thermal management component can cool the battery cell that is subjected to thermal runaway, avoiding thermal diffusion, and enhancing the safety of the battery.

The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to various electrical apparatus using batteries.

The electrical apparatus may be, but not limited to, a vehicle, a mobile phone, a portable device, a laptop, a ship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, an electric tool, and so on. The vehicle may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be an all-electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an extended-range vehicle, or the like. The spacecraft includes airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, spaceships, and the like. The electric toy includes fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys and electric aircraft toys. The electric tool includes metal cutting electric tools, grinding electric tools, assembly electric tools and railway electric tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators and electric planers. The electrical apparatus is not specially limited in the embodiments of the present application.

In the following embodiments, for convenience of description, the electrical apparatus being a vehicle is taken as an example for description.

For example,FIG.1is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle1according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle1may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, or the like. A motor40, a controller30and a battery10may be provided inside the vehicle1, and the controller30is configured to control the battery10to supply power to the motor40. For example, the battery10may be arranged at the bottom or the head or the tail of the vehicle1. The battery10may be configured to supply power to the vehicle1, for example, the battery10may be used as an operating power source of the vehicle1, which is used for a circuit system of the vehicle1, for example, for operation power requirements of the vehicle1during starting, navigation and running. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery10can be used not only as an operation power supply of the vehicle1, but also as a driving power supply of the vehicle1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle1.

In order to meet different power requirements, the battery may include a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells may be in series connection, parallel connection or series-parallel connection. The series-parallel connection refers to a combination of series connection and parallel connection. The battery may also be called a battery pack. For example, the plurality of battery cells may be in series, parallel or series-parallel connection to form battery modules first, and then the plurality of battery modules may be in series, parallel or series-parallel connection to form the battery. That is, a plurality of battery cells may directly form a battery, or may first form battery modules, and then the battery modules form a battery.

FIG.2shows a schematic top view of a partial structure of a battery10according to an embodiment of the present application; andFIG.3shows an exploded schematic structural diagram of a battery10according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery10shown inFIG.2may be part of the battery10shown inFIG.3.FIG.4shows a partial enlarged view of a battery10according to an embodiment of the application. For example,FIG.4is an enlarged view of region B shown inFIG.3.FIG.5shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery10according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, the battery10shown inFIG.5may be a schematic diagram of the battery10shown inFIG.3. As shown inFIGS.2to5, a battery10according to the embodiments of the present application may include: a battery cell20, a first wall21aof the battery cell20being provided with a pressure relief mechanism213; a thermal management component12configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell20, the thermal management component12being attached to a second wall21bof the battery cell20, and the second wall21bbeing different from the first wall21a; and a box body11, the box body11including an electrical cavity11aand a collection cavity11b. The electrical cavity11ais configured to accommodate the battery cell20and the thermal management component12, and the collection cavity11bis configured to collect emissions from the battery cell20when the pressure relief mechanism213is actuated.

It should be understood that the battery cell20in the embodiments of the present application may be shaped according to actual applications. For example, the battery cell20may be of a polyhedron structure, which is enclosed by a plurality of walls. Therefore, the battery cell20may include a plurality of walls. The first wall21aof the battery cell20is provided with the pressure relief mechanism213, and the second wall21bof the battery cell20faces the thermal management component12. The first wall21aand the second wall21bmay be any two different walls of the battery cell20. For example, the first wall21aand the second wall21bmay or may not intersect, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

It should be understood that the thermal management component12in the embodiments of the present application is configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell20. For example, the thermal management component12may accommodate a fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material to regulate the temperature of a plurality of battery cells20. For another example, the thermal management component12may include a flow channel121. The flow channel121may be configured to accommodate a fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material. Specifically, the fluid may be liquid or gas; the solid-liquid phase change material is solid in its original state, and can become liquid after absorbing heat; and regulating the temperature refers to heating or cooling the plurality of battery cells20. In the case of cooling or reducing the temperature of the battery cells20, the thermal management component12is configured to accommodate a cooling fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material to reduce the temperature of the plurality of battery cells20. In this case, the thermal management component12may also be called a cooling component, a cooling system, a cooling plate, etc. The fluid accommodated by the thermal management component may also be called a cooling medium or a cooling fluid, and more specifically, may be called a cooling liquid or a cooling gas. In addition, the thermal management component12may also be used for heating to raise the temperature of the plurality of battery cells20, which will not be limited in the embodiments of the present application. Optionally, the fluid may flow in a circulating manner to achieve a better temperature regulation effect. Optionally, the fluid may be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or air, etc.

It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the connection method between the thermal management component12and the battery cell20. For example, the thermal management component12may be fixedly connected to the battery cell20by means of an adhesive; or the thermal management component12may be clamped and fixed between two adjacent battery cells20.

It should be understood that the electrical cavity11ain the embodiments of the present application may be configured to accommodate the battery cell20and the thermal management component12, and there is no limitation to the number of battery cells20and the number of thermal management components12accommodated. In addition, a structure for fixing the battery cell20and/or the thermal management component12may also be provided in the electrical cavity11a.

Optionally, the electrical cavity11amay be shaped depend on the battery cell20and/or thermal management component12accommodated therein. For example, as shown inFIGS.2to5, the electrical cavity11amay be a hollow cuboid enclosed by at least six walls, so as to facilitate machining.

It should be understood that the collection cavity11bin the embodiments of the present application is configured to collect the emissions from the battery cell20. Specifically, the collection cavity11bmay contain air or other gases. Alternatively, the collection cavity11bmay also contain liquid, such as a cooling medium, or a component for accommodating the liquid is provided to further cool the emissions entering the collection cavity11b. Further, optionally, the gas or the liquid in the collection cavity11bmay flow in a circulating manner.

It should be understood that the electrical cavity11ain the embodiments of the present application may be sealed or unsealed; similarly, the collection cavity11bin the embodiments of the present application may also be sealed or unsealed, which will not be limited in the embodiments of the present application.

Therefore, in the battery10of the embodiments of the present application, since the second wall21bto which the thermal management component12is attached is not the first wall21aof the battery cell20that is provided with the pressure relief mechanism213, and the electrical cavity11amay be configured to accommodate the battery cell20and the thermal management component12, without the need for arranging the thermal management component12in the collection cavity11b, when the battery cell20is subjected to thermal runaway, the emissions discharged from the battery cell20through the pressure relief mechanism213will be discharged in a direction away from the thermal management component12. Therefore, the emissions are less likely to break through the thermal management component12. The thermal management component12can cool the battery cell20that is subjected to thermal runaway, avoiding thermal diffusion, and enhancing the safety of the battery10.

Optionally, the second wall21bin the embodiments of the present application may be any wall of the battery cell20. For example, the area of the second wall21bis greater than or equal to that of the first wall21a, that is, the area of the second wall21bis not less than that of the first wall21a. In this way, the contact area between the thermal management component12and the battery cell20is relatively large, and the effect of regulating the temperature of the battery cell20is more significant when the battery cell20is operating normally. For example, the second wall21bmay be the wall of the battery cell20that has the largest area, while the first wall21amay be the wall of the battery cell20that has the smallest area; or the first wall21aand the second wall21bmay have the same area, for example, they are both the walls of the battery cell20that have the largest area, which will not be limited in the embodiments of the present application.

For another example, the second wall21bis the wall of the battery cell20that has the largest area, to increase the contact area between the thermal management component12and the battery cell20, so as to better regulate the temperature of the battery cell20and improve the heating or cooling efficiency. Specifically,FIG.6shows an exploded schematic structural diagram of a battery cell20according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, the battery cell20shown inFIG.6may be any battery cell20included in the battery10inFIGS.2to5. As shown inFIG.6, the battery cell20includes a shell21. The shell21may include a plurality of walls. The second wall21bmay be the wall of the battery cell20that has the largest area. Moreover, the battery cell20may include a plurality of walls having the same area. For example, if the shell21of the battery cell20is a cuboid, the battery cell20includes two oppositely arranged walls having the same and largest area, and the second wall21bcan be any one of the two.

The shell21includes a housing211and a cover plate212. A wall of the housing211and the cover plate212are each referred to as a wall of the battery cell20. The housing211may be shaped according to the shape of one or more inside electrode assemblies22after combination. For example, the housing211may be a hollow cuboid or cube or cylinder, and at least one surface of the housing211has an opening such that the one or more electrode assemblies22can be placed in the housing211. For example, when the housing211is a hollow cuboid or cube, at least one flat surface of the housing211is an opening surface, i.e., the flat surface does not have a wall, so that the inside and outside of the housing211are in communication with each other. When the housing211is a hollow cylinder, each of two end surfaces of the housing211is an opening surface, i.e., the end surface does not have a wall, so that the inside and outside of the housing211are in communication with each other. At least one opening of the housing211can be covered by providing at least one cover plate212, and each cover plate212is connected to the housing211to form a closed cavity in which the electrode assembly22is placed. The housing211is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolytic solution.

The first wall21aof the battery cell20in the embodiments of the present application is provided with a pressure relief mechanism213. The pressure relief mechanism213is configured, when an internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell20reaches a threshold, to be actuated to release the internal pressure or heat. Optionally, the first wall21amay be any wall of the battery cell20. For example, the first wall21amay be the wall of the battery cell20that has the largest area. In this way, since the area of the second wall21bis not less than that of the first wall21a, the first wall21aand the second wall21bmay have the same area and are both the walls of the battery cell20that have the largest area. For another example, as shown inFIG.6, the first wall21amay be the wall of the battery cell20that has the smallest area. For example, the first wall21amay be the bottom wall of the housing211to facilitate mounting. For ease of illustration, the first wall21ais separated from the housing211inFIG.6, but this does not limit whether the bottom side of the housing211has an opening or not, that is, the bottom wall and the side wall of the housing211may be of an integral structure, or may be two parts which are independent of each other but are connected together.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.6, the pressure relief mechanism213may be a part of the first wall21aor is split from the first wall21aand fixed to the first wall21aby means of welding, for example. When the pressure relief mechanism213is a part of the first wall21a, that is, the pressure relief mechanism213may be integrally formed with the first wall21a, the pressure relief mechanism213may be formed by providing an indentation or a groove on the first wall21a. The indentation makes the thickness of the region of the first wall21awhere the pressure relief mechanism213is located is less than the thickness of other regions of the first wall21aexcept the pressure relief mechanism213. When excessive gas generated by the battery cell20causes the internal pressure of the housing211to rise and reach a threshold, or the internal temperature of the battery cell20rises and reaches a threshold due to the heat generated by the internal reaction of the battery cell20, the battery cell20may be fractured at the indentation, resulting in the communication between the inside and outside of the shell21. The gas pressure and heat are released outward through the cracking of the pressure relief mechanism213, thereby preventing the battery cell20from exploding.

Optionally, the pressure relief mechanism213in the embodiments of the present application may have various possible pressure relief structures, which will not be limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the pressure relief mechanism213may be a temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism configured to be capable of being melted when the internal temperature of the battery cell20provided with the pressure relief mechanism213reaches a threshold; and/or the pressure relief mechanism213may be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism configured to be capable of being fractured when an internal gas pressure of the battery cell20provided with the pressure relief mechanism213reaches a threshold.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, where the pressure relief mechanism213is provided at the first wall21aof the battery cell20, a third wall of the battery cell20may be provided with electrode terminals214. The third wall may be the same as or different from the first wall21a. For example, as shown inFIG.6, in the embodiments of the present application, an example in which the third wall is different from the first wall21ais taken for description. For example, the third wall is arranged opposite to the first wall21a, the first wall21amay be the bottom wall of the battery cell20, and the third wall may be the cover plate212of the battery cell20, so that the emissions discharged from the battery cell20through the pressure relief mechanism213will not affect the electrode terminals214, avoiding a short circuit and improving the safety of the battery cell20.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.6, the battery cell20may include at least two electrode terminals214. The at least two electrode terminals214may be arranged on the same wall, or may be arranged on different walls. InFIG.6, an example is taken in which the battery cell20includes two electrode terminals214, and the two electrode terminals214are arranged on a flat plate-shaped cover plate212. The at least two electrode terminals214may include at least one positive electrode terminal214aand at least one negative electrode terminal214b.

The electrode terminals214in the embodiments of the present application are configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly22to output electric energy. For example, each electrode terminal214may be correspondingly provided with a connecting member23, which may also be called a current collecting member23, located between the cover plate212and the electrode assembly22and configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly22to the electrode terminal214.

As shown inFIG.6, each electrode assembly22has a first tab221aand a second tab222a. The first tab221aand the second tab222ahave opposite polarities. For example, when the first tab221ais a positive tab, the second tab222ais a negative tab. The first tab221aof one or more electrode assemblies22is connected to one electrode terminal via one connecting member23, and the second tab222aof one or more electrode assemblies22is connected to the other electrode terminal via the other connecting member23. For example, the positive electrode terminal214ais connected to the positive tab via one connecting member23, and the negative electrode terminal214bis connected to the negative tab via the other connecting member23.

In this battery cell20, according to actual use requirements, there may be a single or a plurality of electrode assemblies22. As shown inFIG.6, there are four separate electrode assemblies22in the battery cell20, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.6, the battery cell20may further include a backing plate24. The backing plate24is located between the electrode assembly22and the bottom wall of the housing211, can support the electrode assembly22, and can also effectively prevent the electrode assembly22from interfering with rounded corners around the bottom wall of the housing211. In addition, the backing plate24may be provided with one or more through holes, e.g., the backing plate may be provided with a plurality of uniformly arranged through holes, or when the pressure relief mechanism213is provided on the bottom wall of the housing211, through holes are formed at positions corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism213for facilitating the guiding of liquid and gas. Specifically, this can communicate spaces of an upper surface and a lower surface of the backing plate24, and gas generated inside the battery cell20and the electrolytic solution can freely pass through the backing plate24.

It should be understood that, for ease of description, in the embodiments of the present application, an example in which the second wall21bis the wall of the battery cell20that has the largest area is mainly taken for description. As shown inFIGS.2to6, the battery10includes a plurality of rows of battery cells20arranged in the first direction X, and each row of battery cells20of the plurality of rows of battery cells20includes at least one battery cell20arranged in a second direction Y. The first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y and the second wall21b. In this way, the plurality of battery cells20in the battery10are arranged in an array, so that the assembly of the battery10is facilitated, and the space utilization rate of the plurality of battery cells20in the battery10can also be improved. Since the first direction X is perpendicular to the second wall21b, when the thermal management component12is attached to the second wall21b, the first direction X is also perpendicular to the thermal management component12.

Optionally, the thermal management component12is attached to the second wall21bof the at least one battery cell20of at least one row of battery cells20of the plurality of rows of battery cells20. For the plurality of rows of battery cells20, the at least one battery cell20of at least one row of battery cells20is correspondingly provided with a thermal management component12. The thermal management component12may regulate the temperature of the at least one battery cell20attached thereto. In this way, there is at least one thermal management component12inside the battery10, and each thermal management component12may be configured to regulate the temperature of at least one battery cell20.

In the embodiments of the present application, the battery cells20include two second walls21boppositely arranged in the first direction X, and on two sides of at least one row of battery cells20of the plurality of rows of battery cells20in the first direction X, provided are the thermal management components12attached to the two second walls21bof the at least one battery cell20respectively. Among the plurality of rows of battery cells20, there is at least one row of battery cells20satisfying that for any row of battery cells20of the at least one row of battery cells20, the row of battery cells20includes two second walls21boppositely arranged in the first direction X, and the two second walls21bare each correspondingly provided with a thermal management component12, that is, the row of battery cells20is clamped between the two thermal management components12. Therefore, the two thermal management components12can simultaneously regulate the temperature of this row of battery cells20, so that it is possible to improve the temperature regulation efficiency and improve the safety of the battery10. For example, if each row of battery cells20of the plurality of rows of battery cells20in the battery10is provided with two thermal management components12, the temperature regulation efficiency can be greatly improved. For example, when a battery cell20is subjected to thermal runaway, it can be cooled more effectively, thereby avoiding thermal diffusion and improving the safety of the battery10.

In the embodiments of the present application, among the plurality of rows of battery cells20, at least two adjacent rows of battery cells20are provided therebetween with the same thermal management component12. In this way, among the plurality of battery cells20, there are two adjacent rows of battery cells20satisfying that the two rows of battery cells20are provided therebetween with the same thermal management component12, so as to facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the battery10. For example, in the first direction X, there may be some of the battery cells20satisfying that two adjacent rows of battery cells20are provided therebetween with the same thermal management component12; and there are also some of the battery cells20satisfying that two adjacent rows of battery cells20are provided therebetween with no thermal management component12, improving the space utilization rate in the battery10. For another example, as shown inFIGS.2to6, it is also possible that among the plurality of rows of battery cells20, every two adjacent rows of battery cells20are provided therebetween with a thermal management component12, so that each battery cell20corresponds to at least two thermal management components12, thereby improving the temperature regulation effect.

It should be understood that the number of thermal management components12in the battery10of the embodiment of the present application may be set according to actual applications. For example, the number of thermal management components12in the battery10may be selected based on the size and number of battery cells20.

For example, the battery10includes a plurality of thermal management components12arranged in the first direction X, so as to improve the temperature regulation efficiency.

For another example, as shown inFIGS.2to6, the plurality of thermal management components12are arranged at intervals in the first direction X, so that at least one battery cell20is arranged between two adjacent thermal management components12, so that both the space utilization rate of the battery10and the temperature regulation efficiency can be improved.

In the embodiments of the present application, the thermal management components12are each provided with a heat exchange channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium, and the heat exchange channels of the plurality of thermal management components12are in communication with each other. In this way, the plurality of thermal management components12are in communication with each other, so that management and control are facilitated, and the integration and safety of the battery10are improved; moreover, when the temperature of some thermal management components12in the battery10changes greatly, heat exchange can be realized by means of the heat exchange channels, so that the temperature difference between the plurality of thermal management components12is small, and the temperature regulation efficiency is improved. Furthermore, each thermal management component12may also be provided with a plurality of heat exchange channels. The plurality of heat exchange channels are arranged at intervals in a height direction Z, so as to increase the heat exchange area between the thermal management component12and the battery cell20and improve the temperature regulation efficiency.

It should be understood that the contact area between each thermal management component12and the second wall21bof the battery cell20in the embodiments of the present application may be set according to actual applications. The contact area refers to the area of the region of the thermal management component12that exchanges heat with the second wall21bof the battery cell20. By contact here may refer to the direct contact between the thermal management component12and the second wall21b, or may refer to the indirect contact between the thermal management component12and the second wall21bby means of a thermally conductive adhesive, a thermally conductive pad, etc. For example, the value range of a ratio of the thickness D of the thermal management component12in the first direction X to an area ratio S is [0.5 mm, 200 mm]. The area ratio S is a ratio of the contact area between the second wall21band the thermal management component12to the area of the second wall21b.

FIG.7shows a schematic diagram of any row of battery cells20of the battery10and the correspondingly provided thermal management components12according to an embodiment of the present application; andFIG.8shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a battery10according to an embodiment of the present application. For example,FIG.8may be a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery10along the C-C′ direction shown inFIG.7. Since each thermal management component12can correspond to a plurality of battery cells20, for ease of description, as shown inFIGS.7and8, any thermal management component12and any battery cell20in contact with this thermal management component12are taken as an example in the embodiments of the present application.

As shown inFIGS.7and8, the thermal management component12in the embodiments of the present application may include at least a partial region in contact with the second wall21b, or may include at least a partial region not in contact with the second wall21b. Specifically, taking the height direction Z of the battery cell20as an example, the height H1of the second wall21bmay be greater than or equal to or less than the height H2of the thermal management component12, the height H3of the region of the thermal management component12that is in contact with the second wall21bmay be less than or equal to the height H1of the second wall21b, and the height H3of the region of the thermal management component12that is in contact with the second wall21bmay be less than or equal to the height H2of the thermal management component12. Correspondingly, the area of the second wall21bmay be greater than or equal to or less than that of the thermal management component12, the area of the region of the thermal management component12that is in contact with the second wall21bmay be less than or equal to that of the second wall21b, and the area of the region of the thermal management component12that is in contact with the second wall21bmay be less than or equal to that of the thermal management component12, so that at least a partial region of the thermal management component12is in contact with at least a partial region of the second wall21b.

It should be understood that since the thermal management component12may correspond to a plurality of battery cells20, the area of the thermal management component12above refers to the area of the thermal management component12corresponding to one battery cell20. For example, as shown inFIGS.7and8, the thermal management component12may correspond to six battery cells20, and the area of the thermal management component12above refers to the area obtained by dividing the total area of the surface of the thermal management component12facing the second walls21bof the battery cells20by six, that is, the area of the thermal management component12corresponding to one battery cell20.

Since the thermal management component12may be partly in contact with the second wall21b, the value range of the area ratio S in the embodiments of the present application may be set to [0.1,1], so that at least a partial region of the thermal management component12is in contact with the second wall21b.

Optionally, the thickness D of the thermal management component12in the embodiments of the present application may refer to the average thickness of the thermal management component12, or may refer to the average thickness of the region of the thermal management component12corresponding to the second wall21bof the battery cell20, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. For example, in order to facilitate machining, the thermal management component12in the embodiments of the present application is generally a plate-shaped structure with uniform thickness.

The value range of the thickness D of the thermal management component12in the embodiments of the present application may generally be set to [0.5 mm, 20 mm]. If the thickness D is set too small, the thermal management component12is difficult to machine, has a small strength, and is thus likely to be broken during assembly, reducing the manufacture efficiency of the battery10. Conversely, if the thickness D is set too large, the thermal management component12will occupy a large space, reducing the space utilization rate of the battery10, and thus reducing the energy density of the battery10. Therefore, the thickness D of the thermal management component12should not be set too large or too small.

It should be understood that the value of D/S in the embodiments of the present application also should not be set too large or too small. If the D/S is set too small, assuming that the area ratio S takes a constant value, the thickness D of the thermal management component12will be too small, then the thermal management component12is difficult to machine, has a small strength, and is thus likely to be broken during assembly, reducing the manufacture efficiency of the battery10. Conversely, if the D/S is set too large, the thickness D of the thermal management component12may be large, and the thermal management component12thus occupies a large space, reducing the space utilization rate of the battery10, and thus reducing the energy density of the battery10, or possibly affecting the power demand of the battery10; and the area ratio S may be too small, that is, the contact area between the thermal management component12and the second wall21bof the battery cell20is too small, resulting in less efficient temperature regulation.

Therefore, the value range of the ratio of the thickness D of the thermal management component12to the area ratio S in the embodiments of the present application may generally be set to [0.5 mm, 200 mm]. For example, the ratio of the thickness D of the thermal management component12to the area ratio S may be equal to 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm or 200 mm. For another example, the ratio of the thickness D of the thermal management component12to the area ratio S may also be set to other values. For example, the value range of the ratio may be set to [0.5 mm, 4 mm] or [1 mm, 4 mm].

It should be understood that the electrical cavity11ain the embodiments of the present application is described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the collection cavity11bin the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the embodiments of the present application, the battery10further includes: a support member14arranged in the collection cavity11b. The support member14is configured to increase the compressive strength of the collection cavity11b. Compared with a hollow cavity structure, since the support member14provides a support function in the collection cavity11b, the collection cavity11bprovided with the support member14has a better compressive strength. In other words, when an external pressure acts on the battery10, the collection cavity11bprovided with the support member14can resist most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the impact of the external pressure on the battery cell20, the thermal management component12and other components in the electrical cavity11a, and improving the compression resistance and the safety performance of the battery10.

In some application scenarios, the battery10may be mounted to a chassis of an electric vehicle, and provide electric power for the driving of the electric vehicle. Specifically, the collection cavity11bof the battery10faces the chassis of the electric vehicle relative to the electrical cavity11a, and the electric vehicle may be subject to adverse conditions such as bumps and flying stones during driving, which will cause shock and bottom ball impact to the chassis of the electric vehicle and even the battery10mounted to the chassis. Through the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the support member14in the collection cavity11bcan provide good anti-shock and anti-bottom ball impact functions, and reduce or eliminate the influence on the battery10caused by the adverse conditions encountered by the electric vehicle during driving, and enhance the compression resistance and the safety performance of the battery10, thereby further improving the safety performance of the electric vehicle.

It can be understood thatFIGS.3and5are only examples, showing possible schematic views of a support member14arranged in the collection cavity11b, which should not limit the scope of protection of the present application. In addition to the embodiments shown inFIGS.3and5, the support member14provided in the embodiments of the present application may also be in other forms, and/or be arranged in other positions of the collection cavity11b, so as to provide support for the collection cavity11band to increase the compressive strength of the collection cavity11b. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the shape and position of the support member14.

In order to provide a good support performance,FIG.9shows a schematic perspective view of several support members14provided by the present application. As shown by the two support members14on the left side inFIG.9, the support member14in the embodiments of the present application may be of a strip-shaped structure, for example, may be a rectangular strip or a diamond-shaped strip. The strip-shaped structure is relatively convenient to machine, and can be flexibly mounted in a regularly or irregularly shaped cavity. For example, if the collection cavity11bis a cuboid, the support member14of a strip-shaped structure is conveniently mounted in the collection cavity11bparallel to the long side or the short side of the collection cavity11b.

As shown by the two support members14on the right side inFIG.9, the support member14in the embodiments of the present application may also be of a ring-shaped structure, for example, may be a circular ring structure or a square ring structure. The ring-shaped support member14is suitable for a cavity having a regular shape and provides comprehensive support for the cavity. For example, if the collection cavity11bis a cuboid, the ring-shaped support member14may be correspondingly arranged in the center of the collection cavity11b.

Optionally, the support member14includes a channel configured to allow at least part of the emissions to pass through. In addition to providing a support function, the support member14may also be configured to form a channel through which the emissions of the battery cell20pass. Specifically, the support member14may be configured such that the support member14includes at least a part of the channel; or a channel through which the emissions pass may be formed between the support member14and the wall of the collection cavity11b; or, if a plurality of support members14are provided, a channel through which the emissions pass may also be formed between the plurality of support members14.

In this implementation, the arrangement of the support member14in the collection cavity11bwill not affect the discharge of the emissions from the battery cell20, so as to ensure the safety performance of the battery cell20. In addition, compared with a hollow collection cavity11b, the channel formed by the support member14can also prolong the discharge path of the emissions in the collection cavity11b, reduce the temperature of the emissions after being discharged from the box body11, and further improve the safety performance of the battery10and the electrical apparatus where the battery is located.

Optionally, in some implementations, an aperture140may be provided in the support member14in the embodiments of the present application, and the aperture140is configured to form a channel in the support member14to allow the emissions discharged from the battery cell20through the pressure relief mechanism213to pass through.

Optionally, the aperture140configured to form the channel has a plurality of arrangements. As an example, if the support member14is a solid structural support member, the aperture may be an aperture penetrating the support member14for forming a channel through which the emissions of the battery cell20pass. If the support member14is of a hollow structure, the aperture140may be configured to penetrate the wall of the support member14, and the aperture140may be configured to communicate the internal hollow cavity of the support member14and the collection cavity11b. The aperture140and the hollow cavity are both used to form the channel for the emissions of battery cell20.

In the embodiments of the present application, the support member14is of a hollow structure. Compared with a support member14of a solid structure, the support member14of the hollow structure provides support for the collection cavity11band increases the compressive strength, while the weight of the support member14itself is small, so that no large additional weight will be added to the battery10, thereby improving the energy density of the battery10. Moreover, the support member14of the hollow structure having the aperture140will not occupy too much space in the collection cavity11b, so that it is possible to ensure that there is enough space in the collection cavity11bto receive and collect the emissions of the battery cell20. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application is illustrated by taking a support member14is of a hollow structure as an example.

Optionally, the support member14is of a tubular structure. Specifically, as shown inFIG.9, the support member14in the embodiments of the present application may be of a hollow tubular structure having a high axial rigidity, and its radial dimension may be adapted to the height of the collection cavity11b, so that a good support can be provided for the collection cavity11b.

In some implementations, the cross-section of the tubular structure is a polygon, and the number of sides of the polygon is greater than or equal to 4, so as to improve the stability of the tubular structure in the collection cavity11b. In some other implementations, the cross-section of the tubular structure may also be circular, racetrack-shaped or other shapes, which will not be specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

As an example, the tubular structure is strip-shaped or ring-shaped. Specifically, as shown by the two support members14on the left side inFIG.9, the support member14may be of a strip-shaped tubular structure. For example, the cross-section of the support member14is a hollow hexagon or a hollow quadrilateral. As shown by the two support members14on the right side inFIG.9, the support member14may also be of a ring-shaped tubular structure, and the cross-section of the support member14is circular or hollow quadrilateral.

Optionally, the support member14of the tubular structure provided in the embodiments of the present application may have a wall thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, so that the rigidity and the compressive strength of the support member14of the tubular structure can be ensured, and the support member will not occupy a large space in the collection cavity11b.

In addition, the material of the support member14provided in the embodiments of the present application may be a material with a good ductility and a high strength, which can buffer and resist external pressure, and has a high compressive strength. As an example, the material of the support member14may be a metal material, such as copper and aluminum. Alternatively, the material of the support member14may also be a non-metallic material with a certain strength, such as mica and ceramics.

Therefore, the support member14provided in the embodiments of the present application has a good ductility, a high axial rigidity, and a high compressive strength, and thus can provide good support for the collection cavity11band increase the compressive strength of the collection cavity11b. Moreover, when the support member14is of a hollow structure, such as a tubular structure, the support member14can not only increase the compressive strength of the collection cavity11b, but also form a channel, which is configured to allow the emissions of the battery cell20to pass through, in the support member14, so that there is enough space in the collection cavity11bto collect the emissions.

Based on the support member14shown inFIG.9above,FIG.10shows a schematic perspective view of two further support members14provided by the present application. As shown inFIG.10, the support member14is provided with an aperture140. The aperture140is configured to form the channel in the support member14. Specifically, the support member14of the tubular structure is provided with an aperture140, and the aperture140may be provided in at least a part of the wall of the tubular structure. For example, the aperture140may be provided in a plurality of side walls of a hexagonal tubular structure or in a plurality of side walls of a quadrangular tubular structure. In each side wall, a plurality of apertures140may be provided. The plurality of apertures140are arranged in an axial direction of the tubular structure. Optionally, the shape of the aperture140may be a rounded rectangle, a circle or any other shape.

Based on the embodiment shown inFIG.10, the support member14is of a tubular structure, and on the basis that the internal cavity of the tubular structure provides a channel for the emissions, a channel through which the emissions pass is also formed between the aperture140and the cavity of the tubular structure. Moreover, if a plurality of apertures140are provided, a channel through which the emissions pass may also be formed between the plurality of apertures140provided in the tubular structure.

It can be understood thatFIG.10is only for illustration, showing several possible arrangements of the aperture140when the support member14is of a tubular structure. If the support member14is of other hollow structures, the arrangement of the aperture140can also refer to relevant descriptions in the context. In addition, if the support member14is of a solid structure, the aperture140may be an aperture penetrating the support member14. In addition to the difference in the depth of the aperture, other related technical solutions can also refer to the relevant descriptions in the context, which will not be repeated here.

Optionally, the channel of the support member14is configured to allow gases in the emissions to pass through, and a region of the support member14other than the channel is configured to block solids in the emissions. For example, the channel formed by the aperture140in the support member14may be used to all gases and/or liquids in the emissions to pass through, while other regions of the support member14may be used to block solids in the emissions. As described above, the emissions from the battery cell20include, but are not limited to, an electrolytic solution, dissolved or split positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of a separator, high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by reaction, sparks, etc., all of which are high-temperature substances. If solid substances such as high-temperature positive and negative electrode plates, high-temperature separator fragments, and sparks are directly discharged out of the box body11through a discharge valve, there will be a relatively large safety hazard. Through the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the aperture140can allow high-temperature gases and/or high-temperature liquids in the emissions to pass through, while the other regions of the support member14block high-temperature solids in the emissions. That is, the aperture140in the support member14can filter the high-temperature solids from the emissions, block the high-temperature solids inside the support member14, and prevent the high-temperature solids in the emissions from being discharged out of the box body11to cause safety hazards, thereby improving the safety of the battery10and the electrical apparatus where the battery is located.

In order to improve the filtering effect of the aperture140, the mesh number of apertures140in the support member14may be 5 or more. Moreover, the diameter of the aperture140in the support member14may be within 4 mm to avoid discharge of larger particles. The mesh number refers to the number of holes per inch in a screen, and the greater the mesh number, the more holes there are. In the embodiments of the present application, the mesh number of the apertures140in the support member14is 5 or more, that is, the diameter of the hole is less than about 4 mm, which basically does not affect the support strength of the support member14.

Optionally, the number of apertures140in the support member14may be greater than a preset threshold, so that more than a preset number of channels are formed in the support member14. It is possible to increase the fluidity of the emissions in the support member14, and form a sufficiently long discharge path, reducing the temperature of the emissions discharged from the box body11, thereby improving the safety of the battery10and the electrical apparatus where the battery is located. Moreover, enough channels can also better filter the high-temperature solids in the emissions, further improving the safety of the battery10and the electrical apparatus where the battery is located.

Further, in order to realize the cooling effect of the channel formed in the support member14on the emissions, the support member14may be provided with a cooling material to further cool the emissions passing through the channel, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery10and the electrical apparatus where it is located.

Optionally, in some implementations, the cooling material may be provided on a surface of the support member14, for example, may be coated on the surface of the support member14. In some other implementations, if the support member14is of a hollow structure, the cooling material may also be provided in the hollow structure.

As an example, the cooling material used in the embodiments of the present application may be a phase change material (PCM) coating. The phase change material can be melted after contacting the high-temperature emissions, to absorb a large amount of heat and cool the emissions.

Through the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the cooling material is provided on the support member14. When the collection cavity11bcollects the high-temperature emissions from the battery cell, the cooling material provided on the support member14can cool the high-temperature emissions, preventing the high-temperature emissions from causing safety hazards, and improving the safety performance of the battery and the electrical apparatus where it is located.

Further, if the support member14is of a hollow structure, the cavity of the hollow structure not only provides a channel for the emissions, but can also utilize the space in the cavity and/or the cooling material provided on the surface of the hollow structure such that when the emissions passes through the channel, the cooling material cools the emissions.

The arrangement position and the arrangement manner of the support member14in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.11shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery10according to an embodiment of the present application. For example,FIG.11may be a possible schematic cross-sectional view of the battery10shown inFIG.3, the cross-section being perpendicular to the first direction X. For example,FIG.11may be a schematic cross-sectional view along the A-A′ direction shown inFIG.2.FIG.12shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the battery10according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, FIG.12may be an enlarged view of a region D shown inFIG.11. As shown inFIGS.11and12, the battery10further includes: an isolation component13attached to the first wall21a. The isolation component13is configured to isolate the electrical cavity11afrom the collection cavity11b. The so-called “isolation” here refers to separation, which may or may not be sealed. Specifically, the electrical cavity11aand the collection cavity11bare isolated from each other by the isolation component13, that is, the electrical cavity11afor accommodating the battery cell20and the thermal management component12is spatially separated from the collection cavity11bfor collecting the emissions, so that it is possible to prevent at least part of the emissions from entering the electrical cavity11afrom the collection cavity11b, avoiding thermal diffusion.

In the embodiments of the present application, the isolation component13includes a wall shared by the electrical cavity11aand the collection cavity11b. As shown inFIGS.11and12, the isolation component13(or a part thereof) may be directly used as the wall shared by the electrical cavity11aand the collection cavity11b, so that the distance between the electrical cavity11aand the collection cavity11bcan be reduced as much as possible, saving space, and improving the space utilization rate of the box body11.

Optionally, the isolation component13in the embodiments of the present application may also be a thermal management component configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell20. Specifically, the isolation component13may be configured to accommodate a fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material to regulate the temperature of the battery cell20. In the case of cooling the battery cell20, the isolation component13may accommodate a cooling medium to regulate the temperature of the battery cell20. In this case, the isolation component13may also be called a cooling component, a cooling system, a cooling plate, etc.

It should be understood that the box body11in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented in various ways, which will not be limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, takingFIGS.11and12as an example, for the electrical cavity11a, the box body11may include a first enclosure body with an opening, and the isolation component13covers the opening of the first enclosure body to form the electrical cavity11a. In this way, the wall for forming the electrical cavity11aincludes the first enclosure body and the isolation component13. The first enclosure body may also be implemented in various ways. For example, the first enclosure body110may be of a hollow integral structure with an opening at one end; or the first enclosure body110may include a first part111and a second part112with openings on two opposite sides respectively, the first part111covers the opening on one side of the second part112, so as to form a first enclosure body with an opening at one end, and the isolation component13covers the opening on the other side of the second part112to form the electrical cavity11a. As for the corresponding collection cavity11b, as shown inFIGS.11and12, the box body11further includes: a protective member113. The protective member113is configured to form the collection cavity11bwith the isolation component13. In addition, the protective member113may also be configured to protect the isolation component13, that is, the wall of the collection cavity11bincludes the protective member113and the isolation component13.

For another example, unlike the aforementioned manner shown inFIGS.11and12, the box body11may further include a closed second enclosure body, which may be configured to form an electrical cavity11a, or by providing the isolation component13inside the second enclosure body, the electrical cavity11ais isolated inside the second enclosure body. Further, a collection cavity11bmay also be isolated. The second enclosure body may also be implemented in various ways. For example, the second enclosure body may include a third part and a fourth part, one side of the fourth part has an opening to form a semi-closed structure, the isolation component13is provided inside the fourth part, and the third part covers the opening of the fourth part to form the closed second enclosure body.

In the embodiments of the present application, the isolation component13is provided with a pressure relief region131. The pressure relief region131is configured to discharge the emissions to the collection cavity11bthrough the pressure relief region131when the pressure relief mechanism213is actuated, thereby preventing the emissions from damaging other battery cells20in the electrical cavity11a, avoiding thermal diffusion and thus improving the safety of the battery10.

Optionally, the isolation component13further includes a non-pressure relief region132, and the non-pressure relief region132is a region of the isolation component13other than the pressure relief region131. For example, the non-pressure relief region132may be provided with a flow channel, so as to accommodate a fluid or a solid-liquid phase change material in the flow channel to regulate the temperature of the battery cell20.

Optionally, as an embodiment, the support member14is arranged corresponding to the non-pressure relief region132of the isolation component13, so as to form a channel, through which the emissions pass, outside the support member14. As shown inFIGS.11and12, in the embodiments of the present application, the support member14is arranged corresponding to the non-pressure relief region132, and the emissions discharged through the pressure relief region131is outside the support member14, thereby forming a channel, through which the emissions from the battery cell20pass, outside the support member14. For example, a channel may be formed between a plurality of support members14or between the support member14and the wall of the collection cavity11bsuch that the emissions are collected by the collection cavity11b.

Through the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the support member14is arranged corresponding to the non-pressure relief region132of the isolation component13to prevent the support member14from affecting the pressure relief region131in the isolation component13and the pressure relief mechanism213opposite to the pressure relief region. For example, it is possible to prevent the support member14from blocking the emissions discharged from the interior of the battery cell20through the pressure relief mechanism213and the pressure relief region131, so that the emissions can be collected by the collection cavity11b. Therefore, the support member14configured based on the embodiments of the present application will not affect the safety performance of the battery cell20while increasing the compressive strength of the collection cavity11b.

Optionally, as shown inFIGS.11and12, the support member14abuts against the non-pressure relief region132of the isolation component13. Specifically, the support member14may be in contact with the non-pressure relief region132of the isolation component13, so as to ensure that the support member14has a good support effect on the isolation component13. For example, in the height direction Z of the box body11, the support member14may be arranged below the non-pressure relief region132.

Optionally, as an example, as shown inFIGS.11and12, among the plurality of battery cells20arranged in the second direction Y, two adjacent battery cells20may be correspondingly provided therebetween with the same support member14. The extension direction of the support member14is the first direction X, that is, two rows of battery cells20extending in the first direction X may share the same support member14. In this way, by correspondingly arranging the support members14between two adjacent rows of battery cells20, it is possible to use a small number of support members14, so that mounting is facilitated, and the weight of the battery10can also be reduced while providing a good support effect.

FIG.13shows an exploded schematic structural diagram of a battery10according to another embodiment of the present application; andFIG.14shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery10according to another embodiment of the present application. For example, the cross-sectional view shown inFIG.14may be a cross-sectional view of the battery10shown inFIG.13, the cross-section being perpendicular to the first direction X.FIG.15shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the battery10according to another embodiment of the present application. For example,FIG.15may be an enlarged view of a region E shown inFIG.14. It should be understood that inFIG.13, the support member14having a rectangular cross-section is taken as an example, but the support member14may also be configured in other shapes, such as the shapes shown inFIGS.9and10, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

Optionally, as another embodiment, as shown inFIGS.13to15, the support member14is provided with a first aperture141. The first aperture141is arranged corresponding to the pressure relief region131such that the emissions passing through the pressure relief region131are discharged through the first aperture141. The support member14may be of a tubular structure, and a wall of the support member14is provided with a first aperture141, and the first aperture141is arranged opposite to the pressure relief region131in the isolation component13. In this way, while the support member14implements the support function, the first aperture141of the support member14also facilitates the receiving of the emissions discharged from the battery cell20through the pressure relief mechanism213and the pressure relief region131, and the emissions can be collected into the collection cavity11bof the box body11after passing through the first aperture141, to prevent the emissions from affecting the components in the electrical cavity11a.

It should be understood that the first aperture141is in communication with the corresponding pressure relief region131, so as to achieve a good conduction effect of the first aperture141on the emissions.

In addition, the cross-sectional area of the first aperture141is not less than the area of the pressure relief region131, so as to further improve the good conduction effect of the first aperture141on the emissions, and prevent the first aperture141from blocking the emissions from entering the collection cavity11b.

Optionally, as shown inFIGS.13to15, a plurality of battery cells20arranged in the first direction X may be provided with the same strip-shaped support member14correspondingly, and each strip-shaped support member14is correspondingly arranged below the pressure relief mechanisms213of each row of battery cells20, so that it is possible to use a relatively small number of support members14that are easy to mount to achieve a good support effect.

It should be understood that, for each of the above embodiments, as shown inFIGS.11to15, the pressure relief region131of the isolation component13in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented in various ways. For example, the pressure relief region131in the isolation component13may not be treated in any special way. The embodiments of the present application only refers to a partial region of the isolation component13opposite to the pressure relief mechanism213, which is called the pressure relief region131.

For another example, the pressure relief region131in the isolation component13may also be specially treated such that the pressure relief region can be more easily damaged when the pressure relief mechanism213is actuated.

As an example, the pressure relief region131is a weakened region configured to be capable of being damaged when the pressure relief mechanism213is actuated, such that the emissions pass through the weakened region and enter the collection cavity11b. Configuring the pressure relief region131as a weakened region can make the isolation component13in a relatively sealed state when the pressure relief mechanism213is not actuated, for example, during normal use of the battery10, effectively protecting the pressure relief mechanism213from being damaged and failed due to external force. In addition, when the pressure relief mechanism213is actuated, the strength of the weakened region is less than that of other regions in the isolation component13except the pressure relief region131, and the weakened region is thus easily damaged, so that the emissions from the battery cell20provided with the pressure relief mechanism213are discharged out of the electrical cavity11athrough the weakened region, for example, may pass through the weakened region into the collection cavity11b.

Optionally, the isolation component13is provided with a groove arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism213, and a bottom wall of the groove forms the weakened region. Since the bottom wall of the groove is weaker than other regions of the isolation component13and is easily damaged by the emissions, the emissions may damage the bottom wall of the groove and enter the collection cavity11bwhen the pressure relief mechanism213is actuated.

Optionally, a weakened region may also be formed in the isolation component13as the pressure relief region131in other ways. For example, an indentation is provided in the isolation component13to form the weakened region, etc., which will not be specifically limited in the present application.

As another embodiment, the pressure relief region131is a first through hole configured such that when the pressure relief mechanism213is actuated, the emissions can enter the collection cavity11bthrough the first through hole. When the pressure relief region131is the first through hole, the machining is facilitated, and the emissions discharged through the pressure relief mechanism213can be also released more quickly.

In the embodiments of the present application, as shown inFIGS.11to15, the support member14abuts against the isolation component13and/or the protective member113. In this way, the support member14can provide a support function for the protective member113and/or the isolation component13, so as to improve the overall compressive strength of the protective member113and/or the isolation component13. Especially, when abutting against both the protective member113and the isolation component13, the support member14can improve the compressive strength of the protective member113and the isolation component13as a whole, thereby preventing external pressure from affecting the battery cell20and other components in the electrical cavity11a.

Optionally, a connection surface of the support member14abuts against the isolation component13and/or the protective member113, and a non-connection surface of the support member14is provided with a second aperture142to form a channel, through which the emissions pass, in the support member14. Specifically, the connection surface of the support member14is the surface that is in contact with the isolation component13and/or the protective member113. On the contrary, the non-connection surface of the support member14is the surface of the support member14that is not in contact with the isolation component13and the protective member113. The non-connection surface of the support member14may be provided with a second aperture142to form a channel, through which the emissions pass, in the support member14, so as to add a discharge path of the emissions from the battery cell20.

Optionally, if the support member14is of a quadrangular tubular structure, the first aperture141may be provided in any side wall of the quadrangular tubular structure, and the other side walls of the quadrangular tubular structure may also be provided with second apertures142. The first aperture141and the second apertures142may be both configured to form discharge channels through which the emissions of the battery cell20pass. If the support member14is of a hexagonal tubular structure, similar to the quadrangular tubular structure, the first aperture141is provided in one side wall of the hexagonal tubular structure, and the other side walls of the hexagonal tubular structure may also be provided with second apertures142.

Optionally, the sizes of the first aperture141and the second aperture142may be different or the same. For example, the size of the first aperture141is greater than the size of the second aperture142, so that the first aperture141with a larger size can allow the emissions discharged through the pressure relief mechanism213to smoothly pass through without blocking the discharge of the emissions, whereas the second aperture142with a smaller size can provide a filtering function, that is, the second aperture142allows the high-temperature gases and/or high-temperature liquids in the emissions to pass through, and the support member14blocks the high-temperature solids in the emissions, to prevent the high-temperature solids in the emissions from being discharged out of the box body11to cause potential safety hazards, thereby improving the safety of the battery and the electrical apparatus where the battery is located.

Optionally, the shapes of the first aperture141and the second aperture142may also be the same or different. For example, the shape of the first aperture141may be kept consistent with that of the pressure relief mechanism213or the pressure relief region131, so as to facilitate the smooth and timely passage of the emissions; whereas the shape of the second aperture142is generally set to be rectangular or circular, so as to facilitate machining.

Optionally, the numbers of first apertures141and second apertures142may also be the same or different. For example, the number of first apertures141may be kept consistent with that of corresponding pressure relief mechanisms213or pressure relief regions131, so that the first apertures141correspond to the pressure relief mechanisms213on a one-to-one basis, or correspond to the pressure relief regions131on a one-to-one basis; and the number of second apertures142may be flexibly set according to actual applications.

It should be understood that the support member14in the embodiments of the present application may be arranged in the collection cavity11bby various fixing means, so as to prevent the support member14from moving in the collection cavity11band affecting the reliability of the battery10.

For example, in an implementation, the protective member113and the support member14are of an integral structure. Optionally, the support member14and the protective member113may form an integral structure by welding or other processes, so as to facilitate subsequent mounting.

For another example, in another implementation, the isolation component13and/or the protective member113forming the collection cavity11bis provided with a fixing member configured to fix the support member14. Optionally, the fixing member includes but is not limited to an adhesive layer, a bolt, a snap groove, etc.

For example, as shown inFIGS.13to15, taking a strip-shaped support member14as an example, the protective member113may be provided with a U-shaped groove1131, such that the strip-shaped support member14is arranged in the U-shaped groove1131. The strip-shaped support member14extends in the first direction X, and correspondingly, the strip-shaped U-shaped groove116also extends in the first direction X. The length of the strip-shaped U-shaped groove116is approximately equal to that of the strip-shaped support member14. Similarly, the width of the U-shaped groove1131is also approximately equal to that of the support member14, so that the support member14is fixedly arranged on the protective member113. However, the depth of the U-shaped groove1131may be less than or equal to the height of the support member14, so as to reduce the machining difficulty of and the space occupied by the U-shaped groove1131. Through this implementation, the mounting of the support member14is simple, and the support member14is convenient to be dismounted and replaced, and the mounting efficiency and the maintenance efficiency of the box body11of the battery10are improved.

Optionally, the U-shaped groove1131may be implemented in various ways. For example, as shown inFIGS.13to15, the protective member113forms protrusions1132facing the interior of the box body11, and the U-shaped groove1131may be formed between adjacent protrusions1132. Through the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the protective member113is directly used to form the protrusions1132and the U-shaped groove1131, so that it is possible to avoid the use of additional structural members to form the U-shaped groove1131and reduce the manufacturing cost. In addition, it is also possible to prevent the additional structural members from causing adverse effects on the protective member113, the support member14and other components in the box body11, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery10.

Alternatively, as an alternative solution, in the embodiments of the present application, an additional structural member may be used, which is arranged on the protective member113, so as to form a U-shaped groove1131on the protective member113.

It should be understood thatFIGS.13to15only schematically show the schematic diagrams of the strip-shaped support member14and the strip-shaped U-shaped groove116. If the support member14has other shapes, such as a circular ring or a square ring, the U-shaped groove116may also be configured as a ring-shaped, U-shaped groove to adapt to the ring-shaped support member14.

Furthermore, in addition to the support member14being fixedly arranged on the protective member113via the U-shaped groove1131, the support member14may also be fixed by means of a bolt or other types of fixing members. For example, the protective member113is provided with a fixing bolt, which can pass through the support member14to support and fix the support member14. Optionally, the bolt may pass through an aperture in the support member14and be connected to another structural member of the box body11to enhance the stability of the support member14. In some implementations, the bolt may pass through an aperture of the support member14, pass through the isolation component13, and then be fixed to the isolation component13. Through these implementations, the bolt can not only reinforce the fixing of the support member14, but can also reinforce the fixing of the isolation component13. While enhancing the overall stability of the box body11, the relative movement between the support member14and the isolation component13is also prevented, avoiding the influence of the support member14on the isolation component13and improving the safety of the battery10.

The arrangement of the support member14in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments of the present application, the arrangement of the support member14in the collection cavity11bis related to the position of the battery cell20. Specifically, the arrangement of the support member14in the collection cavity11bis related to the position of the pressure relief mechanism213in the battery cell20and is also related to the pressure relief region131of the isolation component13.

Optionally, as an embodiment, the battery10includes a plurality of tubular structures arranged at intervals in the collection cavity11b. The plurality of support members14arranged at intervals can provide uniform and comprehensive support for the collection cavity11b, thereby uniformly and comprehensively increasing the compressive strength of the collection cavity11b.

Optionally, the support members14of different shapes may be arranged at intervals in the collection cavity11bin different ways. For example, for the strip-shaped support members14, as shown inFIGS.13to15, the plurality of strip support members14are arranged at intervals in the collection cavity11b, and the axial directions of the plurality of support members14may all be parallel to the first direction X. Alternatively, the plurality of strip-shaped support members14may also be arranged in the collection cavity11bin other ways. For example, the axial directions of the plurality of support members14may be parallel to the second direction Y. The first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y.

For another example,FIGS.16and17respectively show other possible arrangements of the support members14in the collection cavity11bin the embodiments of the present application. As shown inFIG.16, in this implementation, a plurality of support members14are in the form of a square ring or a frame. The plurality of support members14are arranged around the center of the collection cavity11b, the size of the support member14close to the center of the collection cavity11bis smaller, the size of the support member14away from the center of the collection cavity11bis larger, and there is a gap between two adjacent support members14, so that the plurality of support members14are arranged spaced apart from each other in the collection cavity11b.

Similarly, as shown inFIG.17, in this implementation, a plurality of support members14are ring-shaped, and the arrangement of the plurality of ring-shaped support members14is similar to the arrangement of the plurality of square ring-shaped support members14described above. Details are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Optionally, in the above embodiments shown inFIGS.16and17, the square ring-shaped or circular ring-shaped support member14may be of a hollow tubular structure. Optionally, the support member14may also be provided with an aperture, for example, may include a first aperture141and/or a second aperture142. Details are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Optionally, a plurality of support members14may be arranged symmetrically in the collection cavity11bto improve the stability of the collection cavity11b, thereby improving the mounting stability of the box body11in its device. Specifically, as shown inFIGS.13to15, a plurality of strip-shaped support members14may be symmetrically distributed in the collection cavity11bin the first direction X, or may be symmetrically distributed in the collection cavity11bin the second direction Y. As shown inFIGS.16and17, each support member14of the plurality of ring-shaped support members14is arranged around the center of the collection cavity11b, and each support member is arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the collection cavity11b.

Optionally, as another embodiment, a plurality of support members14may also be stacked on top of each other in the collection cavity11b.FIG.18shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery10according to yet another embodiment of the present application, the cross-section being perpendicular to the first direction X. For example, the difference between the battery10shown inFIG.18and the battery10shown inFIGS.13to15lies in the structure of the support member14.FIG.19shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a battery10according to yet another embodiment of the present application. For example,FIG.19may be an enlarged view of a region F shown inFIG.18.

Optionally, as shown inFIGS.18and19, the battery10includes a plurality of tubular structures, which are stacked on top of each other. The cross-sections of the plurality of tubular structures are in the form of a honeycomb. The arrangement of tubular support members14in the form of a honeycomb having a single-point yield, high axial rigidity, and high compressive strength in the collection cavity11bof the box body11of the battery10can increase the compressive strength of the collection cavity11b, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery10and the electrical apparatus where the battery is located.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.18and19, a plurality of support members14may be of a hexagonal tubular structure, the plurality of support members14of the hexagonal tubular structure may be stacked on top of each other and connected to each other, and the axial directions of the plurality of support members14of the hexagonal tubular structure are parallel to the first direction X, so that the cross-sections of the plurality of support members14of the hexagonal tubular structure are of a honeycomb structure.

As shown inFIGS.18and19, in the first direction X, the length of each support member14of the plurality of support members14of the hexagonal tubular structure is approximated to that of the collection cavity11b; and in the second direction Y, the overall width of the plurality of support members14of the hexagonal tubular structure is approximated to that of the collection cavity11b. In other words, in the embodiments of the present application, the plurality of support members14of the hexagonal tubular structure can relatively fully cover the collection cavity11bin the first direction X and in the second direction Y. In addition, the plurality of support members14of the hexagonal tubular structure are connected to each other, and the support members14have a higher density in the collection cavity11b, so that the compressive strength of the collection cavity11bis improved comprehensively and densely.

Optionally, as shown inFIGS.18and19, a plurality of support members14of a tubular structure are arranged in the protective member113of the box body11, and at least some of the support members14of the plurality of support members14of a hexagonal tubular structure are in contact with the isolation component13. For example, there are some support members14in contact with the pressure relief region131of the isolation component13that corresponds to the pressure relief mechanism213of the battery cell.

Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the support member14may be provided with a second through hole143to form a channel for the emissions. Specifically, connection surfaces of two interconnected tubular structures are provided with a second through hole143penetrating through the connection surfaces of the two tubular structures. The second through hole143is configured to form a channel, through which the emissions pass, in the two tubular structures.

As shown inFIGS.18and19, in the embodiments of the present application, a wall of the support member14of a tubular structure may be provided with a second through hole143. For example, the connection surfaces of the interconnected support members14are provided with second through holes143corresponding to each other, and the second through holes143corresponding to each other are configured to form channels, through which the emissions pass, in the two support members14of the tubular structure. In addition, the second through hole143in the non-connection surface of the support member14may form a channel between the support member14and the collection cavity11b.

Through the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, a large number of support members14are provided and connected to each other. In addition to providing relatively stable support for the collection cavity11b, the second through hole143provided in the support member14can provide a channel between the interconnected support members14, and a channel between the support member14and the collection cavity lib. Therefore, through this implementation, a large number of channels can be formed in the support members14, the discharge path of the emissions from the battery cell20in the channel can be added, the temperature of the emissions discharged from the collection cavity11bcan be reduced, and the safety performance of the battery10can be improved.

FIG.20shows a possible partial schematic cross-sectional view of a battery10according to an embodiment of the present application. For example,FIG.20shows a partial schematic view of any battery cell20in a normal use state and a corresponding collection cavity11bin the battery10.FIG.21shows another possible partial schematic cross-sectional view of a battery10according to an embodiment of the present application. For example,FIG.21shows a partial schematic view of any battery cell20subjected to thermal runaway and a corresponding collection cavity11bin the battery10. Optionally, the battery10shown inFIGS.20and21may be the battery10in an embodiment of the present application.

As shown inFIGS.20and21, in the normal use state, a minimum distance between the region of the isolation component13corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism213and the protective member113is H. When the battery cell20is subjected to thermal runaway, the pressure relief mechanism213is actuated, and the isolation component13will be deformed along with the battery cell20, so that the isolation component13is deformed toward the collection cavity11b. At this time, the minimum distance between the region of the isolation component13corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism213and the protective member113becomes H′. The distance H is greater than the distance H′, and the deformation amount of the isolation component13is the difference between the distance H and the distance H′.

In the embodiments of the present application, the minimum distance H between the region of the isolation component13corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism213and the protective member113is greater than or equal to 7 mm, so as to avoid that the distance H is too small to affect the actuation of the pressure relief mechanism213. In addition, if the distance H is too small, the deformed isolation component13will directly come into contact with the protective member113below, resulting in a too small gap between the isolation component13and the protective member113, or even no gap, thereby affecting the discharge of the emissions from the pressure relief mechanism213, so that it is likely to cause the battery cell20subjected to thermal runaway to explode and cause thermal diffusion, which reduces the safety of the battery10.

On the contrary, the value of the distance H in the embodiments of the present application should not be set too large, which will result in that the distance between the isolation component13and the protective member113is large, the space of the collection cavity11bis large, and too much space is occupied in the box body11, leading to a low utilization rate of the space in the box body11, thereby affecting the energy density of the battery10.

Therefore, the distance H in the embodiments of the present application should not be set too large or too small. For example, the distance H may be set to be greater than or equal to 7 mm, or the distance H may be set to be less than or equal to 20 mm. For example, the value of the distance H may be equal to 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm or 20 mm.

While the present application has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made and components therein may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.