Pneumatic cleaning device for electric vehicle battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicles, in particular to a pneumatic cleaning device for a battery pack of an electric vehicle, which comprises an air blowing pipeline and a nozzle group, one end of the air blowing pipeline is connected with an outlet of a brake air storage bottle of the electric vehicle, and the other end of the air blowing pipeline is connected with the nozzle group. Outlets of the nozzles face a battery pack of the vehicle, a valve is arranged on the air blowing pipeline, and the air blowing pipeline is blocked or connected by closing or opening the valve. Through the opening time of the control valve, the working pressure of the brake gas storage bottle can be ensured, and redundant high-pressure gas in the brake gas storage bottle is utilized to regularly blow gas to a to-be-cleaned part of the battery pack to remove accumulated dust, so that the accumulated dust of the battery pack and the accumulation of corrosive substances are effectively avoided, and a connector is protected. The redundant high-pressure gas in the brake gas storage cylinder is used as an energy source for pneumatic cleaning, the energy source is simple and easy to obtain, and the pneumatic cleaning does not introduce static electricity and other risk objects endangering the safety of the battery pack, so that the safety can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicles, in particular to a pneumatic cleaning device for a battery pack of an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Battery-swap heavy-duty trucks are powered by batteries. They utilize rapid battery swapping stations to efficiently transport long distances and large cargo loads. Compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, battery-swap heavy-duty trucks offer significant environmental advantages, effectively reducing air pollution and carbon emissions, contributing to improved urban air quality and environmental health. Furthermore, their electric drive significantly reduces noise generation during operation, helping to reduce traffic noise pollution.

[0003] Economically, while battery-swap heavy-duty trucks require a higher initial investment, they can significantly reduce operating costs in the long term by lowering fuel and maintenance costs. The construction and promotion of battery-swap stations further enhances the feasibility of this technology, enabling faster battery swaps, reducing charging time and transport disruptions, and improving transport efficiency and overall profitability.

[0004] With the continuous advancement of battery technology and the expansion of battery swap station networks, the global adoption and adoption of battery-swap heavy-duty trucks is accelerating. This technology is seen as a key solution for the future logistics industry, and is expected to significantly contribute to sustainable urban development and improved logistics efficiency.

[0005] In practice, keeping the battery swap base clean is crucial to ensuring safe and effective battery swapping operations. Regular cleaning of the base ensures good contact between the battery and the base, preventing connection issues caused by dirt. It also reduces oxidation and corrosion at the battery contact points, extending the life of the device. Cleaning the base also effectively prevents dust and oil accumulation, reducing safety hazards, especially in high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Maintaining a clean base not only helps improve device performance and safety, but also reduces operating and maintenance costs, making it an essential step in electric vehicle battery swapping systems.

[0006] Currently, the main form of cleaning devices for electric vehicle battery packs is the modification of battery swap stations. The battery packs are cleaned by modifying the base of heavy truck or mining truck battery swap stations or adding additional battery swap station devices. Some devices are completed through methods such as water flushing that are not conducive to battery safety.

[0007] While these devices can effectively clean the battery during swaps, they can't promptly clean stubborn stains that accumulate during driving, missing the optimal cleaning time and increasing battery cleaning and maintenance costs. Furthermore, modifying swap stations and performing cleaning within the swap area are detrimental to overall safety during swaps. Utility Model Content

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack, which can blow away the dust accumulated in the battery pack.

[0009] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0010] The utility model provides a pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack, comprising an air blowing pipeline and a nozzle group, wherein one end of the air blowing pipeline is connected to the outlet of a brake gas cylinder of the electric vehicle, and the other end is connected to the nozzle group, the nozzle group comprises a plurality of nozzles, the outlet of each nozzle is arranged toward the battery pack of the vehicle, a valve is provided on the air blowing pipeline, and the air blowing pipeline can be blocked or opened by closing or opening the valve.

[0011] Preferably, multiple nozzle groups are provided, and the multiple nozzle groups are connected in parallel with the blowing pipeline.

[0012] Preferably, the nozzle outlets of each nozzle group are arranged at an angle of intersection toward the battery pack.

[0013] Preferably, the nozzle group further includes an adapter having an air inlet port and multiple air outlet ports, the air inlet port is connected to the air blowing pipeline, and the multiple air outlet ports are connected to the multiple nozzles in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0014] Preferably, the nozzle assembly is mounted on a bottom bracket of the battery pack.

[0015] Preferably, an air dryer is provided on the air blowing pipeline between the valve and the nozzle assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the air dryer has an air inlet connected to the valve and an air outlet connected to the nozzle assembly, and the air dryer is installed and fixed in a posture where the air inlet is located below the air outlet.

[0017] Preferably, it also includes a controller and a pressure detection component, the pressure detection component is used to detect the air pressure value at the outlet of the brake air cylinder, the pressure detection component and the valve are both communicated with the controller, and the controller controls the valve to open or close according to the air pressure value detected by the pressure detection component.

[0018] Preferably, the valve is a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0019] Preferably, the pressure detecting element is a pressure sensor.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has significant improvements:

[0021] The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack of the present invention connects the outlet of a brake gas cylinder to a nozzle assembly with an outlet facing the vehicle battery pack via a blow line. When the valve on the blow line is closed, the blow line is blocked, preventing gas from being discharged from the brake gas cylinder, allowing the brake gas cylinder to build up and maintain the required high pressure. When the valve is opened, the blow line is open, and the high-pressure gas in the brake gas cylinder flows through the blow line to the nozzles of the nozzle assembly and is sprayed from the nozzles toward the area to be cleaned of the battery pack, thereby blowing away dust from the area to be cleaned. By controlling the opening time of the valve, the excess high-pressure gas in the brake gas cylinder can be used to regularly blow away dust from the area to be cleaned of the battery pack while maintaining the operating pressure of the brake gas cylinder, thereby effectively preventing the accumulation of dust and corrosive substances in the battery pack and protecting the connectors. Using the excess high-pressure gas in the brake gas cylinder as energy for pneumatic cleaning provides a simple and easily accessible energy source. Furthermore, pneumatic cleaning does not introduce static electricity or other risks that could endanger the safety of the battery pack, thus ensuring safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] The description of the accompanying drawings is as follows:

[0024] 1 Air blowing line

[0025] 2 brake air cylinders

[0026] 3 nozzle groups

[0027] 31 Nozzle

[0028] 32 adapter

[0029] 321 air intake port

[0030] 322 outlet port

[0031] 4 valves

[0032] 5. Air dryer

[0033] 51 Air Inlet

[0034] 52 air outlet

[0035] 6 Controller

[0036] 7 Pressure testing parts DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following is a further detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating positions or location relationships, are based on the positions or location relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.

[0040] In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, “a plurality of” means two or more.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, it is an embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning device for the electric vehicle battery pack provided by the utility model. The cleaning device of this embodiment is used for blowing and cleaning the battery pack of an electric vehicle (such as a battery-swap heavy truck), especially the bottom of the battery pack.

[0042] The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack in this embodiment includes an air blowing line 1 and a nozzle assembly 3. One end of the air blowing line 1 is connected to the outlet of the electric vehicle's brake air cylinder 2, and the other end is connected to the nozzle assembly 3. The nozzle assembly 3 includes multiple nozzles 31, each of which is a high-pressure nozzle. The outlet of each nozzle 31 is positioned toward the vehicle's battery pack, and is used to spray high-pressure gas toward the area of ​​the battery pack to be cleaned (such as the bottom of the battery pack) for air cleaning. A valve 4 is provided on the air blowing line 1, which is closed or opened to block or open the air blowing line 1. When the valve 4 is closed, the air blowing line 1 is blocked, and gas is not discharged from the brake air cylinder 2, allowing the brake air cylinder 2 to build up and maintain the required high pressure. When the valve 4 is opened, the air blowing line 1 is opened, and the high-pressure gas in the brake air cylinder 2 flows through the air blowing line 1 to each nozzle 31 of the nozzle assembly 3. From the nozzle 1, it is sprayed toward the area of ​​the battery pack to be cleaned, thereby blowing away dust from the area of ​​the battery pack to be cleaned. By controlling the opening time of valve 4, while maintaining the operating pressure of brake air cylinder 2, the excess high-pressure gas in brake air cylinder 2 can be used to regularly blow air into the battery pack to remove dust accumulation, effectively preventing the accumulation of dust and corrosive substances in the battery pack and protecting the connectors. Using the excess high-pressure gas in brake air cylinder 2 as an energy source for pneumatic cleaning provides a simple and easily accessible energy source, and pneumatic cleaning does not introduce static electricity or other risks that could endanger the safety of the battery pack, thus ensuring safety.

[0043] In this embodiment, the multiple nozzles 31 in the nozzle group 3 are preferably arranged at a set interval, and the outlet of the nozzle 31 is preferably set at a set angle relative to the part to be cleaned of the battery pack, so that the ejected high-pressure gas can be dispersed at a certain angle to achieve cleaning of a larger area.

[0044] In this embodiment, preferably, multiple nozzle groups 3 are provided, and the multiple nozzle groups 3 are connected in parallel with the air blowing pipeline 1. Preferably, the nozzles 31 of each nozzle group 3 are arranged at an angle that faces the battery pack. The cross cleaning area of ​​each nozzle group 3 covers the entire area to be cleaned of the battery pack, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect.

[0045] In this embodiment, preferably, the nozzle group 3 also includes an adapter 32, the adapter 32 has an air inlet port 321 and multiple air outlet ports 322, that is, the adapter 32 is a one-to-multi-adapter, the air inlet port 321 of the adapter 32 is connected to the blowing pipeline 1, and the multiple air outlet ports 322 of the adapter 32 are connected to the multiple nozzles 31 of the nozzle group 3 in a one-to-one correspondence, thereby realizing the connection between all the nozzles 31 of the nozzle group 3 and the blowing pipeline 1, so that each nozzle 31 of the nozzle group 3 can obtain high-pressure gas from the blowing pipeline 1 through the adapter 32, that is, the gas dispersion function is realized through the adapter 32, and the high-pressure gas derived from the outlet of the brake gas cylinder 2 by the blowing pipeline 1 is dispersed to each nozzle 31 of the nozzle group 3.

[0046] In this embodiment, preferably, all nozzle groups 3 are mounted and fixed to the bottom bracket of the battery pack, so that the outlet of the nozzle 31 is positioned toward the bottom of the battery pack to provide air cleaning to the bottom of the battery pack. By rotating the nozzle 31 to adjust the direction of the nozzle 31 outlet, the nozzle 31 outlet can also be directed toward other areas of the battery pack to be cleaned, thereby providing air cleaning to other areas of the battery pack to be cleaned. The direction of the nozzle 31 outlet can be adjusted by manually rotating the mounting angle between the nozzle 31 and the adapter 32.

[0047] In order to prevent the high-pressure gas sprayed toward the battery pack from containing water vapor, preferably, an air dryer 5 is provided on the blowing pipeline 1 between the valve 4 and the nozzle group 3. When the valve 4 is opened, the high-pressure gas entering the blowing pipeline 1 from the outlet of the brake air cylinder 2 first passes through the air dryer 5 and then enters the nozzles 31 of the nozzle group 3. The air dryer 5 can effectively filter out water vapor in the high-pressure gas to avoid water vapor accumulation, thereby ensuring that the high-pressure gas entering the nozzle 31 is dry, and preventing water vapor from being sprayed from the outlet of the nozzle 31 toward the battery pack along with the high-pressure gas and damaging the battery pack, thereby ensuring battery safety and improving battery life.

[0048] The air dryer 5 has an air inlet 51 and an air outlet 52. The air inlet 51 is connected to the valve 4, and the air outlet 52 is connected to the nozzle assembly 3. Specifically, the air outlet 51 is connected to the air inlet port 321 of the adapter 32 in the nozzle assembly 3. In a preferred embodiment, the air dryer 5 is installed with the air inlet 51 below the air outlet 52. Optimally, the air dryer 5 is installed with the air inlet 51 facing downward and the air outlet 52 facing upward. This ensures that the high-pressure air output from the air dryer 5 at the air outlet 52 is as dry as possible, and better prevents moisture from being sprayed onto the battery pack through the nozzle 31.

[0049] Preferably, the pneumatic cleaning device for the electric vehicle battery pack of this embodiment further includes a controller 6 and a pressure detection element 7. The pressure detection element 7 is used to detect the air pressure value at the outlet of the brake air cylinder 2. The pressure detection element 7 is preferably a pressure sensor. The valve 4 is preferably a normally closed solenoid valve, and its working medium is high-pressure air. The controller 6 is an existing conventional controller, such as a PLC controller or a single-chip microcomputer. The pressure detection element 7 and the valve 4 are both communicatively connected to the controller 6, and the controller 6 controls the valve 4 to open or close according to the air pressure value detected by the pressure detection element 7.

[0050] Specifically, during the normal driving of the electric vehicle, the valve 4 is in a normally closed state to prevent the leakage of high-pressure gas in the brake gas cylinder 2 from affecting the braking function. The pressure detection component 7 detects the air pressure value at the outlet of the brake gas cylinder 2 in real time and transmits the detected air pressure value to the controller 6 in the form of an electrical signal. The controller 6 receives the detection signal of the pressure detection component 7 and processes the received detection signal, and automatically controls the opening and closing of the valve 4 based on the built-in control program control logic: the built-in control program of the controller 6 stores a set threshold value of the air pressure at the outlet of the brake gas cylinder 2, and the set threshold value meets the working pressure requirement of the brake gas cylinder 2; when the detected air pressure value of the pressure detection component 7 received by the controller 6 is greater than the set threshold value, the controller 6 sends an opening signal to the valve 4, and the valve 4 receives and opens accordingly and in response to the opening signal, so that the blowing pipeline 1 is connected, so as to use the excess high-pressure gas in the brake gas cylinder 2 to blow and clean the battery pack to be cleaned; the controller 6 controls the opening duration of the valve 4 to be a first set time length, and the first set time length is preferably 2s-5s, and preferably 3s. The first set time length can ensure that one blowing can effectively remove the accumulated dust, while avoiding excessive pressure loss in the brake air cylinder 2, so that the brake air cylinder 2 can quickly re-establish the required air pressure after one blowing cleaning to ensure the normal function of the brake air cylinder 2; after the valve 4 is opened for the first set time length, the controller 6 controls the valve 4 to close, blocking the blowing pipeline 1, so that the brake air cylinder 2 can re-establish the air pressure. At the same time, the controller 6 enters the timing program to control the valve 4 to remain closed for at least the second set time length. The second set time length is preferably 15min-30min, preferably 20min, thereby avoiding the brake air cylinder 2 from frequently re-establishing the air pressure due to the short interval between multiple blowing cleanings, which is not conducive to the pressure stability of the brake air cylinder 2; then, when the detected air pressure value of the pressure detection component 7 received by the controller 6 is again greater than the set threshold value, and the timing signal of the timing program is greater than the second set time length, the controller 6 sends an opening signal to the valve 4 again, repeating the process of the valve 4 opening and closing after the first set time length, and then re-entering the timing program and repeating the above control process. In this way, the excess high-pressure gas in the brake gas cylinder 2 is used to automatically and regularly blow air to the part of the battery pack to be cleaned to remove dust, and the working pressure of the brake gas cylinder 2 is ensured.

[0051] To sum up, the pneumatic cleaning device of the electric vehicle battery pack of this embodiment utilizes the excess high-pressure gas in the brake gas cylinder 2 to pneumatically clean the battery pack without using corrosive reagents, and can achieve long-term continuous and regular cleaning of the battery pack. Through high-pressure gas injection, the dust accumulated on the battery in harsh environments can be blown away and removed, which can reduce the risk of damage to the battery pack. It can be widely used in the cleaning of battery packs of electric vehicles such as electric heavy trucks, electric mining trucks, and electric loaders.

[0052] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and replacements can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and replacements should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack, characterized in that: The invention comprises an air blowing pipeline (1) and a nozzle group (3), wherein one end of the air blowing pipeline (1) is connected to the outlet of a brake air storage cylinder (2) of an electric vehicle, and the other end is connected to the nozzle group (3), wherein the nozzle group (3) comprises a plurality of nozzles (31), and the outlet of each nozzle (31) is arranged toward the battery pack of the vehicle, and a valve (4) is provided on the air blowing pipeline (1), and the air blowing pipeline (1) is blocked or opened by closing or opening the valve (4).

2. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle groups (3) are provided in multiple groups, and the multiple groups of nozzle groups (3) are connected in parallel with the air blowing pipeline (1).

3. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The nozzle (31) outlets of each nozzle group (3) are arranged at an angle of intersection toward the battery pack.

4. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The nozzle assembly (3) further comprises an adapter (32), the adapter (32) having an air inlet port (321) and a plurality of air outlet ports (322), the air inlet port (321) being connected to the air blowing pipeline (1), and the plurality of air outlet ports (322) being connected to the plurality of nozzles (31) in a one-to-one correspondence.

5. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The nozzle assembly (3) is mounted on a bottom bracket of the battery pack.

6. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air dryer (5) is provided on the air blowing pipeline (1) between the valve (4) and the nozzle group (3).

7. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The air dryer (5) has an air inlet (51) connected to the valve (4) and an air outlet (52) connected to the nozzle group (3), and the air dryer (5) is installed and fixed in a posture in which the air inlet (51) is located below the air outlet (52).

8. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a controller (6) and a pressure detection element (7), wherein the pressure detection element (7) is used to detect the air pressure value at the outlet of the brake air cylinder (2), and the pressure detection element (7) and the valve (4) are both connected to the controller (6) for communication, and the controller (6) controls the valve (4) to open or close according to the air pressure value detected by the pressure detection element (7).

9. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The valve (4) is a normally closed electromagnetic valve (4).

10. The pneumatic cleaning device for an electric vehicle battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pressure detection component (7) is a pressure sensor.

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