A waterproof structure for battery module expansion and a method for implementing the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a waterproof structure for expanding battery modules, comprising two battery modules. The battery module cover has an inner edge and an outer edge. A sealing groove is provided between the outer edge and the inner edge. The bottom of the housing has an embedding groove, inside which is a housing edge corresponding to the sealing groove. A housing sealing groove, corresponding to the outer edge, is provided between the housing edge and the embedding groove. A first sealing ring is embedded inside the housing sealing groove, and a second sealing ring is embedded inside the sealing groove. This invention also discloses a method for implementing the waterproof structure for expanding battery modules. This invention uses two layers of sealing rings (first and second). When one layer of sealing ring has a poor sealing effect, the other layer can still ensure a good seal, thus effectively ensuring the waterproof effect between the two battery modules during expansion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of waterproof technology for battery module expansion, specifically relating to a waterproof structure for battery module expansion and its implementation method. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve the required design capacity and voltage, multiple battery modules are typically combined together in series or parallel.

[0003] Currently, waterproofing between battery modules is mainly achieved by squeezing sealing rings or sealant.

[0004] However, the extrusion design of the sealing ring is often a one-way extrusion design. When the extrusion screw is loose or the extrusion surface is uneven, the waterproof effect will be affected.

[0005] In addition, the commonly used sealing rings for waterproofing are generally made of silicone or rubber, with a normal compression range of 20%-40%. Excessive compression force can cause permanent deformation of the silicone or rubber rings, which is irreversible and will lead to seal failure after prolonged use. Insufficient compression force will create gaps in the sealing area, resulting in seal failure. Even within the appropriate compression range, temperature and prolonged compression can also lead to a deterioration in the sealing effect. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a waterproof structure for battery module expansion, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art. The waterproof structure for battery module expansion provided by this invention has the characteristic of excellent waterproof performance.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for implementing a waterproof structure for expanding battery modules.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a waterproof structure for expanding a battery module, comprising two battery modules stacked on top of each other. Each battery module includes a housing, with a top cover connected to the top of the housing. The top cover has an inner edge corresponding to the mounting groove of the connector, and an outer edge corresponding to the inner edge. A sealing groove is provided between the outer edge and the inner edge. The bottom of the housing has an embedding groove corresponding to the mounting groove of the connector. Inside the embedding groove is a housing edge corresponding to the sealing groove of the top cover. Between the housing edge and the embedding groove is a housing sealing groove corresponding to the outer edge of the top cover. A first sealing ring is embedded inside the housing sealing groove, and a second sealing ring is embedded inside the top cover sealing groove.

[0009] To ensure a good seal even if the first sealing ring is ineffective, the second sealing ring further ensures a lower height for the outer edge of the top cover compared to the outer edge of the housing. Both the first and second sealing rings are made of silicone or rubber. The first and second sealing rings are identical in material and thickness.

[0010] To ensure long-term waterproofing, the compression of the first sealing ring is 30% and the compression of the second sealing ring is 40% after the two battery modules are connected.

[0011] To prevent external water from splashing into the housing, the thickness of the outer edge of the top cover is less than the width of the housing sealing groove. The thickness of the housing circumference is also less than the width of the top cover sealing groove. After the two battery modules are connected, the outer edge of the top cover and the housing circumference form an "S"-shaped sealing channel.

[0012] Furthermore, in this invention, the method for implementing a waterproof structure for expanding a battery module includes the following steps:

[0013] (i) An inner edge of the upper cover is integrally formed on the outer ring of the mounting groove of the corresponding connector on the upper cover. An outer edge of the upper cover is provided on the outside of the inner edge of the upper cover. A sealing groove of the upper cover is provided between the outer edge of the upper cover and the inner edge of the upper cover.

[0014] (ii) An embedding groove corresponding to the connector mounting groove is provided at the bottom of the housing. The inside of the embedding groove is a housing perimeter corresponding to the upper cover sealing groove. A housing sealing groove corresponding to the outer perimeter of the upper cover is provided between the housing perimeter and the embedding groove.

[0015] (III) When connecting two battery modules, first place the first sealing ring into the housing sealing groove of the upper battery module, and then place the second sealing ring into the upper cover sealing groove of the lower battery module.

[0016] (iv) Insert the outer edge of the upper cover of the lower battery module into the sealing groove of the housing of the upper battery module. At this time, the outer edge of the housing of the upper battery module is inserted into the sealing groove of the upper cover of the lower battery module.

[0017] (v) Connect and fix the two battery modules.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] 1. The present invention provides two layers of sealing rings, a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. When the sealing effect of one layer of sealing ring is not good, the other layer of sealing ring can still ensure the sealing effect, thereby effectively ensuring the waterproof effect between the two battery modules when the battery module is expanded.

[0020] 2. After the two battery modules of the present invention are extended and connected, the compression amount of the second sealing ring is greater than that of the first sealing ring. Therefore, even if the sealing effect of the first sealing ring is not good, the second sealing ring can still ensure a good sealing effect.

[0021] 3. After the two battery modules are connected, the compression of the first sealing ring is 30% and the compression of the second sealing ring is 40%. After the two battery modules are extended and connected, the first sealing ring on the outer ring is at the middle value of the normal compression, and the second sealing ring on the inner ring is at the maximum value of the normal compression. Under the influence of aging or other factors, when the compression of the first sealing ring changes from 30% to 20% and the compression of the second sealing ring changes from 40% to 30%, that is, when the first sealing ring is about to fail, the second sealing ring is still within a reasonable compression range, ensuring long-term waterproof effect.

[0022] 4. The outer edge of the cover and the outer edge of the shell form an "S"-shaped sealing channel, which can effectively prevent external water from splashing into the shell. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top surface of the battery module of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the battery module of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the sealed connection between the two battery modules of the present invention;

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Battery module; 2. First sealing ring; 3. Second sealing ring; 4. Top cover; 41. Outer edge of top cover; 42. Sealing groove of top cover; 43. Inner edge of top cover; 5. Housing; 51. Embedded groove; 52. Housing edge; 53. Sealing groove of housing. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] Please see Figure 1-5 The present invention provides the following technical solution: a waterproof structure for expanding a battery module, comprising two battery modules 1 stacked on top of each other. Each battery module 1 includes a housing 5, and a top cover 4 is connected to the top of the housing 5. The top cover 4 has an inner edge 43 corresponding to the mounting groove of the connector. The outer side of the inner edge 43 is a outer edge 41. A sealing groove 42 is provided between the outer edge 41 and the inner edge 43. The bottom of the housing 5 has an embedding groove 51 corresponding to the mounting groove of the connector. The inside of the embedding groove 51 has a housing edge 52 corresponding to the sealing groove 42. A housing sealing groove 53 corresponding to the outer edge 41 is provided between the housing edge 52 and the embedding groove 51. A first sealing ring 2 is embedded inside the housing sealing groove 53. A second sealing ring 3 is embedded inside the sealing groove 42.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, two layers of sealing rings are set, namely the first sealing ring 2 and the second sealing ring 3. When the sealing effect of one layer of sealing ring is not good, the other layer of sealing ring can still ensure the sealing effect, thereby effectively ensuring the waterproof effect between the two battery modules when the battery module is expanded.

[0033] Specifically, the height of the outer edge 41 of the top cover is lower than the height of the outer edge 52 of the shell. The first sealing ring 2 and the second sealing ring 3 are both made of silicone or rubber. The first sealing ring 2 and the second sealing ring 3 have the same material and thickness. In this embodiment, silicone is preferred.

[0034] By adopting the above technical solution, after the two battery modules 1 are extended and connected, the compression of the second sealing ring 3 is greater than that of the first sealing ring 2. Therefore, even when the sealing effect of the first sealing ring 2 is poor, the second sealing ring 3 can still ensure a good sealing effect.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that, specifically, after the two battery modules 1 are connected, the compression of the first sealing ring 2 is 30%, and the compression of the second sealing ring 3 is 40%.

[0037] By adopting the above technical solution, after the two battery modules 1 are extended and connected, the first sealing ring 2 located on the outer ring is at the middle value of the normal compression, and the second sealing ring 3 located on the inner ring is at the maximum value of the normal compression. Under the influence of aging or other factors, when the compression of the first sealing ring 2 changes from 30% to 20%, and the compression of the second sealing ring 3 changes from 40% to 30%, that is, when the first sealing ring 2 is about to fail, the second sealing ring 3 is still within a reasonable compression range, ensuring long-term waterproof effect.

[0038] Example 3

[0039] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that, specifically, the thickness of the outer edge 41 of the upper cover is less than the width of the sealing groove 53 of the housing. The thickness of the housing edge 52 is less than the width of the sealing groove 42 of the upper cover. After the two battery modules 1 are connected, the outer edge 41 of the upper cover and the housing edge 52 form an "S"-shaped sealing channel.

[0040] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer edge 41 of the upper cover and the outer edge 52 of the shell form an "S"-shaped sealing channel, which can effectively prevent external water from splashing into the interior of the shell 5.

[0041] Example 4

[0042] Furthermore, the method for implementing a waterproof structure for expanding a battery module according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0043] (i) An inner edge 43 of the upper cover is integrally formed on the outer ring of the mounting groove of the corresponding connector on the upper cover 4. An outer edge 41 of the upper cover is provided on the outside of the inner edge 43 of the upper cover. A sealing groove 42 of the upper cover is provided between the outer edge 41 of the upper cover and the inner edge 43 of the upper cover.

[0044] (ii) An embedding groove 51 corresponding to the connector mounting groove is provided at the bottom of the housing 5. The interior of the embedding groove 51 is provided with a housing perimeter 52 corresponding to the upper cover sealing groove 42. Between the housing perimeter 52 and the embedding groove 51, there is a housing sealing groove 53 corresponding to the outer perimeter 41 of the upper cover.

[0045] (III) When the two battery modules 1 are connected, the first sealing ring 2 is first placed into the housing sealing groove 53 of the upper battery module 1, and the second sealing ring 3 is placed into the upper cover sealing groove 42 of the lower battery module 1.

[0046] (iv) Insert the outer edge 41 of the upper cover of the lower battery module 1 into the housing sealing groove 53 of the upper battery module 1. At this time, the housing edge 52 of the upper battery module 1 is inserted into the upper cover sealing groove 42 of the lower battery module 1.

[0047] (v) Connect and fix the two battery modules 1.

[0048] In summary, this invention employs two sealing rings, a first sealing ring 2 and a second sealing ring 3. Even if one sealing ring's sealing effect is poor, the other sealing ring can still ensure a proper seal, thus effectively ensuring waterproofing between the two battery modules during expansion. After the two battery modules 1 are connected, the compression of the second sealing ring 3 is greater than that of the first sealing ring 2, ensuring a good seal even if the first sealing ring 2's sealing effect is poor. After the two battery modules 1 are connected, the compression of the first sealing ring 2 is 30%, and the compression of the second sealing ring 3 is 40%. After the two battery modules 1 are extended and connected, the first sealing ring 2 on the outer ring is at the middle value of the normal compression, and the second sealing ring 3 on the inner ring is at the maximum value of the normal compression. Under the influence of aging or other factors, when the compression of the first sealing ring 2 changes from 30% to 20%, and the compression of the second sealing ring 3 changes from 40% to 30%, that is, when the first sealing ring 2 is about to fail, the second sealing ring 3 is still within a reasonable compression range, ensuring a long-term waterproof effect. The outer edge 41 of the upper cover and the outer edge 52 of the shell form an "S"-shaped sealing channel, which can effectively prevent external water from splashing into the interior of the shell 5.

[0049] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A waterproof structure for expanding a battery module, comprising two battery modules stacked on top of each other, characterized in that: The battery module includes a housing, with a top cover connected to the top of the housing. The top cover has an inner edge corresponding to the mounting slot of the connector, and an outer edge corresponding to the inner edge. A sealing groove is provided between the outer edge and the inner edge. The bottom of the housing has an insertion groove corresponding to the mounting slot of the connector. Inside the insertion groove is a housing edge corresponding to the sealing groove of the top cover. Between the housing edge and the insertion groove is a housing sealing groove corresponding to the outer edge of the top cover. A first sealing ring is embedded inside the housing sealing groove, and a second sealing ring is embedded inside the top cover sealing groove. The height of the outer edge of the top cover is lower than the height of the housing edge. The first and second sealing rings are made of the same material and have the same thickness. When one sealing ring has a poor sealing effect, the other sealing ring still ensures the sealing effect, thereby effectively ensuring the waterproof effect between the two battery modules when the battery module is expanded. After the two battery modules are connected, the compression of the first sealing ring is 30%, and the compression of the second sealing ring is 40%. After the two battery modules are extended and connected, the first sealing ring on the outer ring is at the middle value of the normal compression, and the second sealing ring on the inner ring is at the maximum value of the normal compression. Under the influence of aging or other factors, when the compression of the first sealing ring decreases from 30% to 20%, and the compression of the second sealing ring decreases from 40% to 30%, that is, when the first sealing ring is about to fail, the second sealing ring is still within a reasonable compression range, ensuring long-term waterproof effect.

2. The waterproof structure for battery module expansion according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and second sealing rings are made of silicone or rubber.

3. The waterproof structure for battery module expansion according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the outer edge of the upper cover is less than the width of the sealing groove in the shell.

4. A waterproof structure for expanding a battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of the shell perimeter is less than the width of the sealing groove on the top cover.

5. A waterproof structure for expanding a battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that: After the two battery modules are connected, the outer edge of the top cover and the outer edge of the shell form an "S"-shaped sealing channel.

6. A method for implementing a waterproof structure for battery module expansion according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (i) An inner edge of the upper cover is integrally formed on the outer ring of the mounting groove of the corresponding connector on the upper cover. An outer edge of the upper cover is provided on the outside of the inner edge of the upper cover. A sealing groove of the upper cover is provided between the outer edge of the upper cover and the inner edge of the upper cover. (ii) An embedding groove corresponding to the connector mounting groove is provided at the bottom of the housing. The interior of the embedding groove is provided with a housing perimeter corresponding to the upper cover sealing groove. Between the housing perimeter and the embedding groove, there is a housing sealing groove corresponding to the outer perimeter of the upper cover. (iii) When connecting two battery modules, first place the first sealing ring into the housing sealing groove of the upper battery module, and then place the second sealing ring into the upper cover sealing groove of the lower battery module. (iv) Insert the outer edge of the upper cover of the lower battery module into the sealing groove of the housing of the upper battery module. At this time, the outer edge of the housing of the upper battery module is inserted into the sealing groove of the upper cover of the lower battery module. (v) Connect and fix the two battery modules.

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