Automobile power battery integrated with muffler and management method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an automobile power battery integrated with a muffler, and aims to solve the problem that the exhaust system and the battery of a hybrid vehicle fight for space and heat. The application comprises a containing cavity, a muffler is arranged in the containing cavity, a heat exchange area is further sleeved outside the muffler and the battery module, the heat exchange area and the battery module have good heat conduction, the heat exchange area and the muffler are provided with a heat insulation structure, a switch valve is arranged on the heat exchange area and between the heat exchange area and the muffler, and the containing cavity is arranged at a position close to the middle of the battery. The exhaust system and the battery are compatible, the smoothness of the exhaust system is ensured on the premise of a small loss of the battery capacity, a technical scheme is provided for an existing oil-to-mixed platform, the battery and the exhaust system share heat, the battery is twice reused for heat in a low-temperature starting stage, and the battery is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric vehicle batteries, and more specifically, to an automotive power battery with an integrated muffler and a method for managing the same. Background Technology

[0002] To balance the smoothness and environmental friendliness of electric vehicles with the long range of gasoline vehicles, hybrid vehicles incorporate two systems: the power battery and the exhaust system of the range extender. These two systems compete for valuable space in the chassis. To increase the driving range, hybrid vehicles need to increase battery capacity. In today's slow battery development, capacity translates to size, and the presence of the exhaust system limits the increase in battery capacity. For the crucial function of noise reduction, the exhaust system's piping needs to be smoothly laid out, and the muffler, which eliminates specific frequency noise, also needs to be positioned strategically in the chassis. However, the presence of the power battery restricts the routing of the exhaust system's piping and limits the choice of muffler location.

[0003] Secondly, the exhaust system is a high heat source, requiring proper heat insulation between it and the power battery, while the power battery also needs cooling measures. Both of these factors increase costs.

[0004] This application aims to solve the above problems and proposes an integrated muffler automotive power battery and its management method, which ensures the smoothness of the exhaust system while reducing the space occupied by the exhaust system, and makes full use of the heat source for secondary heat reuse. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of current hybrid vehicles where the exhaust system and battery "fight" in terms of space and heat, and provides an automotive power battery with an integrated muffler and its management method. It can ensure the smoothness of the exhaust system, make full use of the heat source, perform secondary heat reuse, reduce the space occupied by the exhaust system, and increase the future space of the power battery.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An automotive power battery with an integrated muffler, wherein the battery has a receiving cavity, the receiving cavity houses the muffler, and a heat exchange area is also fitted around the muffler and battery module. in, There is good heat conduction between the heat exchange zone and the battery pack. The heat exchange zone and the muffler are equipped with a heat insulation structure. A switch valve is installed on the heat exchange zone and is located between the heat exchange zone and the muffler. The housing is located near the center of the battery.

[0007] This device integrates the exhaust system into the battery pack, partially or fully enclosing it. A heat exchange zone is established between the muffler and the battery, transferring heat from the exhaust system to the battery pack, raising its temperature to its high-efficiency range. A switching valve prevents further heat transfer from the exhaust system to the battery in high-temperature environments, thus avoiding overheating. The insulation structure is conventional and will not be detailed here. The insulation structure minimizes the impact of the heat exchange zone on the battery when the switching valve is closed; heat is only supplied to the battery pack when the valve is open and the resulting hot gas enters the heat exchange zone. The placement of the receiving cavity allows for more even heat dissipation through the battery pack's built-in heat transfer and cooling structures.

[0008] The approach of setting up a receiving cavity in the battery in this application allows for a smoother layout of the exhaust system compared to a directly external exhaust system, facilitating the conversion of gas vehicles to hybrid vehicles and accelerating the manufacturer's R&D efficiency. Secondly, an external exhaust system directly occupies the entire space of the area where the exhaust system is located, while the approach adopted in this application can expand the battery space from the Z-axis direction of the car in vehicles with different chassis heights, thereby increasing the battery capacity.

[0009] Preferably, the heat exchange zone includes a cooling zone and a heat exchange zone, with the heat exchange zone nested within the cooling zone, ensuring good heat conduction between them. By dividing the heat exchange zone into a cooling zone and a heat exchange zone, the battery and muffler can be further isolated. When the battery needs heat from the muffler, heat is transferred by closing the gas-supply valve between the heat exchange zone (heat exchange zone) and the muffler. When the battery does not need heat from the muffler, closing the valve prevents gas transfer. The stagnant gas in the isolated heat exchange zone also acts as an insulation barrier, preventing it from affecting the cooling zone, especially when cooling is required. The gas in the heat exchange zone can isolate the exchange of heat and cold, reducing energy waste and idle power, thus better protecting the battery.

[0010] Preferably, a cooling head is provided within the cooling zone, positioned away from the heat exchange zone. The cooling head is an evaporator, connected to a corresponding compressor and condenser. This device cools the cooling zone and, through a heat dissipation component within the battery, connects to other components in the cooling zone, thus cooling the entire battery. Positioning the cooling head near the outer edge of the heat exchange zone prevents heat loss through conduction.

[0011] Preferably, the receiving cavity extends through both ends of the battery along its length, with an intake pipe and an exhaust pipe located at each end. This arrangement allows for a smoother layout of the exhaust system, better compatibility with existing gasoline vehicles, and provides a solution for converting gasoline vehicles to hybrid systems.

[0012] Preferably, the muffler includes a damping splitter. The muffler has a first inlet, a first channel, and a second channel. The damping splitter is positioned between the first inlet and the first and second channels. A spring is fitted onto the first inlet, and a splitter cap is fixed to the spring. The splitter cap guides the exhaust gas entering through the first inlet into the first and second channels respectively. The difference in the sound wave paths in the first and second channels is half the wavelength. This structure is used for noise reduction. As the engine speed changes, the exhaust volume also changes accordingly. The damping splitter in this device has two functions: firstly, to universally attenuate low- to high-frequency sounds; and secondly, to maintain airflow speed. When the airflow increases and the noise intensifies, the airflow blows the distributor cap, causing it to stretch against the elastic force. Since the distributor cap is connected to the spring, it vibrates under the vibration of the sound waves, acting as a damper to absorb the vibration. As the spring stretches, the distributor cap moves, increasing the entrance size of the first and second channels, reducing the airflow volume in both channels, preventing secondary vibrations caused by the airflow, and also weakening the vibration of the glass fibers used for vibration damping, preventing them from falling off. The difference in the paths of the sound waves entering the first and second channels is an odd multiple of half the wavelength. When the first and second channels converge, the sound waves overlap, resulting in attenuation. The outer edge of the distributor cap has rounded corners to guide the airflow channels.

[0013] Preferably, a magnetic ring is fitted at the base of the distributor cap, and axial brush plates are respectively provided at both ends of the spring. The overlapping of the brush plates forms a closed loop for the spring. This design is used to prevent the distributor cap from vibrating due to airflow changes during rapid speed switching, and to make the gas flow smoother. While the distributor cap performs its distribution function, it also avoids weakening the noise reduction function due to an excessively low spring constant. During the axial extension and retraction of the distributor cap, the spring forming the closed loop has the function of resisting the entry and exit of the distributor cap fitted with the magnetic ring. The magnetic force resists both the extension and retraction of the distributor cap, making the movement of the distributor cap smoother, the distribution function more efficient, and avoiding pulsating airflow.

[0014] A method for managing automotive power batteries with an integrated muffler, which integrates a battery temperature sensor; When the battery temperature is lower than the preset low temperature, the range extender corresponding to the car drive muffler works, and the switching valve between the heat exchange zone and the muffler opens. When the battery temperature is between the preset low temperature and the preset high temperature, the range extender and the battery work in coordination; when the range extender and the battery work in coordination, the switching valve is opened and the cooling head is closed, or the switching valve is closed and the cooling head is closed, or the switching valve is closed and the cooling head is opened, according to the vehicle's preset strategy. When the battery temperature is higher than the preset high temperature, the battery operates according to the remaining battery power, the range extender works in coordination, the switching valve closes, and the cooling head opens.

[0015] The strategy allows the heat from the exhaust gas to intervene when the battery temperature is too low to operate normally, thus maintaining the battery and bringing it closer to its normal operating temperature. Once the battery temperature reaches its normal operating temperature, the heat it generates is sufficient to maintain its own state, so the exhaust gas no longer intervenes. When the ambient temperature is higher than a preset value, the exhaust gas temperature will never intervene.

[0016] Preferably, an ambient temperature sensor is also included. This sensor provides the ambient temperature when the battery temperature sensor malfunctions and takes over when the battery temperature sensor returns to normal. If the ambient temperature is too low, causing the battery temperature sensor to shut down when the vehicle is started, the ambient temperature sensor will replace the battery temperature sensor in the control method described above until the battery temperature sensor begins to function normally.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: (1) The exhaust system and the battery are compatible, ensuring the smoothness of the exhaust system with a small loss of battery capacity, providing a technical solution for the existing oil-to-hybrid platform; (2) The battery and the exhaust system share heat, enabling the battery to reuse heat twice during the low-temperature start-up stage, which plays a role in maintaining the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention; In the picture: 1. Receiving cavity; 2. Silencer; 3. Switch valve; 4. Refrigeration zone; 5. Heat exchange zone; 6. Inlet pipe; 7. Outlet pipe; 8. First inlet; 9. First channel; 10. Second channel; 11. Spring; 12. Diverter cap; 13. Magnetic ring; 14. Brush plate; 15. Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0021] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0022] In this disclosure, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "side," and "bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely relational terms determined for the convenience of describing the structural relationship of the various components or elements in this disclosure, and do not specifically refer to any component or element in this disclosure, nor should they be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0023] In this disclosure, terms such as "fixed connection," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, indicating a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can determine the specific meaning of these terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances, and they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0024] Example 1: An automotive power battery with an integrated muffler, such as Figure 1 As shown, the battery 15 is provided with a receiving cavity 1, and a muffler 2 is provided in the receiving cavity 1. A heat exchange area is also fitted around the muffler 2 and the battery 15 module. The receiving cavity 1 extends through both ends of the battery 15 along its length, and an air inlet pipe 6 and an air outlet pipe 7 are respectively provided at both ends of the receiving cavity 1. This arrangement makes the exhaust system layout smoother, can better accommodate existing gasoline vehicles, and provides a solution for converting gasoline vehicles to hybrid vehicles.

[0025] Among them, the heat exchange zone and the battery group 15 have good heat conduction, the heat exchange zone and the muffler 2 are provided with a heat insulation structure, and the heat exchange zone is provided with a switch valve 3, which is located between the heat exchange zone and the muffler 2. The receiving cavity 1 is located near the middle of the battery 15.

[0026] This device integrates the exhaust system into the battery pack 15, which is partially or fully enclosed by the system. A heat exchange zone is established between the muffler 2 and the battery 15, transferring heat from the exhaust system to the battery pack 15, raising its temperature to its high-efficiency level. A switching valve 3 prevents further heat transfer from the exhaust system to the battery pack 15 in high-temperature environments, thus avoiding overheating. The heat insulation structure is conventional and will not be detailed here. The heat insulation structure minimizes the impact of the heat exchange zone on the battery pack 15 when the switching valve 3 is closed; heat is only provided to the battery pack 15 when the valve 3 is open and the generated hot gas enters the heat exchange zone. The positioning of the receiving cavity 1 allows for more even heat dissipation through the battery pack's own heat transfer and heat dissipation structures.

[0027] The approach of setting up a receiving cavity 1 in the battery 15 in this application allows for a smoother layout of the exhaust system compared to a directly external exhaust system, facilitating the conversion of a gas vehicle to a hybrid vehicle and accelerating the manufacturer's R&D efficiency. Secondly, an external exhaust system directly occupies the entire space of the area where the exhaust system is located, while the approach adopted in this application can expand the space of the battery 15 from the Z-axis direction of the vehicle in vehicles with different chassis heights, thereby increasing the capacity of the battery 15.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange zone includes a cooling zone 4 and a heat exchange zone 5. The heat exchange zone 5 is housed within the cooling zone 4, and there is good heat conduction between the cooling zone 4 and the heat exchange zone 5. By dividing the heat exchange zone into the cooling zone 4 and the heat exchange zone 5, the battery 15 and the muffler can be further isolated. When the battery 15 needs heat from the muffler, heat is transferred by closing the gas-supplying valve 3 between the heat exchange zone 5 and the muffler. When the battery 15 does not need heat from the muffler, closing the valve 3 prevents gas transfer. The stagnant gas in the isolated heat exchange zone 5 also acts as a heat insulation barrier, preventing it from affecting the cooling zone 4, especially when the cooling zone 4 needs cooling. The gas in the heat exchange zone 5 can isolate the exchange of heat and cold, reducing energy waste and idle consumption, and better maintaining the battery 15. A cooling head is provided in the cooling zone 4, located away from the heat exchange zone 5. The cooling head is an evaporator, which is connected to a corresponding compressor and condenser. This device cools the cooling zone 4, and the entire battery 15 is cooled by connecting to the heat dissipation components in the cooling zone 4. The cooling head is positioned near the outer edge of the heat exchange zone, and this structure prevents the cooling head from losing cooling capacity through heat conduction.

[0029] A method for managing automotive power batteries with an integrated muffler, comprising a battery temperature sensor 15. When the temperature of battery 15 is lower than the preset low temperature, the range extender corresponding to the car drive muffler works, and the switching valve 3 between heat exchange zone 5 and muffler 2 opens. When the temperature of battery 15 is between a preset low temperature and a preset high temperature, the range extender and battery 15 work in coordination; when the range extender and battery 15 work in coordination, the switch valve 3 is opened and the cooling head is closed, or the switch valve 3 is closed and the cooling head is closed, or the switch valve 3 is closed and the cooling head is opened, according to the vehicle's preset strategy. When the temperature of battery 15 is higher than the preset high temperature, battery 15 operates according to the remaining power of battery 15, the range extender works in coordination, the switching valve 3 closes, and the cooling head opens.

[0030] The strategy allows the heat from the exhaust gas to intervene when the battery 15 temperature is too low to operate normally, thus maintaining the battery 15 and bringing it closer to its normal operating temperature. When the battery 15 temperature begins to reach its normal operating state, the heat it generates is sufficient to maintain its own state, so the exhaust gas no longer intervenes. When the ambient temperature is higher than a preset value, the exhaust gas temperature will never intervene.

[0031] It also includes an ambient temperature sensor, which provides the ambient temperature when the battery 15 temperature sensor malfunctions, and takes over from the ambient temperature sensor when the battery 15 temperature sensor returns to normal. If the ambient temperature is too low, causing the battery 15 temperature sensor to shut down when the vehicle is started, the ambient temperature sensor will replace the battery 15 temperature sensor in the control method described above until the battery 15 temperature sensor starts working normally again.

[0032] Example 2: The difference between this embodiment 1 and embodiment 1 is: like Figure 2As shown, the muffler 2 is equipped with a damping splitter. The muffler 2 has a first inlet 8, a first channel 9, and a second channel 10. The damping splitter is positioned between the first inlet 8 and the first channel 9 and second channel 10. A spring 11 is fitted onto the first inlet 8, and a splitter cap 12 is fixed to the spring 11. The splitter cap 12 guides the exhaust gas entering through the first inlet 8 into the first channel 9 and the second channel 10 respectively. The difference in the sound wave paths in the first channel 9 and the second channel 10 is half the wavelength. This structure is used for noise reduction. As the engine speed changes, the exhaust volume also changes accordingly. The damping splitter in this device has two functions: firstly, to universally attenuate low-frequency to high-frequency sounds; and secondly, to maintain airflow speed. When the airflow increases and the noise intensifies, the airflow blows the branch cap 12, causing it to stretch against the elastic force. Since the branch cap 12 is connected to the spring 11, it vibrates under the vibration of the sound waves, thus acting as a damper to absorb the vibration. As the spring 11 stretches, the branch cap 12 moves, increasing the entrance to the first channel 9 and the second channel 10, reducing the airflow magnitude in the first channel 9 and the second channel 10, avoiding secondary vibration caused by the airflow, and also weakening the vibration of the glass fiber used for vibration damping, preventing it from falling off. The difference in the path of the sound waves entering the first channel 9 and the second channel 10 is an odd multiple of half the wavelength. When the first channel 9 and the second channel 10 converge, the sound waves overlap and are weakened. A magnetic ring 13 is fitted at the root of the branch cap 12, and axial brush plates 14 are respectively provided at both ends of the spring 11. The overlapping of the brush plates 14 makes the spring 11 form a closed circuit. The design aims to prevent vibration of the distributor cap 12 due to airflow changes during rapid speed switching, and to ensure smoother gas flow. While the distributor cap 12 performs its branching function, it also prevents the reduction of noise due to the low elastic coefficient of the spring 11. The spring 11, forming a closed loop, functions to resist the entry and exit of the distributor cap 12 with the magnetic ring 13 during the axial extension and retraction of the distributor cap 12. The magnetic force resists both the extension and retraction of the distributor cap 12, resulting in smoother movement, more efficient branching, and prevention of pulsating airflow.

[0033] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the technical solutions described in the claims.

Claims

1. An automotive power battery with an integrated muffler, characterized in that, The battery has a receiving cavity, and a silencer is installed in the receiving cavity. A heat exchange area is also fitted around the silencer and the battery. The heat exchange zone and the battery have good heat conduction. The heat exchange zone and the muffler are equipped with a heat insulation structure. A switch valve is installed on the heat exchange zone and between the heat exchange zone and the muffler. The receiving cavity is located near the middle of the battery; The muffler has a first inlet, on which a spring is fitted. A branch cap is fixed on the spring, and a magnetic ring is fitted at the base of the branch cap. The two ends of the spring are respectively provided with axial brushes. The brushes overlap to form a closed loop. During the axial extension and contraction of the branch cap, the spring forming the closed loop controls the entry and exit of the branch cap fitted with the magnetic ring.

2. The automotive power battery with an integrated muffler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange zone includes a refrigeration zone and a heat exchange zone. The heat exchange zone is nested within the refrigeration zone, and there is good heat conduction between the refrigeration zone and the heat exchange zone.

3. The automotive power battery with an integrated muffler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigeration zone is equipped with a refrigeration head, which is located in the refrigeration zone away from the heat exchange zone.

4. The automotive power battery with an integrated muffler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity extends through both ends of the battery along its length, and the two ends of the cavity are respectively equipped with an air inlet pipe and an air outlet pipe.

5. The automotive power battery with an integrated muffler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The silencer is equipped with a damper splitter, and also has a first channel and a second channel. The damper splitter is located between the first inlet and the first and second channels. The splitter cap guides the exhaust gas entering from the first inlet into the first and second channels respectively. The difference in the sound wave path between the first and second channels is half the wavelength.

6. The automotive power battery with an integrated muffler according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an exhaust system, which is placed inside the battery, either partially or fully enclosed by the battery.

7. A method for managing automotive power batteries with an integrated muffler, characterized in that, The power battery of the integrated muffler as described in claim 2 or 3 integrates a battery temperature sensor; When the battery temperature is lower than the preset low temperature, the range extender corresponding to the car drive muffler works, and the switching valve between the heat exchange zone and the muffler opens. When the battery temperature is between the preset low temperature and the preset high temperature, the range extender and the battery work in coordination; when the range extender and the battery work in coordination, the switching valve is opened and the cooling head is closed, or the switching valve is closed and the cooling head is closed, or the switching valve is closed and the cooling head is opened, according to the vehicle's preset strategy. When the battery temperature is higher than the preset high temperature, the battery operates according to the remaining battery power, the range extender works in coordination, the switching valve closes, and the cooling head opens.

8. The method for managing an automotive power battery with an integrated muffler according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes an ambient temperature sensor, which provides the ambient temperature when the battery temperature sensor fails and takes over when the battery temperature sensor returns to normal.

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