Battery pack and new energy vehicle

Abstract

This invention relates to a battery pack and a new energy vehicle. The battery pack includes a battery housing and a battery module. The battery housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing, with an upper connecting edge and a lower connecting edge. A first sealing element includes a water-absorbing sealing ring for filling the gap between the upper and lower connecting edges after absorbing water and expanding. Side wall water-absorbing elements are located on the inner sidewalls of the upper and lower housings, and a top wall water-absorbing element is located on the inner top wall of the upper housing. A first gap exists between the side wall water-absorbing elements and the sidewalls of the battery module, and a second gap exists between the top wall water-absorbing elements and the top wall of the battery module. The thickness of the side wall water-absorbing element multiplied by its expansion ratio after saturation is greater than or equal to the first gap, and the thickness of the top wall water-absorbing element multiplied by its expansion ratio after saturation is greater than or equal to the second gap. This invention effectively solves the problem in the prior art where the sealing strip has limited sealing power due to water absorption and expansion, leading to a high risk of fire or explosion during salvage operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery pack and a new energy vehicle, belonging to the field of new energy vehicle technology. Background Technology

[0002] With the large-scale promotion of new energy vehicles around the world, the extreme conditions that these vehicles experience are also increasing. In particular, in recent years, due to frequent rainstorms and floods in many parts of the world, the problem of vehicle batteries being submerged in water has become more and more common. Compared with traditional car engines, as long as the engine does not start after a vehicle is submerged in water, there is no safety risk to the vehicle, and the repair cost is also low. However, for new energy vehicles, since the battery cost accounts for 40% to 60% of the total vehicle cost, once the battery is submerged in water, it cannot be reused.

[0003] Currently, the protection rating of battery packs in the industry is basically IP67 or IP68. With IP67, the battery pack can be submerged in one meter of water for half an hour without water seepage; with IP68, it can be submerged in one meter of water for 24 hours without water seepage. However, during urban flooding, street water depths can typically reach 1.5 to 2 meters, tunnel flooding is usually about 6 meters deep, and when a vehicle falls into a river or lake, the immersion depth is usually about 8 meters. Furthermore, after an accident, rescuers are generally prioritized over vehicle retrieval, resulting in battery packs being submerged for far longer than 24 hours. Therefore, both the immersion depth and duration exceed the IP67 or IP68 standard. Once exceeded, water will seep into the battery pack. Since the battery cells are high-voltage components, water ingress can easily lead to short circuits, fires, and other safety risks, especially during the retrieval process after a vehicle has fallen into a river or lake, posing a fire and explosion risk.

[0004] In response, Chinese utility model patent CN212625877U discloses a sealing structure for a water-swellable sealing strip in a battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery housing and battery modules installed within it. The battery housing includes a cover (upper housing) and a lower housing. The lower end face of the cover has an outwardly extending upper connecting edge, and the upper end face of the housing has a horizontally extending lower connecting edge. A sealing strip (a first water-absorbing sealing ring) is sandwiched between the upper and lower connecting edges, and the sealing strip is square-ring-shaped. When the sealing strip encounters water or when the air humidity is high, it absorbs water and expands, further filling the gap between the upper and lower connecting edges, thus achieving water-stopping properties.

[0005] However, for the battery pack described in the aforementioned document, the seal achieved by the water-absorbing expansion of the sealing strip between the upper and lower connecting edges has its limits. When the vehicle plunges into a river or lake, the water pressure increases with depth. Therefore, when the battery pack reaches a certain depth, the water pressure can force water through the sealing strip and into the battery compartment, causing a short circuit and posing a risk of fire or explosion during the vehicle's retrieval. Furthermore, the battery compartment is easily damaged and ruptured during an accident, allowing water to easily enter through these openings, causing a short circuit and again posing a risk of fire or explosion during the retrieval process. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery pack that solves the problem in the prior art where the sealing strip between the upper and lower connecting edges of the battery box has limited sealing performance due to water absorption and expansion, which makes it easy for water to enter the battery box and thus leads to a high risk of fire or explosion during vehicle salvage. The purpose of this invention is also to provide a new energy vehicle that solves the above problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the battery pack in this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A battery pack includes a battery housing and a battery module installed inside the battery housing. The battery housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing arranged vertically. The battery module is installed on the inner bottom wall of the lower housing. The lower end of the upper housing has an annular upper connecting edge extending horizontally outward, and the upper end of the lower housing has an annular lower connecting edge extending horizontally outward. The upper and lower connecting edges are mated and fixed to connect the upper and lower housings. The battery pack also includes a first sealing member for clamping between the upper and lower connecting edges. The first sealing member includes a first water-absorbing sealing ring and a first water-absorbing sealing ring. The water-sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the upper and lower connecting edges after absorbing water and expanding. Side wall water-absorbing components are provided on the inner side walls of the upper and lower boxes, and top wall water-absorbing components are provided on the inner top wall of the upper box. There is a first gap between the side wall water-absorbing components and the side wall of the battery module, and a second gap between the top wall water-absorbing components and the top wall of the battery module. The thickness of the side wall water-absorbing component multiplied by the expansion ratio of the side wall water-absorbing component after it is saturated with water is greater than or equal to the first gap, and the thickness of the top wall water-absorbing component multiplied by the expansion ratio of the top wall water-absorbing component after it is saturated with water is greater than or equal to the second gap.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: In the battery pack of the present invention, not only is a first sealing element sandwiched between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge, and the first sealing element includes a first water-absorbing sealing ring for filling the gap between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge after absorbing water and expanding, but also side wall water-absorbing elements are provided on each inner side wall of the upper and lower housings, and a top wall water-absorbing element is provided on the inner top wall of the upper housing. Furthermore, since the thickness of the side wall water-absorbing element multiplied by the expansion ratio after the side wall water-absorbing element is saturated with water is greater than or equal to the first distance between the side wall water-absorbing element and the side wall of the battery module, and the thickness of the top wall water-absorbing element multiplied by the expansion ratio after the top wall water-absorbing element is saturated with water is greater than or equal to the second distance between the top wall water-absorbing element and the top wall of the battery module, compared with the prior art, when the battery pack is submerged in water, not only can the water be absorbed by the first water-absorbing sealing ring... The expansion fills the gap between the upper and lower connecting edges, achieving a seal between the upper and lower housings. Furthermore, even if the expansion seal of the first water-absorbing sealing ring fails or the battery housing is damaged, and when a small amount of water enters the battery housing, the side wall and top wall water-absorbing components can absorb this small amount of water to prevent water from accumulating and flowing onto high-voltage components such as the battery cells in the battery module, causing a short circuit. When a large amount of water enters the battery housing, the side wall water-absorbing components, after saturating and expanding, completely fill the gap between themselves and the side walls of the battery module, and the top wall water-absorbing components, after saturating and expanding, completely fill the gap between themselves and the side walls of the battery module, preventing the presence of large amounts of oxygen inside the battery housing. This further reduces the safety risk of vehicle fire or explosion due to short circuits in the battery module during the process of retrieving the battery pack from the water.

[0010] Furthermore, the first sealing element also includes a first elastic sealing ring for clamping between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge. The first elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge through its own elastic deformation. The first water-absorbing sealing ring is located inside the first elastic sealing ring.

[0011] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: by setting a first elastic sealing ring, the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge can be sealed first through the elastic deformation of the first elastic sealing ring. When the first elastic sealing ring fails, the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge can be sealed again through the water absorption and expansion of the first water-absorbing sealing ring. That is, the double seal between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge can be achieved through the first elastic sealing ring and the first water-absorbing sealing ring, which further improves the sealing effect between the upper and lower housings.

[0012] Furthermore, the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge are fixedly connected by bolts, the first elastic sealing ring is provided with bolt holes for the bolts to pass through, and the first water-absorbing sealing ring is connected to the first elastic sealing ring.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: Since the first elastic sealing ring has bolt holes, when the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge are fixed by bolts, the bolts will pass through the first elastic sealing ring. In this way, the bolts can restrict the movement of the first elastic sealing ring between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge, ensuring the installation position of the first elastic sealing ring. Connecting the first water-absorbing sealing ring to the first elastic sealing ring not only facilitates the installation of the first water-absorbing sealing ring and the first elastic sealing ring between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge, but also indirectly restricts the movement of the first water-absorbing sealing ring by restricting the first elastic sealing ring with bolts. This ensures the installation position of the first water-absorbing sealing ring and guarantees the sealing effect of the first elastic sealing ring and the first water-absorbing sealing ring between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge.

[0014] Furthermore, the first water-absorbing sealing ring, the side wall water-absorbing component, and the top wall water-absorbing component are all made of a material that solidifies after absorbing water and expanding.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: when the first water-absorbing sealing ring absorbs water, expands and solidifies, it can strengthen the strength of the first water-absorbing sealing ring and increase its compressive strength, thereby also strengthening the sealing effect between the upper and lower housings; when the side wall water-absorbing component and the top wall water-absorbing component absorb water, expand and solidify, they can strengthen their own strength and compressive strength, and also strengthen the overall strength of the battery housing, which helps to reduce the risk of deformation of the battery housing due to collision.

[0016] Furthermore, both the sidewall absorbent and the topwall absorbent are absorbents with flame-retardant properties.

[0017] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that, by using a water-absorbing component with flame-retardant function, the safety risk of battery pack catching fire and exploding due to short circuit can be further reduced.

[0018] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes an explosion-proof valve. The battery housing has a valve mounting hole for installing the explosion-proof valve. A second sealing element is provided between the explosion-proof valve and the outer wall of the battery housing. The valve mounting hole is located inside the second sealing element. The second sealing element includes a second elastic sealing ring and a second water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the second elastic sealing ring. The second elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the explosion-proof valve through its own elastic deformation. The second water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the explosion-proof valve after absorbing water and expanding.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: By installing an explosion-proof valve, when the pressure inside the battery box becomes high due to a short circuit and fire, the explosion-proof valve can release the pressure in the battery pack, thus preventing safety accidents such as battery pack explosions. Furthermore, the second sealing component installed between the outer wall of the battery box and the explosion-proof valve increases the seal between them, reducing the risk of water leakage from the battery box due to the presence of the valve mounting hole.

[0020] Furthermore, the explosion-proof valve is a two-way valve, which connects the inside and outside of the battery box when the water pressure outside the battery box exceeds a set value, so that the side wall water-absorbing component absorbs water and expands to fill the gap between the side wall water-absorbing component and the side wall of the battery module, and at the same time, the top wall water-absorbing component absorbs water and expands to fill the gap between the top wall water-absorbing component and the top wall of the battery module.

[0021] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that when the external pressure of the battery box exceeds the set value, the explosion-proof valve connects the inside and outside of the battery box, so that before the battery box catches fire due to a short circuit, each water-absorbing component absorbs water, expands and fills the gap between the inner side wall and the inner top wall of the battery box and the battery module, thereby reducing the safety accident of battery pack fire and explosion.

[0022] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a connector for connecting to the positive or negative terminal of the battery module. The battery housing is provided with a connector mounting hole for installing the connector. A third sealing element is provided between the connector and the outer wall of the battery housing. The connector mounting hole is located inside the third sealing element. The third sealing element includes a third elastic sealing ring and a third water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the third elastic sealing ring. The third elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the connector through its own elastic deformation. The third water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the connector after absorbing water and expanding.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: the connector facilitates the connection between the external electrical components of the battery pack and the positive or negative terminal of the battery module; since the third sealing component is located between the outer wall of the battery box and the connector, and since the connector mounting hole is located inside the third sealing component, the third elastic sealing ring and the third water-absorbing sealing ring in the third sealing component can achieve a double seal between the outer wall of the battery box and the connector, which can further ensure the sealing effect of the entire battery box and reduce the risk of water leakage from the battery box due to the presence of the connector mounting hole.

[0024] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a manual maintenance switch. The battery housing has a switch mounting hole for installing the manual maintenance switch. A fourth sealing element is provided between the manual maintenance switch and the outer wall of the battery housing. The switch mounting hole is located inside the fourth sealing element. The fourth sealing element includes a fourth elastic sealing ring and a fourth water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the fourth elastic sealing ring. The fourth elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the manual maintenance switch through its own elastic deformation. The fourth water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the manual maintenance switch after absorbing water and expanding.

[0025] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: Since the manual maintenance switch can quickly disconnect the high-voltage circuit, it facilitates the maintenance of the battery pack; Since the fourth sealing component is located between the outer wall of the battery box and the manual maintenance switch, and since the switch mounting hole is located inside the fourth sealing component, the fourth elastic sealing ring and the fourth water-absorbing sealing ring in the fourth sealing component can achieve a double seal between the outer wall of the battery box and the manual maintenance switch, which can further ensure the sealing effect of the entire battery box and reduce the risk of water leakage from the battery box due to the presence of the switch mounting hole.

[0026] To achieve the above objectives, the new energy vehicle of this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0027] A new energy vehicle includes a vehicle body and a battery pack mounted on the vehicle body. The battery pack includes a battery housing and battery modules mounted inside the battery housing. The battery housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing arranged vertically. The battery modules are mounted on the inner bottom wall of the lower housing. The lower end of the upper housing has an annular upper connecting edge extending horizontally outward, and the upper end of the lower housing has an annular lower connecting edge extending horizontally outward. The upper and lower connecting edges are mated and fixed to connect the upper and lower housings. The battery pack also includes a first sealing member for clamping between the upper and lower connecting edges. The first sealing member includes... The first water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the upper and lower connecting edges after absorbing water and expanding. Side wall water-absorbing components are provided on the inner side walls of the upper and lower boxes, and top wall water-absorbing components are provided on the inner top wall of the upper box. There is a first gap between the side wall water-absorbing components and the side wall of the battery module, and a second gap between the top wall water-absorbing components and the top wall of the battery module. The thickness of the side wall water-absorbing component multiplied by the expansion ratio of the side wall water-absorbing component after it is saturated with water is greater than or equal to the first gap, and the thickness of the top wall water-absorbing component multiplied by the expansion ratio of the top wall water-absorbing component after it is saturated with water is greater than or equal to the second gap.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: In the new energy vehicle of the present invention, not only is a first sealing element sandwiched between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge, and the first sealing element includes a first water-absorbing sealing ring for filling the gap between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge after absorbing water and expanding, but also side wall water-absorbing elements are provided on each inner side wall of the upper and lower housings, and a top wall water-absorbing element is provided on the inner top wall of the upper housing. Furthermore, since the thickness of the side wall water-absorbing element multiplied by the expansion ratio after the side wall water-absorbing element is saturated with water is greater than or equal to the first distance between the side wall water-absorbing element and the side wall of the battery module, and the thickness of the top wall water-absorbing element multiplied by the expansion ratio after the top wall water-absorbing element is saturated with water is greater than or equal to the second distance between the top wall water-absorbing element and the top wall of the battery module, compared with the prior art, when the battery pack is submerged in water, not only can the water-absorbing sealing ring absorb water, but also the water-absorbing sealing ring can effectively absorb water and prevent water from entering the battery module. Water expansion fills the gap between the upper and lower connecting edges, achieving a seal between the upper and lower housings. Furthermore, even if the first water-absorbing sealing ring fails to expand or the battery housing is damaged, and when a small amount of water enters the battery housing, the side and top wall water-absorbing components can absorb this small amount of water to prevent water from accumulating and flowing onto high-voltage components such as the battery cells in the battery module, causing a short circuit. When a large amount of water enters the battery housing, the side wall water-absorbing components, after saturating and expanding, completely fill the gap between themselves and the side walls of the battery module, and the top wall water-absorbing components, after saturating and expanding, completely fill the gap between themselves and the side walls of the battery module, preventing the presence of large amounts of oxygen inside the battery housing. This further reduces the safety risk of fire or explosion due to short circuits in the battery module during the process of retrieving the battery pack from the water.

[0029] Furthermore, the first sealing element also includes a first elastic sealing ring for clamping between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge. The first elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge through its own elastic deformation. The first water-absorbing sealing ring is located inside the first elastic sealing ring.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: by setting a first elastic sealing ring, the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge can be sealed first through the elastic deformation of the first elastic sealing ring. When the first elastic sealing ring fails, the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge can be sealed again through the water absorption and expansion of the first water-absorbing sealing ring. That is, the double seal between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge can be achieved through the first elastic sealing ring and the first water-absorbing sealing ring, which further improves the sealing effect between the upper and lower housings.

[0031] Furthermore, the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge are fixedly connected by bolts, the first elastic sealing ring is provided with bolt holes for the bolts to pass through, and the first water-absorbing sealing ring is connected to the first elastic sealing ring.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: Since the first elastic sealing ring has bolt holes, when the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge are fixed by bolts, the bolts will pass through the first elastic sealing ring. In this way, the bolts can restrict the movement of the first elastic sealing ring between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge, ensuring the installation position of the first elastic sealing ring. Connecting the first water-absorbing sealing ring to the first elastic sealing ring not only facilitates the installation of the first water-absorbing sealing ring and the first elastic sealing ring between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge, but also indirectly restricts the movement of the first water-absorbing sealing ring by restricting the first elastic sealing ring with bolts. This ensures the installation position of the first water-absorbing sealing ring and guarantees the sealing effect of the first elastic sealing ring and the first water-absorbing sealing ring between the upper connecting edge and the lower connecting edge.

[0033] Furthermore, the first water-absorbing sealing ring, the side wall water-absorbing component, and the top wall water-absorbing component are all made of a material that solidifies after absorbing water and expanding.

[0034] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: when the first water-absorbing sealing ring absorbs water, expands and solidifies, it can strengthen the strength of the first water-absorbing sealing ring and increase its compressive strength, thereby also strengthening the sealing effect between the upper and lower housings; when the side wall water-absorbing component and the top wall water-absorbing component absorb water, expand and solidify, they can strengthen their own strength and compressive strength, and also strengthen the overall strength of the battery housing, which helps to reduce the risk of deformation of the battery housing due to collision.

[0035] Furthermore, both the sidewall absorbent and the topwall absorbent are absorbents with flame-retardant properties.

[0036] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that, by using a water-absorbing component with flame-retardant function, the safety risk of battery pack catching fire and exploding due to short circuit can be further reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes an explosion-proof valve. The battery housing has a valve mounting hole for installing the explosion-proof valve. A second sealing element is provided between the explosion-proof valve and the outer wall of the battery housing. The valve mounting hole is located inside the second sealing element. The second sealing element includes a second elastic sealing ring and a second water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the second elastic sealing ring. The second elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the explosion-proof valve through its own elastic deformation. The second water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the explosion-proof valve after absorbing water and expanding.

[0038] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: By installing an explosion-proof valve, when the pressure inside the battery box becomes high due to a short circuit and fire, the explosion-proof valve can release the pressure in the battery pack, thus preventing safety accidents such as battery pack explosions. Furthermore, the second sealing component installed between the outer wall of the battery box and the explosion-proof valve increases the seal between them, reducing the risk of water leakage from the battery box due to the presence of the valve mounting hole.

[0039] Furthermore, the explosion-proof valve is a two-way valve, which connects the inside and outside of the battery box when the water pressure outside the battery box exceeds a set value, so that the side wall water-absorbing component absorbs water and expands to fill the gap between the side wall water-absorbing component and the side wall of the battery module, and at the same time, the top wall water-absorbing component absorbs water and expands to fill the gap between the top wall water-absorbing component and the top wall of the battery module.

[0040] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that when the external pressure of the battery box exceeds the set value, the explosion-proof valve connects the inside and outside of the battery box, so that before the battery box catches fire due to a short circuit, each water-absorbing component absorbs water, expands and fills the gap between the inner side wall and the inner top wall of the battery box and the battery module, thereby reducing the safety accident of battery pack fire and explosion.

[0041] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a connector for connecting to the positive or negative terminal of the battery module. The battery housing is provided with a connector mounting hole for installing the connector. A third sealing element is provided between the connector and the outer wall of the battery housing. The connector mounting hole is located inside the third sealing element. The third sealing element includes a third elastic sealing ring and a third water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the third elastic sealing ring. The third elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the connector through its own elastic deformation. The third water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the connector after absorbing water and expanding.

[0042] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: the connector facilitates the connection between the external electrical components of the battery pack and the positive or negative terminal of the battery module; since the third sealing component is located between the outer wall of the battery box and the connector, and since the connector mounting hole is located inside the third sealing component, the third elastic sealing ring and the third water-absorbing sealing ring in the third sealing component can achieve a double seal between the outer wall of the battery box and the connector, which can further ensure the sealing effect of the entire battery box and reduce the risk of water leakage from the battery box due to the presence of the connector mounting hole.

[0043] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a manual maintenance switch. The battery housing has a switch mounting hole for installing the manual maintenance switch. A fourth sealing element is provided between the manual maintenance switch and the outer wall of the battery housing. The switch mounting hole is located inside the fourth sealing element. The fourth sealing element includes a fourth elastic sealing ring and a fourth water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the fourth elastic sealing ring. The fourth elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the manual maintenance switch through its own elastic deformation. The fourth water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the manual maintenance switch after absorbing water and expanding.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: Since the manual maintenance switch can quickly disconnect the high-voltage circuit, it facilitates the maintenance of the battery pack; Since the fourth sealing component is located between the outer wall of the battery box and the manual maintenance switch, and since the switch mounting hole is located inside the fourth sealing component, the fourth elastic sealing ring and the fourth water-absorbing sealing ring in the fourth sealing component can achieve a double seal between the outer wall of the battery box and the manual maintenance switch, which can further ensure the sealing effect of the entire battery box and reduce the risk of water leakage from the battery box due to the presence of the switch mounting hole. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in this invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first sealing element in the battery pack of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the explosion-proof valve in the battery pack of the present invention.

[0048] In the diagram: 10. Upper housing; 11. Upper connecting edge; 12. Valve mounting hole; 20. Lower housing; 21. Lower connecting edge; 30. Battery module; 40. Side wall water absorption component; 50. Top wall water absorption component; 60. First elastic sealing ring; 61. Bolt through hole; 70. First water absorption sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the invention and are not intended to limit the invention; that is, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the invention, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0050] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0051] It should be noted that, in specific embodiments of the present invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, terms such as "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, the use of phrases such as "comprising a…" to define an element does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0052] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "provided with" should be interpreted broadly. For example, the object "provided with" can be a part of the body, or it can be separately arranged from the body and connected to the body. This connection can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention through specific circumstances.

[0054] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0055] Example 1 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, the battery pack includes a battery housing and a battery module 30 installed inside the battery housing. The battery housing includes an upper housing 10 and a lower housing 20 arranged vertically, and the battery module 30 is installed on the inner bottom wall of the lower housing 20. The lower end of the upper housing 10 is provided with an annular upper connecting edge 11 extending horizontally outward, and the upper end of the lower housing 20 is provided with an annular lower connecting edge 21 extending horizontally outward. The upper connecting edge 11 and the lower connecting edge 21 are mated together and fixedly connected by bolts, and the fixed connection between the upper connecting edge 11 and the lower connecting edge 21 is used to realize the connection between the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack also includes a first sealing element for clamping between the upper connecting edge 11 and the lower connecting edge 21. The first sealing element includes a first water-absorbing sealing ring 70 and a first elastic sealing ring 60. In this embodiment, the first elastic sealing ring 60 is a rubber sealing gasket with a rectangular cross-section, and the first elastic sealing ring 60 is provided with bolt holes 61 for bolts connecting the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20 to pass through. The first water-absorbing sealing ring 70 is located inside the first elastic sealing ring 60 and is glued to the first elastic sealing ring 60. The first water-absorbing sealing ring 70 has the same sealing gasket structure as the first elastic sealing ring 60, and both have the same thickness. The first water-absorbing sealing ring 70 is made of a material that solidifies after absorbing water and expanding. Specifically, the first water-absorbing sealing ring 70 is made of a high-molecular moisture-absorbing and flame-retardant material with added curing agent. This allows the first water-absorbing sealing ring 70 to not only fill the gap between the upper box 10 and the lower box 20 after absorbing water and expanding and solidifying, thus achieving a seal between the upper and lower box 20, but also to strengthen its own strength and increase its compressive strength after solidification, thereby enhancing the sealing effect between the upper box 10 and the lower box 20. In addition, the first elastic sealing ring 60 and the first water-absorbing sealing ring 70 can achieve a double seal between the upper box 10 and the lower box 20, further improving the sealing effect between the upper box 10 and the lower box 20.

[0058] like Figure 1As described above, each inner sidewall of the upper box 10 and the lower box 20 is provided with a sidewall water-absorbing component 40, and the inner top wall of the upper box 10 is provided with a top wall water-absorbing component 50. The sidewall water-absorbing component 40 is used to completely fill the gap between the inner sidewall of the battery box and the sidewall of the battery module 30 after absorbing water and expanding to saturation. The top wall water-absorbing component 50 is used to completely fill the gap between the inner top wall of the battery box and the top wall of the battery module 30 after absorbing water and expanding to saturation. In this way, the sidewall water-absorbing component 40 and the top wall water-absorbing component 50 can prevent the presence of a large amount of oxygen in the battery box, thereby reducing the safety risk of fire or explosion due to battery short circuit during the process of retrieving the battery pack from the water. Both the side wall absorbent component 40 and the top wall absorbent component 50 are absorbent films that are pasted and fixed on the inner side wall of the battery box. Both the side wall absorbent component 40 and the top wall absorbent component 50 are absorbent components with flame-retardant function. Specifically, both the side wall absorbent component 40 and the top wall absorbent component 50 are made of high-molecular moisture-absorbing and flame-retardant material. The high-molecular moisture-absorbing and flame-retardant material used to manufacture the side wall absorbent component 40 and the top wall absorbent component 50 is also made of high-molecular moisture-absorbing and flame-retardant material with added curing agent. That is, the side wall absorbent component 40 and the top wall absorbent component 50 also cure after absorbing water and expanding. Each sidewall water-absorbing component 40 has a first gap with the corresponding sidewall of the battery module 30, and the top wall water-absorbing component 50 has a second gap with the top wall of the battery module 30. The thickness of the sidewall water-absorbing component 40 is defined as a1, the thickness of the top wall water-absorbing component 50 is defined as a2, the expansion ratio of the sidewall water-absorbing component 40 after water absorption saturation is k1, the expansion ratio of the top wall water-absorbing component 50 after water absorption saturation is k2, the first gap is b, and the second gap is d. To ensure that the sidewall water-absorbing component 40 can completely fill the gap between the inner sidewall of the battery box and the sidewall of the battery module 30 after water absorption saturation, and that the top wall water-absorbing component 50 can completely fill the gap between the inner top wall of the battery box and the top wall of the battery module 30 after water absorption saturation, it is necessary to satisfy a1·k1≥b and a2·k2≥d.

[0059] like Figure 3As shown, the battery pack also includes an explosion-proof valve installed on the battery housing, and the battery housing is provided with a valve mounting hole 12 for installing the explosion-proof valve. A second sealing element is provided between the explosion-proof valve and the outer wall of the battery housing. The valve mounting hole 12 is located inside the second sealing element. The second sealing element includes a second elastic sealing ring and a second water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the second elastic sealing ring. The second elastic sealing ring is the same as the first elastic sealing ring, and the second water-absorbing sealing ring is the same as the first water-absorbing sealing ring. The second elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the explosion-proof valve through its own elastic deformation. The second water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the explosion-proof valve after absorbing water and expanding. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the explosion-proof valve is a two-way valve. This allows for pressure relief of the battery pack in the event of a short circuit and fire within the battery compartment, preventing explosions and other safety accidents. Additionally, when the external pressure of the battery compartment exceeds a set value, the explosion-proof valve connects the inside and outside of the battery compartment. This allows the sidewall water-absorbing component 40 to absorb water and expand before a short circuit and fire occurs within the battery compartment, filling the gap between it and the sidewall of the battery module 30, and the topwall water-absorbing component 50 to absorb water and expand, filling the gap between it and the top wall of the battery module 30.

[0060] The battery pack also includes a manual service switch (MSD) mounted on the battery housing and a connector for connecting to the positive or negative terminal of the battery module 30. The battery housing has a connector mounting hole for mounting the connector. A third seal is provided between the connector and the outer wall of the battery housing. The connector mounting hole is located inside the third seal. The third seal includes a third elastic sealing ring and a third water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the third elastic sealing ring. The third elastic sealing ring is the same as the first elastic sealing ring, and the third water-absorbing sealing ring is the same as the first water-absorbing sealing ring. The third elastic sealing ring is used to seal the space between the outer wall of the battery housing and the connector through its own elastic deformation. The third water-absorbing sealing ring is used to absorb water, expand, and fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the connector.

[0061] The manual maintenance switch is used to quickly disconnect the high-voltage circuit connection within the battery pack. The battery housing has a switch mounting hole for installing the manual maintenance switch. A fourth sealing element is provided between the manual maintenance switch and the outer wall of the battery housing. The switch mounting hole is located inside the fourth sealing element. The fourth sealing element includes a fourth elastic sealing ring and a fourth water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the fourth elastic sealing ring. The fourth elastic sealing ring is the same as the first elastic sealing ring, and the fourth water-absorbing sealing ring is the same as the first water-absorbing sealing ring. The fourth elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the manual maintenance switch through its own elastic deformation. The fourth water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the manual maintenance switch after absorbing water and expanding.

[0062] Furthermore, the second, third, and fourth seals achieve a double seal between the outer wall of the battery box and the corresponding explosion-proof valve, manual maintenance switch, or connector, further ensuring the sealing effect of the battery box. The corresponding water-absorbing components inside the battery box are equipped with clearance holes that correspond to each mounting hole and are used to avoid the corresponding explosion-proof valve, manual maintenance switch, and connector.

[0063] Compared with the prior art, the battery pack of the present invention, when submerged in water, can not only fill the gap between the upper and lower connecting edges through the expansion of the first water-absorbing sealing ring, thus achieving a seal between the upper and lower housings, but also, after the expansion and sealing of the first water-absorbing sealing ring fails or the battery housing is damaged, and when a small amount of water enters the battery housing, the side wall water-absorbing components and the top wall water-absorbing components can absorb a small amount of water to prevent water from accumulating and flowing onto the high-voltage components such as the battery cells in the battery module, causing a short circuit; when a large amount of water enters the battery housing, the side wall water-absorbing components will completely fill the gap between themselves and the side walls of the battery module after saturating and expanding, and the top wall water-absorbing components will completely fill the gap between themselves and the side walls of the battery module after saturating and expanding, thus preventing the presence of a large amount of oxygen in the battery housing. In this way, during the process of retrieving the battery pack from the water, the safety risk of fire or explosion due to short circuit in the battery module can be further reduced.

[0064] Example 2 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0065] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the explosion-proof valve is a two-way valve, while in this embodiment, the explosion-proof valve is a one-way valve.

[0066] Example 3 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0067] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the second sealing element includes a second elastic sealing ring and a second water-absorbing sealing ring, the third sealing element includes a third elastic sealing ring and a third water-absorbing sealing ring, and the fourth sealing element includes a fourth elastic sealing ring and a fourth water-absorbing sealing ring. In this embodiment, however, the second sealing element only includes the second water-absorbing sealing ring, the third sealing element only includes the third water-absorbing sealing ring, and the fourth sealing element only includes the fourth water-absorbing sealing ring.

[0068] Example 4 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0069] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the battery pack includes a manual maintenance switch, a connector, and an explosion-proof valve mounted on the battery housing. In this embodiment, the battery pack only includes the connector mounted on the battery housing. In other embodiments, the battery pack may include only the connector and the manual maintenance switch mounted on the battery housing, or only the connector and the explosion-proof valve mounted on the battery housing.

[0070] Example 5 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0071] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, both the sidewall absorbent and the top wall absorbent are flame-retardant absorbents. In this embodiment, however, both the sidewall absorbent and the top wall absorbent are non-flame-retardant absorbents.

[0072] Example 6 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0073] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the first water-absorbing sealing ring, the side wall water-absorbing component, and the top wall water-absorbing component are all made of a material that expands and cures after absorbing water. In this embodiment, however, the first water-absorbing sealing ring is made of a material that expands and cures after absorbing water, and the side wall water-absorbing component and the top wall water-absorbing component are made of a material that expands after absorbing water.

[0074] Example 7 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0075] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the first water-absorbing sealing ring, the side wall water-absorbing component, and the top wall water-absorbing component are all made of a material that expands and solidifies after absorbing water. In this embodiment, however, the first water-absorbing sealing ring, the side wall water-absorbing component, and the top wall water-absorbing component are all made of a material that expands but does not solidify after absorbing water.

[0076] Example 8 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0077] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the first absorbent sealing ring and the first elastic sealing ring are connected. In this embodiment, however, the first absorbent sealing ring and the first elastic sealing ring are separate components.

[0078] Example 9 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0079] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the first sealing element includes a first water-absorbing sealing ring and a first elastic sealing ring located outside the first water-absorbing sealing ring. In this embodiment, the first sealing element only includes the first water-absorbing sealing ring.

[0080] Example 10 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0081] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the first elastic sealing ring is a rubber gasket, while in this embodiment, the first elastic sealing ring is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gasket. In other embodiments, it can also be an asbestos rubber gasket, etc.

[0082] Example 11 of the battery pack in this invention:

[0083] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the first elastic sealing ring is a sealing gasket with a rectangular cross-section. In this embodiment, the first elastic sealing ring is a sealing ring with an O-shaped cross-section. In this case, the first absorbent sealing ring is also a sealing ring with the same structure as the first elastic sealing ring.

[0084] An embodiment of the new energy vehicle in this invention: The new energy vehicle includes a vehicle body and a battery pack installed on the vehicle body. The specific structure of the battery pack is the same as that of the battery pack in the above-described battery pack embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of patent protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present invention shall also be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising a battery housing and a battery module (30) installed inside the battery housing, the battery housing comprising an upper housing (10) and a lower housing (20) arranged vertically, the battery module (30) being installed on the inner bottom wall of the lower housing (20), the lower end of the upper housing (10) being provided with an annular and outwardly horizontally extending upper connecting edge (11), the upper end of the lower housing (20) being provided with an annular and outwardly horizontally extending lower connecting edge (21), the upper connecting edge (11) and the lower connecting edge (21) being mated and fixed to achieve the connection between the upper housing (10) and the lower housing (20); the battery pack further comprises a first sealing member for clamping between the upper connecting edge (11) and the lower connecting edge (21), the first sealing member comprising a first water-absorbing sealing ring (70), the first water-absorbing sealing ring (70) being used to fill the gap between the upper connecting edge (11) and the lower connecting edge (21) after absorbing water and expanding, characterized in that, Each inner sidewall of the upper box (10) and the lower box (20) is provided with a sidewall water-absorbing component (40), and a top wall water-absorbing component (50) is provided on the inner top wall of the upper box (10). There is a first gap between the sidewall water-absorbing component (40) and the sidewall of the battery module (30), and a second gap between the top wall water-absorbing component (50) and the top wall of the battery module (30). The thickness of the sidewall water-absorbing component (40) multiplied by the expansion ratio of the sidewall water-absorbing component (40) after water absorption saturation is greater than or equal to the first gap, and the thickness of the top wall water-absorbing component (50) multiplied by the expansion ratio of the top wall water-absorbing component (50) after water absorption saturation is greater than or equal to the second gap.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first seal also includes a first elastic sealing ring (60) for clamping between the upper connecting edge (11) and the lower connecting edge (21). The first elastic sealing ring (60) is used to achieve sealing between the upper connecting edge (11) and the lower connecting edge (21) through its own elastic deformation. The first water-absorbing sealing ring (70) is located inside the first elastic sealing ring (60).

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper connecting edge (11) and the lower connecting edge (21) are fixedly connected by bolts. The first elastic sealing ring (60) is provided with a bolt hole (61) for the bolt to pass through. The first water-absorbing sealing ring (70) is connected to the first elastic sealing ring (60).

4. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first water-absorbing sealing ring (70), the side wall water-absorbing component (40), and the top wall water-absorbing component (50) are all made of a material that solidifies after absorbing water and expanding.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Both the side wall absorbent (40) and the top wall absorbent (50) are absorbent components with flame-retardant function.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes an explosion-proof valve. The battery box is provided with a valve mounting hole (12) for installing the explosion-proof valve. A second sealing element is provided between the explosion-proof valve and the outer wall of the battery box. The valve mounting hole (12) is located inside the second sealing element. The second sealing element includes a second elastic sealing ring and a second water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the second elastic sealing ring. The second elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery box and the explosion-proof valve through its own elastic deformation. The second water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery box and the explosion-proof valve after absorbing water and expanding.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The explosion-proof valve is a two-way valve, which connects the inside and outside of the battery box when the water pressure outside the battery box exceeds the set value, so that the side wall water absorption component (40) absorbs water and expands to fill the gap between the side wall water absorption component (40) and the side wall of the battery module (30), and at the same time, the top wall water absorption component (50) absorbs water and expands to fill the gap between the top wall water absorption component (50) and the top wall of the battery module (30).

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a connector for connecting to the positive or negative terminal of the battery module (30). The battery housing is provided with a connector mounting hole for mounting the connector. A third sealing element is provided between the connector and the outer wall of the battery housing. The connector mounting hole is located inside the third sealing element. The third sealing element includes a third elastic sealing ring and a third water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the third elastic sealing ring. The third elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the connector through its own elastic deformation. The third water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the connector after absorbing water and expanding.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a manual maintenance switch. The battery housing has a switch mounting hole for installing the manual maintenance switch. A fourth sealing element is provided between the manual maintenance switch and the outer wall of the battery housing. The switch mounting hole is located inside the fourth sealing element. The fourth sealing element includes a fourth elastic sealing ring and a fourth water-absorbing sealing ring located inside the fourth elastic sealing ring. The fourth elastic sealing ring is used to achieve a seal between the outer wall of the battery housing and the manual maintenance switch through its own elastic deformation. The fourth water-absorbing sealing ring is used to fill the gap between the outer wall of the battery housing and the manual maintenance switch after absorbing water and expanding.

10. A new energy vehicle, comprising a vehicle body and a battery pack mounted on the vehicle body, characterized in that, The battery pack is the same as the battery pack described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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