A battery system

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of new energy vehicle technology, specifically to a battery system. The battery system includes a battery box, a high-voltage box, and a control box. The battery box is connected to the high-voltage box and the control box via first and second fuse units, respectively. The battery box is equipped with a water inlet valve, or the battery box is connected to a water inlet valve via a water inlet pipe. When the battery box is not submerged in water or the submerged area has not reached a set depth, the water inlet valve is closed. When the battery box reaches the set depth in the submerged area, the water inlet valve is opened, and water from the submerged area enters the battery box through the water inlet valve, disconnecting the first and second fuse units. During or after the battery box is retrieved, the water inlet valve is closed again to keep the water inside the battery box. This battery system of the present invention keeps the water inside the battery box after the vehicle is retrieved. This not only consumes the charge of the battery cells but also reduces the self-discharge temperature of the battery cells, preventing fires and explosions caused by thermal runaway.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] High safety, low cost, and lightweight design are the main demands for the rapid development of the new energy industry. Currently, the battery boxes used in new energy vehicles generally meet the national standard IPX7, which means that the battery box will not take in water after being immersed in water at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.

[0003] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, accidents such as vehicles falling into rivers and lakes occur frequently. Especially in recent years, cities have experienced extreme weather events such as torrential rains and typhoons, causing water depths in bridges, culverts, tunnels, and underground parking lots to far exceed 1 meter. Moreover, vehicles often cannot be rescued or salvaged in time, resulting in new energy vehicles being submerged in deep water for far longer than 30 minutes. Therefore, the sealing performance of existing battery boxes is no longer sufficient for these special submersion scenarios. When the water depth exceeds 1 meter and the immersion time exceeds 30 minutes, the battery box is prone to internal short circuits due to water ingress. After the vehicle is salvaged, the battery box may emit smoke, catch fire, or explode, seriously endangering the personal safety and property of drivers, passengers, and rescue personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery system to solve the problem in the prior art that the battery box of a vehicle may smoke, catch fire, or explode after being salvaged.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the battery system of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] The battery system includes a battery box, a high-voltage box, and a control box. The battery box is connected to the high-voltage box via a first fuse unit and to the control box via a second fuse unit. The battery box is equipped with a water inlet valve or is connected to a water inlet pipe. When the battery box is not submerged in water or the submerged area has not reached a set depth, the water inlet valve is closed. When the battery box reaches the set depth in the submerged area, the water inlet valve is opened, and water from the submerged area enters the battery box through the water inlet valve, disconnecting the first and second fuse units. During or after the battery box is retrieved, the water inlet valve is closed again to keep the water inside the battery box.

[0007] The beneficial effects are as follows: When the battery box is not submerged in water or the water level in the wading area has not reached the set depth, the water inlet valve is closed, keeping the battery box in a sealed state and ensuring its normal operation. When the battery box reaches the set depth in the wading area, the water inlet valve opens, allowing water from the wading area to enter the battery box, simultaneously disconnecting the first and second safety units. During or after the vehicle is salvaged, the water inlet valve closes again to prevent water from flowing out of the battery box. The water inside the battery box not only consumes the battery cells' charge but also reduces the self-discharge temperature of the cells. The salvaged vehicle remains stationary until the battery cells are depleted. Thus, even if the water stored inside the battery box is drained, thermal runaway will not occur, preventing fire or explosion.

[0008] As a further improvement, the water inlet valve is a one-way water inlet valve. The one-way water inlet valve includes a cylindrical body that is sealed and fixed on the battery box. The cylindrical body has a connecting channel that connects the inside and outside of the battery box. A hinge shaft is provided in the connecting channel. A one-way valve is hinged on the hinge shaft. A torsion spring is sleeved on the hinge shaft. The torsion spring is used to apply an elastic force to the one-way valve to make it rotate outward from the battery box, so that the one-way valve closes the connecting channel.

[0009] The beneficial effects are: the one-way inlet valve is a mechanical structure that can open automatically under water pressure. It has a simple structure, low cost, and good stability.

[0010] As a further improvement, the hinge shaft is located in the middle of the connecting channel, and two one-way valves are provided, with the opposite ends of the two one-way valves hinged to the hinge shaft.

[0011] The beneficial effects are: this design makes each one-way valve relatively small in size, which not only facilitates the rapid opening of the communication channel, but also reduces the requirements for the torsion spring, which is conducive to the reset of the one-way valve, so as to better seal the communication channel.

[0012] As a further improvement, a sealing diaphragm is also provided in the communication channel. The sealing diaphragm is located outside the one-way valve, and a blade is provided on the hinge shaft to pierce the sealing diaphragm when it is pressed and moves into the battery box.

[0013] The beneficial effects are: using a sealing diaphragm reduces the requirements for the torsion spring; and puncturing the sealing diaphragm with a blade allows it to release the seal under water pressure.

[0014] As a further improvement, the battery box is provided with at least two water inlet valves, with at least one water inlet valve located at the top of the battery box and at least one water inlet valve located at the bottom of the battery box.

[0015] The beneficial effect is that this design ensures that water can fully enter the battery box even if the vehicle rolls over.

[0016] As a further improvement, both the first and second insurance units are fuses or circuit breakers. When water enters the battery box through the inlet valve in the wading area, the first and second insurance units short-circuit and melt.

[0017] The beneficial effect is that when water enters the battery box, the two fuse units short-circuit and melt, making this method relatively reliable.

[0018] As a further improvement, both the first and second safety units are safety switches. The battery system includes a water pressure sensor for measuring the water pressure in the wading area. When the battery box reaches a set depth in the wading area, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box, which then controls the first and second safety units to disconnect.

[0019] The beneficial effect is that, since the safety switch does not fail like a fuse or circuit breaker, it is easy to reuse the safety switch.

[0020] As a further improvement, the water inlet valve is detachably fixed to the battery box.

[0021] The beneficial effects are: this design facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the inlet valve, and makes it easier to replace and repair the inlet valve.

[0022] As a further improvement, the inlet valve is a solenoid valve, and the battery system includes a water pressure sensor for measuring the water pressure in the wading area. When the water pressure measured by the water pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a set value, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box, and the control box controls the solenoid valve to open. When the water pressure measured by the pressure sensor is lower than the set value, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box, and the control box controls the solenoid valve to close.

[0023] The beneficial effect is that this design facilitates the quick opening or closing of the connection channel.

[0024] As a further improvement, the battery box is provided in multiple ways. The battery system includes a hollow hexahedron. One face of the hexahedron is provided with a water outlet, and the other faces of the hexahedron are provided with the aforementioned water inlet valves. All battery boxes are connected to the water outlet of the hexahedron through water inlet pipes.

[0025] The beneficial effect is that this design ensures that the water inlet valve can be opened smoothly no matter how the vehicle is flipped, guaranteeing that water can fully enter the battery box. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the battery system of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1A schematic diagram of a one-way water inlet valve installed on the battery box;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the battery box and the one-way water inlet valve in Embodiment 2 of the battery system of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the battery box and the one-way water inlet valve in Embodiment 3 of the battery system of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 11. Battery box; 12. High voltage box; 13. Control box; 14. First fuse unit; 15. Second fuse unit; 16. Third fuse unit; 17. One-way inlet valve; 171. Cylinder; 172. Connecting flange; 173. Fixing nut; 174. Sealing ring; 175. Hinge shaft; 176. One-way valve; 177. Inlet; 178. Sealing diaphragm; 179. Blade; 18. Connecting channel; 19. Hexahedron; 20. Inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] It should be noted that 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. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. Additionally, the terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention, not to indicate that the referred device or component must have a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0034] The features and performance of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0035] Example 1 of the battery system of the present invention:

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery system includes a battery box 11, a high-voltage box 12, and a control box 13. The battery box 11 is connected to the high-voltage box 12 through a first fuse unit 14, and the battery box 11 is connected to the control box 13 through a second fuse unit 15. There are two battery boxes 11, and the two battery boxes 11 are connected to each other through a third fuse unit 16.

[0037] In this embodiment, the battery box 11 is equipped with a water inlet valve. When the battery box 11 is not in water or the water inlet area has not reached the set depth, the water inlet valve is in the closed state. When the battery box 11 reaches the set depth in the water inlet area, the water inlet valve is in the open state, and the water in the water inlet area enters through the water inlet valve and is kept in the battery box 11. The first safety unit 14, the second safety unit 15 and the third safety unit 16 are disconnected.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the water inlet valve is a one-way water inlet valve 17, which includes a cylindrical body 171 that is sealed and fixed to the battery box 11. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 171 is provided with a connecting flange 172 and an external thread. A fixing nut 173 is threaded onto the external thread of the cylindrical body 171. The connecting flange 172 and the fixing nut 173 are located on the inner and outer sides of the battery box 11, respectively. The cylindrical body 171 is fixed to the battery box 11 by tightening the fixing nut 173. This design facilitates the installation and removal of the one-way water inlet valve 17 from the battery box 11. A sealing ring 174 is provided between the fixing nut 173 and the battery box 11, and sealant is applied to the threaded connection of the fixing nut 173 to ensure sealing performance. In other embodiments, the sealing ring can be replaced by a sealing gasket.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cylinder 171 has a connecting channel 18 that connects the inside and outside of the battery box 11. A hinge 175 is provided in the connecting channel 18. A one-way valve 176 is hinged on the hinge 175. A torsion spring (not shown) is sleeved on the hinge 175. The torsion spring is used to apply an elastic force to the one-way valve 176 to make it rotate outward from the battery box 11, so that the one-way valve 176 closes the connecting channel 18.

[0040] In this embodiment, the hinge shaft 175 is positioned in the middle of the connecting channel 18, and two one-way valves 176 are provided, with their opposite ends hinged to the hinge shaft 175. This design makes each one-way valve 176 relatively small in size, which not only facilitates the rapid opening of the connecting channel 18 but also requires relatively low elastic force from the torsion spring, thus facilitating the reset of the one-way valve 176 and providing a better seal for the connecting channel 18.

[0041] In this embodiment, a sealing diaphragm 178 is also provided in the connecting channel 18. The sealing diaphragm 178 is located outside the one-way valve 176. A blade 179 is provided on the hinge shaft 175 to pierce the sealing diaphragm 178 when it is pressed into the battery box 11.

[0042] In this embodiment, a water inlet 177 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 171. The water inlet 177 is located outside the sealing diaphragm 178, and multiple water inlets 177 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the cylinder 171 to improve water intake efficiency. The water inlets 177 are rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the shape and number of water inlets can be determined based on the water intake rate and venting.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first fuse unit 14, the second fuse unit 15, and the third fuse unit 16 are all fuses. When water enters the battery box 11 through the one-way water inlet valve 17 in the wading area, the three fuse units short-circuit and blow. In other embodiments, the first fuse unit, the second fuse unit, and the third fuse unit are all circuit breakers.

[0044] Research indicates that immersing the battery cells and accessories inside the battery box in water isolates them from air, preventing fire and explosion. Based on this principle, the battery box can be kept saturated with water throughout the vehicle's retrieval process and afterward.

[0045] The specific usage process is as follows: When the battery box 11 is not submerged in water or the submerged area has not reached the set depth, the one-way water inlet valve 17 is in the closed state, and the sealing diaphragm 178 does not deform or deforms only slightly, so that the battery box 11 is in a sealed state. When the battery box 11 reaches the set depth in the submerged area, under water pressure, the sealing diaphragm 178 moves a certain distance into the battery box 11 and is pierced by the blade 179. Water from outside the battery box 11 enters the cylinder 171 and overcomes the elastic force of the torsion spring to push open the one-way valve 176. The one-way water inlet valve 17 is in the open state, and water from the submerged area enters the battery box 11 and fills the battery box in a short time. At the same time, the first safety unit 14, the second safety unit 15, and the third safety unit 16 are disconnected due to short circuit. During the vehicle salvage process, the water pressure gradually decreases, and the one-way valve 176 closes under the action of the torsion spring, preventing water from flowing out of the battery box 11. After salvage, the battery box 11 remains saturated with water. This water not only consumes the battery cells' charge but also reduces the self-discharge temperature of the cells. The salvaged vehicle remains stationary until the battery cells are depleted. This ensures that even if the water stored inside the battery box is drained, thermal runaway will not occur, preventing fire or explosion.

[0046] It should be noted that the reason for not leaving the wheels in the water until the battery cells are depleted is that there are usually passengers and goods on the vehicle, and it is necessary to retrieve the vehicle in time to avoid personal injury and property damage.

[0047] Embodiment 2 of the battery system of the present invention:

[0048] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, a one-way water inlet valve 17 is provided on the battery box 11. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the battery box 11 is equipped with two one-way water inlet valves 17, one of which is located at the top of the battery box 11, and the other at the bottom. In other embodiments, the number of water inlet valves on the battery box can be set as needed.

[0049] Embodiment 3 of the battery system of the present invention:

[0050] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, each battery box 11 is equipped with a one-way water inlet valve 17. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 4As shown, there are four battery boxes 11. The battery system includes a hollow hexahedron 19. One face of the hexahedron 19 has a water outlet, and the other faces of the hexahedron 19 have one-way water inlet valves 17. All battery boxes 11 are connected to the water outlet of the hexahedron 19 through water inlet pipes 20. This design ensures that water can fully enter the battery box even if the vehicle flips over in water.

[0051] Example 4 of the battery system of the present invention:

[0052] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the inlet valve is a one-way inlet valve. In this embodiment, the inlet valve is a solenoid valve. The battery system includes a water pressure sensor for measuring the water pressure in the wading area. When the water pressure measured by the water pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a set value, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box, and the control box controls the solenoid valve to open. When the water pressure measured by the water pressure sensor is lower than the set value, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box, and the control box controls the solenoid valve to close. It should be noted that the control box communicates independently with the pressure sensor and the solenoid valve, and is powered independently, ensuring that even after the second safety unit is disconnected, the control box can still receive the signal from the pressure sensor and send commands to the solenoid valve.

[0053] Example 5 of the battery system of the present invention:

[0054] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the hinge shaft is located in the middle of the connecting channel, and two one-way valves are provided, with the opposite ends of the two one-way valves hinged to the hinge shaft. In this embodiment, the hinge shaft is located on one side of the connecting channel, and one one-way valve is provided, with the end of the one-way valve hinged to the hinge shaft.

[0055] Embodiment 6 of the battery system of the present invention:

[0056] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, a sealing diaphragm is also provided inside the connecting channel, and the sealing diaphragm is located outside the one-way valve. In this embodiment, no sealing diaphragm is provided, and the elastic force of the torsion spring is relatively large, requiring a set water pressure to open the one-way valve.

[0057] Embodiment 7 of the battery system of the present invention:

[0058] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the first, second, and third fuse units are all fuses, which melt and short-circuit when water enters the battery box in the wading area. In this embodiment, the first, second, and third fuse units are all fuse switches. The battery system includes a water pressure sensor for measuring the water pressure in the wading area. When the battery box reaches a set depth in the wading area, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box, which then controls the first, second, and third fuse units to disconnect. In other embodiments, the driver can determine whether there is a risk of water damage and manually operate the control box to disconnect the three fuse units.

[0059] Example 8 of the battery system of the present invention:

[0060] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the one-way water inlet valve is detachably fixed to the battery box by a fixing nut. In this embodiment, the one-way water inlet valve is welded and fixed to the battery box.

[0061] 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 system, characterized by, The device includes a battery box (11), a high-voltage box (12), and a control box (13). The battery box (11) is connected to the high-voltage box (12) through a first safety unit (14), and the battery box (11) is connected to the control box (13) through a second safety unit (15). The battery box (11) is equipped with a water inlet valve or the battery box (11) is connected to a water inlet valve through a water inlet pipe (20). When the battery box (11) is not in water or the water in the water area has not reached the set depth, the water inlet valve is in the closed state. When the battery box (11) reaches the set depth in the water area, the water inlet valve is in the open state, and the water in the water area enters the battery box (11) through the water inlet valve. The first safety unit (14) and the second safety unit (15) are disconnected. During or after the battery box (11) is retrieved, the water inlet valve is closed again to keep the water in the battery box (11) inside the battery box (11).

2. The battery system of claim 1, wherein, The water inlet valve is a one-way water inlet valve (17). The one-way water inlet valve (17) includes a cylindrical body (171) that is sealed and fixed on the battery box (11). The cylindrical body (171) has a connecting channel (18) that connects the inside and outside of the battery box (11). A hinge shaft (175) is provided in the connecting channel (18). A one-way valve (176) is hinged on the hinge shaft (175). A torsion spring is sleeved on the hinge shaft (175). The torsion spring is used to apply an elastic force to the one-way valve (176) to make it rotate outward from the battery box (11), so that the one-way valve (176) closes the connecting channel (18).

3. The battery system of claim 2, wherein, The hinge (175) is located in the middle of the connecting channel (18), and there are two one-way valves (176), with the opposite ends of the two one-way valves (176) hinged to the hinge (175).

4. The battery system of claim 3, wherein, The communication channel (18) is also provided with a sealing diaphragm (178), which is located outside the one-way valve (176). The hinge shaft (175) is provided with a blade (179) that punctures the sealing diaphragm (178) when the sealing diaphragm (178) is pressed into the battery box (11).

5. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The battery box (11) is provided with at least two water inlet valves, at least one of which is located at the top of the battery box (11) and at least one of which is located at the bottom of the battery box (11).

6. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first insurance unit (14) and the second insurance unit (15) are both fuses or circuit breakers. When water enters the battery box (11) through the water inlet valve in the wading area, the first insurance unit (14) and the second insurance unit (15) will short-circuit and melt.

7. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first safety unit (14) and the second safety unit (15) are both safety switches. The battery system includes a water pressure sensor for measuring the water pressure in the wading area. When the wading area reaches a set depth, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box (13). The control box (13) controls the first safety unit (14) and the second safety unit (15) to disconnect.

8. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The water inlet valve is detachably fixed to the battery box (11).

9. The battery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet valve is a solenoid valve. The battery system includes a water pressure sensor for measuring the water pressure in the wading area. When the water pressure measured by the water pressure sensor is greater than or equal to the set value, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box (13), and the control box (13) controls the solenoid valve to open. When the water pressure measured by the pressure sensor is lower than the set value, the water pressure sensor transmits the measured pressure signal to the control box (13), and the control box (13) controls the solenoid valve to close.

10. The battery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple battery boxes (11) are provided. The battery system includes a hollow hexahedron (19). One of the hexahedrons (19) is provided with a water outlet, and the other sides of the hexahedron (19) are provided with the aforementioned water inlet valves. All battery boxes (11) are connected to the water outlet of the hexahedron (19) through water inlet pipes (20).

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