Battery pack and electric vehicle

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery pack and an electric vehicle, and relate to the technical field of battery pack heat insulation. The present application aims to improve the problem of fire spread range and high risk of battery. The battery pack comprises a box upper cover, a battery component, a lower box, at least two layers of modules and a plurality of layers of heat insulation materials; the at least two layers of modules are stacked between the box upper cover and the lower box, and the battery component is fixed between the box upper cover and the uppermost module; the heat insulation material is filled between the box upper cover and the battery component, between the battery component and the uppermost module, and between the adjacent two layers of modules; the heat insulation material is used for insulating the heat source between the adjacent structures. The electric vehicle comprises the above battery pack. Through the multi-layer module scheme, more modules and more batteries can be installed in the limited length and width. The multi-layer heat insulation prevents the risk from spreading to other locations after the fire, and reduces the property loss after the fire.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery pack thermal insulation technology, and more specifically, to a battery pack and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of battery pack applications, electrification has become an unstoppable trend. Some commercial vehicles are also gradually becoming electrified, but for some special commercial vehicles, such as landscape vehicles and garbage trucks, which have limited space but require more power, design becomes a major challenge. These types of vehicles generally have higher interior space, lower seats, smaller length and width dimensions, and more generous height dimensions, but the battery pack is usually located under the seat, making bottom heat insulation and protection particularly important.

[0003] Commonly used commercial vehicle solutions use standard battery packs, such as C and H. However, these battery packs are all standard sizes, with a height of around 240mm. The top space is limited, and the internal heat insulation design of the battery pack is basically concentrated between the cells. When the heat source inside the cell module cannot be controlled and the fire spreads to other modules, conventional heat insulation solutions cannot be used. Especially when the heat quickly ignites and spreads to the BMS or electrical components, the electrical components cannot cut off the circuit, making the situation even more dangerous. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention includes, for example, providing a battery pack that can improve the problem of the spread of battery fires and the high risk of fire.

[0005] The present invention also aims to provide an electric vehicle that can improve the problem of the spread of battery fires and the high risk of fire.

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as follows:

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery pack, including a top cover, battery components, a lower housing, at least two modules, and multiple layers of heat insulation material; the at least two modules are stacked between the top cover and the lower housing, and the battery components are fixed between the top cover and the uppermost module; the heat insulation material is filled between the top cover and the battery components, between the battery components and the uppermost module, and between adjacent modules; the heat insulation material is used to isolate heat sources between adjacent structures.

[0008] In addition, the battery pack provided in the embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0009] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a support plate, a first reinforcing structure, and a first liner; the support plate is located between two adjacent modules, and the edge of the support plate is fixed to the lower housing, the support plate being used to fix the upper module; the first reinforcing structure is fixed to the bottom of the support plate, the first liner is fixed to the first reinforcing structure, a first space is formed between the first liner and the support plate, the first space being used to fill the heat insulation material.

[0010] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a first aerosol fire extinguisher; the first aerosol fire extinguisher is fixed to the bottom of the first liner.

[0011] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a BMS mounting plate and a second liner; the BMS mounting plate is located on top of the uppermost module and is fixed to the lower housing; the battery components are fixed to the top of the BMS mounting plate; the second liner is fixed to the bottom of the BMS mounting plate, and a second space is formed between the second liner and the BMS mounting plate, the second space being used to fill the heat insulation material.

[0012] Optionally, the two ends of the BMS mounting plate are formed with folded edges; the folded edges are fixed to the lower housing, and the second liner is fixed to the inner side of the folded edges.

[0013] Optionally, the top of the BMS mounting plate is provided with mounting holes; the mounting holes are used to install low-voltage wiring harnesses; the BMS mounting plate is used to isolate the low-voltage wiring harnesses from the module.

[0014] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a second reinforcing structure, a third liner, and a second aerosol fire extinguisher; the second reinforcing structure is fixed to the bottom of the housing cover, and the third liner is fixed to the second reinforcing structure; a third space is formed between the third liner and the housing cover, and the third space is used to fill the heat insulation material; the second aerosol fire extinguisher is fixed to the bottom of the third liner.

[0015] Optionally, the first reinforcing structure includes a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam arranged at an angle.

[0016] Optionally, the insulation material is rock wool or aerogel.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a battery pack.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the battery pack and electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention include, for example:

[0019] The battery pack includes a top cover, battery components, a lower housing, at least two modules, and multiple layers of thermal insulation material; at least two modules are stacked between the top cover and the lower housing, and the battery components are fixed between the top cover and the topmost module; thermal insulation material is filled between the top cover and the battery components, between the battery components and the topmost module, and between adjacent modules; the thermal insulation material is used to isolate heat sources between adjacent structures.

[0020] Multi-layer insulation prevents the risk of fire from spreading to other locations. With multi-layer insulation, the BMS has time to transmit battery pack information to the entire vehicle, allowing the vehicle to stop in time, personnel to evacuate, and property damage after a fire.

[0021] Electric vehicles, including the aforementioned battery packs, can mitigate the spread of battery fires and reduce the associated risks. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a top view of the battery pack provided in this embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view of AA;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the battery pack provided in this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the thermal insulation structure between battery components and modules in the battery pack provided in this embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the heat insulation structure at the bottom of the top cover of the battery pack provided in this embodiment.

[0028] Icons: 10-Battery pack; 100-Top cover of the enclosure; 110-Battery components; 120-Lower enclosure; 130-Module; 140-Insulation material; 150-Enclosure support; 200-Support plate; 210-First reinforcing structure; 220-First liner; 230-First aerosol fire extinguisher; 300-BMS mounting plate; 310-Folded edge; 320-Second liner; 330-Third aerosol fire extinguisher; 350-Bent reinforcing plate; 400-Second reinforcing structure; 410-Third liner; 420-Second aerosol fire extinguisher; 500-Corner reinforcing structure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0030] 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.

[0031] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed, they are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0035] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 5 The battery pack 10 provided in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery pack 10, including a top cover 100, battery components 110, a lower housing 120, at least two modules 130, and multiple layers of heat insulation material 140. At least two modules 130 are stacked between the top cover 100 and the lower housing 120. The battery components 110 are fixed between the top cover 100 and the uppermost module 130. Heat insulation material 140 is filled between the top cover 100 and the battery components 110, between the battery components 110 and the uppermost module 130, and between adjacent modules 130. The heat insulation material 140 is used to isolate heat sources between adjacent structures. The battery components 110 include a battery management system (BMS) and battery distribution unit (BDU) related electrical components, such as relays, pre-charge resistors, and shunts.

[0037] by Figure 3 The relative positions of the components are described below. The top cover 100, heat insulation material 140, battery components 110, heat insulation material 140, module 130, and lower casing 120 are arranged in order from top to bottom. Heat insulation material 140 is also filled between adjacent modules 130.

[0038] In this embodiment, there are two layers of modules 130, an upper module 130 and a lower module 130. In other embodiments with multiple layers of modules 130, the upper module 130 is located above the lower module 130. Specifically, each layer of modules 130 includes eight modules 130, divided into two parts, with four modules 130 in each part. The four modules 130 are arranged side by side, and the other four modules 130 are arranged side by side on one side. The lower module 130 is fixed to the reinforcing beam at the bottom of the lower housing 120, and the upper module 130 is installed above the lower module 130.

[0039] The multi-layer module 130 design allows for the installation of more modules 130 and more batteries within a limited length and width. The space between adjacent modules 130 is filled with heat-insulating material 140, preventing heat diffusion between upper and lower modules 130 and effectively isolating the heat source to minimize property damage. Heat-insulating material 140 also exists between the topmost module 130 and the BMS mounting plate 300, preventing heat from the module 130 from damaging the BMS and electrical components. Even if all electrical components inside the battery pack 10 fail during combustion, the heat-insulating material 140 at the bottom of the casing cover 100 provides further insulation to prevent the top of the battery pack 10 from burning through, thus protecting the driver from fire, as the battery pack 10 is located under the driver's seat. This multi-layered insulation prevents the risk of fire from spreading to other locations. With this insulation, the BMS has time to transmit information about the battery pack 10 to the entire vehicle, allowing for timely stopping, evacuation, and reduced property damage after a fire.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In this embodiment, the battery pack 10 further includes a support plate 200, a first reinforcing structure 210, and a first liner 220; the support plate 200 is located between two adjacent modules 130, and the edge of the support plate 200 is fixed to the lower housing 120. The support plate 200 is used to fix the upper module 130; the first reinforcing structure 210 is fixed to the bottom of the support plate 200, the first liner 220 is fixed to the first reinforcing structure 210, and a first space is formed between the first liner 220 and the support plate 200. The first space is used to fill the heat insulation material 140.

[0041] The lower module 130 is fixed to the support plate 200. Hanging lugs are welded onto the support plate 200 and then bolted to the housing support base 150, completing the installation of the upper module 130. The support plate 200 is a flat plate on which the upper module 130 is installed. The upper module 130 still consists of eight modules 130, divided into two parts.

[0042] A first reinforcing structure 210 is welded to the bottom of the support plate 200. The first reinforcing structure 210 includes horizontal and vertical beams. Then, a first liner 220 is installed at the bottom of the horizontal and vertical beams. There is a first space between the first liner 220 and the support plate 200, which is also the gap between the horizontal and vertical beams, and it can be filled with thermal insulation materials 140 such as rock wool and aerogel. The first liner 220 is installed on the horizontal and vertical beams by bolts. The gap at the bottom of the support plate 200 is filled with thermal insulation material 140, which can prevent heat diffusion between the upper and lower modules 130, and can effectively isolate the heat source to avoid further property damage. In the event of a thermal fire or spread in the lower module 130, the heat cannot be burned to the upper module 130 in a short period of time.

[0043] The first reinforcing structure 210 welded to the bottom of the support plate 200 not only serves to support the module 130, but also forms a gap with the first liner 220 to fill the heat insulation material 140.

[0044] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In this embodiment, the battery pack 10 also includes a first aerosol fire extinguisher 230; the first aerosol fire extinguisher 230 is fixed to the bottom of the first liner 220.

[0045] A first aerosol fire extinguisher 230 is installed below the first liner 220. In the event of a fire, the first aerosol fire extinguisher 230 will activate first to contain the fire. The first aerosol fire extinguisher 230 combines a highly efficient gas-generating aerosol agent with a fire extinguishing particle generator. It utilizes the heat and power of the fire extinguishing gas generated by the aerosol agent to decompose the fire extinguishing particle generator and release highly efficient fire extinguishing particles. It is superior to traditional fire extinguishers in terms of portability, safety, and fire extinguishing capability.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In this embodiment, the battery pack 10 also includes a BMS mounting plate 300 and a second liner 320; the BMS mounting plate 300 is located on top of the uppermost module 130 and is fixed to the lower housing 120; the battery components 110 are fixed to the top of the BMS mounting plate 300; the second liner 320 is fixed to the bottom of the BMS mounting plate 300, and a second space is formed between the second liner 320 and the BMS mounting plate 300, the second space being used to fill the heat insulation material 140.

[0047] The entire plane of the BMS mounting plate 300 can not only mount the BMS, but also BDU-related electrical components such as relays, pre-charge resistors, and shunts. Bolts are directly welded onto the BMS mounting plate 300 for mounting electrical components, eliminating the need to redesign the BDU protection box. The BMS mounting plate 300 is directly isolated from the bottom module 130. In the event of an electrical fault, the BMS mounting plate 300 isolates the module 130, protecting the module 130 and the battery components 110.

[0048] When a fire or other dangerous situation occurs in the upper module 130, the fire source cannot quickly damage the BMS, electrical control components, etc. The BMS system can promptly report the internal situation of the battery pack 10, and the maintenance personnel can handle the dangerous situation in a timely manner.

[0049] In this embodiment, a third aerosol fire extinguisher 330 is also installed at the bottom of the second liner 320. When a fire occurs, the third aerosol fire extinguisher 330 will activate first to extinguish and isolate the fire.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In this embodiment, the two ends of the BMS mounting plate 300 form folded edges 310; the folded edges 310 are fixed to the lower housing 120, and the second liner 320 is fixed to the inner side of the folded edges 310. The folded edges 310 are fixed to the lower housing 120 and cover the second liner 320 and the upper module 130.

[0051] The BMS mounting plate 300 adopts a "U" shape, with the folded edges 310 at both ends for fixing, and the BMS is installed on the middle plane. A second lining plate 320 is installed at the bottom "U" shaped plane position of the BMS mounting plate 300, and the second space formed by the reinforcement structure of the folded edges 310 of the BMS mounting plate 300 is filled with thermal insulation materials 140 such as rock wool and aerogel.

[0052] In this embodiment, the top of the BMS mounting plate 300 is provided with mounting holes; the mounting holes are used to install low-voltage wiring harnesses; the BMS mounting plate 300 is used to isolate the low-voltage wiring harnesses from the module 130.

[0053] The BMS mounting plate 300 can not only install the BMS, but also has mounting holes for installing low-voltage wiring harnesses. The low-voltage wiring harness runs on the upper part of the BMS mounting plate 300, isolating it from the high-voltage electricity of the module 130 below, thus preventing the high-voltage magnetic field from interfering with low-voltage communication.

[0054] Bending reinforcement plates 350 are also provided on the edges between the two folded edges 310 of the BMS mounting plate 300 and on the edges of the folded edges 310, which serve to strengthen the strength of the BMS mounting plate 300. The bending reinforcement plates 350 located between the two folded edges 310 together with the second liner plate 320 form a second space.

[0055] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 In this embodiment, the battery pack 10 also includes a second reinforcing structure 400, a third liner 410, and a second aerosol fire extinguisher 420; the second reinforcing structure 400 is fixed to the bottom of the housing cover 100, and the third liner 410 is fixed to the second reinforcing structure 400; a third space is formed between the third liner 410 and the housing cover 100, and the third space is used to fill the heat insulation material 140; the second aerosol fire extinguisher 420 is fixed to the bottom of the third liner 410.

[0056] The bottom of the top cover 100 of the battery pack has a second reinforcing beam, and a third liner 410 is installed at the bottom. The gap between the third liner 410 and the second reinforcing beam is filled with materials such as rock wool and aerogel for heat insulation. When all electrical components inside the battery pack 10 are damaged and a fire occurs, the heat insulation material 140 at the bottom of the top cover 100 can provide further heat insulation to prevent the top of the battery pack 10 from burning through and to prevent fire to the driver.

[0057] The edge of the top cover 100 of the box is bent twice, which can strengthen it and form a third space between it and the third liner 410 for filling the insulation material 140.

[0058] A second aerogel fire extinguisher is installed below the third liner 410. In the event of a fire, the second aerogel will activate first to extinguish and isolate the fire.

[0059] In this embodiment, both the first reinforcing structure 210 and the second reinforcing structure 400 include a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam arranged at an angle.

[0060] In this embodiment, the thermal insulation material 140 is rock wool or aerogel. The thermal insulation material 140 fills the gaps in the reinforced structure, without affecting the use of the internal space, and also serves as thermal insulation. Simultaneously, the thermal insulation material 140 also fills the gaps in the support beams at the bottom of the support plate 200, providing both thermal insulation and space utilization.

[0061] Reference Figure 3 In this embodiment, corner reinforcement structures 500 are provided at the four corners of the lower housing 120. The corner reinforcement structure 500 includes a first reinforcement plate and a second reinforcement plate, which are respectively fixed to the edges of two adjacent plates of the lower housing 120.

[0062] The battery pack 10 provided in this embodiment has at least the following advantages:

[0063] The multi-layer module 130 design allows for the installation of more modules 130 and more batteries within a limited length and width. The space between adjacent modules 130 is filled with heat-insulating material 140, preventing heat diffusion between upper and lower modules 130 and effectively isolating the heat source to minimize property damage. Heat-insulating material 140 also exists between the topmost module 130 and the BMS mounting plate 300, preventing heat from the module 130 from damaging the BMS and electrical components. Even if all electrical components inside the battery pack 10 fail during combustion, the heat-insulating material 140 at the bottom of the casing cover 100 provides further insulation to prevent the top of the battery pack 10 from burning through, thus protecting the driver from fire, as the battery pack 10 is located under the driver's seat. This multi-layered insulation prevents the risk of fire from spreading to other locations. With this insulation, the BMS has time to transmit information about the battery pack 10 to the entire vehicle, allowing for timely stopping, evacuation, and reduced property damage after a fire.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a battery pack 10. This can improve the problem of the spread of battery fires and the high risk associated with them.

[0065] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The enclosure includes a top cover (100), battery components (110), a lower enclosure (120), at least two modules (130), and multiple layers of heat insulation material (140). At least two layers of the modules (130) are stacked between the upper cover (100) and the lower cover (120) of the housing. The battery components (110) are fixed between the upper cover (100) and the uppermost module (130). The upper cover (100) and the battery components (110) are filled with the heat insulation material (140), the battery components (110) and the uppermost module (130) are filled with the heat insulation material (140), and the adjacent two layers of modules (130) are filled with the heat insulation material (140). The heat insulation material (140) is used to isolate heat sources between adjacent structures. The battery pack further includes a support plate (200), a first reinforcing structure (210), and a first liner (220); the support plate (200) is located between two adjacent modules (130), and the edge of the support plate (200) is fixed to the lower housing (120), and the support plate (200) is used to fix the upper module (130); the first reinforcing structure (210) is fixed to the bottom of the support plate (200), the first liner (220) is fixed to the first reinforcing structure (210), and a first space is formed between the first liner (220) and the support plate (200), the first space being used to fill the heat insulation material (140). The battery pack also includes a first aerosol fire extinguisher (230); the first aerosol fire extinguisher (230) is fixed to the bottom of the first liner (220); The battery pack also includes a BMS mounting plate (300) and a second liner (320); the BMS mounting plate (300) is located on top of the uppermost module (130), and the BMS mounting plate (300) is fixed to the lower housing (120); the battery components (110) are fixed on top of the BMS mounting plate (300); the second liner (320) is fixed on the bottom of the BMS mounting plate (300), and a second space is formed between the second liner (320) and the BMS mounting plate (300), the second space being used to fill the heat insulation material (140). The two ends of the BMS mounting plate (300) form folded edges (310); the folded edges (310) are fixed to the lower housing (120), and the second liner (320) is fixed to the inner side of the folded edges (310); The battery pack also includes a second reinforcing structure (400), a third liner (410), and a second aerosol fire extinguisher (420); the second reinforcing structure (400) is fixed to the bottom of the housing cover (100), and the third liner (410) is fixed to the second reinforcing structure (400); a third space is formed between the third liner (410) and the housing cover (100), and the third space is used to fill the heat insulation material (140); the second aerosol fire extinguisher (420) is fixed to the bottom of the third liner (410).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the BMS mounting plate (300) is provided with mounting holes; the mounting holes are used to install low-voltage wiring harnesses; the BMS mounting plate (300) is used to isolate the low-voltage wiring harnesses from the module (130).

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reinforcing structure (210) includes a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam arranged at an angle.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermal insulation material (140) is rock wool or aerogel.

5. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, The electric vehicle includes the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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