A waterproof battery structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of batteries and discloses a waterproof battery structure, comprising: a housing providing a receiving space; at least one battery pack disposed in the receiving space; and a sealant filled in the receiving space and at least completely covering the battery pack. Different from conventional battery structures, in the embodiment of the present invention, after the battery pack is disposed inside the housing, a sealant is injected inside the housing to fill the gap between the inside of the housing and the battery pack, which can not only effectively improve the waterproof performance, but also enhance the firmness of the overall structure, and has simple and rapid assembly, low production cost and high production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of batteries, and particularly to a waterproof battery structure. Background Art

[0002] With the development of lithium batteries, more and more electric vehicles use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. At the same time, higher requirements are put forward for lithium batteries. Especially in extreme environments such as rainy days and flooded roads, the tests on lithium batteries are higher. Therefore, the requirements for the safety and reliability of lithium batteries are becoming more and more stringent, and the waterproof performance of the battery is of utmost importance.

[0003] The commonly used battery assembly method in the industry is to place the battery pack, BMS module, etc. between the upper and lower covers, and then use a sealing ring to achieve the sealing effect between the upper and lower covers. However, it is found in actual applications that the waterproof reliability of this assembly method is poor and cannot meet the increasing requirements for waterproof performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a waterproof battery structure to improve the waterproof performance of the battery.

[0005] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A waterproof battery structure includes:

[0007] A housing providing a receiving space;

[0008] At least one battery pack installed in the receiving space;

[0009] Sealant filled in the receiving space and at least completely covering the battery pack.

[0010] Optionally, the waterproof battery structure further includes at least one cell pressing member, and each cell pressing member is sleeved outside one battery pack and fixedly connected to the housing.

[0011] Optionally, a hollow structure for filling sealant is provided on the top wall and / or side wall of the cell pressing member.

[0012] Optionally, a rib groove is provided on the bottom wall of the housing, the cell pressing member is positioned in the rib groove, and a glue passage gap for filling sealant is reserved between the cell pressing member and the side wall and top wall of the housing.

[0013] Optionally, the waterproof battery structure includes two battery packs, which are symmetrically arranged at the center in the receiving space.

[0014] Optionally, the waterproof battery structure further includes a main connection plate fixedly arranged between the two cell pressing members and electrically connected to the two battery packs respectively.

[0015] Optionally, the battery pack includes:

[0016] A battery cell holder provided with a plurality of juxtaposed battery cell mounting positions;

[0017] A battery cell group including a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell being respectively mounted on a corresponding battery cell mounting position of the battery cell holder, and the electrode ends of each battery cell being exposed;

[0018] Two sets of electrode connection plates are respectively disposed outside the two electrode ends of the battery cell group, and each set of electrode connection plates is electrically connected to the electrode ends on the corresponding side so that the battery cells are connected in parallel or in series;

[0019] A sub-connection plate is disposed on the upper layer of the battery cell group and is electrically connected to the two sets of electrode connection plates and the main connection plate respectively;

[0020] A first insulating sheet is stacked between the sub-connection plate and the battery cell group;

[0021] Two second insulating sheets are respectively disposed outside the two sets of electrode connection plates;

[0022] A buffer member is disposed on the top layer of the sub-connection plate.

[0023] Optionally, the battery cell holder includes: two bracket assemblies made of insulating materials and respectively disposed at both ends of the battery cell group;

[0024] Each bracket assembly includes a bracket body, and a plurality of mounting holes for receiving the electrode ends of the battery cells are formed in the bracket body, and a limiting portion is protruded in the mounting holes.

[0025] Optionally, a motor mounting area is further provided on the main connection plate, and a motor is mounted in the motor mounting area.

[0026] Optionally, on the outer shell, support ribs are provided at the bottom of the main connection plate.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention will have the following beneficial effects:

[0028] Different from the conventional battery structure, after the battery pack is disposed inside the outer shell, sealant is injected inside the outer shell to fill the gap between the outer shell and the battery pack, which can not only effectively improve the waterproof performance, but also enhance the firmness of the overall structure, and the assembly is simple and fast, with low production cost and high production efficiency. Description of the Drawings

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 Overall structure diagram of the waterproof battery structure provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 Structure diagram of the outer shell of the waterproof battery structure provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 Structure diagram of the waterproof battery structure after removing the outer shell provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 Partial structure diagram of the waterproof battery structure provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 Structure diagram of the cell pressing member provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 Structure diagram of the cell support provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 Assembly structure diagram of the cell group and the cell support provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 Assembly structure diagram of the cell group, the cell support and the electrode connection piece provided by the embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0039] Outer shell 1, bone position groove 11, support rib 12, battery pack 2, cell support 21, support assembly 211, support body 2111, mounting hole 2112, limiting part 2113, electrode connection piece 22, sub-connection plate 23, first insulating sheet 24, second insulating sheet 25, buffer member 26, cell group 27, cell pressing member 3, hollow structure 31, main connection plate 4. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] In order to make the objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a waterproof battery structure, including:

[0042] A housing 1, which provides a receiving space;

[0043] At least one battery pack 2, which is installed in the receiving space;

[0044] A sealant (not shown in the figure), which is filled in the receiving space and at least completely covers the battery pack 2.

[0045] Among them, the sealant refers to a sealing material that deforms with the shape of the sealing surface, is not easy to flow, and has a certain adhesiveness. This sealant is an adhesive used to fill the configuration gap to play a sealing role, and has functions such as leak prevention, waterproof, vibration prevention, sound insulation, and heat insulation. The specific material composition of the sealant in the embodiments of the present invention is not limited, and can be flexibly selected according to actual needs in practical applications as long as it does not have an adverse effect on the battery pack 2.

[0046] In summary, different from the conventional battery structure, in the embodiment of the present invention, after the battery pack 2 is installed inside the housing 1, a sealant is injected into the housing 1 to fill the gap between the inside of the housing 1 and the battery pack 2, which can not only effectively improve the waterproof performance, but also enhance the firmness of the overall structure, and the assembly is simple and fast, with low production cost and high production efficiency.

[0047] In order to further improve the reliability of the battery structure, in an optional embodiment, please refer to Figures 3 to 5 , the above waterproof battery structure further includes at least one cell pressing member 3, and each cell pressing member 3 is sleeved outside a battery pack 2 and fixedly connected to the housing 1. Since the battery pack 2 is embedded in the cell pressing member 3 and the cell pressing member 3 is fixedly installed in the housing 1, the cell pressing member 3 can stably press the battery pack 2 against the bottom of the housing 1. Therefore, the structural reliability of the waterproof battery structure can be effectively improved through the cell pressing member 3, so that the battery pack 2 meets the impact requirements of a six-sided drop of 1.5 meters.

[0048] To save assembly space, the overall shape of the battery cell pressing member 3 can match the overall shape of the battery pack 2. At the same time, a hollow structure 31 for filling sealant is provided on the top wall and / or side wall of the battery cell pressing member 3. In this way, after the battery pack 2 is fixedly assembled inside the housing 1 through the battery cell pressing member 3, during the process of pouring sealant into the housing 1, the sealant can flow everywhere through the hollow structure 31 on the battery cell pressing member 3 to completely wrap the battery pack 2, ensuring good sealing effects on all sides of the battery pack 2.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 2 , a rib groove 11 is provided on the bottom wall of the housing 1. The battery cell pressing member 3 is positioned in the rib groove 11 by means such as screwing, which can not only improve the convenience of assembly, but also ensure good assembly effects and consistency of assembly effects. At the same time, a glue flow gap for filling sealant is reserved between the battery cell pressing member 3 and the side wall and top wall of the housing 1, which is convenient for internal glue filling, further improving the waterproof performance and ensuring that the battery structure meets the long-term, safe and reliable use requirements in an underwater environment.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the embodiment of the present invention adopts two discrete battery packs 2, and these two battery packs 2 are preferably arranged in central symmetry in the accommodation space. The two battery packs 2 are connected in series or in parallel through a main connection plate 4. These two battery packs 2 are designed as the same material module and are placed in central symmetry inside the housing 1, so that the two usages of the same material are beneficial to reducing the types of production materials, improving production efficiency and saving costs.

[0051] Further, please refer to Figure 4 , the battery pack 2 may include:

[0052] A battery cell support 21, which provides a plurality of juxtaposed battery cell installation positions;

[0053] A battery cell group 27, including a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell is respectively installed on the corresponding battery cell installation position of the battery cell support 21, and the electrode ends of each battery cell are exposed; the positive and negative electrode arrangement directions between each battery cell may be completely the same or not completely the same, and are designed according to the actual series or parallel design requirements;

[0054] Two groups of electrode connection sheets 22, which are respectively arranged outside the two electrode ends of the battery cell group 27, and each group of electrode connection sheets 22 is electrically connected to the corresponding side electrode end to make each battery cell connected in parallel or in series;

[0055] A sub-connection plate 23, which is arranged on the upper layer of the battery cell group 27 and is electrically connected to the two groups of electrode connection sheets 22 and the main connection plate 4 respectively;

[0056] The first insulating sheet 24 is stacked between the sub-connection board 23 and the battery cell group 27;

[0057] Two second insulating sheets 25 are respectively arranged outside two groups of electrode connection sheets 22;

[0058] The buffer member 26 is arranged on the top layer of the sub-connection board 23.

[0059] Based on this, while the battery cell pressing member 3 positions and fixes the battery pack 2, it will absorb shock and pre-tighten through the buffer member 26 (such as EVA sponge) to ensure the structural strength and reliability of the battery pack 2, and can ensure effective protection for the components and battery cells on the sub-connection board 23 during product drop impact. The first insulating sheet 24 can achieve insulation between the battery cells and the sub-connection board 23, and the second insulating sheet 25 can achieve insulation between the battery cells and the housing 1. At the same time, the battery cell bracket 21 can space out a certain space between the battery cells and the sub-connection board 23, preventing heat conduction from the sub-connection board 23 to the battery cells during operation, and also preventing short circuit conduction between the two to cause safety accidents.

[0060] Exemplarily, specifically, cylindrical INR18650 / 3.7V battery cells can be used. Nine battery cells are arranged in each battery cell group 27, and every three of them are first connected in parallel and then connected in series with other battery cells; two separate battery cell groups 27 connected in series can reach a 6S3P structure.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the sub-connection boards 23 of the two battery packs 2 can be respectively made into thick-line large male plugs and inserted into the PCM female sockets on the main connection board 4 to connect two separate battery cell groups 27 in series into a 6S3P structure design, which can reduce the wire resistance, optimize the voltage difference generated during sampling to facilitate the charge and discharge balance of the battery pack 2, and extend its service life. Based on this, on the housing 1, support ribs 12 are provided at the bottom of the main connection board 4 to support the plug-in part of the main connection board 4, further improving the structural strength.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 , the battery cell bracket 21 is made of insulating material and can achieve insulation between battery cells and between the battery cells and the sub-connection board 23. Specifically, it may include: two bracket assemblies 211 made of insulating material and respectively arranged at both ends of the battery cell group 27; each bracket assembly 211 includes a bracket body 2111, and a plurality of mounting holes 2112 for receiving the electrode ends of the battery cells are formed on the bracket body 2111, and a limiting portion 2113 protrudes in the mounting holes 2112. In this way, during the assembly process, the two ends of a single battery cell can be respectively inserted into the mounting holes 2112 at corresponding positions and limited by a plurality of limiting portions 2113 at corresponding positions, avoiding the battery cell not being inserted in place or coming out of the mounting holes 2112, so as to achieve precise assembly.

[0063] The sub-connection plate 23 and the electrode connection piece 22 can be fixedly connected by spot welding process, which is convenient and fast with high production efficiency; the electrode connection piece 22 can specifically be a nickel piece.

[0064] In addition, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a motor installation area is also provided on the main connection plate 4, and a motor (not shown in the figure) is installed in the motor installation area, so as to effectively improve the space utilization rate.

[0065] As mentioned above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof battery structure, characterized in that: include: A housing (1) is provided with a receiving space; A battery pack (2) is installed in the receiving space; Sealant filling the receiving space and completely covering the battery pack (2); The waterproof battery structure further comprises a battery core pressing piece (3), each of the battery core pressing pieces (3) being sleeved on the outside of one of the battery packs (2) and fixedly connected to the outer shell (1); The waterproof battery structure comprises two battery packs (2) which are centrally symmetrically arranged in the receiving space; The waterproof battery structure also includes a main connecting plate (4), which is fixedly arranged between the two battery core pressing pieces (3) and is electrically connected to the two battery packs (2) respectively; The battery pack (2) comprises: A battery cell support (21) is provided with a plurality of battery cell mounting positions arranged in parallel; A battery cell group (27) comprising a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell being mounted on a corresponding battery cell mounting position of a battery cell support (21), and an electrode end of each battery cell being exposed to the outside; Two groups of electrode connecting sheets (22) are respectively arranged outside two electrode ends of the battery cell group (27), and each group of electrode connecting sheets (22) is electrically connected to the electrode end on the corresponding side, so that the battery cells are connected in parallel or in series; A sub-connection plate (23) disposed on an upper layer of the battery cell group (27) and electrically connected to the two groups of electrode connection sheets (22) and the main connection plate (4) respectively; A first insulating sheet (24) stacked between the sub-connection plate (23) and the battery cell group (27); Two second insulating sheets (25) are respectively arranged on the outer sides of the two groups of electrode connecting sheets (22); A buffer member (26) is arranged on the top layer of the sub-connecting plate (23); The top wall and / or side wall of the battery core pressing piece (3) is provided with a hollow structure (31) for filling with sealant; The bottom wall of the housing (1) is provided with a groove (11), the battery core pressing piece (3) is positioned in the groove (11), and gaps for filling with sealant are reserved between the battery core pressing piece (3) and the side walls and top wall of the housing (1).

2. The waterproof battery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery cell support (21) comprises: two support components (211) respectively arranged at two ends of the battery cell group (27) and made of insulating material; Each of the bracket components (211) comprises a bracket body (2111), the bracket body (2111) being provided with a plurality of mounting holes (2112) for accommodating electrode ends of the battery core, and a limiting portion (2113) being protruding inside the mounting hole (2112).

3. The waterproof battery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main connecting plate (4) is also provided with a motor installation area, and a motor is installed in the motor installation area.

4. The waterproof battery structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: On the housing (1), support ribs (12) are provided at the bottom of the main connecting plate (4).

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