Flow battery tap protection device

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of batteries, and particularly relates to a flow battery tap protection device. Comprising a splicing unit and a connecting unit. The splicing and inserting units have the splicing function in the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction, and the protection cover is formed through splicing of the splicing and inserting units. The protective cover is connected with the connecting unit in a splicing and inserting manner, a connecting lug is arranged on the connecting unit, the protective cover is fixed on the flow battery through the connecting lug, and the tap is positioned in the protective cover. According to the invention, the flow battery tap can be protected; the protection cover formed by connecting the splicing units not only can adapt to protection of taps of different sizes, but also can be repeatedly used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of batteries, and in particular relates to a tap protection device for a liquid flow battery. Background Art

[0002] Liquid flow battery is an electrochemical energy storage technology proposed by Thaller in 1974. In simple terms, liquid flow battery consists of a battery stack unit, electrolyte, electrolyte storage and supply unit, and management control unit. Liquid flow battery is a high-performance battery that separates the positive and negative electrolytes and circulates them separately.

[0003] As the power unit of the flow battery, the battery stack is the place where energy exchange occurs, and therefore is the core component of the flow battery. The battery stack is defined in the standard as a battery assembly consisting of two or more groups of positive and negative electrodes and an ion-conducting membrane that separates the electrodes, and having a pair of positive and negative output terminals. Therefore, the positive and negative output terminals of the battery stack are the interfaces for the overall input and output of electrical energy. In order to facilitate wiring, they generally protrude from the outer surface of the battery stack and are made of metal with good conductivity. In addition, there are bipolar plates inside the battery stack for separating the positive and negative electrode groups. As the carrier of electrical energy transfer during the electrode combination process, the bipolar plate often reserves a tap part for performance testing or repair and maintenance, so it also protrudes from the surface of the battery stack. It is generally composed of carbon plates and has poor resistance to external force damage. Both the positive and negative output terminals and the bipolar plate taps protrude from the external plane of the battery stack, and compared with the overall weight and strength of the battery stack, they are structures that are easily damaged. There is a risk of damage during transportation and use. The positive and negative output terminals need to carry the battery stack current. Once damaged, it will bring overcurrent risks. If deformed, it is also easy to cause the external wiring contact surface to fail to dock tightly. If the bipolar plate is damaged, it will be unusable, and in serious cases, it will cause leakage in the battery stack. Under the above risks, the time cost and economic losses caused by reassembling the battery stack are immeasurable. Therefore, the taps must be well protected during transportation and use.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to protect the tap of a liquid flow battery, the present invention provides a liquid flow battery tap protection device, which can protect the liquid flow battery tap; the protective cover formed by connecting the splicing units can not only adapt to the protection of taps of different sizes, but also the splicing units can be reused.

[0006] The present invention includes the following technical solutions:

[0007] The present invention provides a flow battery tap protection device, comprising an inserting unit and a connecting unit;

[0008] The splicing unit has splicing functions in the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction, and the protective cover is formed by splicing the splicing unit;

[0009] The protective cover is plug-connected with the connecting unit, and the connecting unit is provided with connecting ears, through which the protective cover is fixed on the liquid flow battery, and the tap is located in the protective cover.

[0010] Further, the splicing unit includes a splicing body;

[0011] Located in the X direction of the splicing unit, an X-direction protrusion and an X-direction groove are correspondingly arranged at both ends of the splicing body;

[0012] Located in the Y direction of the splicing unit, a Y-direction protrusion and a Y-direction groove are correspondingly arranged at both ends of the splicing body;

[0013] Located in the Z direction of the splicing unit, a Z direction groove is arranged on the splicing body.

[0014] Furthermore, the splicing body of the splicing unit is configured as a rectangle.

[0015] Further, the X-direction protrusion and the X-direction groove are rectangular; and / or the Y-direction protrusion and the Y-direction groove are rectangular; and / or the Z-direction groove is rectangular.

[0016] Further, the X-direction protrusions and X-direction grooves are provided in plurality; and / or the Y-direction protrusions and Y-direction grooves are provided in plurality; and / or the Z-direction grooves are provided in plurality.

[0017] Further, at least two of the multiple X-direction protrusions are arranged in opposite directions, and at least two of the multiple X-direction grooves are arranged in opposite directions; and / or at least two of the multiple Y-direction protrusions are arranged in opposite directions, and at least two of the multiple Y-direction grooves are arranged in opposite directions; and at least two of the multiple Z-direction grooves are arranged in opposite directions.

[0018] Further, the X-direction protrusion can form an interference fit with the X-direction groove; and / or the Y-direction protrusion can form an interference fit with the Y-direction groove.

[0019] Further, the connecting unit comprises a connecting body and a connecting ear, and the connecting body and the connecting ear are fixedly connected;

[0020] The connecting body is provided with a connecting groove connected to the plug-in unit in at least one direction; and / or the connecting body is provided with a connecting protrusion connected to the plug-in unit in at least one direction.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a support unit, and the two ends of the protective cover in the length direction are connected to the support unit; the support unit can contact with the fuel cell to form support for the protective cover.

[0022] Furthermore, the plug-in unit is made of plastic; and / or the connecting unit is made of plastic.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0024] 1. The present invention can protect the tap of a flow battery; the protective cover formed by connecting the splicing units can not only adapt to the protection of taps of different sizes, but also the splicing units can be reused.

[0025] 2. The present invention makes the size of the protective cover adjustable through splicing and connection, and has adaptability and versatility for tap protection of liquid flow batteries. It can be flexibly applied to tap protection of battery stacks with different design structures, different logarithms, and different sizes, and can be used for tap protection during the transportation process of liquid flow batteries and the operation and maintenance process of liquid flow batteries. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a flow battery tap protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 The structure of the splicing unit in the embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 3 The structure of the splicing unit in the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 4 The structure of the connecting unit in the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 5 The structure of the connecting unit in the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a support unit in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 The structure of the splicing unit in the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 ;

[0035] Fig. 9 The structure of the splicing unit in the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 .

[0036] In the accompanying drawings: 10-insertion unit, 11-joining body, 12-X-direction protrusion, 13-X-direction groove, 14-Y-direction protrusion, 15-Y-direction groove, 16-Z-direction groove, 20-connecting unit, 21-connecting ear, 22-connecting body, 23-connecting groove, 24-connecting protrusion, 30-protective cover, 40-liquid flow battery, 41-tap, 50-support unit, 60-connecting structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the present invention. The components and arrangements described in the following specific examples are only used to simplify the present invention and are only used as examples, not to limit the present invention.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that “plurality” means a plurality or more than a plurality, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of multiple components or the interaction relationship between multiple components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] This embodiment provides a flow battery tap protection device, including an insertion unit 10 and a connection unit 20;

[0042] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the splicing unit 10 has splicing functions in the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction, and the protective cover 30 is formed by splicing the splicing unit 10;

[0043] The protective cover 30 is plug-connected with the connecting unit 20. Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the connecting unit 20 is provided with a connecting ear 21. Figure 1 As shown, the protective cover 30 is fixed on the liquid flow battery 40 through the connecting ear 21 , and the tap 41 is located inside the protective cover 30 .

[0044] It should be noted that in order to fix the connection ear 21 on the liquid flow battery 40, a connection structure 60 (such as Figure 1 As shown), the position of the connecting structure 60 is not limited to the position shown in the figure.

[0045] Furthermore, the splicing unit 10 includes a splicing body 11;

[0046] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the X direction of the splicing unit 10, an X-direction protrusion 12 and an X-direction groove 13 are correspondingly provided at both ends of the splicing body 11; correspondingly, it should be understood that: the splicing unit 10 can be connected by the cooperation of the X-direction protrusion 12 and the X-direction groove 13;

[0047] Located in the Y direction of the splicing unit 10, a Y-direction protrusion 14 and a Y-direction groove 15 are correspondingly provided at both ends of the splicing body 11; correspondingly, it should be understood that: the splicing unit 10 can be connected by the cooperation of the Y-direction protrusion 14 and the Y-direction groove 15;

[0048] Located in the Z direction of the splicing unit 10, a Z-direction groove 16 is provided on the splicing body 11. The Z-direction groove can be used to connect with the connecting unit 20, the X-direction protrusion 12, the Y-direction protrusion 14, etc., that is, the connecting unit 20, the X-direction protrusion 12 or the Y-direction protrusion 14 can cooperate with the Z-direction groove to achieve connection.

[0049] It should be noted that, of course, the connection method of the plug-in unit 10 is not limited to the above method, such as the X-direction protrusion 12 and the Y-direction groove 15, the X-direction groove 13 and the Y-direction protrusion 14, etc. As long as the matching protrusion and groove can be adapted.

[0050] Furthermore, the splicing body 11 of the splicing unit 10 is set in a rectangular shape. Based on this, it is easy to manufacture and the spliced ​​protective cover has better stability and a smooth appearance.

[0051] Further, the X-direction protrusion 12 and the X-direction groove 13 are rectangular; and / or the X-direction protrusion 12 and the X-direction groove 13; and / or the Z-direction groove 16 is rectangular. Based on this, it is easy to manufacture. It should be noted that the X-direction protrusion 12, the X-direction groove 13, the X-direction protrusion 12, the X-direction groove 13, and the Z-direction groove 16 can also be any other shape, as long as it can ensure that the splicing of the splicing unit 10 can be achieved.

[0052] Further, the X-direction protrusion 12 and the X-direction groove 13 are provided in plurality; and / or the Y-direction protrusion 14 and the Y-direction groove 15 are provided in plurality; and / or the Z-direction groove 16 is provided in plurality.

[0053] On this basis, the connection between the plug-in units 10 is more stable through the plug-in connection of multiple protrusions and multiple grooves, making the obtained protective cover more stable.

[0054] Further, at least two of the X-direction protrusions 12 are arranged in different directions, at least two of the X-direction grooves 13 are arranged in different directions; and / or at least two of the Y-direction protrusions 14 are arranged in different directions, at least two of the Y-direction grooves 15 are arranged in different directions; at least two of the Z-direction grooves 16 are arranged in different directions. Based on this, the connection of the splicing unit 10 is more stable.

[0055] Specifically: Take the X direction as an example. Figure 8 As shown, two X-direction grooves 13 are provided. Of course, two are just examples. One, three, four, etc. are also possible. The two X-direction grooves 13 are arranged in different directions. Different directions should be understood as the groove directions of the two X-direction grooves 13 are different. Of course, the directions shown in the figure are just examples and do not limit the specific directions of the X-direction grooves. Fig. 9 As shown, the two X-direction grooves 13 may also be connected.

[0056] Furthermore, the X-direction protrusion 12 can form an interference fit with the X-direction groove 13; and / or the Y-direction protrusion 14 can form an interference fit with the Y-direction groove 15; and / or the Z-direction protrusion can form an interference fit with the Z-direction groove 16. Based on this, the connection of the splicing unit 10 is made more stable.

[0057] Further, the connection unit 20 includes a connection body 22 and a connection ear 21, and the connection body 22 and the connection ear 21 are fixedly connected;

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the connecting body 22 is provided with a connecting groove 23 connected to the plug-in unit 10 in at least one direction; Figure 5As shown, and / or the connecting body 22 is provided with a connecting protrusion 24 connected to the plug-in unit 10 in at least one direction.

[0059] Furthermore, both ends of the protective cover 30 in the length direction are connected to the support unit 50; the support unit 50 can contact with the fuel cell to support the protective cover.

[0060] Furthermore, the connecting ear 21 is made of rubber material. The rubber connecting ear 21 is sleeved on the connecting structure 60, and elastic fixation is formed by the rubber connecting ear 21 and the connecting structure 60. The connection method is simple and does not require additional tool parts for fixing.

[0061] Furthermore, the plug-in unit 10 is made of plastic; and / or the connecting unit 20 is made of plastic, which reduces the weight of the protective cover and improves the stability of the protective cover.

[0062] Furthermore, if Figure 1 , Figure 7 As shown, it also includes a support unit 50, which can be used to connect with the Z-direction groove 16, and the support unit 50 forms a support for the protective cover on the liquid flow battery 40. Based on this, the protective cover is more stable during use and has a better protective effect.

[0063] Of course, the support unit 50 is not limited to the supporting use, and the protective cover can also be extended in the Z direction through the support unit 50 and connected to the connecting unit 20 at the same time.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a specific structure of a protective device is shown. The protective cover of the structure is formed by splicing a plurality of splicing units 10, that is, a plurality of splicing units 10 are spliced ​​by X-direction protrusions 12 and X-direction grooves 13. For details, please refer to Figure 7 ; The Y direction in the figure is composed of multiple plug-in units 10 spliced ​​together by Y-direction recessed blocks 14 and Y-direction grooves 15; thus, a protective cover is formed. Of course, the protective cover can also include a support unit 50 or a plug-in unit 10 connected to the Z-direction groove (not shown in the figure), which can be selected and used according to actual conditions. In the figure, the Z-direction groove is connected to the support unit 50, and the support unit 50 can be connected to any Z-direction groove. The support unit 50 can play a supporting role, that is, it supports the liquid flow battery (of course, the plug-in unit 10 can also be connected to the X-direction groove to play a supporting role); the support unit 50 can also play an extending role, even if the Z direction is extended and elongated, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the support unit 50 extends in the Z direction and then connects with the plug-in unit 10, and is connected with the connection unit 20 through the X-direction protrusion 12, the X-direction groove 13, the Y-direction protrusion 14, the Y-direction groove 15 or the Z-direction groove of the plug-in unit 10, which is selected according to the actual situation. Figure 1That is, the Y-direction protrusion 14 and the Y-direction groove 15 are respectively connected to the connection unit 10 , and then elastic fixation is formed through the rubber connection ear 21 of the connection unit 10 and the connection structure 60 .

[0065] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions 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 flow battery tap protection device, characterized in that: It comprises an inserting unit (10) and a connecting unit (20); The splicing unit (10) has splicing functions in the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction, and the protective cover (30) is formed by splicing the splicing unit (10); The protective cover (30) is plug-connected to the connection unit (20); a connection ear (21) is provided on the connection unit (20); the protective cover (30) is fixed to the flow battery (40) via the connection ear (21), and the tap (41) is located inside the protective cover (30).

2. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The splicing unit (10) comprises a splicing body (11); Located in the X direction of the splicing unit (10), an X-direction protrusion (12) and an X-direction groove (13) are correspondingly arranged at two ends of the splicing body (11); Located in the Y direction of the splicing unit (10), a Y-direction protrusion (14) and a Y-direction groove (15) are correspondingly arranged at both ends of the splicing body (11); Located in the Z direction of the splicing unit (10), a Z-direction groove (16) is provided on the splicing body (11).

3. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The splicing body (11) of the splicing unit (10) is arranged in a rectangular shape.

4. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The X-direction protrusion (12) and the X-direction groove (13) are rectangular; and / or the Y-direction protrusion (14) and the Y-direction groove (15) are rectangular; and / or the Z-direction groove (16) is rectangular.

5. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: The X-direction protrusion (12) and the X-direction groove (13) are provided in plurality; and / or the Y-direction protrusion (14) and the Y-direction groove (15) are provided in plurality; and / or the Z-direction groove (16) is provided in plurality.

6. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: At least two of the plurality of X-direction protrusions (12) are arranged in opposite directions, and at least two of the plurality of X-direction grooves (13) are arranged in opposite directions; and / or at least two of the plurality of Y-direction protrusions (14) are arranged in opposite directions, and at least two of the plurality of Y-direction grooves (15) are arranged in opposite directions; and at least two of the plurality of Z-direction grooves (16) are arranged in opposite directions.

7. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The X-direction protrusion (12) can form an interference fit with the X-direction groove (13); and / or the Y-direction protrusion (14) can form an interference fit with the Y-direction groove (15).

8. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting unit (20) comprises a connecting body (22) and a connecting ear (21), and the connecting body (22) and the connecting ear (21) are fixedly connected; The connection body (22) is provided with a connection groove (23) connected to the plug-in unit in at least one direction; and / or the connection body (22) is provided with a connection protrusion (24) connected to the plug-in unit in at least one direction.

9. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a support unit (50), and both ends of the protective cover (30) in the length direction are connected to the support unit (50); the support unit (50) can contact the fuel cell to form support for the protective cover.

10. A flow battery tap protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug-in unit (10) is made of plastic; and / or the connecting unit (20) is made of plastic.

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