Battery thermal runaway protection structure of bionic mobile equipment and bionic mobile equipment

Abstract

The battery thermal runaway protection structure comprises a battery bin, a battery, a battery bin cover plate and a connecting pipe, a first-stage anti-explosion valve is installed on the surface of the side, facing the battery bin cover plate, of the battery, a through exhaust port is formed in the battery bin cover plate, the exhaust port communicates with the interior of a cylindrical containing cavity, and a second-stage anti-explosion valve is installed on the surface of the side, facing the battery bin cover plate, of the battery. A cylindrical containing cavity is formed in the surface of the side, facing the battery, of the battery bin cover plate, the air inlet end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the battery and covers the first-stage anti-explosion valve, the air outlet end of the connecting pipe is fixedly connected with an air inlet of the cylindrical containing cavity, and an exhaust fan and a second-stage anti-explosion valve are arranged in the cylindrical containing cavity. The secondary anti-explosion valve is installed at one end of an air outlet of the exhaust fan, the air inlet end and the air outlet end of the connecting pipe are located on the same straight line, the primary anti-explosion valve and the secondary anti-explosion valve are linearly aligned, the connecting pipe is provided with an expansion cavity, the expansion cavity is communicated with the interior of the connecting pipe, and the radial size of the expansion cavity is larger than that of the connecting pipe. The battery is high in use safety and reliability.

Description

A battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device and a biomimetic mobile device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery thermal runaway protection technology, specifically to a battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device and a biomimetic mobile device. Background Technology

[0002] During battery use, if an abnormal situation such as internal short circuit, overcharging, or thermal runaway occurs, a large amount of gas will be generated inside the battery, causing a sharp rise in pressure. To ensure the safety of the battery system and the user, an explosion-proof valve is usually installed on the battery. The function of the explosion-proof valve is to prevent the battery from exploding, rupturing, or catching fire by automatically releasing pressure when the internal pressure of the battery rises abnormally. Current technology usually only considers installing an explosion-proof valve on the battery for safety protection. However, for batteries in mobile devices, the battery is usually placed in a battery compartment in the mobile device. The battery compartment is a relatively closed space. Once the battery experiences thermal runaway, the gas released through the explosion-proof valve on the battery can remain inside the battery compartment, which can easily lead to a secondary explosion risk. Furthermore, if electrolyte splashes out and is not discharged in time, the corrosive electrolyte vapor can damage the delicate sensor components on the mobile device. This is especially true for high-precision bionic mobile devices, such as humanoid robots and quadruped robots, where electronic components are highly precise and the equipment is expensive. The requirements for thermal runaway protection design of the batteries used in these devices are also relatively higher. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention discloses a battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device. By setting explosion-proof valves on the surface of the battery and the surface of the biomimetic mobile device respectively, and constructing a directional pressure relief channel between the two explosion-proof valves, the gas released by the battery thermal runaway can be directionally discharged to the outside of the mobile device through the constructed pressure relief channel, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery in the mobile device.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: a battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device, comprising a battery compartment with one open side, a battery placed inside the battery compartment, a battery compartment cover plate installed at the open end of the battery compartment, and a connecting pipe disposed between the battery and the battery compartment cover plate. A primary explosion-proof valve is installed on the surface of the battery facing the battery compartment cover plate. A through exhaust port is opened on the battery compartment cover plate, and the exhaust port is connected to the interior of a cylindrical receiving cavity. A cylindrical receiving cavity is provided on the surface of the battery compartment cover plate facing the battery. The air inlet end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the battery and covers the primary explosion-proof valve. The air outlet end of the connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the air inlet of the cylindrical receiving cavity. An exhaust fan and a secondary explosion-proof valve are respectively provided in the cylindrical receiving cavity. The secondary explosion-proof valve is installed at one end of the exhaust fan outlet. The air inlet end and the air outlet end of the connecting pipe are located on the same straight line. The primary explosion-proof valve and the secondary explosion-proof valve are aligned in a straight line. An expansion cavity is provided on the connecting pipe, and the expansion cavity is connected to the interior of the connecting pipe. The radial dimension of the expansion cavity is larger than the radial dimension of the connecting pipe.

[0005] Furthermore, a ceramic microporous filter plate is provided inside the expansion chamber.

[0006] Furthermore, the air inlet end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the battery via a connector, one end of the connector is fixed to the battery, and the other end of the connector is interference-fitted to the connecting pipe.

[0007] Furthermore, the secondary explosion-proof valve includes a valve plate and a cylinder. The cylinder is hollow inside. The diameter of the valve plate is larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder. The valve plate covers the open end of the outer side of the cylinder and the two are connected as one piece. The open end of the inner side of the cylinder is sleeved on the exhaust fan.

[0008] Furthermore, the outer surface of the valve plate is provided with grooves.

[0009] Furthermore, the shape of the groove is non-closed.

[0010] Furthermore, the thermal runaway protection structure also includes a control switch and a spring. The exhaust fan includes a fan housing, a reinforcing rib and a fan blade set in the inner cavity of the fan housing. A limiting post is set on the reinforcing rib along the axial direction. A spring is sleeved on the limiting post. The spring is compressed and abuts against the valve plate of the secondary explosion-proof valve. The control switch adopts a telescopic structure. The extended end of the control switch squeezes the secondary explosion-proof valve toward the exhaust fan.

[0011] Furthermore, the control switch adopts a push-pull electromagnet, and a limiting ring is formed by extending radially around the edge of the open end inside the cylinder. The outer diameter of the limiting ring is larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder. A buckle is provided on the outer wall of the cylindrical receiving cavity, and the control switch is snapped and fixed to the buckle. A through hole is opened on the cylindrical receiving cavity, and the moving iron core of the push-pull electromagnet extends radially into the through hole and limits the limiting ring.

[0012] Furthermore, a temperature sensor and a gas sensor are installed inside the connecting pipe.

[0013] Based on the above-mentioned battery thermal runaway protection structure, the present invention also discloses a biomimetic mobile device having the above-mentioned protection structure.

[0014] This invention discloses a battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device. By setting explosion-proof valves on the surface of the battery and the surface of the biomimetic mobile device respectively, and constructing a directional pressure relief channel between the two explosion-proof valves, the gas released from the battery thermal runaway can be directionally discharged to the outside of the mobile device through the constructed pressure relief channel. The dual explosion-proof valves adopt a linear alignment design, which can ensure that the simulated mobile device can effectively release pressure and exhaust gas during movement. Furthermore, an expansion chamber is provided on the exhaust channel, which can achieve gas-liquid separation and electrolyte collection. Overall, the safety and reliability of the battery used in the simulated mobile device are improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery installation position on the humanoid robot in the embodiment; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the battery venting structure in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an assembly schematic diagram of the battery venting structure in the embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of Figure 3 from another perspective; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery venting structure in the embodiment; Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the battery in the embodiment; Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the connector in the embodiment; Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the connecting pipe in the embodiment; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the inner structure of the battery compartment cover in the embodiment; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the outer structure of the battery compartment cover in the embodiment; Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the control switch in the embodiment; Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the secondary explosion-proof valve in the embodiment; Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the other side of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of the exhaust fan in the embodiment; Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of the other side of Figure 14; Figure 16 is an assembly schematic diagram of the control switch, exhaust fan and secondary explosion-proof valve in the embodiment.

[0016] Reference numerals: 1. Robot torso; 2. Battery compartment; 3. Battery; 4. Connector; 401. Disc; 402. Cylinder; 5. Connecting pipe; 501. Pipe body; 502. Expansion chamber; 6. Battery compartment cover; 601. Cover body; 602. Cylindrical receiving cavity; 603. Connecting pipe; 604. Snap-fit ​​part; 605. Exhaust port; 7. Secondary explosion-proof valve; 701. Outer surface of valve plate; 702. Score; 703. Cylinder column; 704. Limiting ring; 8. Control switch; 801. Push-pull electromagnet; 802. Moving iron core; 9. Primary explosion-proof valve; 10. Ceramic microporous filter plate; 11. Exhaust fan; 1101. Fan housing; 1102. Reinforcing rib; 1103. Limiting post; 1104. Air inlet; 12. Spring; 13. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] This embodiment discloses a battery thermal runaway protection structure, mainly designed for batteries in biomimetic mobile devices, such as humanoid robots or quadruped robots. These devices are characterized by changing postures during movement, requiring higher standards for battery pressure relief and venting. For ease of demonstration, this embodiment and accompanying drawings use a battery thermal runaway protection structure on a humanoid robot as an example. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a battery compartment 2 is provided on the robot's torso 1. The battery compartment 2 is open only to the outside of the robot, and the open end is covered by a battery compartment cover 6 to isolate the inside of the battery compartment 2 from the outside. A battery 3 is installed inside the battery compartment 2. The battery 3 can be a single cell or a battery pack, as shown in Figure 6. A primary explosion-proof valve 9 needs to be installed on the battery 3. A pressure relief channel is provided between the battery 3 and the battery compartment cover 6, as shown in Figure 2. The pressure relief channel mainly consists of a connector 4, a connecting pipe 5, an exhaust fan 11, and a secondary explosion-proof valve 7. A connector 4 is fixedly installed at the location of the primary explosion-proof valve 9 on the battery 3. The other end of the connector 4 is fixedly connected to the air inlet end of the connecting pipe 5. A secondary explosion-proof valve 7 is installed on one side of the air outlet end of the connecting pipe 5. The exhaust fan 11 is located between the air outlet end of the connecting pipe 5 and the secondary explosion-proof valve 7. The air inlet end and the air outlet end of the connecting pipe 5 are on the same straight line, and the primary explosion-proof valve 9 and the secondary explosion-proof valve 7 are aligned in a straight line.

[0019] The connecting pipe 5 can be made of high-temperature resistant non-metallic pipe or corrugated metal pipe, with a corrosion-resistant coating on its inner wall. The structure of the connecting pipe 5 in this embodiment is shown in Figure 8. The connecting pipe 5 includes a hollow pipe body 501, with one end being the air inlet and the other end being the air outlet. An expansion cavity 502 is provided on the pipe body 501, protruding circumferentially from the outer wall of the pipe body 501. The interior of the expansion cavity 502 communicates with the interior of the pipe body 501, as shown in Figure 5. A ceramic microporous filter plate 10 is installed inside the expansion cavity 502. In this embodiment, two expansion cavities 502 are spaced axially on the connecting pipe 5, each containing a ceramic microporous filter plate 10. The expansion cavity 502 can achieve gas-liquid separation, and the ceramic microporous filter plate 10 within it can perform gas-solid separation and electrolyte collection.

[0020] The connector 4 in this embodiment has the structure shown in Figure 7. The connector 4 includes a hollow cylindrical body 402, and an annular disc 401 is provided on the outer periphery of one side of the cylindrical body 402. The disc 401 is coaxial with the cylindrical body 402, and the outer diameter of the disc 401 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 402. The connector 4 can be made of metal or non-metal (such as plastic). If it is made of metal, the disc 401 can be welded to the outer shell of the battery 3; if it is made of non-metal, the disc 401 can be glued to the outer shell of the battery 3. The outer diameter of the cylindrical body 402 is larger than the outer diameter of the tube 501 of the connecting tube 5. The air inlet end of the tube 501 is embedded into the cylindrical body 402 to achieve a fixed connection between the two.

[0021] The battery compartment cover 6 in this embodiment has the structure shown in Figures 9 and 10. The battery compartment cover 6 includes a cover body 601. A hollow cylindrical receiving cavity 602 is formed on the inner wall of the cover body 601 (facing the battery compartment 2). An exhaust port 605 is opened on the outer wall of the cover body 601, and the exhaust port 605 communicates with the interior of the cylindrical receiving cavity 602. A snap-fit ​​part 604 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical receiving cavity 602. A hollow connecting pipe 603 is provided on the surface of the cylindrical receiving cavity 602 perpendicular to the axial direction, and the interior of the connecting pipe 603 communicates with the cylindrical receiving cavity 602. As shown in Figure 5, the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 603 is smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe body 501 of the connecting pipe 5. The vent end of the pipe body 501 is sleeved on the connecting pipe 603 to achieve a fixed connection between the two.

[0022] In this embodiment, an exhaust fan 11 and a secondary explosion-proof valve 7 are also provided inside the cylindrical receiving cavity 602. The structure of the secondary explosion-proof valve 7 is shown in Figures 12 and 13. The secondary explosion-proof valve 7 includes a valve plate and a cylindrical column 703. The cylindrical column 703 is hollow inside. The diameter of the valve plate is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical column 703. The valve plate is fixedly connected to the open end of the outer side of the cylindrical column 703. A limiting ring 704 is formed by radially extending around the edge of the open end of the inner side of the cylindrical column 703. The outer diameter of the limiting ring 704 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical column 703. A notch 702 is provided on the outer surface 701 of the valve plate. The pressure of the gas released from the battery can be used to break through the notch 702, thereby releasing the gas. In this embodiment, the notch 702 is a non-closed ring. If it were designed as a closed shape, the broken piece could easily fly out and injure people. The non-closed shape prevents it from flying out.

[0023] In this embodiment, the exhaust fan 11 is an axial flow fan, and its structure is shown in Figures 14 and 15. The exhaust fan 11 includes a fan housing 1101, a reinforcing rib 1102 and a fan blade disposed in the inner cavity of the fan housing 1101. The side of the fan housing 1101 facing the battery compartment 2 is the air inlet 1104. A limiting post 1103 is provided on the reinforcing rib 1102 along the axial direction. A spring 12 is sleeved on the limiting post 1103. For ease of display in Figure 14, the spring 12 on one of the limiting posts 1103 has been removed.

[0024] To achieve better exhaust performance, the secondary explosion-proof valve 7 in this embodiment adopts an active valve opening design, that is, the opening and exhaust of the secondary explosion-proof valve 7 is controlled by the control switch 8. As shown in Figure 11, the control switch 8 in this embodiment adopts a push-pull electromagnet 801, and the moving iron core 802 extending from the push-pull electromagnet 801 controls the opening and closing of the secondary explosion-proof valve 7 and the exhaust fan 11 outlet side.

[0025] The entire assembly structure of the pressure relief channel is shown in Figures 3, 4, and 16. The battery 3 is placed in the battery compartment 2, with the surface of the primary explosion-proof valve 9 facing the open end of the battery compartment 2. One end of the connector 4 is fixed to the outer casing of the battery 3. The air inlet end of the connecting pipe 5 is fixedly connected to the other end of the connector 4. The exhaust fan 11 is fixedly installed in the cylindrical receiving cavity 602. The air outlet end of the connecting pipe 5 is fixedly connected to the connecting pipe 603. A through hole is made in the cylindrical receiving cavity 602, and the control switch 8 is secured with a snap-fit ​​mechanism. The device is installed at the snap-fit ​​part 604, with the moving iron core 802 extending into the cylindrical receiving cavity 602 along the through hole. A spring 12 is fitted onto each limiting post 1103, and a sealing ring 13 is fitted onto the cylindrical part 703 of the secondary explosion-proof valve 7. The secondary explosion-proof valve 7 is then fitted onto the fan housing 1101, causing the extended moving iron core 802 to press the limiting ring 704 towards the exhaust fan 11 to achieve a tight connection. At this time, each spring 12 is in a compressed state, with the spring 12 tightly abutting against the inner surface of the valve plate. In this embodiment, a temperature sensor and a gas sensor are also installed inside the connecting pipe 5.

[0026] The battery thermal runaway protection structure designed in this invention has an active venting function. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature inside the connecting pipe 5, and a gas sensor monitors the gas concentration (e.g., CO concentration) inside the connecting pipe 5. When the monitored temperature or gas concentration exceeds a set value, the main control module sends commands to the exhaust fan 11 and the control switch 8, respectively. The moving iron core 802 retracts away from the center until it disengages from the limiting ring 704. Simultaneously, the exhaust fan 11 starts active ventilation. At this point, after the limiting of the moving iron core 802 is released, the spring 12 releases its elastic force, pushing the secondary explosion-proof valve 7 to separate from the exhaust fan 11, thereby achieving active venting and pressure relief. If the spring 12 fails to push, air pressure can also be used to puncture the groove 702 on the valve plate for pressure relief. Therefore, the venting structure of this invention has a reliable pressure relief effect, improving the safety and reliability of battery use.

[0027] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device, characterized in that: The device includes a battery compartment with one open side, a battery placed inside the battery compartment, a battery compartment cover installed at the open end of the battery compartment, and a connecting pipe between the battery and the battery compartment cover. A primary explosion-proof valve is installed on the surface of the battery facing the battery compartment cover. A through-hole exhaust port is opened on the battery compartment cover, which is connected to the interior of a cylindrical receiving cavity. A cylindrical receiving cavity is provided on the surface of the battery compartment cover facing the battery. The air inlet end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the battery and covers the primary explosion-proof valve. The air outlet end of the connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the air inlet of the cylindrical receiving cavity. An exhaust fan and a secondary explosion-proof valve are respectively provided in the cylindrical receiving cavity. The secondary explosion-proof valve is installed at one end of the exhaust fan outlet. The air inlet end and the air outlet end of the connecting pipe are on the same straight line. The primary explosion-proof valve and the secondary explosion-proof valve are aligned in a straight line. An expansion cavity is provided on the connecting pipe, which is connected to the interior of the connecting pipe. The radial dimension of the expansion cavity is larger than the radial dimension of the connecting pipe.

2. The battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion chamber is equipped with a ceramic microporous filter plate.

3. The battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the battery via a connector. One end of the connector is fixed to the battery, and the other end of the connector is connected to the connecting pipe via an interference fit.

4. The battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The secondary explosion-proof valve includes a valve plate and a cylinder. The cylinder is hollow inside. The diameter of the valve plate is larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder. The valve plate covers the open end of the outer side of the cylinder and the two are connected as one piece. The open end of the inner side of the cylinder is fitted onto the exhaust fan.

5. The battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer surface of the valve plate is provided with grooves.

6. The battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The shape of the groove is non-closed.

7. The battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thermal runaway protection structure also includes a control switch and a spring. The exhaust fan includes a fan housing, a reinforcing rib and a fan blade set in the inner cavity of the fan housing. A limiting post is set on the reinforcing rib along the axial direction. A spring is sleeved on the limiting post. The spring is compressed and abuts against the valve plate of the secondary explosion-proof valve. The control switch adopts a telescopic structure. The extended end of the control switch squeezes the secondary explosion-proof valve toward the exhaust fan.

8. The battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control switch is a push-pull electromagnet. A limiting ring is formed by extending radially around the edge of the open end inside the cylinder. The outer diameter of the limiting ring is larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder. A snap-fit ​​part is provided on the outer wall of the cylindrical receiving cavity. The control switch is snapped and fixed to the snap-fit ​​part. A through hole is opened on the cylindrical receiving cavity. The moving iron core of the push-pull electromagnet extends radially into the through hole and limits the limiting ring.

9. The battery thermal runaway protection structure for a biomimetic mobile device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A temperature sensor and a gas sensor are installed inside the connecting pipe.

10. A biomimetic mobile device, characterized in that: Includes the battery thermal runaway protection structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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