Battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

This application relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to a battery pack and a vehicle. According to the battery pack provided in this application, a dust-removing slide driven by a cooling medium is used to clean and heat exchange the shunt pipe. This not only prevents debris from adhering to the surface of the shunt pipe after prolonged battery pack operation, but also, by utilizing the circulating characteristics of the cooling medium, a portion of the hydraulic energy of the cooling medium can be used as the power for the dust-removing slide. This reduces the structural complexity of the battery pack to some extent and facilitates control of the movement of the dust-removing slide through the regulation of the cooling mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to a battery pack and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As one of the core components of electric vehicles, the power battery is the energy center of the vehicle and plays an irreplaceable role. When a lithium-ion battery experiences thermal runaway, the high temperature causes the negative electrode SEI film to decompose, the positive electrode active material to decompose, and the electrolyte to oxidize and decompose. This generates a large amount of gas, causing the internal gas of the lithium-ion battery to expand and the internal gas pressure to rise rapidly. This can lead to a battery explosion and combustion.

[0003] Currently, temperature detection of power batteries is generally performed by the car's temperature control system. When lithium-ion batteries experience thermal runaway, the high temperature causes the negative electrode SEI film to decompose, the positive electrode active material to decompose, and the electrolyte to oxidize and decompose. This generates a large amount of gas, causing the internal gas pressure of the lithium-ion battery to expand rapidly. Damage to a single battery module or thermal runaway can easily trigger the explosion and combustion of other batteries or even the entire battery pack.

[0004] Therefore, power batteries are usually equipped with cooling structures. Among the commonly used cooling structures, there is a method that uses the airflow generated during vehicle operation to dissipate heat from the cooling medium in the cooling circuit. However, with long-term operation, dust and lint carried in the airflow will accumulate on the surface of the structure that the airflow blows over, resulting in a decrease in heat dissipation efficiency and a reduction in cooling effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a battery pack and a vehicle, with the aim of solving the above-mentioned technical problems to a certain extent.

[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a battery pack, the battery pack comprising: shell, A battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed inside the housing; A heat exchange assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed inside the housing, wherein a cooling medium flows through the heat exchange assembly for exchanging heat with the battery module; A cooling mechanism, which is connected to the heat exchange assembly, includes a plurality of spaced-apart liquid distribution pipes; A dust removal carriage has through holes corresponding to the plurality of liquid distribution pipes, the liquid distribution pipes are inserted into the corresponding through holes, and the dust removal carriage can reciprocate along the liquid distribution pipes; The dust removal carriage is driven by the cooling medium.

[0007] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the battery pack includes a dust removal medium path and at least one movable structure, the movable structure being disposed on the dust removal medium path, the dust removal medium path being used to divert the cooling medium to drive the movable structure to move, and the movable structure being connected to the dust removal carriage.

[0008] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the dust removal medium path includes a first folded pipe and a second folded pipe that are connected to each other, and the ends of the first folded pipe and the ends of the second folded pipe are both the movable structures.

[0009] Based on the above technical solutions, the battery pack may optionally include a first valve and a second valve, the dust removal medium path includes a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, the first valve is used to open and close the first end, and the second valve is used to open and close the second end; When the first valve opens the first end and the second valve closes the second end, the movable structure moves toward the side where the second end is located.

[0010] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the first valve is also used to open and close the pipeline between the cooling mechanism and the heat exchange component, and the second valve is also used to open and close the pipeline between the cooling mechanism and the heat exchange component. Both the first valve and the second valve are solenoid valves, and both the first valve and the second valve are controlled by the vehicle controller.

[0011] Based on the above technical solutions, the battery pack may optionally include a partition structure and an upper partition. The partition structure is disposed inside the housing to divide the interior of the housing into multiple chambers. The upper partition closes the housing and contacts the partition structure. The battery pack includes multiple battery modules, and at least one battery module is disposed in each chamber.

[0012] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the partition structure and the upper partition are both hollow and interconnected, and the heat exchange assembly includes the partition structure and the upper partition.

[0013] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the partition structure includes a fishbone partition, the fishbone partition is provided with a plurality of fusible parts, the fusible parts are configured to melt when the corresponding battery module experiences thermal runaway, so as to spray the cooling medium inside the fishbone partition onto the battery module.

[0014] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the battery pack further includes a partition structure, which is disposed inside the outer casing to divide the interior of the outer casing into multiple chambers. The partition structure includes a hollow main structure, a support frame disposed within the main structure, and a metal fiber block. The support frame supports the two opposite sides of the main structure, and the metal fiber block has a recess, in which the support frame is disposed.

[0015] A second aspect of this application provides a vehicle that includes the battery pack described above.

[0016] According to the battery pack provided in this application, the dust removal slide driven by the cooling medium cleans the shunt tube for airflow heat exchange. This not only prevents the surface of the shunt tube from being covered with debris after the battery pack has been working for a long time, but also allows the dust removal slide to be driven by the cooling medium. By utilizing the circulation characteristics of the cooling medium, a portion of the hydraulic energy of the cooling medium can be used as the power for the dust removal slide. This reduces the structural complexity of the battery pack to a certain extent and also facilitates the control of the movement of the dust removal slide by adjusting the cooling mechanism.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, 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 this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional view of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional view of the battery pack structure with omitted portions according to an embodiment of this application is provided.

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application, with some structural elements omitted.

[0022] Figure 4 The battery pack provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown in Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional figure that further omits some structural elements.

[0023] Figure 5A schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional view of the fishbone partition of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application is provided.

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional view of the internal structure of the fishbone partition of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional cooling cycle loop of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0026] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional cooling mechanism for a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1-Outer shell; 2-Fishbone partition; 3-Battery module; 4-Upper partition; 5-Inlet pipe; 6-Suction pipe; 7-EDM oil box; 8-Circulating liquid pump; 9-Return pipe; 10-Inlet; 11-Outlet; 12-First three-way valve; 13-Second three-way valve; 14-Distribution cover plate; 15-Distribution pipe; 16-Dust removal slide; 17-First hydraulic pipe; 18-First folded pipe; 19-Second hydraulic pipe; 20-Second folded pipe; 21-First protective shell; 22-Second protective shell; 23-Air cooling through hole; 24-Low melting sealing block; 25-Inner support frame; 26-Metal fiber block. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0032] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a battery pack is provided. Here, the battery pack provided according to the embodiments of this application can separate the various battery modules, cool the batteries in a timely manner, effectively prevent the spread of open flames when thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack, and extinguish the flames using EDM oil, thereby reducing the risk of battery deflagration and explosion and improving the safety performance of the battery pack.

[0033] The battery pack installation method according to the embodiments of this application is as follows. (Combined with...) Figures 1 to 4 , and see Figure 4 The interior of the outer casing 1 is fitted with a fishbone partition 2, and each battery module 3 is sequentially assembled in its respective grid. Here, as an example, the fishbone partition 2 is formed by a longitudinal partition extending along the length of the outer casing 1 of the battery pack and multiple transverse partitions extending along the width of the outer casing 1, which are intersected and connected. Therefore, the longitudinal and transverse partitions can be perpendicular to each other. Thus, the fishbone partition 2 divides the interior of the outer casing 1 into multiple grids for accommodating the battery modules 3, with each grid accommodating one battery module 3.

[0034] In an embodiment, Figure 4 The fishbone partition 2 shown has one longitudinal partition and eight transverse partitions.

[0035] See Figure 3 An upper partition 4 is installed on the top of the fishbone partition 2. The upper partition 4 covers the top of each battery module 3 and is in contact with the fishbone partition 2.

[0036] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, by placing each battery module 3 inside the grid of the fishbone partition 2, the battery modules 3 are separated by the fishbone partition 2 and the upper partition 4. Except for the internal control circuit, they do not contact each other, forming an independent structure that is separated from each other. When one or more of the battery modules 3 experience thermal runaway, the outer shell 1, the fishbone partition 2 and the upper partition 4 will effectively limit the combustion range, prevent the spread of flames, greatly reduce the risk of deflagration and explosion, and improve the safety performance of the energy storage battery module.

[0037] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, hollow slots can be formed inside both the fishbone partition 2 and the upper partition 4. See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 The diagram shows a partial structure of the fishbone partition 2, essentially illustrating a schematic diagram of its transverse partitions. The transverse partitions are actually hollow, forming hollow channels. These hollow channels are interconnected via inlet 10 and outlet 11, forming internal liquid cooling channels. Specifically, the interior of the longitudinal partitions of the fishbone partition 2 can be hollow, and all the outlets 11 of the transverse partitions can connect to the cavities within the longitudinal partitions, thus allowing the longitudinal partitions to function as either diverting or merging channels.

[0038] In an embodiment, as an example, the upper partition 4 can be connected to the liquid inlet 10 of each of the transverse partitions above through multiple pipelines, while the liquid outlets of the transverse partitions can be directly connected or inserted into the longitudinal partitions through rigid pipelines.

[0039] In this embodiment, the top two corners of the upper partition 4 are connected to an inlet pipe 5 and a suction pipe 6, respectively. The top end of the inlet pipe 5 extends to the outside of the outer casing 1. An EDM oil box 7 is provided on the top of the outer casing 1. One end of the inlet pipe 5 is connected to the inside of the EDM oil box 7, while the other end of the inlet pipe 5 is connected to the upper partition 4. A circulating liquid pump 8 is installed on the top of the outer casing 1, and the inlet end of the circulating liquid pump 8 is connected to one end of the suction pipe 6.

[0040] In this embodiment, the other end of the suction pipe 6 can be connected to the longitudinal partition of the fishbone partition 2. The circulating fluid pump 8 can be connected to one side of the EDM oil box 7 via a return pipe 9, which is connected to the outlet end of the circulating fluid pump 8 through a cooling mechanism. Thus, a complete fluid path is formed, consisting of the circulating fluid pump 8, return pipe 9, EDM oil box 7, inlet pipe 5, multiple transverse partitions, longitudinal partitions, suction pipe 6, and returning to the circulating fluid pump 8. Furthermore, the cooling medium, as described herein, can be EDM oil.

[0041] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting liquid cooling channels inside the fishbone partition 2 and the upper partition 4, the EDM oil in the EDM oil box 7 is discharged from the inlet pipe 5 under the action of hydraulic pressure delivered by the circulating liquid pump 8, enters the upper partition 4, and enters each liquid cooling channel to cool each battery module 3, so that the battery module 3 has sufficient cooling efficiency during daily use, ensuring normal working environment and output power.

[0042] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, a cooling mechanism is installed between the outlet end of the circulating liquid pump 8 and the return pipe 9. The cooling mechanism is used to dissipate heat for the cooling medium, namely the EDM oil.

[0043] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the embodiment, the cooling mechanism may include a first three-way valve 12 and a second three-way valve 13 respectively mounted on the outlet end of the circulating liquid pump 8 and one end of the return pipe 9. A liquid distribution cover plate 14 is installed on the A end of both the first three-way valve 12 and the second three-way valve 13. Both liquid distribution cover plates 14 are hollow structures, and an array of evenly arranged liquid distribution pipes 15 is assembled between the two liquid distribution cover plates 14.

[0044] According to the embodiment of this application, a cooling mechanism is provided between the outlet end of the circulating liquid pump 8 and the return pipe 9. After the EDM oil that has undergone heat exchange with the battery module 3 is drawn out by the circulating liquid pump 8, it will enter the first liquid distribution cover plate 14 through the A end of the first three-way valve 12, and then flow into a number of liquid distribution pipes 15. The airflow during the vehicle's operation will pass through the front and rear rows of air-cooling holes 23 on the first protective shell 21 to cool the internal liquid distribution pipes 15. When the EDM oil is distributed to each liquid distribution pipe 15, its heat dissipation area will be greatly increased, thereby accelerating the cooling speed of the EDM oil box 7 during return. After being cooled, the EDM oil box 7 will gather in the second liquid distribution cover plate 14, and finally flow back to the EDM oil box 7 through the A end of the second three-way valve 13 and the return pipe 9, completing a round of cooling of the battery module 3 and cooling of itself, ensuring the cooling effect of the liquid cooling system.

[0045] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, a dust removal slide 16 is slidably connected to the array of liquid distribution pipes 15. The dust removal slide 16 has a porous structure and has holes corresponding to the liquid distribution pipes 15 for the corresponding liquid distribution pipes to pass through. The B ends of the first three-way valve 12 and the second three-way valve 13 are respectively equipped with a first hydraulic pipe 17 and a second hydraulic pipe 19. One end of the first hydraulic pipe 17 and the second hydraulic pipe 19 are close to each other and are respectively equipped with a first folded pipe 18 and a second folded pipe 20.

[0046] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, one end of the first folded tube 18 and the second folded tube 20 are respectively assembled on both sides of one end of the protrusion of the dust removal slide 16, that is, the dust removal slide 16 has an ear-shaped protrusion, and the first folded tube 18 and the second folded tube 20 are respectively connected to both sides of the ear-shaped protrusion in the extension direction of the liquid distribution tube 15.

[0047] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, after the airflow is used to dissipate heat from the liquid distribution pipe 15 and the EDM oil inside for a long time, dust, lint and other debris in the air will gradually accumulate inside the first protective shell 21 and adhere to each liquid distribution pipe 15, resulting in poor heat dissipation effect. Therefore, the first three-way valve 12 and the second three-way valve 13 will switch periodically, so that the B end of the first three-way valve 12 is connected to the A end at the same time, and the B end of the second three-way valve 13 is closed, leaving only the A end connected. The EDM oil box 7 will flow into the first hydraulic pipe 17, causing the first folded pipe 18 to extend under the action of hydraulic pressure, driving the dust removal slide 16 to slide along the liquid distribution pipe 15, scraping the attached debris, destroying the attachment structure of the debris, and causing it to flow out with the airflow, thus cleaning the surface of the liquid distribution pipe 15. Then the B end of the first three-way valve 12 is closed, leaving only the A end connected, and the B end of the second three-way valve 13 is connected to the A end at the same time, causing the second folded pipe 20 to extend, driving the dust removal slide 16 to reset, completing one round of cleaning.

[0048] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, according to the battery pack provided in the embodiment of this application, the top of the outer shell 1 is equipped with a first protective shell 21 and a second protective shell 22. The liquid inlet pipe 5 is located inside the second protective shell 22. The circulating liquid pump 8, the first three-way valve 12, the second three-way valve 13 and the cooling mechanism are all located inside the first protective shell 21. A row of air-cooling through holes 23 are opened on both sides of the first protective shell 21.

[0049] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, each hollow slot in the fishbone partition 2 is equipped with an evenly distributed inner support frame 25. Multiple inner support frames 25 are horizontally placed inside the hollow slot and supported by both ends. Metal fiber blocks 26 are placed inside the hollow slot and fill between each inner support frame 25.

[0050] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, the fishbone partition 2 has a number of spray holes on its side wall, and a low melting point sealing block 24 is welded inside the spray holes. The low melting point sealing block 24 is made of a low melting point metal. According to the embodiments of this application, the structural strength of the fishbone partition 2 is improved by using an internal support frame 25 to avoid the high pressure caused by the high temperature gas generated when the battery module 3 explodes and damages the structure of the fishbone partition 2. The metal fiber block 26 filled inside the hollow groove can effectively improve the heat conduction efficiency and further improve the heat dissipation effect of the EDM oil. In addition, the metal fiber block 26 has many gaps inside, which can also promote the flow of EDM oil inside it.

[0051] According to the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application, when the battery module 3 is burning, the high temperature generated will cause the nearby low melting seal block 24 to begin to melt, thereby connecting the spray hole. The internal EDM oil box 7 is sprayed out from the spray hole under the action of hydraulic pressure, and sprayed on the burning area in time to retard and extinguish the fire, further reducing the risk of deflagration.

[0052] Furthermore, the battery pack provided according to the embodiments of this application uses EDM oil as the cooling medium, which not only ensures insulation performance and guarantees the electrical safety of the battery pack, but also provides excellent cooling effect. In addition, the good fluidity of EDM oil is beneficial to improving the efficiency of the cooling mechanism.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle may be, for example, a new energy vehicle, and the battery pack may be, for example, a power battery, providing at least part of the driving power for the new energy vehicle. This vehicle also has the aforementioned beneficial effects, which will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the two solenoid valves and the circulating fluid pump 8 described above can be controlled by a vehicle controller.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the innovative concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes: shell, A battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed inside the housing; A heat exchange assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed inside the housing, wherein a cooling medium flows through the heat exchange assembly for exchanging heat with the battery module; A cooling mechanism, which is connected to the heat exchange assembly, includes a plurality of spaced-apart liquid distribution pipes; A dust removal carriage has through holes corresponding to the plurality of liquid distribution pipes, the liquid distribution pipes are inserted into the corresponding through holes, and the dust removal carriage can reciprocate along the liquid distribution pipes; The dust removal carriage is driven by the cooling medium.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a dust removal medium path and at least one movable structure. The movable structure is disposed on the dust removal medium path, which is used to divert the cooling medium to drive the movable structure to move. The movable structure is connected to the dust removal carriage.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dust removal medium path includes a first folded tube and a second folded tube that are connected to each other, and the ends of the first folded tube and the ends of the second folded tube are both the movable structures.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a first valve and a second valve, and the dust removal medium path includes a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other. The first valve is used to open and close the first end, and the second valve is used to open and close the second end. When the first valve opens the first end and the second valve closes the second end, the movable structure moves toward the side where the second end is located.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first valve is also used to open and close the pipeline between the cooling mechanism and the heat exchange component, and the second valve is also used to open and close the pipeline between the cooling mechanism and the heat exchange component. Both the first valve and the second valve are solenoid valves, and both the first valve and the second valve are controlled by the vehicle controller.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The battery pack further includes a partition structure and an upper partition. The partition structure is disposed inside the housing to divide the interior of the housing into multiple chambers. The upper partition closes the housing and contacts the partition structure. The battery pack includes multiple battery modules, and at least one battery module is disposed in each of the chambers.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The partition structure and the upper partition are both hollow and interconnected, and the heat exchange assembly includes the partition structure and the upper partition.

8. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The separation structure includes a fishbone partition with multiple molten portions. These molten portions are configured to melt in the event of thermal runaway of the corresponding battery module, thereby spraying the cooling medium inside the fishbone partition onto the battery module.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a partition structure disposed inside the housing to divide the interior of the housing into multiple chambers. The partition structure includes a hollow main structure, a support frame disposed within the main structure, and a metal fiber block. The support frame supports the two opposite sides of the main structure, and the metal fiber block has a recess, in which the support frame is disposed.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a battery pack as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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