State monitoring device and battery pack
By using color-changing label paper in the battery pack to monitor the contact between liquid and water, the problems of inverted and over-tilted battery packs are solved, and safety risks are reduced, evidence support is provided for the definition of responsibility, and the safety of battery packs is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202323536679.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-12-22
AI Technical Summary
The battery is easily inverted during transportation, resulting in corrosion and leakage of explosion-proof valves, increasing safety hazards and quality problems, and it is difficult to determine whether it has been inverted or over-tilted, affecting the safety of use.
Design a condition monitoring device, by providing a first label paper in the battery pack, using it to discolor after contacting the liquid, it can monitor whether the battery pack is inverted or over-tilted, provide evidence support, and monitor external water through the second label paper entry.
It effectively reduces the risk of using the battery pack, provides evidence support for responsibility definition, improves the safety and reliability of the battery pack, and enhances the monitoring ability of the battery pack status.
Smart Images

Figure CN222338340U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to a state monitoring device and a battery pack. Background Art
[0002] During transportation of batteries (e.g., lithium batteries), the explosion-proof valve of the battery needs to face upwards. However, it is common for the battery to be inverted (with the explosion-proof valve facing downwards) during transportation. When the battery is inverted, the electrolyte inside it will corrode the explosion-proof valve, causing the battery to leak, leading to more safety hazards and quality problems.
[0003] In the related art, a prohibition sign will be added to the outer packaging of the battery, and corresponding instructions will also be added to the product user manual.
[0004] However, it is difficult to prevent the battery from being inverted during transportation, and it is impossible to determine whether the battery to be installed or used has been inverted. In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the battery (for example, leakage), it is also difficult to obtain evidence and determine whether the abnormality is caused by the inverted battery. Utility Model Content
[0005] The present application provides a status monitoring device and a battery pack including the status monitoring device, which can monitor whether a product is excessively tilted or inverted by causing a first label paper to change color after contacting a liquid.
[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:
[0007] In a first aspect of the present application, a battery pack is provided, which includes a shell, a battery cell and a state monitoring device, wherein a accommodating cavity is formed in the shell; the battery cell is arranged in the accommodating cavity, and an explosion-proof valve is arranged on the battery cell; the state monitoring device includes a box body and a partition plate, the box body is connected to the shell, and liquid is arranged in the box body; the partition plate is arranged in the box body, and two spaces are formed in the box body, which are respectively located on both sides of the partition plate, and a first through hole is arranged on the partition plate, and the first through hole connects the two spaces, and a first label paper is arranged in one of the spaces, and the first label paper is used to change color after contacting the liquid, and the battery pack has a flat state and an inverted state. In the flat state, the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell faces upward, and the space provided with the first label paper is located above the other space. The space located below the two spaces stores liquid, and the liquid level of the liquid is lower than the first through hole. In the inverted state, the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell faces downward, and the space provided with the first label paper is located below the other space. At least part of the liquid passes through the first through hole and enters the space provided with the first label paper, and the first label paper changes color when contacting the liquid.
[0008] The status monitoring device of the present application is installed on the housing. When the battery pack is placed normally, the battery pack is in a flat state, the explosion-proof valve on the battery cell faces upward, the space with the first label paper inside the box body is located above another space, the liquid (for example, water) in the box body is located in the space below, the liquid level is lower than the first through hole, the liquid will not flow into the space above, and the first label paper will not change color when it contacts the liquid. When the battery pack is rotated 180°, the battery pack is in an inverted state, the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell faces downward, the space with the first label paper is located below another space, the liquid will flow into the space with the first label paper through the first through hole and contact the first label paper, the part of the first label paper contacting the liquid will change color, and the discolored first label paper can prove that the battery pack has been inverted.
[0009] In addition, when the battery pack is tilted excessively (outside the allowable range), the liquid may also pass through the first through hole and contact the first label paper, causing the first label paper to change color. In other words, by observing whether the first label paper changes color, it can be judged whether the battery pack has been tilted excessively or inverted. On the one hand, it serves to remind users and reduce the risk of using the battery pack; on the other hand, it can also provide evidence support for the definition of responsibility after the battery pack becomes abnormal.
[0010] In an optional embodiment, the battery pack has a side-standing state. In the side-standing state, the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell faces one side of the battery cell, the two spaces are arranged in a horizontal direction, the first label paper and the liquid are respectively located in the two spaces, and the liquid level is lower than the first through hole.
[0011] When the battery pack is tilted 90 degrees to one side, the battery pack is in a side-standing state. At this time, the liquid in the state monitoring device and the first label paper are respectively located in two spaces, and the first label paper will not contact the liquid and change color. In other words, the state monitoring device can allow the battery pack to be placed sideways, and when the battery pack is in this state, the state monitoring device will not display an abnormality.
[0012] In an optional implementation, at least a portion of the first label paper is connected to the wall surface of the box body facing the partition plate.
[0013] A first label paper is arranged on the wall of the box body facing the partition plate. When the box body is inverted or tilted excessively, liquid will flow from the first through hole into the space where the first label paper is located. The liquid entering the space will flow to the position where the first label paper is located and contact the first label paper, causing the portion of the first label paper contacting the liquid to change color. The discolored first label paper can prove that the state monitoring device has been excessively tilted or inverted, which is convenient for later judgment of the movement process of the state monitoring device.
[0014] In an optional implementation, part of the first label paper is connected to the wall surface of the box body surrounding the partition plate.
[0015] A first label paper is arranged on the wall surface of the box body surrounding the partition plate, so that the liquid just passing through the first through hole can contact the first label paper after a short flow, that is, by arranging the first label paper over a large area, the sensitivity of the state monitoring device is improved.
[0016] In an optional embodiment, a first label paper is arranged in one space, and a surrounding plate is arranged in the other space. The surrounding plate surrounds the periphery of the first through hole, is connected to the partition plate and extends in a direction away from the partition plate.
[0017] When the tilt of the battery pack is not too large (within the allowable range), or the battery pack vibrates slightly (for example, due to collision or bumping), the enclosure can prevent liquid from entering the space where the first label paper is set, thereby improving the anti-interference ability of the status monitoring device and reducing the possibility of the first label paper being contaminated by liquid and changing color during normal transportation, making the monitoring results of the status monitoring device more accurate, which is helpful for assisting staff to determine whether the status monitoring device has been excessively tilted or inverted.
[0018] In an optional implementation, the state monitoring device further includes a second label paper, the second label paper is used to change color after contacting water, and the second label paper is arranged on the outer wall surface of the box body.
[0019] The battery pack may be exposed to rain or condensation during storage. Rainwater or dew entering the battery pack will affect the quality and safety of the battery pack, especially for battery packs with a low IP (Ingress Protection) protection level. The safety issues caused by rain, condensation, etc. are more serious. Whether the battery pack has condensed or been soaked in water can only be confirmed by disassembling the battery pack. If the storage time is long, even if the battery pack is disassembled, it is impossible to determine whether it has been soaked in water before. The status monitoring device of the present application is installed on the outer shell, and a second label paper is provided on the outer wall of the box body. When the outer wall of the box body contacts external water (for example, rainwater, dew or other external liquids), the second label paper will change color. The discolored second label paper can remind the user that there is a possibility of water entering the battery pack, which serves as a warning, reduces the application risk of the battery pack, and further enhances the monitoring capability of the status monitoring device.
[0020] In an optional implementation, the second label paper is connected to the wall of the box body facing away from the outer shell.
[0021] When the status monitoring device is installed on the shell, in order to reduce the interference of the status monitoring device on the battery pack, the status monitoring device is usually thinner. In this way, the area of the wall of the box body away from the shell is larger, and the second label paper is set on the wall of the box body away from the shell, so that the second label paper is more likely to contact condensation and external water. In addition, when the status monitoring device is installed on the top of the shell, the second label paper is located at the top of the box body, and the top of the box body is easily exposed to external water. When the battery pack is exposed to rain or condensation, the second label paper located at the top of the box body is more likely to contact external water, making the monitoring of the status monitoring device more accurate. After the battery pack is stored or transported, it is helpful to assist the staff to judge whether there is a possibility of water entering the battery pack.
[0022] In an optional embodiment, the distribution direction of the two spaces is perpendicular to the wall of the box body connected to the shell, the space with the first label paper is located on the side of the other space away from the shell, and the explosion-proof valve is arranged on the side wall of the battery cell facing the status monitoring device.
[0023] When the battery pack is in a flat state, the status monitoring device is located at the top of the outer shell, which facilitates the installation of the status monitoring device on the outer shell, making the battery pack more stable when in a flat state (if the status monitoring device is installed at the bottom of the outer shell, the battery pack will shake when in a flat state). In addition, it allows staff to more conveniently observe changes in the status monitoring device.
[0024] In an optional embodiment, the two spaces are distributed along the first direction, the maximum dimension of the box body in the second direction and the maximum dimension of the box body in the third direction are both larger than the maximum dimension of the box body in the first direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.
[0025] The length and width of the status monitoring device are both greater than its own thickness, so that the status monitoring device is set thinner. This not only allows a larger area and space inside the box to set the first label paper and liquid, but also reduces the possibility of the status monitoring device affecting the installation and transportation of the battery pack, making the status monitoring device more in line with product requirements.
[0026] In an optional implementation, a dimension of the box body in the first direction is 5 mm to 8 mm.
[0027] The first direction may be the thickness direction of the box body. The size of the box body in the thickness direction is smaller, which makes the status monitoring device more compact and reduces the possibility of the status monitoring device interfering with the transportation and installation of the battery pack.
[0028] In an optional embodiment, the maximum dimension of the box body in the second direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the shell in the second direction, and the maximum dimension of the box body in the third direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the shell in the third direction.
[0029] The size of the condition monitoring device is smaller than that of the shell, so the installation of the condition monitoring device is easy to achieve. When the condition monitoring device is installed on the shell, it will not cause a significant impact on the transportation and storage of the shell.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, the box body comprises a rectangular box, the partition plate comprises a square plate, and the first through hole covers the intersection of two diagonals of the partition plate.
[0031] The box body is a rectangular box, the partition plate is a square plate, and the first through hole covers the intersection of the two diagonals of the partition plate, so that the first through hole is located in the middle of the partition plate, which is convenient for designing the amount of liquid according to the size of the box body. When the battery pack is excessively tilted to any side, the liquid can flow through the first through hole into the space where the first label paper is set, so that the first label paper changes color.
[0032] In an optional implementation, the material of the box body and / or the material of the partition plate includes a transparent material.
[0033] The first label paper is arranged inside the box body, and the material of the box body includes a transparent material, which is convenient for observing the color change of the first label paper, so that the staff can observe whether the first label paper changes color without opening the box body, which is helpful for the staff to determine the monitoring result of the status monitoring device. The material of the partition plate includes a transparent material, so that the staff can directly observe the volume change of the liquid through the partition plate, and assist in judging whether the status monitoring device has been excessively tilted or inverted.
[0034] In an optional implementation, a second through hole is provided on the box body, the second through hole is communicated with the space where the first label paper is provided, and the second through hole is provided toward the partition plate.
[0035] When the battery pack is exposed to rain or condensation, water from the outside will enter the box body through the second through hole, and at least part of the water entering the box body will enter the lower space through the first through hole and mix with the liquid in the box body, causing the liquid level to rise. By observing the amount of water in the box body and the height of the liquid level, it can be determined whether water has entered the box body, which serves to warn the battery pack of the possibility of water entering.
[0036] According to a second aspect of the present application, a state monitoring device is provided, which includes a box body and a partition plate, wherein liquid is arranged in the box body; the partition plate is arranged in the box body, and two spaces are formed in the box body, respectively located on both sides of the partition plate, and a first through hole is arranged on the partition plate, and the first through hole connects the two spaces, wherein a first label paper is arranged in one of the spaces, and the first label paper is used to change color after contacting the liquid, and the state monitoring device has a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state, the space where the first label paper is arranged is located above the other space, and the lower space of the two spaces stores liquid, and the liquid level of the liquid is lower than the first through hole, and wherein in the second state, the space where the first label paper is arranged is located below the other space, and at least part of the liquid passes through the first through hole and enters the space where the first label paper is arranged, and the first label paper changes color when contacting the liquid.
[0037] When the state monitoring device of the present application is in the first state, the space provided with the first label paper inside the box body is located above another space, the liquid (e.g., water) inside the box body is located in the space below, the liquid level is lower than the first through hole, the liquid will not flow into the space above, the first label paper will not contact the liquid, and the first label paper will not change color. When the state monitoring device is rotated 180°, the state monitoring device is in the second state, the space provided with the first label paper is located below another space, the liquid will flow into the space provided with the first label paper through the first through hole, and contact the first label paper, the part of the first label paper contacting the liquid will change color, and the discolored first label paper can prove that the state monitoring device has been inverted. In addition, when the state monitoring device is excessively tilted, the liquid may also cross the first through hole and contact the first label paper, causing the first label paper to change color. That is, by observing whether the first label paper changes color, it can be judged whether the state monitoring device has been excessively tilted or inverted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flat state;
[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a state monitoring device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a first state;
[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a battery pack in an inverted state provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a state monitoring device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a second state;
[0043] Figure 6A schematic diagram of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present application in an upright state;
[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a state monitoring device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a third state;
[0045] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of another state monitoring device provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0046] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of another state monitoring device provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0047] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a state monitoring device provided in an embodiment of the present application.
[0048] Reference numerals:
[0049] 100-battery pack; 110-housing; 101-accommodation chamber; 120-battery cell; 121-explosion-proof valve;
[0050] 200-condition monitoring device;
[0051] 1-box body; 10-space; 11-first space; 111-first wall; 112-second wall; 12-second space; 13-liquid; 14-second through hole; 15-bottom plate; 16-top cover;
[0052] 2-partition plate; 21-first through hole; 22-enclosing plate;
[0053] 3- first label paper;
[0054] 4- Second label paper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments.
[0056] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the directions or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper" and "lower" may be defined, including but not limited to, the directions relative to the schematic placement of the components in the drawings, wherein these directional terms may be relative concepts, which are used for relative description and clarification, and may change accordingly according to the changes in the placement of the components in the drawings, and shall not be understood as limitations on the present application.
[0057] In this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for descriptive purposes to distinguish one element from another element, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.
[0058] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, "plurality" means two or more.
[0059] In this application, 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, or it can be a connection between the two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model can be understood in specific circumstances. The specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.
[0060] In addition, in this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.
[0061] In the drawings of the embodiments of the present application, solid structures such as components and assemblies are represented by guide lines; hollow structures such as openings, holes, spaces, and cavities are represented by guide lines with arrows.
[0062] The present application embodiment provides a battery pack 100 (for example, a lithium battery pack), Figure 1 The three-dimensional structure of the battery pack 100 is shown as an example. Figure 2 The internal structure of the battery pack 100 is exemplarily shown. The battery pack 100 can be used in any suitable scenario. For example, the battery pack 100 can be installed in an energy storage container, an uninterruptible power supply cabinet, or an electric vehicle, etc.
[0063] Reference Figure 2 The battery pack 100 includes a housing 110 and a battery cell 120. The housing 110 has a receiving cavity 101 formed therein. The battery cell 120 is disposed in the receiving cavity 101. The housing 110 may be a shell that encapsulates the battery cell 120 or a packaging box for packaging. The battery cell 120 is provided with an explosion-proof valve 121. The battery cell 120 contains electrolyte. When the battery pack 100 is in a flat state (which is a desired state), the explosion-proof valve 121 of the battery cell 120 faces upward (for example, Figure 2 status in ).
[0064] Before the battery pack 100 is installed or put into use, the battery pack 100 needs to be transported or stored. During transportation and storage, the battery pack 100 may be excessively tilted or inverted by the staff (when the battery pack 100 is inverted, the explosion-proof valve 121 of the battery cell 120 faces downward). After the battery pack 100 is excessively tilted or inverted, the electrolyte inside it will corrode the explosion-proof valve 121, so that the battery pack 100 is at risk of leakage, causing more safety hazards and quality problems.
[0065] In order to monitor the status of the battery pack 100, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack 100 may further include a status monitoring device 200, which is connected to the housing 110, for example, bonded to the outer wall of the housing 110, riveted to the outer wall of the housing 110, etc. By providing the status monitoring device 200, the status of the battery pack 100 can be monitored to assist the staff in determining whether the battery pack 100 has been excessively tilted or inverted during transportation or storage.
[0066] The state monitoring device 200 may be installed on the top of the housing 110 (e.g., connected to the top wall of the housing 110), or on the bottom of the housing 110 (e.g., connected to the bottom wall of the housing 110), or on the side of the housing 110 (e.g., connected to the side wall of the housing 110), wherein the top, bottom, and side are all referenced to the gravity direction when the battery pack 100 is in a flat state. In addition, the state monitoring device 200 may be located outside or inside the housing 110.
[0067] The state monitoring device 200 may be directly connected to the housing 110, for example, the state monitoring device 200 is connected to the outer wall surface of the housing 110. The state monitoring device 200 may also be indirectly connected to the housing 110, for example, the housing 110 is enclosed in a packaging box or a packaging bag, and the state monitoring device 200 is connected to the packaging box or the packaging bag.
[0068] In some examples, the condition monitoring device 200 may also be installed on other products that cannot be excessively tilted or inverted during transportation and storage. For example, the condition monitoring device 200 may be connected to small equipment, products that are prone to spillage, etc. The exterior of the above products may be packaged with a packaging box, and the condition monitoring device 200 may be connected to the packaging box, or directly connected to the product.
[0069] The present application embodiment provides a state monitoring device 200, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 3The cross-sectional structure of the state monitoring device 200 is shown exemplarily. The state monitoring device 200 includes a box body 1. The box body 1 can be a sealed box. For example, the seams of the box body 1 are sealed so that the interior of the box body 1 is not connected to the outside, that is, the interior of the box body 1 is closed.
[0070] The shape of the box body 1 can be in various forms, see Figure 3 The box body 1 in the example is a square box (for example, a rectangular box). In other examples, the box body 1 may also be in the shape of a disk or an irregular three-dimensional shape. The box body 1 may be an integrally formed box body or a box body composed of multiple parts spliced together. The present application does not impose any specific restrictions on the structure and components of the box body 1.
[0071] In order to divide the internal area of the box body 1, the state monitoring device 200 further includes a partition plate 2. Figure 3 The partition plate 2 of the example is disposed in the box body 1, and the outer edge of the partition plate 2 is connected to the inner wall surface of the box body 1. For example, the outer edge of the partition plate 2 is sealedly connected to the inner wall surface of the box body 1, that is, there is no gap between the outer edge of the partition plate 2 and the inner wall surface of the box body 1. The box body 1 and the partition plate 2 may be made of the same material or different materials.
[0072] Under the division of partition plate 2, refer to Figure 3 Two spaces 10 are formed in the box body 1, respectively located on both sides of the partition plate 2. The two spaces 10 include a first space 11 and a second space 12. That is, the interior of the box body 1 is divided into the first space 11 and the second space 12 by the partition plate 2. The first space 11 and the second space 12 can be distributed along the first direction.
[0073] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example where the status monitoring device 200 is installed on the top of the housing 110, when the battery pack 100 is in a flat state, the status monitoring device 200 is located above the housing 110, and the explosion-proof valve 121 is arranged on the side wall of the battery cell 120 facing the status monitoring device 200, and the first direction can be parallel to the axial direction of the pole of the battery cell 120. The distribution direction (first direction) of the two spaces 10 of the status monitoring device 200 is perpendicular to the wall surface of the box body 1 connected to the housing 110, and the space 10 provided with the first label paper 3 is located on the side of the other space 10 away from the housing 110, that is, the first space 11 is located on the side of the second space 12 away from the housing 110.
[0074] In order to reduce the interference of the box body 1 on the housing 110 during transportation or installation, refer to Figure 1, the maximum dimension of the box body 1 in the second direction and the maximum dimension of the box body 1 in the third direction are both greater than the maximum dimension of the box body 1 in the first direction. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. For example, the second direction is the length direction of the condition monitoring device 200, the third direction is the width direction of the condition monitoring device 200, and the third direction is the thickness direction of the condition monitoring device 200.
[0075] In some examples, the size of the box body 1 in the first direction may be 5 mm to 8 mm, for example, the size of the box body 1 in the first direction may be 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, etc. The box body 1 is thin, making the state monitoring device 200 more compact and preventing the state monitoring device 200 from interfering with the transportation or stacking of the battery pack 100 after being installed on the housing 110.
[0076] In addition, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The maximum dimension of the box body 1 in the second direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the housing 110 in the second direction; the maximum dimension of the box body 1 in the third direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the housing 110 in the third direction. In this way, the size of the condition monitoring device 200 can be smaller than the size of the housing 110, which makes it easy to install the condition monitoring device 200. When the condition monitoring device 200 is installed on the housing 110, it will not have a significant impact on the transportation and storage of the housing 110.
[0077] Reference Figure 3 , the partition plate 2 is provided with a first through hole 21, and the first through hole 21 connects the first space 11 and the second space 12. In one example, the first through hole 21 can be provided in the middle area of the partition plate 2. For example, in an example where the box body 1 is a rectangular box, the partition plate 2 can be a square plate, and the first through hole 21 covers the intersection of two diagonals of the partition plate 2 (the intersection of two diagonals of one wall of the partition plate 2), that is, the first through hole 21 is located in the middle of the square partition plate 2. In other examples, the first through hole 21 can also be located at other positions of the partition plate 2.
[0078] Reference Figure 3 , a liquid 13 is arranged in the box body 1, and the liquid 13 can flow between the two spaces 10, and a first label paper 3 is arranged in one of the two spaces 10, and the first label paper 3 changes color after contacting the liquid 13. For example, the liquid 13 can be water, and the first label paper 3 can be a water-discoloring label paper, and the first label paper 3 changes to blue, red or other colors after contacting water. For another example, the liquid 13 can be oil, and the first label paper 3 can be an oil-discoloring test paper.
[0079] The state monitoring device 200 may have a first state and a second state. In the first state (for example Figure 3In the state of FIG. 2 , the space 10 (first space 11) provided with the first label paper 3 is located above the other space 10 (second space 12), and the lower space 10 (second space 12) of the two spaces 10 stores liquid 13, and the liquid level of the liquid 13 is lower than the first through hole 21. The liquid 13 will not flow into the first space 11 above, the first label paper 3 will not contact the liquid 13, and the first label paper 3 will not change color.
[0080] When the status monitoring device 200 is rotated 180°, the status monitoring device 200 is in the second state, and the space 10 (first space 11) provided with the first label paper 3 is located below the other space 10 (second space 12), and at least part of the liquid 13 passes through the first through hole 21, enters into the space 10 provided with the first label paper 3, and contacts the first label paper 3, and the part of the first label paper 3 contacting the liquid 13 will change color, and the discolored first label paper 3 can prove that the status monitoring device 200 has been inverted.
[0081] In addition, when the state monitoring device 200 is excessively tilted (tilted beyond the allowable range), the liquid 13 may also pass through the first through hole 21 into the first space 11 and contact the first label paper 3 in the first space 11, causing the first label paper 3 to change color.
[0082] For example, after the part of the first label paper 3 that contacts the liquid 13 changes color, the color will not be restored (the color change is irreversible), and the color change state will be maintained. That is, by observing whether the first label paper 3 changes color, it can be determined whether the status monitoring device 200 has been excessively tilted or inverted, which can make the monitoring result more reliable.
[0083] Among them, the discolored part of the first label paper 3 will not be restored, which means that the color will not change to the color (original color) before the first label paper 3 contacts the liquid 13. It does not mean that after the first label paper 3 changes color, its changed color will not fade with the passage of time. Normal color changes are within the allowable range, as long as it can be judged by the changed color that the first label paper 3 has been in contact with the liquid 13.
[0084] The status monitoring device 200 can be fixed on a designated product, and the status monitoring device 200 moves along with the movement of the product.
[0085] For example, the state monitoring device 200 is installed on the housing 110 of the battery pack 100, and the state monitoring device 200 moves with the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 can have multiple states, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery pack 100 has a flat state (eg Figure 2 In this state, the explosion-proof valve 121 of the battery cell 120 faces upward, and the state monitoring device 200 is in a first state (eg, Figure 3 In the state shown), the first direction (the distribution direction of the two spaces 10) is parallel to the vertical direction, and the first space 11 (the space 10 where the first label paper 3 is provided) is located above the second space 12.
[0086] The battery pack 100 also has an inverted state. Figure 4 The battery pack 100 is shown in an inverted state by way of example. In this state, the explosion-proof valve 121 of the battery cell 120 faces downward, and the state monitoring device 200 is in the second state. Figure 5 The state monitoring device 200 in the second state is exemplarily shown, the first direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the second space 12 is located above the first space 11 .
[0087] Between the flat state and the inverted state, the battery pack 100 also has an upright state. Figure 6 The battery pack 100 is shown in an upright state by way of example. In this state, the explosion-proof valve 121 of the battery cell 120 faces one side of the battery cell 120, the first direction is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the state monitoring device 200 is in the third state. Figure 7 The state monitoring device 200 is exemplarily shown in the third state, where the two spaces 10 are arranged in a horizontal direction, that is, the first direction is parallel to the horizontal plane.
[0088] The battery pack 100 flipping from the horizontal state to the upright state, and flipping from the horizontal state to the inverted state, are both considered as tilting of the battery pack 100, and the difference lies in the different tilt angles. For example, the battery pack 100 in the upright state is the state of the battery pack 100 in the horizontal state flipped (or tilted) by 90°, and the battery pack 100 in the inverted state is the state of the battery pack 100 in the horizontal state flipped (or tilted) by 180°.
[0089] In addition, during transportation and storage, the battery pack 100 may also flip (or tilt) at any angle, such as 20°, 60°, 130°, etc.
[0090] The upright state is the state in which the battery pack 100 is turned 90° in any direction from the flat state. Figure 1 For example, the battery pack 100 may be square. During transportation or storage, the battery pack 100 may be flipped along arrow F1 or arrow F2. When the battery pack 100 is flipped 90° along F1, the second direction is parallel to the vertical direction, the first direction is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the battery pack 100 is in an upright state. When the battery pack 100 is flipped 90° along F2, the third direction is parallel to the vertical direction, the first direction is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the battery pack 100 is also in an upright state.
[0091] The above-mentioned tilt angle is only an exemplary explanation of the tilt degree and is not a limitation on the flipping or tilting method of the present application.
[0092] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 When the battery pack 100 is in a flat state, the first space 11 is located above the second space 12, the liquid 13 is located in the second space 12, the liquid level of the liquid 13 is lower than the first through hole 21, and the liquid 13 will not enter the first space 11 from the first through hole 21. In this state, the first label paper 3 will not contact the liquid 13 and change color.
[0093] When the battery pack 100 is rotated 180°, Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the battery pack 100 is in an inverted state, the first space 11 is located below the second space 12, the liquid 13 will flow into the first space 11 through the first through hole 21 and contact the first label paper 3, and the part of the first label paper 3 contacting the liquid 13 will change color. The discolored first label paper 3 can prove that the battery pack 100 has been inverted.
[0094] In addition, when the battery pack 100 is excessively tilted, the liquid 13 in the second space 12 will also flow into the first space 11. Excessive tilt means that the tilt angle of the battery pack 100 exceeds the permitted angle (it can be understood that the tilt degree of the battery pack 100 exceeds the permitted degree).
[0095] The permissible angle is the maximum angle at which the battery pack 100 is allowed to tilt. When the tilt angle of the battery pack 100 is less than the permissible angle, the liquid 13 in the condition monitoring device 200 will not enter the first space 11. When the tilt angle of the battery pack 100 is greater than the permissible angle, it means that the battery pack 100 is excessively tilted, and the liquid 13 in the condition monitoring device 200 will enter the first space 11.
[0096] In one example, the permitted angle may be 90°, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the battery pack 100 is in an upright state, the first label paper 3 is located in the first space 11, the liquid 13 is located in the second space 12, and the liquid level of the liquid 13 is lower than the first through hole 21, and the liquid 13 will not pass through the first through hole 21 into the first space 11. In this example, if the battery pack 100 is tilted at an angle greater than 90°, that is, tilted toward an inverted degree, the liquid 13 in the second space 12 will flow into the first space 11.
[0097] In another example, the allowable angle may be less than 90°. In this example, when the battery pack 100 is slightly tilted from the flat state to either side, the liquid 13 in the state monitoring device 200 will flow into the first space 11 .
[0098] In another example, the allowable angle may also be greater than 90°. In this example, the liquid 13 in the condition monitoring device 200 will flow into the first space 11 only when the battery pack 100 is severely tilted.
[0099] In another example, the liquid 13 in the condition monitoring device 200 will flow into the first space 11 only when the condition monitoring device 200 is in an inverted state.
[0100] In addition, in one example, the permitted angle may be the maximum angle at which the battery pack 100 is allowed to tilt toward a specific direction, that is, only when the tilt angle toward the specific direction is greater than the permitted angle, the liquid 13 in the status monitoring device 200 will flow into the first space 11, and the degree of tilt of the battery pack 100 toward other directions is limited (or not limited) by the permitted angles in other directions.
[0101] In another example, the permitted angle may be the maximum angle at which the battery pack 100 is allowed to tilt in any direction, that is, no matter which direction the battery pack 100 tilts, as long as the tilt angle is greater than the permitted angle, the liquid 13 in the status monitoring device 200 will flow into the first space 11.
[0102] It is understandable that the degree to which the liquid 13 flows into the first space 11 when the state monitoring device 200 is tilted or turned can be adjusted according to demand, or in other words, the permissible angle of the tilt of the battery pack 100 can be adjusted by changing the structure of the state monitoring device 200. For example, the permissible angle of the battery pack 100 can be adjusted by adjusting the size or position of the first through hole 21, and the permissible angle of the battery pack 100 can also be changed by adjusting the amount of the liquid 13.
[0103] In summary, when the battery pack 100 is not excessively tilted (the tilt degree is within the allowable range), the liquid 13 will be stored in the second space 12 and will not flow into the first space 11, and the first label paper 3 will not change color when in contact with the liquid 13. When the battery pack 100 is excessively tilted or even inverted, the liquid 13 will flow into the first space 11 from the first through hole 21, and the liquid 13 flowing into the first space 11 will contact the first label paper 3, and the first label paper 3 will change color after contacting the liquid 13. The discolored first label paper 3 can prove that the liquid 13 has entered the first space 11, that is, by observing whether the first label paper 3 changes color, it can be judged whether the battery pack 100 is excessively tilted or inverted.
[0104] By installing the status monitoring device 200 of the present application on the housing 110 of the battery pack 100 (or on other products), the user can be reminded to use the battery pack 100 that has been overly tilted or inverted with caution. Visual management can be used. Once an abnormal situation occurs, it will be immediately displayed through the color change of the first label paper 3 to warn of the abnormality and avoid blindly using risky battery packs 100. In addition, adding a status monitoring device 200 can also improve the maintenance efficiency of the battery pack 100 and reduce maintenance costs. It can also provide sufficient evidence for responsibility definition after an abnormality occurs in the battery pack 100, and provide convenient support for back-end problem handling.
[0105] In order to reduce the possibility of the first label paper 3 moving randomly, the first label paper 3 can be fixed to the inner wall surface of the box body 1 (for example, bonded), referring to Figure 7 , wherein the wall of the box body 1 enclosing the first space 11 includes a first wall 111, the first wall 111 is arranged toward the partition plate 2, and at least part of the first label paper 3 is connected to the wall of the box body 1 facing the partition plate 2 (for example, the first wall 111).
[0106] Reference Figure 7 The wall of the example box body 1 that encloses the first space 11 may also include a second wall 112, the second wall 112 is located between the first wall 111 and the partition plate 2, the second wall 112 is an annular wall, for example, a circular ring wall, a square ring wall, etc., the second wall 112 is arranged around the first wall 111, and the first wall 111, the second wall 112 and the partition plate 2 enclose the first space 11.
[0107] In the example where the box body 1 is a square box, the first wall surface 111 may be a square surface, the first wall surface 111 is arranged opposite to the partition plate 2 and is spaced a distance apart, the first space 11 is located between the first wall surface 111 and the partition plate 2, and the second wall surface 112 includes four planes that are perpendicular to each other and connected end to end. In the example where the box body 1 is disc-shaped, the first wall surface 111 may be a circular surface, and the second wall surface 112 may be a circular ring surface.
[0108] In another example, referring to Figure 8 , Figure 8 The structure of another box body 1 is shown by way of example. The box body 1 may include a bottom plate 15 and a top cover 16. The top cover 16 may be a hemispherical cover or an arc-shaped cover. The top cover 16 is disposed on the bottom plate 15. In this example, the first wall 111 facing the partition plate 2 may be an arc-shaped surface. In this example, the first wall 111 and the second wall 112 may not be distinguished.
[0109] In some examples, reference Fig. 9 , Fig. 9The structure of another state monitoring device 200 is shown as an example, in which part of the first label paper 3 is connected to the wall surface (e.g., the second wall surface 112) of the box body 1 surrounding the partition plate 2, that is, the first label paper 3 is set on both the first wall surface 111 and the second wall surface 112. When the battery pack 100 is excessively tilted, the liquid 13 in the state monitoring device 200 will flow into the first space 11, causing the first label paper 3 to change color. By setting the first label paper 3 over a large area, the sensitivity of the state monitoring device 200 is improved, and it is suitable for transportation environments where excessive tilting of the box body 1 is strictly prohibited.
[0110] Among them, the first label paper 3 can be set on the entire second wall surface 112, and can also be set in a partial area of the second wall surface 112. The coverage area and coverage position of the first label paper 3 can be set according to needs, and this application does not make any specific restrictions on this.
[0111] In some other examples, the first label paper 3 may also be connected to the partition plate 2 , that is, the first label paper 3 is adhered to the wall surface of the first space 11 enclosed by the partition plate 2 , so as to connect and fix the first label paper 3 .
[0112] In some other examples, the first label paper 3 may also be placed in the first space 11 . In this example, the first label paper 3 does not need to be connected to the box body 1 or the partition plate 2 .
[0113] In order to make the monitoring results more accurate, refer to Fig. 9 The state monitoring device 200 may further include a panel 22, which is disposed in the second space 12 and surrounds the periphery of the first through hole 21, that is, the first through hole 21 is located on the inner side of the panel 22. The panel 22 is connected to the partition plate 2 and extends in a direction away from the partition plate 2, that is, the panel 22 extends in a direction away from the first space 11, and the shape of the panel 22 may be adapted to the shape of the first through hole 21. For example, the first through hole 21 is a square hole, and the panel 22 is a square frame. For another example, the first through hole 21 is a circular hole, and the panel 22 is a circular ring. Among them, the inner wall surface of the panel 22 may be flush with the inner wall surface of the first through hole 21. In some examples, the panel 22 may be an annular flange, a boss, or a protrusion.
[0114] When the tilt degree of the box body 1 is not too large (within the allowable range), or the box body 1 vibrates (or shakes) slightly, for example, it vibrates due to collision or bumping during transportation, the enclosure 22 can prevent the liquid 13 from entering the first space 11, thereby improving the anti-interference ability of the status monitoring device 200 and reducing the possibility of the first label paper 3 being contaminated by the liquid 13 and changing color during normal transportation, making the monitoring result of the status monitoring device 200 more accurate.
[0115] The battery pack 100 may be exposed to rain or condensation during storage. Rainwater, dew and other external water may enter the battery pack 100, which may affect the quality and safety of the battery pack 100. In particular, for battery packs 100 with a low IP protection level, the safety issues caused by rain and condensation are more serious. Whether the battery pack 100 has condensation or immersion can only be confirmed by disassembling the battery pack 100. If the storage time is long, even if the battery pack 100 is disassembled, it is impossible to determine whether it has been immersed in water before.
[0116] In order to monitor whether external water has entered the battery pack 100, refer to Fig. 9 The state monitoring device 200 may further include a second label paper 4, which is disposed on the outer wall of the box body 1 and is used to change color after contacting water. For example, the second label paper 4 may be a water-discoloring sticky note paper, and the portion of the second label paper 4 that contacts water will turn blue, red, or other colors.
[0117] The status monitoring device 200 of the present application is installed on the casing 110 of the battery pack 100. When the battery pack 100 is exposed to rain or condensation, the outer wall of the box body 1 will change color after contacting the external water. The discolored second label paper 4 can remind the user that there is a possibility of water entering the interior of the battery pack 100, thereby serving as a warning, reducing the risk of using the battery pack 100, and further improving the monitoring capability of the status monitoring device 200.
[0118] The second label paper 4 can be arranged (for example, bonded) at any suitable position on the outer wall of the box body 1, as long as the second label paper 4 is likely to contact the external water. For example, the second label paper 4 can be arranged on the outer wall of the box body 1 except the wall connected to the shell 110.
[0119] In one example, the second label paper 4 is connected to the wall of the box body 1 away from the outer shell 110. The status monitoring device 200 is usually thinner. In this way, the area of the wall of the box body 1 away from the outer shell 110 is larger. The second label paper 4 is arranged on the wall of the box body 1 away from the outer shell 110, so that the second label paper 4 is more likely to contact condensation and external water.
[0120] In the example where the status monitoring device 200 is installed on the top of the housing 110, the second label paper 4 is located on the top of the box body 1, and the top of the box body 1 is easily exposed to external water, making the monitoring of the status monitoring device 200 more accurate. After the battery pack 100 is stored or transported, the second label paper 4 can assist the staff in determining whether there is a possibility of water entering the battery pack 100.
[0121] In the example where the state monitoring device 200 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 110 , the second label paper 4 may be located at the bottom of the box body 1 . When external water slides down along the outer wall of the housing 110 , it will contact the second label paper 4 .
[0122] For example, the color of the part of the second label paper 4 that contacts the external water will not be restored after the color changes (the color change is irreversible), and the color change state will be maintained, making the monitoring result more reliable. Among them, the color will not be restored, which means that the color will not change to the color (original color) before the second label paper 4 contacts the external water, and does not mean that after the second label paper 4 changes color, its color will not fade over time. Normal color changes are within the allowable range, as long as it can be judged that the second label paper 4 has been in contact with water by the changed color.
[0123] In some examples, reference Fig. 9 The box body 1 may be provided with a second through hole 14, which is connected to the first space 11. When the battery pack 100 with the status monitoring device 200 installed is exposed to rain or condensation, external water will enter the box body 1 through the second through hole 14. If external water enters the box body 1 of the status monitoring device 200, it proves that there is a possibility of water ingress into the battery pack 100.
[0124] The water entering the box body 1 may all flow into the second space 12, or may partially remain in the first space 11 and the other part flow into the second space 12. The external water entering the second space 12 will mix with the liquid 13 in the second space 12, causing the liquid level of the liquid 13 in the second space 12 to rise. By observing the amount of water in the box body 1, or the liquid level of the liquid 13 in the second space 12, it is possible to determine whether water has entered the box body 1, and thus it is possible to infer whether the battery pack 100 has been exposed to rain or condensation.
[0125] On the premise that the second through hole 14 is connected to the first space 11, the second through hole 14 can be arranged at any suitable position. For example, the second through hole 14 can be arranged toward the partition plate 2. Fig. 9 In the example, the second through hole 14 is arranged toward the plate surface of the partition plate 2, that is, the second through hole 14 can be located above the plate surface of the partition plate 2, and the second through hole 14 and the first through hole 21 are staggered.
[0126] In another example, the second through hole 14 is arranged toward the first through hole 21 on the partition plate 2, that is, the second through hole 14 can be located directly above the first through hole 21. This example also belongs to the second through hole 14 arranged toward the partition plate 2 in the present application.
[0127] When the state monitoring device 200 is installed on the top of the housing 110 , the second through hole 14 may be located at the top of the box body 1 to facilitate the entry of external water.
[0128] In some examples, a plurality of second through holes 14 may be provided, and the plurality of second through holes 14 are all in communication with the first space 11 , and the plurality of second through holes 14 are distributed at different positions of the box body 1 .
[0129] In order to facilitate observation of the situation inside the box body 1, refer to Fig.10 , Fig.10 The three-dimensional structure of the state monitoring device 200 is shown. The material of the box body 1 may include a transparent material, for example, the box body 1 is a transparent plastic box. The first label paper 3 is arranged inside the box body 1, and the transparent box body 1 facilitates the observation of the discoloration of the first label paper 3, so that the staff can observe whether the first label paper 3 changes color without opening the box body 1, which is conducive to the staff to determine the monitoring result of the state monitoring device 200.
[0130] In addition, refer to Fig.10 For further convenience of observation, the material of the partition plate 2 may also include a transparent material, for example, the partition plate 2 is a transparent plastic plate. The transparent partition plate 2 allows the staff to visually observe the volume change of the liquid 13 through the partition plate 2, and assists in judging whether the battery pack 100 has been excessively tilted or inverted. When water enters the box body 1, the change in the water volume in the second space 12 can also be observed through the partition plate 2 to judge whether the product has been exposed to rain or condensation.
[0131] Reference Fig.10 In the example where the box body 1 is a square box, the top wall of the box body 1 may be a rectangular wall surface, and in other examples, the top wall of the box body 1 may also be a square wall surface. The first through hole 21 may be provided in the central area of the partition plate 2, and the second through hole 14 may be provided in the top wall of the box body 1 (the wall away from the housing 110).
[0132] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A battery pack, characterized in that: include: A housing having a receiving cavity formed therein; A battery cell, wherein the battery cell is arranged in the accommodating cavity and an explosion-proof valve is arranged on the battery cell; Condition monitoring device, including: A box body, the box body is connected to the shell, and liquid is arranged in the box body; A partition plate, the partition plate is arranged in the box body, two spaces are formed in the box body, respectively located on both sides of the partition plate, a first through hole is arranged on the partition plate, the first through hole connects the two spaces, a first label paper is arranged in one of the spaces, and the first label paper is used to change color after contacting the liquid, The battery pack has a flat state and an inverted state. In the flat state, the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell faces upward, the space provided with the first label paper is located above the other space, the lower space of the two spaces stores the liquid, and the liquid level of the liquid is lower than the first through hole. In the inverted state, the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell faces downward, the space provided with the first label paper is located below the other space, at least part of the liquid passes through the first through hole and enters the space provided with the first label paper, and the first label paper changes color when it contacts the liquid.
2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery pack has a side-standing state. In the side-standing state, the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell faces one side of the battery cell, the two spaces are arranged in a horizontal direction, the first label paper and the liquid are respectively located in the two spaces, and the liquid level of the liquid is lower than the first through hole.
3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least a portion of the first label paper is connected to the wall surface of the box body facing the partition plate.
4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that: A portion of the first label paper is connected to the wall surface of the box body surrounding the partition plate.
5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A first label paper is arranged in one of the spaces, and a surrounding plate is arranged in the other space. The surrounding plate surrounds the periphery of the first through hole, is connected to the partition plate and extends in a direction away from the partition plate.
6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The state monitoring device further comprises a second label paper, the second label paper is used for changing color after contacting water, and the second label paper is arranged on the outer wall surface of the box body.
7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second label paper is connected to a wall surface of the box body facing away from the shell.
8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The distribution direction of the two spaces is perpendicular to the wall of the box body connected to the shell. The space provided with the first label paper is located on the side of the other space away from the shell, and the explosion-proof valve is arranged on the side wall of the battery cell facing the status monitoring device.
9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The two spaces are distributed along the first direction, the maximum dimension of the box body in the second direction and the maximum dimension of the box body in the third direction are both larger than the maximum dimension of the box body in the first direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.
10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that: The size of the box body in the first direction is 5 mm to 8 mm.
11. The battery pack according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The maximum dimension of the box body in the second direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the housing in the second direction. The maximum dimension of the box body in the third direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the housing in the third direction.
12. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The box body comprises a rectangular box, the partition plate comprises a square plate, and the first through hole covers the intersection of two diagonal lines of the partition plate.
13. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The material of the box body and / or the material of the partition plate includes a transparent material.
14. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The box body is provided with a second through hole, the second through hole is communicated with the space where the first label paper is provided, and the second through hole is provided toward the partition plate.
15. A condition monitoring device, characterized in that: include: A box body, wherein a liquid is arranged in the box body; A partition plate, the partition plate is arranged in the box body, two spaces are formed in the box body, respectively located on both sides of the partition plate, a first through hole is arranged on the partition plate, the first through hole connects the two spaces, a first label paper is arranged in one of the spaces, and the first label paper is used to change color after contacting the liquid, The state monitoring device has a first state and a second state, In the first state, the space in which the first label paper is disposed is located above the other space, and the lower space of the two spaces stores the liquid, and the liquid level of the liquid is lower than the first through hole. In the second state, the space where the first label paper is disposed is located below the other space, at least part of the liquid passes through the first through hole and enters the space where the first label paper is disposed, and the first label paper changes color when in contact with the liquid.