Battery box and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery box and a battery pack. The battery box comprises a box body, a waterproof breathable film and a protective cover, a through hole is formed in the box body, and an accommodating cavity for accommodating a battery is formed in the box body; the waterproof breathable film is arranged on the side, away from the containing cavity, of the box body and covers the through hole. The protective cover is connected with the box body and presses the waterproof breathable film, a pressure relief channel communicated with the through hole is formed between the protective cover and the box body, and the pressure relief channel forms an included angle with the axis of the through hole and penetrates through the protective cover. When the battery works normally, the waterproof breathable film ensures that only air is exchanged between the accommodating cavity and the outside, and water vapor is not allowed to enter the accommodating cavity. When the battery works abnormally, gas released by the battery breaks through the waterproof breathable film through the through hole and is discharged along the pressure relief channel. The arrangement of the pressure relief channel has the advantages that when sundries fall down by gravity and hit the protective cover, the protective cover can bear impact in the axis direction of the through hole, and the waterproof breathable film is prevented from being punctured and losing efficacy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of battery packs, and more particularly to a battery box and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] One aspect of safety protection for new energy batteries is preventing safety crises caused by battery explosions. Batteries are typically equipped with pressure relief protection. Currently, battery packs directly use explosion-proof valves for pressure relief protection. However, for some battery packs used in rental or battery swapping services, the explosion-proof valves are not protected by the outer casing and are easily damaged. Utility Model Content

[0003] One objective of this utility model is to provide a battery box and a battery pack.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a solution as follows: the battery box includes a box body, a waterproof and breathable membrane, and a protective cover; the box body has a through hole, and the interior of the box body forms a receiving cavity for accommodating the battery; the waterproof and breathable membrane is disposed on the side of the box body away from the receiving cavity and covers the through hole; the protective cover is connected to the box body and presses down on the waterproof and breathable membrane, and a pressure relief channel communicating with the through hole is formed between the protective cover and the box body, the pressure relief channel forming an angle with the axis of the through hole and penetrating the protective cover.

[0005] Optionally, the pressure relief channel includes a first cavity and a first notch; the protective cover includes a cover portion and a first stop portion, the cover portion is opposite to the through hole in the axial direction of the through hole, the first stop portion is disposed on the cover portion, a first cavity is formed between the cover portion, the first stop portion and the housing, the first stop portion has the first notch, and the first cavity is connected to the through hole and the first notch respectively.

[0006] Optionally, the pressure relief channel includes a second cavity and a second notch; the protective cover includes a second stop, which is disposed on the cover and spaced apart from the first stop to form a second cavity. The second stop has a second notch, and the first notch and the second stop are opposite to each other.

[0007] Optionally, there may be multiple first notches, which are evenly distributed around the axis of the through hole.

[0008] Optionally, the axial direction of the opening of the pressure relief channel through the protective cover is the same as the axial direction of the through hole.

[0009] Optionally, the pressure relief channel is at least partially bent.

[0010] Optionally, a limiting groove is formed by a recess on the side of the housing away from the receiving cavity, a through hole is opened in the limiting groove, a waterproof and breathable membrane is set in the limiting groove, a first stop is inserted into the limiting groove to press the waterproof and breathable membrane, and a second stop is in contact with the outer surface of the housing.

[0011] Optionally, the side walls of the first stop and the limiting groove are spaced apart.

[0012] Optionally, a step is provided between the side wall and the bottom wall of the limiting groove, and the first stop is opposite to the side wall of the step.

[0013] Optionally, the battery box also includes a pressure ring disposed between the protective cover and the waterproof and breathable membrane, with the protective cover pressing the waterproof and breathable membrane down through the pressure ring.

[0014] Optionally, the battery box also includes screws, the box body has mounting holes, the screws pass through the mounting holes and are connected to the side of the protective cover facing the receiving cavity.

[0015] This utility model also includes a battery pack, which includes a battery and a battery case as described in any of the above, wherein the battery is assembled in the battery case.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the protective cover presses the waterproof and breathable membrane onto the housing, the membrane covers the through-hole, and a pressure relief channel communicating with the through-hole is formed between the protective cover and the housing. The pressure relief channel forms an angle with the axis of the through-hole and extends through the protective cover. When the battery is operating normally, the waterproof and breathable membrane ensures that only air exchanges with the outside environment, preventing moisture from entering. When the battery malfunctions, the gas released by the battery breaks through the waterproof and breathable membrane through the through-hole and is discharged along the pressure relief channel. The advantage of this pressure relief channel design is that when debris falls and hits the protective cover, the cover can withstand the impact along the axis of the through-hole, preventing the waterproof and breathable membrane from being punctured and failing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the battery pack located in the protective cover area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the battery pack located in the protective cover area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the battery pack located in the protective cover area from another perspective, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Reference numerals: 10. Box body; 11. Through hole; 12. Receiving cavity; 13. Limiting groove; 14. Step; 15. Assembly hole; 20. Waterproof and breathable membrane; 30. Protective cover; 31. Cover part; 32. First stop part; 33. Divider part; 34. Second stop part; 40. Pressure relief channel; 41. First cavity; 42. First notch; 43. Second cavity.

[0024] Second notch 44, pressure ring 50, screw 60. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] Please see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the battery pack located in the protective cover 30 area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the battery pack located in the protective cover 30 area from one perspective, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] This utility model protects a battery pack, which includes a battery and a battery case. The battery is assembled in the battery case and can be a lithium iron phosphate battery, a ternary lithium battery, or a sodium-ion battery. The battery case protects the battery from damage caused by external impacts. In the event of abnormal gas release from the battery, the battery case can also quickly release the gas to prevent excessive pressure within the battery case from causing an explosion.

[0028] The battery box includes a box body 10, a waterproof and breathable membrane 20, and a protective cover 30. The box body 10 has a through hole 11, and the interior of the box body 10 forms a receiving cavity 12 for accommodating the battery. The receiving cavity 12 communicates with the outside through the through hole 11. There can be one or more through holes 11. The through holes 11 can be circular, square, triangular, etc.

[0029] A waterproof and breathable membrane 20 is positioned on the side of the housing 10 away from the receiving cavity 12 and covers the through holes 11. The waterproof and breathable membrane 20 is a novel high-polymer waterproof material. Gas molecules have a larger distance between them, allowing them to pass through the pores during diffusion. Liquid molecules, however, have a smaller distance between them, and due to surface tension, liquid molecules cannot pass through the membrane, thus achieving a waterproof effect. The waterproof and breathable membrane 20 ensures airflow between the receiving cavity 12 and the outside air, maintaining the same atmospheric pressure as the outside environment. The membrane 20 also prevents external moisture from entering the receiving cavity 12, thus preventing circuit corrosion and short circuits.

[0030] The protective cover 30 is connected to the housing 10 and presses down on the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. The protective cover 30 fixes the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. A pressure relief channel 40 communicating with the through hole 11 is formed between the protective cover 30 and the housing 10. The pressure relief channel 40 forms an angle with the axis of the through hole 11 and penetrates the protective cover 30. This angle can be acute, right, or obtuse. That is, at least a section of the pressure relief channel 40 does not extend towards the axis of the through hole 11 to ensure that foreign objects cannot directly penetrate the pressure relief channel 40 and puncture the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 by gravity. In the axial direction of the through hole 11, at least a part of the extension trajectory of the pressure relief channel 40 is not on the same line as the axis of the through hole 11. The pressure relief channel 40 can have rounded corners or sharp corners. For example, the pressure relief channel 40 can be formed into an L-shaped form, in which case the pressure relief channel 40 has a sharp corner transition. During the pressure relief process, the gas released by the battery first passes through the through hole 11 along the axial direction of the through hole 11, and then is ejected along the axial direction perpendicular to the through hole 11 under the guidance of the protective cover 30. Alternatively, the pressure relief channel 40 can be formed into a spiral shape like a mountain road. During the pressure relief process, the gas released by the battery first passes through the through hole 11 along the axial direction of the through hole 11, and then is ejected along the spiral pressure relief channel 40, in which case the pressure relief channel 40 has a rounded corner transition.

[0031] In this embodiment, the protective cover 30 presses the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 onto the housing 10, and the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 covers the through hole 11. A pressure relief channel 40 communicating with the through hole 11 is formed between the protective cover 30 and the housing 10. The pressure relief channel 40 forms an angle with the axis of the through hole 11 and penetrates through the protective cover 30. When the battery is working normally, the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 ensures that the housing 12 only exchanges air with the outside world, and does not allow water vapor to enter. When the battery is malfunctioning, the gas released by the battery breaks through the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 through the through hole 11 and is discharged along the pressure relief channel 40. The advantage of this design of the pressure relief channel 40 is that when debris falls and hits the protective cover 30, the protective cover 30 can withstand the impact in the axial direction of the through hole 11, preventing the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 from being punctured and failing.

[0032] Optionally, the pressure relief channel 40 is at least partially curved, meaning the curve is a smooth transition to facilitate the flow of gas released from the battery. The pressure relief channel 40 can be formed in a spiral shape resembling a winding mountain road. During the pressure relief process, the gas released from the battery first passes through the through hole 11 along the axial direction of the through hole 11, and then sprays out along the spiral pressure relief channel 40, where the pressure relief channel 40 has a rounded corner transition.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover 30 provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0034] The pressure relief channel 40 includes a first cavity 41 and a first notch 42.

[0035] The protective cover 30 includes a cover portion 31 and a first stop portion 32. The cover portion 31 is opposite to the through hole 11 in the axial direction of the through hole 11. The first stop portion 32 is disposed on the cover portion 31. The cover portion 31 is spaced apart from the through hole 11 by the first stop portion 32. The first stop portion 32 can press down the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. A first cavity 41 is formed between the cover portion 31, the first stop portion 32 and the housing 10. The first stop portion 32 has the first notch 42. The first cavity 41 is connected to the through hole 11 and the first notch 42 respectively.

[0036] In this embodiment, after the battery releases abnormal gas, it first passes through the through-hole 11 to the first chamber 41, and finally exits through the first notch 42. The cover 31 prevents the gas released by the battery from exiting along the axial direction of the through-hole 11, and also protects the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 from impact from the direction of gravity. Along the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the through-hole 11, the first notch 42 on the first stop 32 allows the gas released by the battery to exit. The first stop 32 can prevent foreign objects from passing through and entering the first chamber 41 and damaging the waterproof and breathable membrane 20, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 while allowing the gas released by the battery to pass through normally.

[0037] Furthermore, the pressure relief channel 40 includes a second cavity 43 and a second notch 44.

[0038] The protective cover 30 includes a second stop 34, which is disposed on the cover portion 31 and spaced apart from the first stop 32 to form a second cavity 43. The second stop 34 is located on the side of the first stop 32 away from the through hole 11. The second stop 34 has a second notch 44, which is opposite to the first notch 42 and the first stop 32. In the direction perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 11, the projection of the first notch 42 onto the second stop 34 does not coincide with the first notch 42, and the projection of the second notch 44 onto the first stop 32 does not coincide with the second notch 44, forming an alternating arrangement. In this way, when an external object is inserted into the protective cover 30 through the second notch 44, it will be blocked by the first stop 32 from entering the first cavity 41, thus preventing the external object from contacting the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 and puncturing it. When the battery malfunctions, because the first notch 42 is connected through the second cavity 43 and the second notch 44, the gas ejected from the battery first enters the first cavity 41, then enters the second cavity 43 through the first notch 42, and finally enters the second notch 44 from the second cavity 43 and is discharged.

[0039] In this embodiment, a first stop 32 and a second stop 34 are provided at intervals on the cover 31. A first notch 42 and a second notch 44 are respectively provided on the first stop 32 and the second stop 34. The first notch 42 and the second notch 44 are staggered, so that the second notch 44 is not visible from the first notch 42, and vice versa. Any external hard object passing through the second notch 44 will be blocked by the first stop 32 and thus cannot enter the first cavity 41 to damage the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. The first notch 42 and the second notch 44 are connected through the second cavity 43 to ensure the normal flow of gas released from the battery. This ensures that the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 can breathe and block water when the battery is in normal use, and that the gas ejected in case of battery malfunction can be smoothly discharged.

[0040] There can be multiple first notches 42, which are evenly distributed around the axis of the through hole 11. Each first notch 42 allows gas released from the battery to pass through. Multiple first notches 42 allow the gas released from the battery to be ejected from different directions. When a first notch 42 in one direction is blocked, the first notches 42 in the other directions can ensure that the gas released from the battery can continue to be discharged. In addition, the even discharge of gas released from the battery in multiple directions can also ensure that the protective cover 30 is subjected to balanced pressure, avoiding wear and tear damage caused by continuous force in one direction.

[0041] Of course, multiple first gaps 42 can also be arranged unevenly, and the pressure relief area should be calculated according to the actual product structure to arrange the first gaps 42.

[0042] The protective cover 30 also includes multiple partitions 33, which are intersectingly arranged in the first cavity 41 and connected to the cover portion 31 and the first stop portion 32, respectively. The partitions 33 divide the first cavity 41 into multiple smaller cavities, each communicating with a corresponding first notch 42 to form multiple independent small passages. Gas released from the battery through the through hole 11 enters the smaller cavity and exits through the first notch 42. Gas released from the battery in adjacent smaller cavities does not affect each other, ensuring normal flow in each passage. Furthermore, the partitions 33 also reinforce the cover portion 31 located in the first cavity 41, increasing its local strength to withstand greater impact forces. The partitions 33 also reinforce the first stop portion 32, increasing its local strength to withstand greater impact forces.

[0043] There can be multiple second notches 44, evenly distributed around the axis of the through hole 11. Each second notch 44 allows gas released from the battery to pass through. Multiple second notches 44 allow the gas released from the battery to exit from different directions. When a second notch 44 in one direction is blocked, the second notches 44 in the other directions can ensure the continued discharge of the gas released from the battery. In addition, the even discharge of the gas released from the battery in multiple directions can also ensure that the protective cover 30 is subjected to balanced pressure, avoiding wear and tear damage caused by continuous force in one direction.

[0044] Of course, multiple second gaps 44 can also be arranged unevenly, and the pressure relief area should be calculated according to the actual product structure to arrange the second gaps 44.

[0045] See details Figure 2 and Figure 3 A limiting groove 13 is formed by a recess on the side of the housing 10 away from the receiving cavity 12. A through hole 11 is opened in the limiting groove 13 and is located on the bottom wall of the limiting groove 13. A waterproof and breathable membrane 20 is disposed in the limiting groove 13. The side wall of the limiting groove 13 limits the waterproof and breathable membrane 20, thereby ensuring that the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 covers the through hole 11. A first stop 32 is inserted into the limiting groove 13 to press down the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. The groove wall of the limiting groove 13 limits the first stop 32 to ensure the correct assembly of the protective cover 30 and to ensure that the first stop 32 can press down the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. The second stop 34 is in contact with the outer surface of the housing 10.

[0046] In this embodiment, the limiting groove 13 limits the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 to ensure that the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 is directly opposite the through hole 11. The limiting groove 13 also limits the first stop 32 to ensure that the first stop 32 can press down on the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. In addition, the limiting groove 13 can accommodate part of the protective cover 30 to reduce the height of the protective cover 30 protruding relative to the housing 10, thereby reducing the probability of the protective cover 30 being accidentally touched.

[0047] The side walls of the first stop 32 and the limiting groove 13 are spaced apart, and the side walls of the first stop 32 and the limiting groove 13 form a third cavity. The second cavity 43 and the third cavity are connected. The side walls of the first stop 32 and the limiting groove 13 have space to allow the gas released by the battery to flow, thereby increasing the flow speed of the gas released by the battery.

[0048] Furthermore, a step 14 is provided between the side wall and the bottom wall of the limiting groove 13, and the first stop 32 is opposite to the side wall of the step 14. The free end of the first stop 32 is deeper into the limiting groove 13 than the top surface of the step 14, and the side wall of the step 14 can prevent the first stop 32 from contacting the side wall of the limiting groove 13, ensuring the unobstructed flow of the third cavity.

[0049] The battery box also includes a pressure ring 50, which is positioned between the protective cover 30 and the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. The protective cover 30 presses down on the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 via the pressure ring 50. Specifically, the first stop 32 presses down on the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 via the pressure ring 50. The pressure ring 50 is an annular structure with a central hole. The protective cover 30 applies pressure to the pressure ring 50, which in turn presses down on the waterproof and breathable membrane 20. The thickness and structural strength of the pressure ring 50 are much greater than those of the waterproof and breathable membrane 20, so the pressure ring 50 can withstand the pressure of the protective cover 30 without damage. In addition, the contact area between the pressure ring 50 and the waterproof and breathable membrane 20 is larger, allowing for better pressure on the membrane.

[0050] In another embodiment, the pressure relief channel 40 passes through the opening of the protective cover 30, and the axial direction of the opening is the same as the axial direction of the through hole. The pressure relief channel 40 has a first section, a middle section, and a last section connected in sequence. The first section communicates with the through hole 11, and the last section passes through the protective cover 30 to form an opening. The axial directions of both the first and last sections are the same as the axial direction of the through hole 11. The middle section can be bent and extended within the protective cover, for example, by a zigzag extension or a spiral extension. The pressure relief channel 40 in the middle section forms an angle with the axial direction of the through hole 11.

[0051] Please see Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the battery pack located in the protective cover 30 area from another perspective, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The battery box also includes screws 60. The box body 10 has mounting holes 15, through which screws 60 pass and are connected to the protective cover 30 on the side facing the receiving cavity 12. Screws 60 pass through the mounting holes 15 from the side of the box body 10 facing the receiving cavity 12 and connect to the protective cover 30. Screws 60 do not penetrate the protective cover 30; the top surface of the protective cover 30 away from the receiving cavity 12 is a complete surface, thus preventing moisture corrosion of screws 60. Screws 60 detachably connect the protective cover 30 and the box body 10. If the battery fails and the released gas breaks through the waterproof and breathable membrane 20, causing the membrane to fail, screws 60 can be removed, the protective cover 30 separated, and a new waterproof and breathable membrane 20 replaced.

[0053] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0054] It should also be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may be connected to an intermediary component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or indirectly connected to the other component through an intermediary component.

[0055] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this utility model is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery box characterized by, The battery box further comprises: a box body having a through hole, an accommodating cavity for accommodating a battery being formed in the box body; a waterproof and breathable membrane arranged on a side of the box body away from the accommodating cavity and covering the through hole; a protective cover connected to the box body and pressing the waterproof and breathable membrane, the protective cover being formed with a pressure relief channel in communication with the through hole, the pressure relief channel being at an angle with respect to an axis of the through hole and penetrating the protective cover.

2. The battery box according to claim 1, wherein the pressure relief channel comprises a first cavity and a first notch; the protective cover comprises a cover portion opposite to the through hole in the axis direction of the through hole and a first blocking portion arranged on the cover portion, the first cavity being formed between the cover portion, the first blocking portion and the box body, the first blocking portion being formed with the first notch, and the first cavity being in communication with the through hole and the first notch, respectively.

3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, the pressure relief channel comprises a second cavity and a second notch; the protective cover comprises a second blocking portion arranged on the cover portion and spaced apart from the first blocking portion to form the second cavity, the second blocking portion being formed with the second notch, the first notch being opposite to the second blocking portion, and the second notch being opposite to the first blocking portion.

4. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, the first notch is in a plurality, and the plurality of first notches are uniformly distributed around the axis of the through hole.

5. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, the pressure relief channel penetrates the protective cover along the same axis direction as the through hole.

6. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, the pressure relief channel is at least partially curved.

7. The battery pack of claim 3, wherein, a limiting groove is recessed on a side of the box body away from the accommodating cavity, the through hole is arranged in the limiting groove, the waterproof and breathable membrane is arranged in the limiting groove, the first blocking portion is inserted into the limiting groove to press the waterproof and breathable membrane, and the second blocking portion is in contact with an appearance surface of the box body.

8. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein, the first blocking portion and a side wall of the limiting groove are spaced apart.

9. The battery pack of claim 8, wherein, a step is arranged between the side wall and a bottom wall of the limiting groove, and the first blocking portion is opposite to a side wall of the step.

10. The battery box according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The battery box further comprises a pressing ring arranged between the protective cover and the waterproof and breathable membrane, and the protective cover presses the waterproof and breathable membrane through the pressing ring.

11. The battery box according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The battery box further comprises a screw, the box body is formed with an assembly hole, the screw is arranged through the assembly hole, and a side of the protective cover facing the accommodating cavity is connected to the screw.

12. A battery pack, characterized by, The battery pack comprises a battery and the battery box according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the battery is assembled in the battery box.

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