Battery box and electric vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of battery box and electric automobile, it is related to battery field, this battery box includes box and monitoring mechanism, and accommodating cavity is formed in box, battery module is provided in accommodating cavity, and battery module includes multiple lithium batteries;Monitoring mechanism includes the main body being set on box, and monitoring mechanism has with the temperature monitoring point of the smoke detection part and temperature monitoring part of main body electrical connection, smoke detection part is set in accommodating cavity, temperature monitoring part is set on box, and temperature monitoring part has multiple temperature monitoring points, and each temperature monitoring point is correspondingly set with each lithium battery.Through temperature monitoring of temperature monitoring part being set on box, smoke detection part is detected in the smoke of setting in box, and both cooperate and match, can accurately detect the thermal runaway condition of lithium battery itself, and timely take effective measures, reduce security risk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery box and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries have a broad market in new energy electric vehicles, energy storage, marine, aerospace, and military fields; however, their inherent safety risks have always been a key factor hindering their application and development. Specifically, lithium-ion batteries have high energy and power densities, and the materials inside the batteries, such as the positive and negative electrodes and electrolytes, contain chemically sensitive substances with high reactivity and a tendency to ignite. Therefore, once a lithium-ion battery experiences thermal runaway, it is prone to rapid combustion and fire, which can then spread to nearby batteries, further exacerbating the severity of the runaway.

[0003] For example, patent CN107394314A discloses an electric vehicle battery pack based on a liquid cooling circuit and active heating. It dissipates heat from the electric vehicle battery through a circulating liquid cooling circuit, and at low temperatures, a thin-film electric heater heats and controls the temperature of the battery pack, thus solving the problem of low-temperature start-up. However, the liquid cooling structure results in a dense battery arrangement, leading to insufficient heat dissipation in the middle of the battery. This makes it difficult to take timely and effective measures when the battery is damaged and catches fire, posing a high safety risk. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a battery box and an electric vehicle, which can solve the problem of high safety risks caused by the inability to take timely and effective measures when the battery is in thermal runaway.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0006] This utility model provides a battery box, comprising:

[0007] A housing, wherein a receiving cavity is formed within the housing, and a battery module comprising multiple lithium batteries is disposed within the receiving cavity; and

[0008] The monitoring mechanism includes a main body disposed on the housing. The monitoring mechanism has a smoke detection unit and a temperature monitoring unit electrically connected to the main body. The smoke detection unit is disposed inside the accommodating cavity. The temperature monitoring unit is disposed on the housing and has multiple temperature monitoring points, each of which is correspondingly disposed to each of the lithium batteries.

[0009] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the box body includes a bottom plate, and a top cover is detachably provided on the bottom plate, the top cover and the bottom plate enclosing the receiving cavity.

[0010] More preferably, the temperature monitoring unit includes a signal line and a temperature sensing line, with the two ends of the signal line connected to the temperature sensing line and the main body, respectively. The temperature sensing line is located on the top of the upper cover and has multiple temperature monitoring points.

[0011] More preferably, the lithium batteries are arranged side by side along a first direction, and the temperature sensing line extends along the first direction and is located above the battery vent valve of each lithium battery.

[0012] More preferably, the battery module is provided in multiple groups in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, and the temperature monitoring unit is provided in multiple groups, with the temperature sensing line in each temperature monitoring unit corresponding to each battery module.

[0013] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the top cover includes a top plate and a plurality of side plates connected to the periphery of the top plate, the temperature sensing wire is disposed on the top plate, the main body is embedded in one of the side plates, the main body has an inner end located in the accommodating cavity, and the smoke detection part is disposed on the inner end.

[0014] More preferably, each of the side plates includes two first side plates arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, wherein a flow space communicating with the accommodating cavity is formed between one of the first side plates and the battery module, and the inner end is located on the first side plate and is disposed toward the flow space.

[0015] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the upper cover is provided with a venting valve, and the venting valve is connected to the accommodating cavity.

[0016] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the upper cover has a wire groove, and the temperature sensing wire is snapped into the wire groove.

[0017] This utility model also provides an electric vehicle, including the battery box described above.

[0018] The battery box and electric vehicle of this invention have the following advantages over the prior art:

[0019] (1) Temperature monitoring is performed by a temperature monitoring unit set on the box, and smoke detection is performed by a smoke detection unit set inside the box. The two work together to accurately detect the thermal runaway of the lithium battery itself, and effective measures can be taken in time to reduce safety risks.

[0020] (2) By aligning the temperature sensing wire with the position of the lithium battery's vent valve, the temperature sensing wire can promptly detect the high-temperature gas discharged from the vent valve, thereby issuing an alarm or triggering other safety measures in a timely manner. This allows for measures to be taken in the early stages of thermal runaway to prevent further damage to the lithium battery or the occurrence of more serious safety problems. In addition, the temperature sensing wire can directly measure the temperature of the gas discharged from the vent valve, reducing errors in the temperature transmission process and ensuring the accuracy of temperature monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery box of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery box of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the upper cover of the battery box of this utility model.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 1. Housing; 11. Receptacle; 12. Bottom plate; 13. Top cover; 131. Top plate; 132. Side plate; 1321. First side plate; 14. Flow space; 2. Battery module; 21. Lithium battery; 22. Battery explosion relief valve; 3. Monitoring mechanism; 31. Main body; 32. Smoke detection unit; 33. Temperature monitoring unit; 331. Signal line; 332. Temperature sensing line; 4. Explosion relief valve; 5. Cable tray. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this utility model provides a battery box, which includes a box body 1 and a monitoring mechanism 3. The box body 1 has a receiving cavity 11, and a battery module 2 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11. The battery module 2 includes multiple lithium batteries 21. The monitoring mechanism 3 includes a main body 31 disposed on the box body 1. The monitoring mechanism 3 has a smoke detection part 32 and a temperature monitoring part 33 electrically connected to the main body 31. The smoke detection part 32 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11, and the temperature monitoring part 33 is disposed on the box body 1. The temperature monitoring part 33 has multiple temperature monitoring points, and each temperature monitoring point is correspondingly disposed to each lithium battery 21.

[0029] The accommodating cavity 11 is used to house the battery module 2, which consists of multiple lithium batteries 21. This allows the lithium batteries 21 to be placed centrally, facilitating management and maintenance and improving space utilization. The monitoring mechanism 3 monitors the environmental conditions inside the battery box in real time, ensuring the safe operation of the lithium batteries 21. A smoke detector 32 is located inside the accommodating cavity 11, making smoke detection more accurate and enabling earlier detection of smoke inside the box 1. A temperature monitoring unit 33 is located on the box 1, with each temperature monitoring point corresponding to each lithium battery 21. Reaching the set temperature at any monitoring point triggers a temperature over-limit alarm. By using the temperature monitoring unit 33 on the box 1 for temperature monitoring and the smoke detector 32 inside the box 1 for smoke detection, the two work together to accurately detect thermal runaway of the lithium batteries 21, allowing for timely and effective measures to reduce safety risks.

[0030] Currently, the status of lithium battery 21 is primarily monitored through a fire suppression system to ensure its safe operation. Existing fire suppression systems typically combine temperature detectors and smoke detectors. Temperature detectors are usually placed inside the battery pack to detect battery temperature, while smoke detectors are typically placed outside to detect smoke inside the battery pack. However, in practical applications, temperature detectors detect the temperature of the air heated by thermal runaway, resulting in a lag. This means that by the time the back of the battery pack is burning, the detectors in front of it may not have triggered an alarm, potentially leading to a delay in effective measures when thermal runaway occurs, thus increasing safety risks. Furthermore, other structural components inside the battery pack, such as foam and thermally conductive adhesives, can decompose and produce carbon monoxide under high temperatures, easily causing false alarms from smoke detectors and increasing the burden of operation and maintenance.

[0031] In this embodiment, the monitoring mechanism 3 has a smoke detection unit 32 and a temperature monitoring unit 33. The monitoring mechanism 3 integrates smoke detection and temperature monitoring. The smoke detection unit 32 is placed inside the accommodating cavity 11, and the temperature monitoring unit 33 is placed on the housing 1. This can effectively avoid the defects of a single detection method, improve the accuracy and reliability of detection, and avoid false alarms and missed alarms.

[0032] In some embodiments, the housing 1 includes a base plate 12, on which a top cover 13 is detachably mounted. The top cover 13 and the base plate 12 enclose the receiving cavity 11. The top cover 13 can be detachably mounted on the base plate 12 by multiple bolts or multiple clips, thereby facilitating the opening or closing of the receiving cavity, facilitating the installation and replacement of the battery module 2, reducing maintenance costs, and improving the service life and maintainability of the battery box.

[0033] Optionally, the temperature monitoring unit 33 includes a signal line 331 and a temperature sensing line 332. The two ends of the signal line 331 are connected to the temperature sensing line 332 and the main body 31, respectively. The temperature sensing line 332 is located on the top of the upper cover 13, and the temperature monitoring point is integrated on the temperature sensing line 332. By placing the temperature sensing line 332 on the top of the upper cover 13, when the lithium battery 21 experiences thermal runaway, the temperature will rise rapidly in a short time. The temperature sensing line 332 can immediately detect the temperature increase and promptly transmit the signal to the main body 31 via the signal line 331.

[0034] In some embodiments, the lithium batteries 21 are arranged side-by-side along a first direction, and the temperature sensing wire 332 extends along the first direction and is located above the battery vent valve 22 of each lithium battery 21. The temperature sensing wire 332 corresponds to the position of the battery vent valve 22 of the lithium battery 21. When the lithium battery 21 experiences thermal runaway, the battery vent valve 22 releases a large amount of high-temperature gas. This gas is rapidly discharged the instant the battery vent valve 22 opens. The temperature sensing wire 332 can promptly detect the high-temperature gas discharged from the battery vent valve 22, thereby issuing an alarm or triggering other safety measures in a timely manner. Measures can be taken in the early stages of thermal runaway to prevent further damage to the lithium battery 21 or more serious safety problems. In addition, the temperature sensing wire 332 can directly measure the temperature of the gas discharged from the battery vent valve 22, reducing errors in the temperature transmission process and ensuring the accuracy of temperature monitoring.

[0035] In some embodiments, multiple sets of battery modules 2 are arranged in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Multiple temperature monitoring units 33 are provided, and the temperature sensing wires 332 in each temperature monitoring unit 33 correspond to each battery module 2, so as to realize comprehensive monitoring of the temperature of multiple sets of battery modules 2, ensuring that the temperature of the lithium battery 21 in the entire battery box is within the monitoring range, and further improving the safety and reliability of the battery box.

[0036] In some embodiments, the upper cover 13 includes a top plate 131 and a plurality of side plates 132 connected to the periphery of the top plate 131. The temperature sensing wire 332 is disposed on the top plate 131, and the main body 31 is embedded in one of the side plates 132. The main body 31 has an inner end located within the accommodating cavity 11, and the smoke detection unit 32 is disposed on the inner end. By disposing the temperature sensing wire 332 on the top plate 131, subsequent operation and maintenance are facilitated, reducing the difficulty and cost of maintenance. By disposing the smoke detection unit 32 on the inner end of the main body 31, the connection between the smoke detection unit 32 and the main body 31 is facilitated, and the space occupied by the monitoring mechanism 3 inside the accommodating cavity 11 is reduced, ensuring the compactness of the overall structure.

[0037] In some embodiments, each side plate 132 includes two first side plates 1321 arranged opposite to each other along the first direction. A flow space 14 communicating with the accommodating cavity 11 is formed between one of the first side plates 1321 and the battery module 2. The inner end is located on the first side plate 1321 and faces the flow space 14. This allows the smoke detection unit 32 to better detect smoke within the accommodating cavity 11. Once smoke is generated, it can be quickly detected by the smoke detection unit 32 through the flow space 14, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of smoke detection, issuing timely alarms, and taking effective measures to improve the safety of the battery box.

[0038] In some embodiments, the upper cover 13 is provided with a pressure relief valve 4, which is connected to the accommodating cavity 11. When the pressure inside the battery box is too high, the pressure relief valve 4 can release the high-temperature gas inside the accommodating cavity 11 in a timely manner, thereby relieving pressure and helping to reduce the temperature inside the battery box. In the event of thermal runaway, this can reduce the extent and scope of damage to the lithium battery 21 and prevent dangerous situations such as battery box explosion.

[0039] In some embodiments, the upper cover 13 is provided with a wire groove 5, and the temperature sensing wire 332 is snapped into the wire groove 5. The wire groove 5 can fix the position of the temperature sensing wire 332, which facilitates the installation and maintenance of the temperature sensing wire 332, prevents the temperature sensing wire 332 from shifting or being damaged during use, and ensures the stability and accuracy of temperature monitoring.

[0040] In summary, this application provides a battery box that uses a monitoring mechanism 3 to monitor the internal environment in real time, ensuring the safe operation of the lithium battery 21. A smoke detector 32 is located within the accommodating cavity 11, making smoke detection more accurate and enabling earlier detection of smoke within the box 1. A temperature monitoring unit 33 is located on the box 1, with each temperature monitoring point corresponding to each lithium battery 21. Reaching the set temperature at any monitoring point triggers a temperature over-limit alarm. By using the temperature monitoring unit 33 on the box 1 for temperature monitoring and the smoke detector 32 inside the box 1 for smoke detection, the two work together to accurately detect thermal runaway of the lithium battery 21, allowing for timely and effective measures to reduce safety risks.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This utility model also provides an electric vehicle, including the battery box described in the above embodiments.

[0042] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery box, characterized in that, include: A housing (1) having a cavity (11) within it, a battery module (2) being disposed within the cavity (11), the battery module (2) comprising a plurality of lithium batteries (21); and The monitoring mechanism (3) includes a main body (31) disposed on the housing (1). The monitoring mechanism (3) has a smoke detection unit (32) and a temperature monitoring unit (33) electrically connected to the main body (31). The smoke detection unit (32) is disposed in the accommodating cavity (11). The temperature monitoring unit (33) is disposed on the housing (1), and the temperature monitoring unit (33) has multiple temperature monitoring points, each of which is corresponding to each of the lithium batteries (21).

2. The battery box as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes a bottom plate (12), and a top cover (13) is detachably provided on the bottom plate (12). The top cover (13) and the bottom plate (12) enclose the accommodating cavity (11).

3. The battery box as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature monitoring unit (33) includes a signal line (331) and a temperature sensing line (332). The two ends of the signal line (331) are connected to the temperature sensing line (332) and the main body (31) respectively. The temperature sensing line (332) is located on the top of the upper cover (13), and the temperature monitoring point is integrated on the temperature sensing line (332).

4. The battery box as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the lithium batteries (21) is arranged side by side along a first direction, and the temperature sensing line (332) extends along the first direction and is located above the battery vent valve (22) of each of the lithium batteries (21).

5. The battery box as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The battery module (2) is provided in multiple groups in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The temperature monitoring unit (33) is provided in multiple groups, and the temperature sensing line (332) in each temperature monitoring unit (33) corresponds to each battery module (2).

6. The battery box as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The top cover (13) includes a top plate (131) and a plurality of side plates (132) connected to the periphery of the top plate (131). The temperature sensing wire (332) is disposed on the top plate (131). The main body (31) is embedded in one of the side plates (132). The main body (31) has an inner end located in the accommodating cavity (11). The smoke detection part (32) is disposed on the inner end.

7. The battery box as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the side plates (132) includes two first side plates (1321) arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, wherein a flow space (14) communicating with the accommodating cavity (11) is formed between one of the first side plates (1321) and the battery module (2), and the inner end is located on the first side plate (1321) and is arranged toward the flow space (14).

8. The battery box as described in claim 3, characterized in that: An explosion relief valve (4) is provided on the upper cover (13), and the explosion relief valve (4) is connected to the accommodating cavity (11).

9. The battery box as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The upper cover (13) has a wire groove (5) and the temperature sensing wire (332) is inserted into the wire groove (5).

10. An electric vehicle, characterized in that: Includes the battery box as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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