An explosion-proof valve, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to an explosion-proof valve, a battery pack and a vehicle. The explosion-proof valve comprises a valve body, the valve body comprising a valve hole; a valve cover, installed at the outer end of the valve body, capable of opening or closing the valve hole; and an optical sensor, installed between the valve cover and the valve body and connected to at least one of the valve cover and the valve body. In the application, the optical sensor is installed between the valve cover and the valve body, the optical sensor can monitor the position state of the valve cover in real time, when the valve cover moves due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside reaching a threshold value, the optical sensor can capture the valve opening signal through the change of the light path between the valve cover and the valve body. When the explosion-proof valve is applied to the battery pack, the optical sensor and a battery management unit are electrically connected, the battery management unit can receive the valve opening signal collected by the optical sensor, realize real-time monitoring and intelligent management of the state of the battery pack, and take measures in the first time when the explosion-proof valve is accidentally opened, so that the insulation safety risk of the battery pack after being soaked in water is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to an explosion-proof valve, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As a component to ensure the thermal safety of the battery pack, the explosion-proof valve is generally installed on the wall of the battery box. When the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack reaches the opening threshold of the explosion-proof valve, the explosion-proof valve opens, allowing the battery pack to connect with the external environment, thereby venting the high-temperature and high-pressure gas inside the battery pack and significantly reducing the thermal load on the components inside the battery pack.

[0003] When new energy vehicles drive through water, the explosion-proof valve will be submerged and there will be relative movement between it and the water. According to Bernoulli's principle, the static pressure at the explosion-proof valve will increase with the flow velocity at that point. Consequently, the air pressure inside the battery pack will be higher than the pressure at the explosion-proof valve, causing the explosion-proof valve to open and allowing water from outside the battery pack to enter, posing a risk of insulation failure.

[0004] Currently, there is a lack of reliable detection measures to address the risk of the explosion-proof valve opening. As a result, the system cannot detect the failure of the explosion-proof valve in a timely manner after it is opened and water enters, which greatly increases the risk to the insulation safety of the battery pack after it is submerged in water. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an explosion-proof valve, a battery pack, and a vehicle that can promptly detect the failure state of the explosion-proof valve and reduce the insulation safety risk after the battery pack is submerged in water.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides an explosion-proof valve, comprising:

[0007] Valve body, the valve body including a valve port;

[0008] A valve cover is installed at the outer end of the valve body. The valve cover is axially movable along the valve orifice to open or close the valve orifice.

[0009] An optical sensor is mounted between the valve cover and the valve body and connected to at least one of the valve cover and the valve body.

[0010] This application achieves effective monitoring of the opening status of an explosion-proof valve by integrating an optical sensor. Specifically, the optical sensor is installed between the valve cover and the valve body. The optical sensor can monitor the position of the valve cover in real time. When the valve cover moves due to the internal and external pressure difference reaching a threshold and thus opens the valve orifice, the optical sensor can capture the opening signal through the change in light between the valve cover and the valve body. When the explosion-proof valve of this application is applied to a battery pack, the optical sensor and the battery management unit are electrically connected. The battery management unit can receive the opening signal collected by the optical sensor, realize real-time monitoring of the opening status of the explosion-proof valve, and intelligent management of the battery pack status. When the explosion-proof valve is accidentally opened, the battery management unit can take measures immediately, such as cutting off the high-voltage power supply of the battery pack, thereby reducing the insulation safety risk after the battery pack is submerged in water and improving the safety of new energy vehicles when driving through water.

[0011] Optionally, the optical sensor is connected to the inner wall of the valve cover.

[0012] Optionally, the valve body includes:

[0013] A valve body, the valve body including the valve orifice;

[0014] The support leg is connected to the inside of the valve hole, and the wall of the support leg facing the valve cover is provided with a receiving groove, and the optical sensor is installed inside the receiving groove.

[0015] Optionally, the optical sensor is bonded and fixed inside the receiving groove.

[0016] Optionally, the support leg is further provided with a wire harness hole, which communicates with the receiving groove. A stepped wall facing the valve cover is formed between the wire harness hole and the receiving groove. The wire harness hole penetrates the wall of the support leg facing away from the valve cover.

[0017] Optionally, the explosion-proof valve further includes:

[0018] A connecting harness is provided, which is electrically connected to the optical sensor.

[0019] Optionally, the explosion-proof valve further includes:

[0020] A wire harness clip having a slot for securing the connecting wire harness;

[0021] A guide rod cover is connected to the end of the support leg facing away from the valve cover, and the wiring harness is fastened to at least one of the guide rod cover and the valve body.

[0022] Optionally, the wire harness clip includes a fixing part that surrounds the guide rod cover.

[0023] This application also provides a battery pack including the aforementioned explosion-proof valve.

[0024] The battery pack of this application includes the aforementioned explosion-proof valve, and therefore has the same technical effect as the aforementioned explosion-proof valve, which will not be repeated here.

[0025] Optionally, the battery pack further includes:

[0026] A battery management unit, which is electrically connected to the optical sensor.

[0027] This application also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery pack.

[0028] The vehicle in this application includes the aforementioned battery pack, and therefore has the same technical effects as the aforementioned battery pack, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a split diagram of a specific embodiment of the explosion-proof valve provided in this application;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the explosion-proof valve at the second angle;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the explosion-proof valve when the valve cover is removed;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a specific embodiment of the battery pack provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the battery pack from the second angle;

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A breakdown diagram of the battery pack;

[0035] in, Figures 1-6 The accompanying figure labels are as follows:

[0036] 01-Explosion-proof valve; 1-Valve body; 11-Valve body; 1a-Valve hole; 2-Valve cover; 3-Optical sensor; 4-Support leg; 4a-Receiving groove; 4b-Wire harness hole; 4c-Step wall; 5-Connecting wire harness; 6-Wire harness buckle; 61-Slot; 62-Fixing part; 7-Guide rod cover;

[0037] 02-Battery housing; 02a-Pressure relief vent;

[0038] 03-Battery Management Unit. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0041] It should be understood that the phrase "some embodiments" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "some embodiments" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] With the development of new energy vehicle technology, the demand for driving range is increasing, the energy density of battery packs is constantly improving, and the energy release after thermal runaway is also significantly increasing, which in turn puts forward higher requirements for thermal safety.

[0044] When a cell in a battery pack experiences thermal runaway, it will emit a large amount of high-temperature flammable gas, significantly increasing the temperature and pressure inside the battery pack. This increases the risk of thermal spread from cells that have not yet runaway and may cause structural components such as the top cover, casing, and sealing interfaces to fail, leading to the spread of thermal runaway or flames outside the battery pack, threatening passenger safety.

[0045] As a component to ensure the thermal safety of the battery pack, the explosion-proof valve is generally installed on the wall of the battery box. When the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack reaches the opening threshold of the explosion-proof valve, the explosion-proof valve opens, allowing the battery pack to connect with the external environment, thereby venting the high-temperature and high-pressure gas inside the battery pack and significantly reducing the thermal load on the components inside the battery pack.

[0046] When a new energy vehicle drives through water, the explosion-proof valve will be submerged and there will be relative movement between it and the water. According to Bernoulli's principle, the static pressure at the explosion-proof valve will increase with the flow velocity at that point. Consequently, the air pressure inside the battery pack will be higher than the pressure at the explosion-proof valve, causing the explosion-proof valve to open and allowing water from outside the battery pack to enter, posing an insulation risk.

[0047] Currently, there is a lack of reliable detection measures to address the risk of the explosion-proof valve opening. As a result, the system cannot detect the failure of the explosion-proof valve in a timely manner after it is opened and water enters, which greatly increases the risk to the insulation safety of the battery pack after it is submerged in water.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 1-6 , Figure 1 This is a split diagram of a specific embodiment of the explosion-proof valve provided in this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the explosion-proof valve at the second angle; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the explosion-proof valve when the valve cover is removed; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a specific embodiment of the battery pack provided in this application; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the battery pack from the second angle; Figure 6 for Figure 4 A breakdown diagram of the battery pack.

[0049] This embodiment provides an explosion-proof valve 01, including:

[0050] Valve body 1, valve body 1 includes valve hole 1a;

[0051] Valve cover 2 is installed on the outer end of valve body 1. Valve cover 2 can move along the axial direction of valve hole 1a to open or close valve hole 1a.

[0052] An optical sensor 3 is installed between the valve cover 2 and the valve body 1, and is connected to at least one of the valve cover 2 and the valve body 1.

[0053] It should be noted that when the explosion-proof valve 01 is installed in the battery box 02, the end closer to the inside of the battery box 02 is the "inner end", and the end closer to the outside of the battery box 02 is the "outer end".

[0054] In this embodiment, the explosion-proof valve 01 effectively monitors its opening state through an integrated optical sensor 3. Specifically, the optical sensor 3 is installed between the valve cover 2 and the valve body 1. The optical sensor 3 can monitor the position of the valve cover 2 in real time. Specifically, when the valve cover 2 moves due to the internal and external pressure difference reaching a threshold and opens the valve hole 1a, the optical sensor 3 can capture the opening signal through the light change between the valve cover 2 and the valve body 1. When the explosion-proof valve 01 in this embodiment is applied to the battery pack, the optical sensor 3 and the battery management unit 03 are electrically connected. The battery management unit 03 can receive the opening signal collected by the optical sensor 3, realize real-time monitoring of the opening state of the explosion-proof valve 01, and intelligent management of the battery pack status. When the explosion-proof valve 01 is accidentally opened, the battery management unit 03 can take measures immediately, such as cutting off the high-voltage power supply of the battery pack, thereby reducing the insulation safety risk after the battery pack is submerged in water and improving the safety of new energy vehicles when driving through water.

[0055] The explosion-proof valve 01 in this embodiment is suitable for scenarios where ambient light exists in the external environment.

[0056] As mentioned above, the optical sensor 3 is installed between the valve cover 2 and the valve body 1, and the specific installation position of the optical sensor 3 is not limited. In some embodiments of this application, the optical sensor 3 is connected to the inner wall of the valve cover 2.

[0057] As configured above, the optical sensor 3 is connected to the inner wall of the valve cover 2. The optical sensor 3 can more accurately monitor the positional changes of the valve cover 2. When the valve cover 2 moves due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside reaching a threshold, the optical sensor 3 can detect this movement more promptly, thereby providing immediate feedback on the opening of the valve cover 2 and improving the detection sensitivity of the optical sensor 3. The optical sensor 3 is connected to the inner wall of the valve cover 2, which can also avoid interference with the pressure relief of the explosion-proof valve 01 and maintain the pressure relief efficiency of the explosion-proof valve 01. In addition, the optical sensor 3 is connected to the inner wall of the valve cover 2, so there is no need to modify the structure of the explosion-proof valve 01, reducing production costs.

[0058] The optical sensor 3 is connected to the inner wall of the valve cover 2. The specific connection method is not limited. For example, the optical sensor 3 can be glued and fixed to the inner wall of the valve cover 2.

[0059] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 1-3 In some embodiments of this application, the valve body 1 includes:

[0060] Valve body 11, the valve body 11 includes valve hole 1a;

[0061] The support leg 4 is connected inside the valve hole 1a. The support leg 4 has a receiving groove 4a on the wall facing the valve cover 2. The optical sensor 3 is installed inside the receiving groove 4a.

[0062] The support leg 4 is the existing structure of the explosion-proof valve 01. The middle of the support leg 4 has a through hole for the guide rod of the explosion-proof valve 01 to pass through and connect with the valve cover 2. The interior of the valve hole 1a, except for the support leg 4, forms a pressure relief channel. The optical sensor 3 is installed on the support leg 4, which can avoid interference with the pressure relief channel of the explosion-proof valve 01 and maintain the pressure relief efficiency of the explosion-proof valve 01. The support leg 4 has a receiving groove 4a on the wall facing the valve cover 2. The optical sensor 3 is installed inside the receiving groove 4a. The receiving groove 4a provides a stable installation position for the optical sensor 3, effectively improving the installation reliability of the optical sensor 3, reducing the displacement or damage of the optical sensor 3 caused by vibration or impact, and improving the monitoring reliability of the optical sensor 3.

[0063] The optical sensor 3 is installed inside the receiving groove 4a. The specific installation method is not limited. For example, in some embodiments, the optical sensor 3 can be installed inside the receiving groove 4a by interference fit, improving the ease of installation and removal. In other embodiments, the optical sensor 3 can be glued and fixed inside the receiving groove 4a, improving the installation stability of the optical sensor 3.

[0064] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 1-3 In some embodiments of this application, the support leg 4 is also provided with a wire harness hole 4b, which is connected to the receiving groove 4a. A stepped wall 4c facing the valve cover 2 is formed between the wire harness hole 4b and the receiving groove 4a. The wire harness hole 4b penetrates the wall of the support leg 4 facing away from the valve cover 2.

[0065] As configured above, the optical sensor 3 is installed inside the receiving groove 4a and abuts against the stepped wall 4c. The stepped wall 4c can limit the axial movement of the optical sensor 3, improving the installation stability of the optical sensor 3. The wire harness hole 4b is connected to the receiving groove 4a and passes through the wall of the support leg 4 facing away from the valve cover 2. In this way, the connecting wire 5, which is electrically connected to the optical sensor 3, can pass through the wire harness hole 4b to electrically connect with the battery management unit 03, realizing signal transmission between the optical sensor 3 and the battery management unit 03, and improving the intelligence level of the battery pack.

[0066] When the optical sensor 3 is bonded and fixed inside the receiving groove 4a, the step wall 4c and the optical sensor 3 are bonded and fixed; and / or, the inner peripheral wall of the receiving groove 4a and the optical sensor 3 are bonded and fixed.

[0067] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the explosion-proof valve 01 further includes:

[0068] Connecting harness 5, which is electrically connected to optical sensor 3.

[0069] As configured above, the end of the connecting harness 5 furthest from the optical sensor 3 is used for electrical connection with the battery management unit 03, enabling signal transmission between the optical sensor 3 and the battery management unit 03 and improving the intelligence level of the battery pack. As mentioned earlier, the connecting harness 5 can pass through the harness hole 4b to electrically connect with the battery management unit 03.

[0070] Of course, the optical sensor 3 and the battery management unit 03 can be connected wirelessly, in addition to being electrically connected via the connecting harness 5. This eliminates the limitations of harness length and wiring constraints on the placement of the optical sensor 3, reducing installation difficulty and allowing for more flexible installation locations.

[0071] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the explosion-proof valve 01 further includes:

[0072] The wire harness clip 6 has a slot 61 for securing the wire harness 5.

[0073] The guide rod cover 7 is connected to one end of the support leg 4 facing away from the valve cover 2, and the wire harness clip 6 is connected to at least one of the guide rod cover 7 and the valve body 1.

[0074] As configured above, the wire harness clip 6 can fix the position of the connecting wire harness 5, minimizing the risk of damage to the connecting wire harness 5 due to vibration or other reasons, and improving the connection reliability between the optical sensor 3 and the battery management unit 03. The wire harness clip 6 fixes the connecting wire harness 5 through the slot 61, which helps to improve the convenience of installation or maintenance of the connecting wire harness 5. At the same time, the guide rod cover 7 is an existing structure in the explosion-proof valve 01. The guide rod cover 7 can protect and guide the guide rod in the explosion-proof valve 01. When the wire harness clip 6 is connected to the guide rod cover 7, the guide rod cover 7 can also fix the wire harness clip 6, ensuring the installation stability of the wire harness clip 6, so that the wire harness clip 6 can better manage the layout of the connecting wire harness 5.

[0075] The size and shape of the slot 61 can be designed to conform to the size and shape of the connecting wire harness 5, so as to ensure that the connecting wire harness 5 can be firmly fixed in the slot 61.

[0076] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the wire harness clip 6 includes a fixing part 62, which surrounds the guide rod cover 7 to fix the wire harness clip 6 and the guide rod cover 7, thereby ensuring the installation stability of the wire harness clip 6.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the fixing part 62 is an annular structure that matches the guide rod cover 7. Of course, in some other embodiments, the fixing part 62 can also be an arc-shaped structure, with a fixing groove formed inside the fixing part 62, and a portion of the guide rod cover 7 is engaged inside the fixing groove.

[0078] In addition, the explosion-proof valve 01 also includes a seal, a guide rod, and an elastic element. The guide rod passes through a hole in the middle of the support leg 4, and its outer end is connected to the valve cover 2. The inner end of the guide rod is located inside the guide rod cover 7, and the inner end of the guide rod has a stepped portion facing the support leg 4. The elastic element is fitted onto the guide rod and is axially pressed between the stepped portion and the opposite end wall of the support leg 4. Under the action of the elastic element, the valve cover 2 closes the valve hole 1a, and the seal is located between the valve body 1 and the valve cover 2 to ensure a seal. When thermal runaway occurs, the guide rod is pushed and moves the valve cover 2 away from the valve body 1. The valve cover 2 opens the valve hole 1a to release pressure, and the elastic element further stores energy. After pressure release, under the restoring force of the elastic element, the valve cover 2 closes the valve hole 1a again.

[0079] This embodiment also provides a battery pack, including the aforementioned explosion-proof valve 01.

[0080] The battery pack in this embodiment includes the aforementioned explosion-proof valve 01, and therefore has the same technical effect as the aforementioned explosion-proof valve 01, which will not be described again here.

[0081] Depend on Figure 4 As can be seen, the battery pack also includes a battery housing 02, which is provided with a pressure relief hole 02a. An explosion-proof valve 01 is installed in the battery housing 02, and the pressure relief hole 02a and the valve hole 1a of the explosion-proof valve 01 are connected.

[0082] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 4-6 In some embodiments of this application, the battery pack further includes:

[0083] Battery management unit 03 is electrically connected to optical sensor 3.

[0084] As configured above, the battery management unit 03 can receive the valve opening signal collected by the optical sensor 3, realize real-time monitoring of the opening status of the explosion-proof valve 01, and intelligent management of the battery pack status. When the explosion-proof valve 01 is accidentally opened, the battery management unit 03 can take measures immediately, such as cutting off the high-voltage power supply of the battery pack, thereby reducing the insulation safety risk after the battery pack is submerged in water and improving the safety of new energy vehicles when driving through water.

[0085] This embodiment also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery pack.

[0086] The vehicle in this embodiment includes the aforementioned battery pack, and therefore has the same technical effects as the aforementioned battery pack, which will not be repeated here.

[0087] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An explosion-proof valve, characterized in that, include: Valve body (1), the valve body (1) includes valve port (1a); A valve cover (2) is installed at the outer end of the valve body (1). The valve cover (2) can move axially along the valve hole (1a) to open or close the valve hole (1a). An optical sensor (3) is installed between the valve cover (2) and the valve body (1) and connected to at least one of the valve cover (2) and the valve body (1).

2. The explosion-proof valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical sensor (3) is connected to the inner wall of the valve cover (2).

3. The explosion-proof valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body (1) includes: Valve body (11), the valve body (11) includes the valve hole (1a); The support leg (4) is connected inside the valve hole (1a). The support leg (4) has a receiving groove (4a) on the wall facing the valve cover (2). The optical sensor (3) is installed inside the receiving groove (4a).

4. The explosion-proof valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The optical sensor (3) is bonded and fixed inside the receiving groove (4a).

5. The explosion-proof valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The leg portion (4) is also provided with a wire harness hole (4b), which is connected to the receiving groove (4a). A stepped wall (4c) facing the valve cover (2) is formed between the wire harness hole (4b) and the receiving groove (4a). The wire harness hole (4b) penetrates the wall portion of the leg portion (4) facing away from the valve cover (2).

6. The explosion-proof valve according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The explosion-proof valve (01) also includes: A connecting harness (5) is electrically connected to the optical sensor (3).

7. The explosion-proof valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The explosion-proof valve (01) also includes: The wire harness clip (6) has a slot (61) for securing the connecting wire harness (5). The guide rod cover (7) is connected to the end of the support leg (4) facing away from the valve cover (2), and the wire harness buckle (6) is connected to at least one of the guide rod cover (7) and the valve body (1).

8. The explosion-proof valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The wire harness clip (6) includes a fixing part (62) which surrounds the guide rod cover (7).

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack further includes the explosion-proof valve according to any one of claims 1-8, and further includes: The battery management unit (03) is electrically connected to the optical sensor (3).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in claim 9.

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