Liquid leakage detection device, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid leakage detection device, a battery pack and a vehicle, and the liquid leakage detection device is applied to the battery pack, and the liquid leakage detection device comprises a liquid leakage valve, the liquid leakage valve comprises a shell and a valve cover, a valve cavity is formed between the shell and the valve cover, an expansion part is arranged in the valve cavity, one side of the expansion part abuts against the valve cover, the expansion part is used for absorbing liquid leakage of the battery pack and expanding to push the valve cover to open, a micro control switch and a battery management system (BMS) are arranged, the micro control switch is connected with the BMS, the micro control switch is fixed on a side wall of the shell, the micro control switch is connected with the valve cover through a connecting rod, and the micro control switch is used for sending an indication signal to the BMS when the valve cover is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of leakage detection technology, and more specifically, to a leakage detection device, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Battery packs are core components of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, etc. Battery packs are usually equipped with leakage valves to drain leaked electrolyte and solve leakage problems.

[0003] In related technologies, the leakage valve can be opened by absorbing water and expanding, and it will reset and close when it dries. However, with this leakage discharge method, the leakage valve cannot close automatically in a timely manner. If the battery pack continues to operate at high voltage while still connected to the outside environment, there will be a significant safety hazard. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a leakage detection device, a battery pack, and a vehicle. The various aspects of this application's embodiments are described below.

[0005] In a first aspect, a leakage detection device is provided for use in a battery pack. The leakage detection device includes: a leakage valve, which includes a housing and a valve cover, with a valve cavity formed between the housing and the valve cover. An expansion portion is provided in the valve cavity, with one side of the expansion portion abutting against the valve cover. The expansion portion is used to absorb leakage from the battery pack and expand to push the valve cover open; a microswitch and a battery management system (BMS), wherein the microswitch is connected to the BMS and fixed to the side wall of the housing. The microswitch is connected to the valve cover via a connecting rod and is used to send an indication signal to the BMS when the valve cover is opened.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the micro-control switch is connected to an external power supply to the battery pack, and the power supply is connected to the BMS; the power supply is used to provide a voltage signal to the micro-control switch, and the micro-control switch is used to send an indication voltage signal to the BMS when the valve cover is opened.

[0007] As one possible implementation, the leakage detection device includes a plurality of leakage valves and a plurality of micro-switches, with each of the plurality of leakage valves corresponding to one of the plurality of micro-switches. One end of each of the plurality of micro-switches is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other end of each of the plurality of micro-switches is connected to the BMS.

[0008] As one possible implementation, the leakage detection device includes multiple leakage valves and multiple micro-switches, with each leakage valve corresponding to one of the multiple micro-switches. One end of each micro-switches is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other ends of each micro-switches are connected in parallel to form a single circuit to the BMS.

[0009] As one possible implementation, the battery pack's supply voltage is higher than the supply voltage of the power source.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the microcontroller switch is provided with a contact portion extending toward the connecting rod. The contact portion is movably abutted against one end of the connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the valve cover. When the valve cover is opened, the contact portion moves toward the valve cover, the microcontroller switch closes, and sends an indication signal to the BMS.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the leakage valve further includes a valve core and an elastic element. The valve cavity includes a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity. The valve core is disposed within the valve cavity. At both ends of the valve core along its length, there are respectively an abutment portion located in the first receiving cavity and a valve cover. The expansion portion is disposed around the valve core in the second receiving cavity, and one side of the expansion portion abuts against the valve cover. In the first receiving cavity, the elastic element is sleeved on the valve core. The elastic element abuts against the abutment portion, and is used to press the abutment portion against the top wall of the first receiving cavity after the expansion portion dries, thereby causing the valve cover to close.

[0012] As one possible implementation, the expansion part is a water-absorbing expansion component.

[0013] In a second aspect, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a housing; and a leakage detection device as described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, the leakage detection device being disposed in the housing and connected to a power supply outside the housing.

[0014] Thirdly, a vehicle is provided, including a battery pack as described in the second aspect.

[0015] This application provides a leakage detection device for a battery pack. The leakage detection device includes: a leakage valve, comprising a housing and a valve cover, with a valve cavity formed between the housing and the valve cover. An expansion portion is disposed within the valve cavity, with one side of the expansion portion abutting against the valve cover. The expansion portion absorbs leakage from the battery pack and expands to push the valve cover open. A microcontroller and a battery management system (BMS) are also included. The microcontroller is connected to the BMS and fixed to the side wall of the housing. The microcontroller is connected to the valve cover via a linkage and sends an indication signal to the BMS when the valve cover is open. This application uses a microcontroller to detect the opening and closing of the leakage valve and sends an indication signal to the BMS to indicate to the user that the leakage valve is in the open state. This helps prevent the user from continuing to operate the battery pack at high voltage when there is a connection between the battery pack and the outside environment, reducing safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leakage detection device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leakage detection device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leakage detection device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leakage detection device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leakage detection device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of a micro-controlled switch.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leakage detection device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leakage detection device provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application; the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] The terms “include,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which includes not only the elements listed but also other elements not expressly listed.

[0028] Battery packs are core components of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, etc. Battery packs are usually equipped with leakage valves to drain leaked electrolyte and solve leakage problems.

[0029] In related technologies, the leakage valve can be opened by absorbing water and expanding, and it will reset and close when it dries. However, with this leakage discharge method, the leakage valve cannot close automatically in a timely manner. If the battery pack continues to operate at high voltage while still connected to the outside environment, there will be a significant safety hazard.

[0030] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a leakage detection device for a battery pack. The leakage detection device includes: a leakage valve comprising a housing and a valve cover, with a valve cavity formed between the housing and the valve cover. An expansion portion is disposed within the valve cavity, with one side of the expansion portion abutting against the valve cover. The expansion portion absorbs leakage from the battery pack and expands to push the valve cover open. A microcontroller and a battery management system (BMS) are also included. The microcontroller is connected to the BMS and fixed to the side wall of the housing. The microcontroller is connected to the valve cover via a linkage and sends an indication signal to the BMS when the valve cover is open. This application uses the microcontroller 8 to detect the opening and closing of the leakage valve and sends an indication signal to the BMS to indicate to the user that the leakage valve is in the open state. This helps prevent the user from continuing to operate the battery pack at high voltage when there is a connection between the battery pack and the outside environment, reducing safety hazards. The leakage detection device in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This application provides a leakage detection device according to an embodiment. The leakage detection device in this application can be applied to a battery pack, which may include multiple individual battery cells. The battery pack can output a voltage of 220V or higher; this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0032] This application does not impose specific restrictions on the type of battery pack. For example, the battery pack may use lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, etc.

[0033] See Figure 1 The leakage detection device may include a leakage valve, a micro switch 8, and a battery management system (BMS) (not shown in the figure).

[0034] The leakage valve includes a housing 10 and a valve cover 7. A valve cavity is formed between the housing 10 and the valve cover 7. An expansion part 3 is provided in the valve cavity. One side of the expansion part 3 abuts against the valve cover 7. The expansion part 3 is used to absorb leakage from the battery pack and expand to push the valve cover 7 open.

[0035] The micro-switch 8 is fixed on the side wall of the housing 10. The micro-switch 8 is connected to the valve cover 7 via the connecting rod 9 and is connected to the BMS. The micro-switch 8 is used to send an indication signal to the BMS when the valve cover 7 is opened to indicate that the leakage valve is in the open state. This helps to prevent users from continuing to start the battery pack for high-voltage operation when the battery pack has a communication channel with the outside world, thus reducing safety hazards.

[0036] In some implementations, see Figure 2The micro-control switch is connected to an external power supply to the battery pack, and the power supply is connected to the BMS. The power supply provides a voltage signal to the micro-control switch, which sends an indication voltage signal to the BMS when the valve cover 7 is opened.

[0037] As an example, see further. Figure 2 The positive terminal of the power supply is electrically connected to both the microcontroller and the BMS. The microcontroller is connected to the BMS, and the negative terminal of the power supply is also connected to the BMS. This creates a voltage loop between the power supply, the microcontroller, and the BMS, allowing an indication voltage signal to be sent to the BMS. For example, when valve cover 7 is open, microcontroller 8 closes, and it can send an indication voltage signal to the BMS. In some implementations, the line through which microcontroller 8 sends the indication voltage signal to the BMS can also be called a wake-up line.

[0038] In some implementations, the leakage detection device may include multiple leakage valves and multiple microswitches, with each leakage valve corresponding to one of the microswitches. For example, see... Figure 3 The multiple leakage valves may include two leakage valves, and the multiple micro-switches may include two micro-switches. One end of the two micro-switches is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other end of the two micro-switches is connected to the BMS. The positive and negative terminals of the power supply are both connected to the BMS, thereby forming two voltage loops, which are used to detect the open and closed states of the two leakage valves respectively.

[0039] When there are multiple leakage valves and multiple micro-control switches, the multiple wake-up lines formed by them can be connected to the BMS separately, or they can be combined into one line connected to the BMS. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0040] As an example, see 4. The leakage detection device includes multiple leakage valves (e.g., n leakage valves, where n is a positive integer greater than 1) and multiple micro-switches. Each leakage valve corresponds one-to-one with a micro-switch. One end of each micro-switch is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other end is connected to the BMS. Different wake-up branches are connected to the BMS through different access ports (e.g., different pins). When one of the leakage valves opens, in addition to detecting whether the battery pack has leaked or experienced a leak, it can also determine which leakage valve opened, thus providing higher accuracy.

[0041] As an example, see 5. The leakage detection device includes multiple leakage valves (e.g., n leakage valves, where n is a positive integer greater than 1) and multiple micro-switches. Each leakage valve corresponds one-to-one with a micro-switch. One end of each micro-switch is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other ends are connected in parallel to form a single connection to the BMS. Multiple wake-up branches are connected in parallel to form a single connection to the BMS, simplifying wiring and saving BMS access ports. When one of the leakage valves opens, it can detect whether the battery pack has leaked or experienced a leak, but it cannot determine which valve opened.

[0042] It should be noted that the above Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example, both the positive and negative terminals of the power supply are connected to the BMS.

[0043] In some implementations, the battery pack's supply voltage is higher than the power supply voltage. For example, the battery pack can be referred to as a high-voltage power supply, while the power supply in this application can be referred to as a low-voltage power supply.

[0044] In some implementations, the power supply can provide low-voltage signals such as 12V or 24V. This power supply can be a low-voltage battery; this application does not specifically limit the type of battery used. For example, it can be a lithium-ion battery (such as a ternary lithium battery or a lithium iron phosphate battery); it can also be a sodium-ion battery; or it can be a nickel-metal hydride battery or a fuel cell.

[0045] In some implementations, see again Figure 1 The leakage valve also includes a valve core 12 and an elastic element 1. The valve cavity includes a first receiving cavity 2 and a second receiving cavity. The valve core 12 is disposed in the valve cavity. At both ends of the valve core 12 along its length, there are respectively an abutment portion 11 located in the first receiving cavity 2 and a valve cover 7. An expansion portion 3 is disposed around the valve core 12 in the second receiving cavity, and one side of the expansion portion 3 abuts against the valve cover 7. In the first receiving cavity 2, the elastic element 1 is sleeved on the valve core 12 and abuts against the abutment portion 11. After the expansion portion 3 dries, the elastic element 11 presses against the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2, thereby closing the valve cover 7. The elastic element 1 can be, for example, a spring.

[0046] In some implementations, the valve cover 7 is sealed to the side wall of the second receiving cavity by a sealing ring 5, which can improve the sealing effect of the leakage valve when the valve cover 7 is closed.

[0047] In some implementations, the leakage valve is also provided with a leakage hole 4, so that when leakage occurs in the battery pack, the liquid can be absorbed by the expansion part 3 through the leakage hole 4.

[0048] In some implementations, the leakage valve may also include a fixing part 6, which can secure the leakage valve to the battery pack. This fixing part 6 may be, for example, a fixing bolt.

[0049] In some implementations, the expansion part 3 in this application can be a water-absorbing expansion component, which refers to a component that includes water-absorbing material and is capable of expansion and contraction. For example, the water-absorbing expansion component can be a water-absorbing paper sheet or water-absorbing resin. Taking the expansion part 3 as a water-absorbing paper sheet as an example, when leakage occurs inside the battery pack, the liquid is absorbed by the water-absorbing paper sheet through the leakage hole 4. The water-absorbing paper sheet expands due to water absorption, which pushes the leakage valve cover 7 downward, opening the leakage valve and achieving the purpose of draining liquid. When the water-absorbing paper sheet dries and shrinks, the leakage valve cover 7 returns to its original position and closes under the contraction action of the spring.

[0050] In some implementations, see Figure 6 The microswitch 8 may be provided with a contact portion 8-1 extending towards the connecting rod 9. The contact portion 8-1 is movably abutted against one end of the connecting rod 9, and the other end of the connecting rod 9 is fixedly connected to the valve cover 7. When the valve cover 7 is open, the contact portion 8-1 moves toward the valve cover 7, the microswitch 8 closes, and sends an indication voltage signal (non-zero voltage signal) to the BMS. When the valve cover 7 is closed, the contact portion 8-1 moves away from the valve cover 7, the microswitch 8 opens, and the BMS receives a 0 voltage indication signal, indicating that the leakage valve has been closed.

[0051] This application does not impose specific restrictions on the installation location of the micro-switch; for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 7 The microswitch 8 can be installed inside the first receiving cavity 2. The microswitch 8 can be fixed to the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2 near the side of the abutment portion 11. The contact portion 8-1 of the microswitch 8 abuts against the side of the abutment portion 11 of the valve core 12 away from the elastic element 1. When the expansion portion 3 absorbs water and expands, it pushes the leakage valve cover 7 downwards (away from the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2), opening the leakage valve. Correspondingly, the contact portion 8-1 of the microswitch 8 moves downwards, closing the microswitch 8 and sending an indication voltage signal (non-zero voltage signal) to the BMS. When the expansion portion 3 dries, the elastic element 1 can be used to press the abutment portion 11 against the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2, closing the valve cover 7. Correspondingly, the contact portion 8-1 of the microswitch 8 moves towards the side near the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2, opening the microswitch and sending a 0 voltage indication signal to the BMS.

[0052] For example, see also Figure 8The microswitch 8 can be installed on the outside of the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2. The microswitch 8 can be fixed on the side of the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2 away from the abutment part 11. The contact part 8-1 of the microswitch 8 abuts against the side of the abutment part 11 of the valve core 12 away from the elastic member 1. When the expansion part 3 absorbs water and expands, it will push the leakage valve cover 7 downward, and the leakage valve will open. Correspondingly, the contact part 8-1 of the microswitch 8 moves downward (away from the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2), the microswitch 8 closes and sends an indication voltage signal (non-zero voltage signal) to the BMS. When the expansion part 3 dries, the elastic member 1 can be used to press the abutment part 11 against the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2 and drive the valve cover 7 to close. Correspondingly, the contact part 8-1 of the microswitch 8 moves towards the side closer to the top wall of the first receiving cavity 2, the microswitch opens and sends a 0 voltage indication signal to the BMS.

[0053] In some implementations, this application also provides a battery pack, which may include a housing and any type of leakage detection device mentioned above. The leakage detection device is disposed within the housing and connected to a power supply external to the housing. It should be understood that the leakage detection device may be partially or wholly disposed within the housing.

[0054] This application also provides a vehicle that includes any of the battery packs mentioned above.

[0055] In this embodiment of the application, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, etc., and this application does not impose any specific restrictions on it.

[0056] This application also provides an energy storage system, which includes any of the battery packs mentioned above.

[0057] It should be noted that the various embodiments in the specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. It should be pointed out that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this utility model without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

[0058] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A leakage detection device, characterized in that, The leakage detection device, applied to a battery pack, includes: A leakage valve includes a housing and a valve cover, with a valve cavity formed between the housing and the valve cover. An expansion portion is provided in the valve cavity, with one side of the expansion portion abutting against the valve cover. The expansion portion is used to absorb leakage from the battery pack and expand to push the valve cover open. The microcontroller is connected to the BMS and fixed to the side wall of the housing. The microcontroller is connected to the valve cover via a connecting rod. The microcontroller is used to send an indication signal to the BMS when the valve cover is opened.

2. The leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The micro-control switch is connected to an external power supply for the battery pack, and the power supply is connected to the BMS. The power supply is used to provide a voltage signal to the micro-control switch, and the micro-control switch is used to send an indication voltage signal to the BMS when the valve cover is opened.

3. The leakage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The leakage detection device includes multiple leakage valves and multiple micro-switches. The multiple leakage valves and multiple micro-switches are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. One end of each of the multiple micro-switches is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other end of each of the multiple micro-switches is connected to the BMS.

4. The leakage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The leakage detection device includes multiple leakage valves and multiple micro-switches. Each leakage valve is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with a micro-switch. One end of each micro-switch is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other ends of each micro-switches are connected in parallel to form a single circuit connected to the BMS.

5. The leakage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery pack has a higher supply voltage than the power supply voltage.

6. The leakage detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The microcontroller switch has a contact portion extending towards the connecting rod. The contact portion is movably abutted against one end of the connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the valve cover. When the valve cover is opened, the contact portion moves toward the valve cover, the microcontroller switch closes, and sends an indication signal to the BMS.

7. The leakage detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The leakage valve also includes a valve core and an elastic element. The valve cavity includes a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity. The valve core is disposed in the valve cavity. The two ends of the valve core in the length direction are respectively provided with an abutment portion located in the first receiving cavity and the valve cover. The expansion portion is disposed around the valve core in the second receiving cavity, and one side of the expansion portion abuts against the valve cover. Within the first receiving cavity, the elastic element is sleeved on the valve core, and the elastic element abuts against the abutting part. After the expansion part dries, the abutting part is pressed against the top wall of the first receiving cavity, thereby causing the valve cover to close.

8. The leakage detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The expansion part is a water-absorbing expansion component.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Box; as well as The leakage detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the leakage detection device is disposed in the housing and is connected to a power supply outside the housing.

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

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