Exoskeleton type bulge monitoring power battery pack
By integrating a cell bulge detection mechanism onto the outer frame of the cell module, and utilizing a spring pressure sensor and lever structure, real-time monitoring of cell bulges is achieved. This solves the problem of difficulty in early detection of cell bulges in existing technologies, and improves the safety and reliability of the battery pack.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUXI AILIWANG NEW ENERGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies make it difficult to detect the bulging deformation of square-cell power battery packs in the early stages, making it difficult to prevent potential thermal runaway risks.
A cell bulge detection mechanism is integrated on the outer frame of the cell module. A spring pressure sensor is used to sense the deformation of the cell through an insulated contact. Combined with a lever structure, minute changes are amplified to achieve real-time monitoring of cell bulge.
It improves the safety and reliability of battery packs, enables timely detection of abnormal cell conditions, prevents potential dangers caused by undetected abnormalities, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves detection accuracy.
Smart Images

Figure CN224554391U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of power battery technology, and in particular relates to an exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, prismatic cell power battery packs generally employ insulating board covering and external frame fixing to improve structural stability, and encapsulate them in a casing to ensure electrical safety. However, cells are prone to bulging deformation under cyclic charging and discharging or abnormal operating conditions. This physical failure is characterized by its high degree of concealment and rapid development; if not detected in time, it may lead to serious safety accidents such as thermal runaway. Existing technologies mainly rely on battery management systems to monitor electrochemical parameters such as voltage and temperature to indirectly determine abnormalities, but they struggle to detect early bulging—purely physical deformations—making it difficult to accurately capture the initial signs of bulging. Summary of the Invention
[0003] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides an external frame type bulge monitoring power battery pack, which realizes stable assembly of cells and monitoring of cell deformation through a cell bulge detection mechanism integrated on the external frame, thereby improving the early safety warning capability of the battery pack.
[0004] Technical Solution: To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an external frame-type bulge monitoring power battery pack, comprising a cell module, a housing, a cover, a battery control system, and a cell bulge detection mechanism. The cell module is composed of multiple square cells arranged linearly and closely together, covered by an insulating plate and fixed by an external frame. The cell module is located inside the housing, and the cover covers the battery control system and fits into the housing to encapsulate the cell module within the battery box. The cell bulge detection mechanism is mounted on the external frame and is used to detect in real time the morphological changes of the square cells caused by bulging.
[0005] Furthermore, the insulating plate includes a length-side insulating plate, a width-side insulating plate, and a bottom insulating plate. The length-side insulating plate is used for length-side insulation of the cell module, the width-side insulating plate is used for width-side insulation of the cell module, and the bottom insulating plate is used for bottom insulation of the cell module.
[0006] Furthermore, the outer frame includes a length side frame plate abutting against the length side insulation plate, a width side frame plate abutting against the width side insulation plate, and a top frame plate with the pressed top insulation plate disposed on the top of the square battery cell; the detection part of the battery cell bulge detection mechanism installed on the length side frame plate and / or the width side frame plate faces the corresponding side of the battery cell module to sense the deformation of that side.
[0007] Furthermore, the battery cell module has a length a, a width b, and a height c, and is arranged in a double row and double column; each battery cell module is connected in series through an electrode plate, and a pressure plate is pressed onto the electrode plate.
[0008] Furthermore, the cell bulge detection mechanism includes a bulge detection sensor, which is a spring pressure sensor.
[0009] Furthermore, the detection end of the bulge detection sensor is connected to an insulating contact, which passes through the insulating plate and contacts the side of the square battery cell; the bulge detection sensor senses the bulge deformation of the square battery cell by detecting the pressure change transmitted by the insulating contact.
[0010] Furthermore, the bulge detection sensor includes a first bulge detection sensor for detecting the a×c surface of the battery cell module, and a second bulge detection sensor for detecting the b×c surface of the battery cell module.
[0011] Furthermore, a first sensor frame is provided on the width-side insulating plate, and a first lever is hinged on the first sensor frame. Two first bulge detection sensors in adjacent positions are symmetrically installed at both ends of the first lever. A second sensor frame is provided on the length-side insulating plate, and a second lever is hinged on the second sensor frame. Two second bulge detection sensors in adjacent positions are symmetrically installed at both ends of the second lever.
[0012] Beneficial effects: This utility model achieves stable installation and effective packaging of the battery cell module. The battery cell bulging detection mechanism set on the outer frame of the battery cell module can monitor the bulging of the battery cell in real time, which helps to detect abnormal conditions of the battery cell in a timely manner, improves the safety and reliability of the battery pack, ensures the safe and stable operation of the battery pack during use, and prevents potential dangers caused by the failure to detect battery cell bulging in time. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery pack;
[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery pack structure.
[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a square battery cell.
[0016] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the battery cell bulging detection mechanism Figure 1 ;
[0017] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the battery cell bulge detection mechanism Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation
[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack includes a cell module 1, a housing 2, a cover 3, a battery control system 4, and a cell bulge detection mechanism. The cover 3 has a handle 16. The cell module 1 is composed of multiple square cells 5 arranged linearly and closely together, covered by an insulating plate 6 and fixed by an exoskeleton 7. The cell module 1 is located inside the housing 2, and the cover 3 covers the battery control system 4, sealing the cell module 1 within the battery pack, thus achieving stable installation and effective encapsulation of the cell module 1. The cell bulge detection mechanism is located on the exoskeleton 7 and is used to detect the morphological changes of the square cells 5 caused by bulging in real time. The cell bulge detection mechanism on the exoskeleton 7 of the cell module 1 can monitor the bulging condition of the cells in real time, helping to detect abnormal cell states in a timely manner, improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack, and preventing potential dangers caused by undetected cell bulging.
[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, the insulating plate 6 includes a length-side insulating plate 61, a width-side insulating plate 62, and a bottom insulating plate 63. The length-side insulating plate 61 is used for insulation along the length of the cell module 1, the width-side insulating plate 62 is used for insulation along the width of the cell module 1, and the bottom insulating plate 63 is used for insulation at the bottom of the cell module 1. By refining the insulating plate into dedicated insulating plates located at different positions within the cell module 1, insulation treatment can be applied to different sides of the cell module 1 more precisely, ensuring insulation performance between cells and between cells and other components such as the outer frame 7. This effectively prevents short circuits between cells or between cells and other metal components, thereby improving the safety and stability of the entire battery pack.
[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer frame 7 includes a length side frame plate 71 abutting against the length side insulating plate 61, a width side frame plate 72 abutting against the width side insulating plate 62, and a top frame plate 73 with a pressing top insulating plate 64 disposed on top of the square cell 5; the detection part of the cell bulge detection mechanism installed on the length side frame plate 71 and / or the width side frame plate 72 faces the corresponding side of the cell module 1 to sense the deformation of that side. This design structure of the outer frame 7 can provide more stable support and fixation for the cell module 1, ensuring the stable arrangement of the cell module 1 in the battery pack and reducing the shaking and displacement of the square cell 5 during use. At the same time, the orientation design of the detection part of the cell bulge detection mechanism enables it to directly and accurately detect the deformation of the cell side, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of bulge detection and helping to capture small changes in cell bulge in a timely manner.
[0022] like Figure 3As shown, the cell module 1 has a length a, a width b, and a height c, and its arrangement is a double row and double column. The double row and double column arrangement can reasonably arrange the cell modules in a limited space, thereby improving the energy density and space utilization of the battery pack.
[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, each of the battery cell modules 1 is connected in series via electrode plates. A pressure plate 8 is pressed onto the electrode plates to ensure good electrical connection between the battery cells and to enhance the overall structural stability of the battery cell module.
[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the cell bulge detection mechanism includes a bulge detection sensor 9, which is a spring pressure sensor. The spring pressure sensor has advantages such as simple structure, low cost, fast response speed, and high reliability. It can sense the pressure change caused by the bulge of the square cell 5 through the compression or extension of the spring, and convert the pressure change into an electrical signal output, facilitating subsequent signal processing and monitoring. Using a spring pressure sensor as the bulge detection sensor can effectively improve the feasibility and practicality of cell bulge detection, while also helping to reduce the manufacturing cost of the battery pack.
[0025] The bulge detection sensor 9 has an insulating contact 10 connected to its detection end. The insulating contact 10 passes through the insulating plate 6 and contacts the side of the square battery cell 5. The bulge detection sensor 9 senses the bulging deformation of the square battery cell 5 by detecting the pressure change transmitted by the insulating contact 10. The design of the insulating contact 10 ensures good contact between the bulge detection sensor 9 and the square battery cell 5, while avoiding the risk of short circuits that may be caused by direct contact between the sensor and the battery cell, further enhancing the safety of the battery pack. In addition, the insulating contact 10 can effectively transmit the pressure generated by the slight deformation of the side of the battery cell to the bulge detection sensor 9, improving the accuracy and reliability of bulge detection, enabling the sensor to more accurately capture the initial stage of battery cell bulging, and providing a guarantee for timely implementation of corresponding safety measures.
[0026] The bulge detection sensor 9 includes a first bulge detection sensor 91 for detecting the a×c surface of the cell module 1, and a second bulge detection sensor 92 for detecting the b×c surface of the cell module 1. The a×c surface is also referred to as the length side, and the b×c surface as the width side. The area of the a×c surface is larger than that of the b×c surface. If a bulge occurs in the cell, it will be reflected on either the a×c or b×c surface, but generally, the bulge on the a×c surface is more pronounced than that on the b×c surface. This method of setting dedicated bulge detection sensors 9 for different sides of the cell module 1 enables comprehensive monitoring of bulge conditions on all sides of the cell module 1. Since cell bulges may occur on different sides, detecting the a×c and b×c surfaces separately allows for more timely and accurate detection of bulge deformation in various directions, avoiding potential missed detections due to monitoring only one side, and improving the overall safety monitoring level of the battery pack.
[0027] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a first sensor bracket 11 is provided on the width-side insulating plate 62, and a first lever 12 is hinged to the first sensor bracket 11. Two first bulge detection sensors 91 in adjacent positions are symmetrically installed at both ends of the first lever 12; as shown Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, a second sensor frame 13 is mounted on the length-side insulating plate 61. A second lever 14 is hinged to the second sensor frame 13, and two second bulge detection sensors 92 in adjacent positions are symmetrically mounted at both ends of the second lever 14. Using a lever structure to mount the bulge detection sensors 92 effectively amplifies the minute displacement or pressure changes caused by the bulge of the battery cell, thereby improving the sensor's sensitivity to bulge deformation. When a bulge occurs on the side of the battery cell, the lever amplifies the pressure change, allowing the sensor to more clearly perceive it and more accurately determine the degree of bulging. Simultaneously, the symmetrically mounted sensors can mutually verify and compare the detection results, improving the accuracy and reliability of the detection and avoiding misjudgments caused by the failure or error of a single sensor. It possesses advantages in ultra-high sensitivity, differential detection, and anti-interference, as analyzed below:
[0028] 1) Ultra-high sensitivity: Utilizing the amplification principle of levers, the minute deformation / displacement / pressure caused by cell bulging is significantly amplified, making it easier and more accurate for sensors installed at both ends of the lever to detect these minute changes, greatly improving detection sensitivity and enabling the capture of early and minute signs of bulging;
[0029] 2) Differential detection and anti-interference: Two symmetrically arranged sensors detect changes in motion / pressure at both ends of the same lever.
[0030] 2.1) Differential signal: When a bulge occurs at the location of the monitored cell, it will drive the lever to rotate, causing the pressure on one end of the sensor to increase, while the pressure on the other end may decrease (or the amount of change is different), thus forming a differential signal;
[0031] 2.2) Common-mode interference suppression: Environmental factors such as overall expansion / contraction caused by temperature changes and uniform vibration usually have similar (common-mode) effects on the sensors at both ends of the lever. Differential detection can effectively suppress this type of common-mode interference, that is, subtract and cancel each other out, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio and anti-interference ability, making the detection results more reliable and reducing false alarms.
[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack, characterized in that: The battery module (1), housing (2), housing cover (3), battery control system (4), and battery cell bulging detection mechanism are included. The battery module (1) is composed of multiple square battery cells (5) arranged linearly and closely together by covering them with an insulating plate (6) and fixing them with an outer frame (7). The battery module (1) is located inside the housing (2), and the housing cover (3) covers the battery control system (4) and closes to the housing (2) to encapsulate the battery module (1) inside the battery box. The battery cell bulging detection mechanism is set on the outer frame (7) and is used to detect the shape changes of the square battery cells (5) caused by bulging in real time.
2. The exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating plate (6) includes a length-side insulating plate (61), a width-side insulating plate (62), and a bottom insulating plate (63). The length-side insulating plate (61) is used for the length-side insulation of the cell module (1), the width-side insulating plate (62) is used for the width-side insulation of the cell module (1), and the bottom insulating plate (63) is used for the bottom insulation of the cell module (1).
3. The exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer frame (7) includes a length side frame plate (71) abutting against the length side insulation plate (61), a width side frame plate (72) abutting against the width side insulation plate (62), and a top frame plate (73) with a pressing top insulation plate (64) disposed on the top of the square cell (5); the detection part of the cell bulge detection mechanism installed on the length side frame plate (71) and / or the width side frame plate (72) faces the corresponding side of the cell module (1) to sense the deformation of the side.
4. The exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that: The battery cell module (1) has a length a, a width b, and a height c, and is arranged in a double row and double column. Each battery cell module (1) is connected in series through an electrode plate, and a pressure plate (8) is pressed onto the electrode plate.
5. The exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cell bulge detection mechanism includes a bulge detection sensor (9), which is a spring pressure sensor.
6. The exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detection end of the bulge detection sensor (9) is connected to an insulating contact (10), which passes through the insulating plate (6) and contacts the side of the square cell (5). The bulge detection sensor (9) senses the bulge deformation of the square cell (5) by detecting the pressure change transmitted by the insulating contact (10).
7. The exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bulge detection sensor (9) includes a first bulge detection sensor (91) for detecting the a×c surface of the cell module (1) and a second bulge detection sensor (92) for detecting the b×c surface of the cell module (1).
8. The exoskeleton-type bulge monitoring power battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: A first sensor frame (11) is provided on the width side insulating plate (62), and a first lever (12) is hinged on the first sensor frame (11). Two first bulge detection sensors (91) in adjacent positions are symmetrically installed at both ends of the first lever (12). A second sensor frame (13) is provided on the length side insulating plate (61), and a second lever (14) is hinged on the second sensor frame (13). Two second bulge detection sensors (92) in adjacent positions are symmetrically installed at both ends of the second lever (14).