Protective structure and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of protective structure and battery pack, protective structure includes first elastic sheet and second elastic sheet, second elastic sheet includes middle region and peripheral region, peripheral region is fixedly bonded with first elastic sheet, middle region is formed with air bag cavity between first elastic sheet, peripheral region has weakening region, the bonding strength between weakening region and first elastic sheet is lower than the bonding strength between other peripheral region and first elastic sheet. Air bag cavity is used to buffer protection effect to battery pack, improve the impact resistance of battery pack. Meanwhile, second elastic sheet includes middle region and peripheral region located in the periphery of middle region, and weakening region is set in peripheral region. When battery pack suffers excessive impact, weakening region can be used for pressure relief, while buffering impact, still can remind driver through the sound when pressure relief, so as to replace in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a protective structure and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] The battery pack of an electric vehicle is typically installed at the bottom of the vehicle. During driving, if the vehicle chassis bottoms out or collides with a foreign object, the operational safety of the battery pack will be seriously threatened. Related technologies involve installing a protective plate at the bottom of the battery pack to provide impact protection for key components such as the battery cells and liquid cooling plates. The protective plate is composed of materials such as steel plates and foam. While this method provides some protection for the battery pack, the protective plate is also damaged after an accident such as bottoming out or a collision. Damage to the protective plate is not easily noticed by the driver, and if it is not replaced, the subsequent impact resistance of the battery pack will be affected. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a protective structure and battery pack that have strong impact resistance and can promptly alert the driver to accidents.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A protective structure is provided for installation within a battery pack, comprising a first elastic sheet and a second elastic sheet. The second elastic sheet includes a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The peripheral region is bonded to the first elastic sheet. An air bladder cavity for containing gas is formed between the central region and the first elastic sheet. The peripheral region has a weakened region, the bonding strength between the weakened region and the first elastic sheet being lower than the bonding strength between the other peripheral regions and the first elastic sheet, so that the weakened region can separate from the first elastic sheet under the impact of the gas.

[0006] Furthermore, the weakening region includes a first weakening region and a second weakening region. The first weakening region is located on the side of the weakening region closer to the central region. The first weakening region and the first elastic sheet form a cavity communicating with the airbag cavity. The second weakening region is located on the side of the weakening region away from the central region. The second weakening region is bonded and fixed to the first elastic sheet.

[0007] Furthermore, the cross-section of the cavity gradually decreases from the end near the airbag cavity to the end away from the airbag cavity.

[0008] Furthermore, the shape of the first weakened region is triangular or trapezoidal.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple weakening regions are arranged at intervals within the peripheral region.

[0010] Furthermore, a plurality of second elastic sheets are spaced apart on the first elastic sheet.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a whistle, which is mounted on the first elastic sheet and / or the second elastic sheet, and the whistle is selectively in communication with the airbag cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, one end of the whistle is inserted into the second elastic sheet, and the whistle has an airflow channel for the gas to flow through. A blocking plate is provided in the airflow channel, and the blocking plate is used to selectively block the airflow channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the whistle is provided with at least one notch, through which the airflow channel communicates with the outside.

[0014] Furthermore, one end of the whistle is sandwiched between the first elastic sheet and the second elastic sheet, and one end of the whistle is located within the weakening area.

[0015] A battery pack is also provided, including a housing, battery cells, and a protective structure. The housing has a receiving cavity for accommodating the battery cells, and the protective structure is mounted on the bottom of the receiving cavity by fasteners.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a liquid cooling plate, the protective structure being sandwiched between the liquid cooling plate and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity, and the battery cell being installed on the side of the liquid cooling plate away from the protective structure.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting a first elastic sheet and a second elastic sheet, and forming an air bladder between them to accommodate gas, the air bladder provides cushioning protection for the battery pack, improving its impact resistance. Simultaneously, the second elastic sheet includes a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region, with a pressure-reducing area within the peripheral region. When the battery pack suffers an excessive impact, the pressure-reducing area can release pressure, cushioning the impact while also providing an audible alert to the driver for timely replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protective structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the weakened region according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the weakened region according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the whistle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the whistle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 1. First elastic sheet; 2. Second elastic sheet; 21. Central region; 22. Peripheral region; 23. Weakening region; 231. First weakening region; 232. Second weakening region; 3. Airbag cavity; 4. Whistle; 41. Notch; 42. Barrier sheet; 43. Airflow channel;

[0027] 100. Protective structure; 110. Mounting hole; 200. Enclosure; 210. Enclosure bottom; 211. Mounting groove; 220. Enclosure cover; 300. Liquid cooling plate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the technical problem solved by this utility model, the technical solution adopted, and the technical effect achieved clearer, the technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, this embodiment provides a protective structure 100 for installation inside a battery pack, serving as a buffer to protect the battery pack. The protective structure 100 includes a first elastic sheet 1 and a second elastic sheet 2. Both the first and second elastic sheets 1 and 2 are made of rubber material to provide elasticity. The second elastic sheet 2 includes a central region 21 and a peripheral region 22. The central region 21 and the peripheral region 22 are an integral structure. The central region 21 is located in the center of the second elastic sheet 2 and occupies most of the material of the second elastic sheet 2. The peripheral region 22 is located around the periphery of the second elastic sheet 2, surrounding the central region 21. The peripheral region 22 is bonded and fixed to the first elastic sheet 1, forming a sealed airbag cavity 3 between the central region 21 and the first elastic sheet 1. The airbag cavity 3 is filled with gas. After being filled with gas, the entire airbag cavity 3 is inflated. The peripheral region 22 has a weakening region 23. The bonding strength between the weakening region 23 and the first elastic sheet 1 is lower than the bonding strength between other regions of the peripheral region 22 and the first elastic sheet 1, so that the weakening region 23 can separate from the first elastic sheet 1 under the impact of gas, that is, the airbag cavity 3 is depressurized. During the depressurization process of the airbag cavity 3, the impact kinetic energy is also released.

[0030] It is understood that the peripheral region 22 of the second elastic sheet 2 is bonded to the first elastic sheet 1 to form an "airbag" structure for the entire protective structure 100, thereby enabling the protective structure 100 to provide buffer protection for the battery pack. The peripheral region 22 contains a weakening region 23, which is more vulnerable than other areas within the peripheral region 22. When the battery pack is subjected to excessive external impact, the impact force of the gas will tear open the weakening region 23, causing the gas to escape from the gap between the weakening region 23 and the first elastic sheet 1. During the process of the weakening region 23 being damaged by the gas impact and the gas escaping from the gap, a loud sound is generated to alert the driver and prompt timely replacement of the protective structure 100. In this embodiment, by setting the first elastic sheet 1 and the second elastic sheet 2, and forming an airbag cavity 3 between them to accommodate gas, the airbag cavity 3 provides buffer protection for the battery pack. Meanwhile, by setting a pressure-reducing area 23 within the peripheral area 22, the pressure can be released when the battery pack suffers an excessive impact. This not only buffers the impact but also alerts the driver with a sound when the pressure is released, so that the battery can be replaced in time.

[0031] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the weakening region 23 includes a first weakening region 231 and a second weakening region 232. The first weakening region 231 is located on the side of the weakening region 23 closer to the central region 21, and the second weakening region 232 is located on the side of the weakening region 23 away from the central region 21. The first weakening region 231, the second weakening region 232, and the other regions of the peripheral region 22 are all integral structures. The first weakening region 231 is not bonded to the first elastic sheet 1, and a cavity is formed between the first weakening region 231 and the first elastic sheet 1, which communicates with the airbag cavity 3. The second weakening region 232 is bonded and fixed to the first elastic sheet 1. Because the first weakening region 231 in the weakening region 23 is not bonded to the first elastic sheet 1, the bonding strength between the entire weakening region 23 and the first elastic sheet 1 is lower than the bonding strength between the other peripheral regions 22 and the first elastic sheet 1. At the same time, gas also fills the cavity. When the battery pack suffers an excessive impact, the impact force of the gas can tear the second weakening region 232 to allow gas to leak out. Of course, in some embodiments, the entire weakened region 23 can be bonded to the first elastic sheet 1, but the bond strength between the weakened region 23 and the first elastic sheet 1 is relatively low. For example, the weakened region 23 and the first elastic sheet 1 are fixed with a low-tack adhesive, while the other peripheral regions 22 are fixed to the first elastic sheet 1 with a high-tack adhesive. Alternatively, the peripheral regions 22 and the first elastic sheet 1 can be bonded together by heat fusion, and the bond strength between the weakened region 23 and the first elastic sheet 1 can be reduced by controlling the heat fusion process.

[0032] The first weakening region 231 is triangular or trapezoidal in shape. Correspondingly, the cross-section of the cavity gradually decreases from the end near the airbag cavity 3 to the end away from the airbag cavity 3. This structure makes the stress more concentrated at the end of the cavity away from the airbag cavity 3, which is beneficial for tearing from the smaller end of the cavity when the gas in the airbag cavity 3 is subjected to excessive impact.

[0033] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 As shown, multiple weakening regions 23 are arranged at intervals within the peripheral region 22. By providing multiple weakening regions 23, a backup function can be implemented to prevent pressure relief failure under excessive impact. When an excessive impact occurs, under the action of gas impact, the weakening region 23 with the lowest bonding strength will tear preferentially, thereby releasing pressure. Of course, in practical applications, when an excessive impact occurs, multiple weakening regions 23 can also tear simultaneously to achieve rapid pressure relief and release impact kinetic energy. As one embodiment, two weakening regions 23 are provided within the peripheral region 22, and the two weakening regions 23 are located at two different sides of the second elastic sheet 2.

[0034] To further improve protective performance, multiple second elastic sheets 2 are spaced apart on the first elastic sheet 1. These second elastic sheets 2 are arranged in an array on the first elastic sheet 1 to divide the entire protective structure 100 into multiple regions for independent protection. Each second elastic sheet 2 forms an airbag cavity 3, which becomes an independent buffer unit. When the battery pack is subjected to external impact, the airbag cavity 3 at the impact location provides buffer protection. If one airbag cavity 3 depressurizes due to excessive impact, the other airbag cavities 3 can continue to maintain their buffer protection function and continue to provide a certain level of safety protection for the battery pack until the protective structure 100 is replaced.

[0035] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the protective structure 100 also includes a whistle 4, which is selectively connected to the airbag cavity 3. When the airbag cavity 3 is depressurized, gas enters the whistle 4, producing a loud sound so that the driver can be notified of the depressurization of the protective structure 100. The whistle 4 can be mounted on the first elastic plate 1, the second elastic plate 2, or between the first elastic plate 1 and the second elastic plate 2. The whistle 4 has a cylindrical structure and an airflow channel 43 inside. Notches 41 are provided on the end and side walls of the whistle 4, through which the airflow channel 43 communicates with the outside. During depressurization, gas from the airbag cavity 3 enters the airflow channel 43 and is then discharged through the notches 41. During the exhaust process, the whistle 4 produces a loud sound under the action of the airflow. Of course, to achieve the basic function of the whistle 4, at least one notch 41 should be provided on the whistle 4.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, one end of the whistle 4 is inserted into the second elastic sheet 2, and the other end of the whistle 4 extends into the cavity. An airflow channel 43 within the whistle 4 communicates with the cavity. A baffle 42 is provided within the airflow channel 43, which is used to selectively block the airflow channel 43. The baffle 42 can seal the airflow channel 43 to maintain the airbag cavity 3 in a sealed state. When the airbag cavity 3 is subjected to excessive impact, the impact of the gas can push open the baffle 42, allowing gas to enter the whistle 4 and produce a sound.

[0037] In another alternative embodiment, one end of the whistle 4 is sandwiched between the first elastic sheet 1 and the second elastic sheet 2. The first elastic sheet 1 and the second elastic sheet 2 are bonded together using a hot-melt process, which also allows one end of the whistle 4 to be sandwiched between them. When the end of the whistle 4 extends into the cavity, a blocking piece 42 needs to be installed inside the whistle 4 to provide a sealing effect. When the end of the whistle 4 is located within the second weakening region 232, since the whistle 4 is not in communication with the cavity, it is not necessary to install a blocking piece 42 inside the whistle 4.

[0038] like Figure 7As shown, this embodiment also provides a battery pack, including a housing 200, battery cells, and a protective structure 100. The housing 200 provides protection for the entire battery pack, and a receiving cavity for accommodating the battery cells is provided inside the housing 200. Both the battery cells and the protective structure 100 are installed in the receiving cavity. The housing 200 includes a bottom 210 and a cover 220. The cover 220 covers the top of the bottom 210, forming a receiving cavity between the bottom 210 and the cover 220. The protective structure 100 is installed at the bottom of the receiving cavity. Specifically, a mounting groove 211 is recessed in the bottom 210, and the mounting groove 211 is part of the receiving cavity and is located at the bottom of the receiving cavity. The protective structure 100 is installed in the mounting groove 211 by fasteners. The fasteners are existing screws, bolts, etc. Correspondingly, the protective structure 100 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 110 for fasteners to pass through. The battery cell is installed above the protective structure 100. When the bottom of the battery pack is impacted by an external force, the protective structure 100 acts as a buffer to prevent the external force from directly squeezing and damaging the battery cell.

[0039] Specifically, the battery pack also includes a liquid cooling plate 300. A protective structure 100 is disposed between the bottom 210 and the liquid cooling plate 300, i.e., the protective structure 100 is located between the liquid cooling plate 300 and the bottom wall of the receiving cavity. The battery cells are installed on the side of the liquid cooling plate 300 facing away from the protective structure 100. The liquid cooling plate 300 is existing technology and is used for heat dissipation of the battery cells. When the battery pack is subjected to external impact, the protective structure 100 acts as a buffer, preventing damage to the liquid cooling plate 300 and the battery cells.

[0040] In this embodiment, the battery pack is installed on the electric vehicle, providing electrical power to the vehicle. The battery pack is mounted on the chassis of the electric vehicle. During operation, when the chassis bottoms out or is subjected to other external impacts, the impact kinetic energy can be buffered and released by the protective structure 100, preventing the impact force from directly acting on the liquid cooling plate 300 and the battery cells, thus protecting the entire battery pack. Simultaneously, when the impact is excessive, the protective structure 100 will depressurize, meaning the gas in the corresponding airbag cavity 3 will be discharged through the weakening area 23. During this process, the driver can hear the sound of depressurization, allowing for timely replacement of the protective structure 100.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation method and application scope based on the idea of ​​this utility model. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A protective structure for installation inside a battery pack, characterized in that, The device includes a first elastic sheet and a second elastic sheet. The second elastic sheet includes a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The peripheral region is bonded to the first elastic sheet. An air bladder cavity for containing gas is formed between the central region and the first elastic sheet. The peripheral region has a weakened region. The bond strength between the weakened region and the first elastic sheet is lower than the bond strength between the other peripheral regions and the first elastic sheet, so that the weakened region can separate from the first elastic sheet under the impact of the gas.

2. The protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weakening region includes a first weakening region and a second weakening region. The first weakening region is located on the side of the weakening region closer to the central region. The first weakening region and the first elastic sheet form a cavity communicating with the airbag cavity. The second weakening region is located on the side of the weakening region away from the central region. The second weakening region is bonded and fixed to the first elastic sheet.

3. The protective structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the cavity gradually decreases from the end closest to the airbag cavity to the end furthest from the airbag cavity.

4. The protective structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first weakened region is triangular or trapezoidal in shape.

5. The protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The peripheral area is provided with multiple weakening zones arranged at intervals.

6. The protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic sheet has a plurality of second elastic sheets spaced apart.

7. The protective structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a whistle, which is mounted on the first elastic sheet and / or the second elastic sheet, and the whistle is selectively in communication with the airbag cavity.

8. The protective structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, One end of the whistle is inserted into the second elastic sheet. The whistle has an airflow channel for the gas to flow through. A blocking plate is provided in the airflow channel, and the blocking plate is used to selectively block the airflow channel.

9. The protective structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The whistle has at least one notch, through which the airflow channel communicates with the outside.

10. The protective structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, One end of the whistle is sandwiched between the first elastic sheet and the second elastic sheet, and one end of the whistle is located within the weakening area.

11. A battery pack, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a battery cell, and a protective structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing has a receiving cavity for accommodating the battery cell, and the protective structure is mounted on the bottom of the receiving cavity by fasteners.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid cooling plate, the protective structure is sandwiched between the liquid cooling plate and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity, and the battery cell is installed on the side of the liquid cooling plate away from the protective structure.

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