Battery pack

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery pack for an electrical device. Comprising a housing having a first housing portion defining a first compartment and a second housing portion defining a second compartment, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the first compartment and configured to supply power to an electrical device, a circuit board disposed within the first compartment and comprising heat generating components, and a heat sink coupled to the second housing portion and disposed adjacent to the heat generating component. The heat sink includes a first portion extending toward the heat generating component and disposed within the first compartment and a second portion extending away from the heat generating component and disposed within the second compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to batteries and, in particular, to heat sinks for use in rechargeable batteries. Background Art

[0002] Batteries can generate heat during the charge and discharge process due to the electrochemical reactions that drive the battery and the flow of current through the electronic components. Excessive heat can lead to several complications, including thermal runaway. Batteries used in consumer electronic devices may be particularly at risk of overheating due to the large power consumption of consumer electronic devices and the compact nature of battery electronics and terminals. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a battery pack for an electrical device, the battery pack comprising a housing having a first housing portion defining a first compartment and a second housing portion defining a second compartment. The first housing portion is adjacent to the second housing portion. The battery pack further comprises at least one terminal configured to electrically connect the battery pack to the electrical device, a plurality of battery cells disposed in the first compartment and configured to supply power to the electrical device, a circuit board disposed in the first compartment and comprising a heat generating component, and a heat sink coupled to the second housing portion and disposed adjacent to the heat generating component. The heat sink comprises a first portion extending toward the heat generating component and disposed in the first compartment and a second portion extending away from the heat generating component and disposed in the second compartment.

[0004] In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a battery pack for an electrical device, the battery pack includes a housing having a first housing portion defining a first compartment and a second housing portion defining a second compartment. The first housing portion is adjacent to the second housing portion. The battery pack further includes a plurality of battery cells disposed in the first compartment and configured to power the electrical device, a circuit board disposed in the first compartment and including a heat generating component aligned with a hole in the second housing portion, and a heat sink coupled to the second housing portion and covering the hole, so that the second compartment is fluidly isolated from the first compartment (fluidly sealed). The battery pack further includes a first vent disposed on the second housing portion so that ambient air surrounding the housing can enter the second compartment and generate an airflow path in the second compartment, and another vent in fluid communication with the second compartment and configured so that the airflow path leaves the second compartment after passing through the heat sink.

[0005] In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a battery pack for an electrical device, the battery pack comprising a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment fluidly isolated from the first compartment. The battery pack further comprises a plurality of battery cells disposed in the first compartment and configured to power the electrical device, a circuit board disposed in the first compartment and comprising a heat generating component, and a heat sink coupled to the housing and in direct contact with the heat generating component to dissipate heat from the second compartment.

[0006] In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a battery pack for an electrical device, the battery pack comprising a housing and a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing and configured to power the electrical device. The plurality of battery cells are isolated from an ambient fluid surrounding the housing. The battery pack further comprises a circuit board coupled to the plurality of battery cells and comprising a heat generating component. A heat sink is coupled to the housing and in direct contact with the heat generating component to dissipate heat from the plurality of battery cells into the environment.

[0007] Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present application.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a battery pack illustrating a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion with a heat sink coupled to the second housing portion.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line 3-3 showing the heat sink placed adjacent to the circuit board.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line 4-4 showing the airflow path within the shell.

[0012] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another specific embodiment of the present application, which shows a fan that creates an airflow path within the housing.

[0013] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present application shows a fan creating an airflow path within the housing.

[0014] Before any specific embodiments are described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement described in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other specific embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1 and 2A battery pack 10 is shown according to one embodiment. The battery pack 10 can be connected to and used in a consumer electrical device, such as a handheld power tool (e.g., a vacuum cleaner, a vacuum extractor, a drill). The battery pack 10 can be removed from the electrical device and charged by a battery charger (not shown). The battery pack 10 includes a battery chemistry, such as lead acid, nickel cadmium ("NiCd"), nickel metal hydride ("NiMH"), lithium ("Li"), lithium ion ("Li-ion"), or other rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery chemistry. In some embodiments, the battery pack 10 may have a lithium cobalt ("Li-Co") chemistry, a lithium manganese ("Li-Mn") spinel chemistry, a Li-Mn nickel chemistry, or other lithium metal chemistry.

[0016] In one embodiment, the battery pack 10 includes a nominal voltage of 40 V. In other embodiments, the battery pack 10 may have a nominal voltage such as 12 V, 18 V, 24 V, 80 V or other voltages required to drive an electrical device and may be charged by a battery charger (not shown).

[0017] Continue to see Figure 1 and 2 , the battery pack 10 includes a housing 14 having a first housing portion 18 and a second housing portion 22. The first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 22 are configured as a clamshell design, wherein the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 22 are coupled together. In other embodiments, there may be less than or more than two housing portions. For example, the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 22 may be integrally formed. The battery pack 10 further includes an electrical interface 24 having one or more terminals 26 configured to engage and electrically connect to an electrical device or battery charger. The terminals 26 are accessible from the outside of the housing 14 so that the electrical device or battery charger can directly engage the appliance socket 24. The first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 22 are coupled together by a plurality of fasteners 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue and groove joint 30 ( Figure 3 ) is placed at the interface between the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 22 to prevent liquids and debris from entering the housing 14. Specifically, the tongue and groove joint 30 extends around the edge of the housing 14. Although the fasteners 28 are used to couple the first and second housing portions 18, 22 together in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 22 can be coupled together by adhesives, tapes, tabs, or any combination thereof. The battery pack 10 further includes a first mounting rail 32a and a second mounting rail 32b that are parallel to the sliding axis 33 ( Figure 1) extends. The first and second mounting rails 32a, 32b are configured to interact with the battery pack 10 and couple the battery pack 10 to an electrical device or a battery charger in a direction along the sliding axis 33. The first and second mounting rails 32a, 23b are disposed on the second housing portion 22. A locking mechanism 34 may be provided to lock the battery pack 10 to the electrical device. The locking mechanism 34 may be activated to selectively allow the battery pack 10 to be removed from the electrical device. In some specific embodiments, the locking mechanism 34 includes or is connected to a button 35, which may be activated so that a user can press the button 35 to disconnect the locking mechanism 34 (e.g., a locking plate) and pull the battery pack 10 along the sliding axis 33 to remove the battery pack 10 from the electrical device. Figure 3 As shown, the button 35 may be positioned adjacent to a handle 37 on the battery pack 10 .

[0018] See also Figure 2 and 3 , the housing 14 defines a first compartment 36 and a second compartment 38 separated from the first compartment 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the first compartment 36 is within the first housing portion 18, and the second compartment 38 is within the second housing portion 22. Specifically, the second compartment 38 is disposed between the first and second mounting rails 32a, 32b. The first compartment 36 of the housing 14 receives and supports a battery cell assembly 40. The battery cell assembly 40 includes a plurality of battery cells 44 and a support structure 46 that receives and supports the plurality of battery cells 44. The plurality of battery cells 44 include the chemical formula and nominal voltage described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 44 include ten battery cells, while in other embodiments, the plurality of battery cells 44 may include different numbers of predetermined battery cells (e.g., twenty, thirty, forty, one hundred) required and selected to provide the desired electrical characteristics of the battery pack 10 (e.g., nominal voltage, current output, current capacity, power capacity). The shape and size of the housing 14 are designed to receive the plurality of battery cells 44. The battery cells 44 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel to provide the desired electrical characteristics of the battery pack 10 (eg, nominal voltage, current output, current capacity, power capacity).

[0019] See also Figure 3, the housing 14 generally encloses a support circuit or circuit board 48 that is electrically connected to one or more terminals 26. The circuit board 48 is positioned above and supported by the battery cell assembly 40, which allows the circuit board 48 to be located within the first compartment 36 of the first housing portion 18. Specifically, the circuit board 48 is supported on top of the support structure 46 of the battery cell assembly 40 and adjacent to the second housing portion 22. The circuit board 48 includes one or more heat-generating electronic components 50 (e.g., MOSFETs, resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors, sensors) aligned with the projection trajectory of the holes 52 in the second housing portion 22. The circuit board 48 also includes a microcontroller or microprocessor configured to provide control of the battery pack 10 operation and monitor various characteristics (e.g., voltage, temperature) of each individual battery cell 44. For example, the circuit board 48 controls the charging and discharging of the battery cells 44 and can initiate powering of electrical devices through the battery cells 44. The circuit board 48 may also communicate with an electrical device and a battery charger (not shown) and provide the device with information about one or more battery characteristics or conditions of the battery pack 10, such as nominal voltage, temperature, chemical formula, and / or other similar characteristics. To avoid unintentional damage to the battery pack 10 due to overheating, heat generated from the heat-generating electronic components 50 should be dissipated from the battery pack 10.

[0020] See also Figure 1-4 The second housing portion 22 of the housing 14 further includes a first vent 54, a second vent 55 and a third vent 56, which allow the airflow path AF ( Figure 4 ) can pass through the second compartment 38 of the housing 14. Although the components in the first compartment 36 (such as the battery cell 44, the circuit board 48) generate heat, this heat is collected in the second compartment 38 and eventually discharged from the second compartment 38. Specifically, in some specific embodiments, the airflow path AF enters through the vents 54 and the second vents 55, passes through the heat sink 60, and leaves through the third vent 56. As will be further described in detail below, there is no fluid communication between the first compartment 36 and the second compartment 38. In other words, the first compartment 36 is completely isolated from the second compartment 38 and does not include any vents, which makes it impossible for the airflow path AF to pass through any specific electronic components of the circuit board 48 (such as terminals, microprocessors, battery cells, MOSFETs).

[0021] See also Figure 2-4, the heat sink 60 includes a mounting plate 64, a first portion or heat absorbing substance 68 that protrudes downwardly from the mounting plate 64 toward the circuit board 48, and a second portion or plurality of cooling fins 72 that extend upwardly from the mounting plate 64 away from the circuit board 48. The mounting plate 64 receives fasteners 76 to mount the mounting plate 64 to the second housing portion 22 and engage a seal 80 disposed around the outer edge of the aperture 52. By tightening the fasteners 76, the mounting plate 64 compresses the seal 80 between the mounting plate 64 and the second housing portion 22 to fluidly seal the aperture 52, which prevents the second compartment 38 from being in fluid communication with the first compartment 36. Fluidly isolating the first compartment 36 from the second compartment 38 allows the battery pack 10 to fluidly dissipate heat from the electrical components (e.g., the battery cells 44, the circuit board 48) while minimizing inadvertent damage to the electrical components in the event that the battery pack 10 accidentally releases liquid or other debris. The heat absorbing substance 68 protrudes through the aperture 52 of the second housing portion 22 and is disposed adjacent to the heat generating electronic components 50. In other words, the heat absorbing substance 68 is disposed within the first compartment 36 of the first housing portion 18, while the mounting plate 64 and the plurality of cooling fins 72 are disposed within the second compartment 38 of the second housing portion 22. The seal 80 prevents liquid and debris from entering the first compartment 36. The tongue and groove joint 30 also prevents liquid and debris from entering the first compartment 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat absorbing substance 68 is sealed to the first compartment 36 by a heat transfer medium 82 ( Figure 2 ), such as a thermal pad, thermal paste, thermal glue, thermal plate or composite, to indirectly contact the heat-generating electronic component 50 to achieve heat conduction between the heat-generating electronic component 50 and the heat sink 60. Accordingly, the heat transfer medium 82 includes thermally conductive and electrically insulating materials. In other specific embodiments, the heat transfer medium 82 may include electrically conductive materials and contact the heat-generating electronic component 50 without causing a short circuit. In other specific embodiments, the heat absorbing substance 68 may be in direct contact with the heat-generating electronic component 50 (e.g., MOSFET, resistor, transistor, capacitor, inductor, sensor) of the circuit board 48. The heat sink 60 of the illustrated specific embodiment includes aluminum or an aluminum alloy, while in other specific embodiments, the heat sink 60 includes another material with thermal conductive properties (e.g., copper, metal alloy, composite alloy).

[0022] Continue to see Figure 2-4, the plurality of cooling fins 72 are disposed between a first mounting track 32a and a second mounting track 32b formed on the second housing portion 22 and located below a cover 84 coupled to the second housing portion 22. The first vent 54 extends through the first mounting track 32a, and the second vent 55 extends through the second mounting track 32b, which allows the first vent 54 and the second vent 55 to be disposed on opposing sides of the heat sink 60, and, more specifically, on opposing sides of the plurality of cooling fins 72. In other words, the first vent 54 and the second vent 55 are disposed on opposing sides of the slide shaft 33. The third vent 56 extends through the cover 84 and is located directly above the plurality of cooling fins 72. In other words, the plurality of cooling fins 72 are aligned with and extend toward the third vent 56. The heat sink 60 is aligned with the third vent 56 along an axis 74 perpendicular to the slide shaft 33. The first and second mounting rails 32a, 32b also include a plurality of pockets 86 separated by a plurality of ribs 88. The ribs 88 increase the strength, rigidity, and wall thickness of the first and second mounting rails 32a, 32b. The plurality of pockets 86 are not vents because the plurality of pockets 86 do not extend completely through the rails 32a, 32b, unlike the first and second vents 54, 55.

[0023] The heat sink 60 is positioned adjacent to the heat-generating electronic components 50 of the circuit board 48 so that the heat sink 60 can capture the heat discharged from the heat-generating electronic components 50 during operation and dissipate the heat away from the circuit board 48 to avoid unintentional damage caused by overheating. Specifically, when the battery pack 10 is in operation (e.g., when powering an electrical device or being charged), the heat generated by the heat-generating electronic components 50 is then absorbed by the heat-absorbing material 68 of the heat sink 60. Next, the heat in the heat-absorbing material 68 is conducted through the mounting plate 64 and the cooling fins 72. Through natural convection, the ambient air surrounding the housing 14 naturally enters the second compartment 38 through the first vent 54 and the second vent 55, and passes through the plurality of cooling fins 72. The ambient air that naturally passes through the plurality of cooling fins 72 is heated and leaves (i.e., rises) the second compartment 38 through the third vent 56. If the process is repeated, the ambient air at this time is again naturally pulled into the second compartment 38 through the first vent 54 and the second vent 55.

[0024] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the airflow source 90 can force convection through the second compartment 38 by pulling or pushing ambient air over the plurality of cooling fins 72. In some embodiments, the airflow source 90 is a fan, motor, or impeller disposed within a device (e.g., a power tool, battery charger, vacuum cleaner) connected to the battery pack 10. Figure 5An airflow source 90 is shown being positioned within a power tool or battery charger and configured to create an airflow path AF′ that propels ambient air through the third vent 56 , over the plurality of cooling fins 72 and out through the first and second vents 54 , 55 . Figure 6 An air flow source 90 is shown positioned adjacent the third vent 56 and configured to create an air flow path AF″ that pulls ambient air through the first and second vents 54 , 55 , across the plurality of cooling fins 72 and out through the third vent 56 .

[0025] The airflow source 90 may be coupled to the housing 14 or disposed within the housing 14, rather than within the power tool or battery charger. In this case, the airflow source 90 is powered by the plurality of battery cells 44 and may operate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to push the airflow path AF' or pull the airflow path AF" through the heat sink 60. In some embodiments, the airflow source 90 may be automatically activated in response to the battery pack 10 being connected to the power tool or battery charger, for example, by a proximity switch, a limit switch, or some other sensor. These switches or sensors may be disposed on at least one of the first mounting rail 32a and the second mounting rail 32b, such that these switches or sensors are activated when the mounting rails 32a, 32b are engaged with the power tool or battery pack. In any of the foregoing embodiments, the airflow source 90 may be automatically activated in response to the battery pack 10 supplying power to the power tool or receiving power from the battery charger, for example, by a current sensor in the circuit of the circuit board 48. Thus, when current flows through the circuit of the circuit board 48, whether to or from the plurality of battery cells 44, the current sensor is activated by detecting the flowing current.

[0026] Although aspects of the invention have been described in detail with reference to certain specific embodiments, variations and modifications exist which fall within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects. Various features and advantages are described in the claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack for an electrical device, the battery pack comprising: a housing having a first housing portion defining a first compartment and a second housing portion defining a second compartment, the first housing portion being positioned adjacent to the second housing portion; at least one terminal configured to electrically connect the battery pack to the electrical device; a plurality of battery cells disposed within the first compartment and configured to supply power to the electrical device; a circuit board disposed in the first compartment and comprising a heat generating component; and a heat sink coupled to the second housing portion and positioned adjacent to the heat generating component, the heat sink comprising: a first portion extending toward the heat generating component and disposed within the first compartment; and A second portion extends away from the heat generating component and is disposed within the second compartment.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first compartment is fluidly isolated from the second compartment such that any fluid that enters the first compartment cannot enter the second compartment.

3. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second housing portion includes an aperture configured to receive the heat sink.

4. The battery pack of claim 3, further comprising a seal disposed about an outer edge of the aperture and configured to engage a mounting plate of the heat sink to prevent fluid and debris from entering the second compartment.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The mounting plate is coupled to the second housing portion and is configured to compress the seal between the mounting plate and the second housing portion.

6. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first portion of the heat sink is a heat absorbing substance configured to contact a thermal interface material disposed on the heat generating component.

7. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second portion of the heat sink includes a plurality of cooling fins extending upward from the mounting plate.

8. The battery pack of any preceding claim, further comprising first and second mounting rails disposed on the second housing portion and configured to couple the battery pack to the electrical device.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The heat sink is positioned between the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail.

10. The battery pack of any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the first mounting rail includes a first vent, the second mounting rail includes a second vent, the first vent and the second vent being disposed on opposite sides of the second portion of the heat sink.

11. The battery pack of any preceding claim, further comprising a cover coupled to the second housing portion enclosing the second compartment, wherein the cover comprises a third vent positioned adjacent the second portion of the heat sink.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein: The first and second vents enable an airflow path into the second compartment, wherein the airflow path flows through a second portion of the heat sink and exits through the third vent, thereby dissipating heat away from the heat sink and the circuit board.

13. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein: The first vent, the second vent, and the third vent allow heat dissipated through the heat sink to exit the second compartment, wherein the heat dissipates from a second portion of the heat sink, thereby drawing heat away from the heat generating component.

14. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the circuit board is located on top of the plurality of battery cells.

15. A battery pack for an electrical device, the battery pack comprising: a housing having a first housing portion defining a first compartment and a second housing portion defining a second compartment, the first housing portion being positioned adjacent to the second housing portion; a plurality of battery cells disposed within the first compartment and configured to supply power to the electrical device; a circuit board disposed within the first compartment and including a heat generating component aligned with the aperture in the second housing portion; a heat sink coupled to the second housing portion and covering the aperture such that the second compartment is fluidly isolated from the first compartment; a first vent disposed on the second housing portion to allow ambient air surrounding the housing to enter the second compartment, creating an airflow path within the second compartment; and Another vent is in fluid communication with the second compartment and is configured to allow the airflow path to exit the second compartment after passing through the heat sink.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein: The first vent extends through a first mounting track of the second housing portion, wherein the battery pack further includes a second vent extending through a second mounting track of the second housing portion, wherein the first mounting track and the second mounting track are configured to couple the battery pack to the electrical device.

17. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the further vent is a third vent positioned adjacent the heat sink and aligned with a plurality of cooling fins extending upwardly from the heat sink.

18. The battery pack of any preceding claim, further comprising a seal disposed around an outer edge of the aperture and configured to engage the heat spreader to prevent fluid and debris from entering the second compartment.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18, wherein: The heat sink is coupled to the second housing portion and is configured to compress the seal between the heat sink and the second housing portion.

20. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein: The heat sink includes a first portion extending through the aperture and configured to contact a thermal interface material disposed on the heat generating component of the circuit board such that the first portion is disposed within the first compartment.

21. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat sink comprises a second portion disposed within the second compartment.

22. The battery pack according to claim 21, wherein: A second portion of the heat sink is positioned between the first vent and the second vent.

23. The battery pack of any preceding claim, the third vent extending through a cover coupled to the second housing portion, wherein the cover encloses the second compartment.

24. The battery pack of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one terminal configured to electrically connect the battery pack to the electrical device.

25. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein: The circuit board is located on top of the plurality of battery cells.

26. A battery pack for an electrical device, the battery pack comprising: a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment fluidly isolated from the first compartment; a plurality of battery cells disposed within the first compartment and configured to supply power to the electrical device; a circuit board disposed in the first compartment and including a heat generating component; and A heat sink is coupled to the housing and in direct contact with the heat generating component to dissipate heat from the second compartment.

27. The battery pack according to claim 26, wherein: The housing includes an aperture for receiving the heat sink.

28. The battery pack of claim 27, further comprising a seal disposed about an outer edge of the aperture and configured to engage a mounting plate of the heat sink to prevent fluid and debris from entering the second compartment.

29. The battery pack of any preceding claim, the heat spreader comprising a heat absorbing substance configured to contact a thermal interface material disposed on the heat generating component and disposed within the first compartment.

30. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat sink comprises a plurality of cooling fins extending from the heat generating component and disposed within the second compartment.

31. The battery pack of claim 30, further comprising a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail disposed on the housing and configured to couple the battery pack to the electrical device, wherein the plurality of cooling fins are disposed between the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail.

32. The battery pack according to claim 31, wherein: The first mounting track includes a first vent and the second mounting track includes a second vent, the first vent and the second vent being positioned adjacent to the plurality of cooling fins.

33. The battery pack of claim 32, further comprising a third vent extending through a cover coupled to the housing, wherein the third vent is positioned directly above the plurality of cooling fins.

34. The battery pack according to claim 33, wherein: The first vent and the second vent enable an airflow path into the first compartment where the airflow path flows through the plurality of cooling fins and exits through the third vent, thereby dissipating heat away from the heat sink and the circuit board.

35. The battery pack according to claim 33, wherein: The first vent, the second vent, and the third vent allow thermal energy dissipated by the heat sink to exit the second compartment, wherein heat is dissipated from the plurality of cooling fins, thereby drawing heat away from the heat generating component.

36. The battery pack of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one terminal configured to electrically connect the battery pack to the electrical device.

37. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein: The circuit board is located on top of the plurality of battery cells.

38. A battery pack for an electrical device, the battery pack comprising case; a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing and configured to power the electrical device, the plurality of battery cells being isolated from an ambient fluid surrounding the housing; a circuit board coupled to the plurality of battery cells and including a heat generating component; and A heat sink is coupled to the housing and positioned adjacent the heat generating component to dissipate heat from the plurality of battery cells into the environment.

39. The battery pack according to claim 38, wherein: The housing includes an aperture for receiving the heat sink.

40. The battery pack of claim 39, further comprising a seal disposed about an outer edge of the aperture and configured to engage a mounting plate of the heat sink to prevent fluid and debris from entering the housing from the environment.

41. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein: The heat sink includes a heat absorbing substance configured to contact a thermal interface material disposed on the heat generating component, and the heat absorbing substance is disposed within the housing.

42. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat sink comprises a plurality of cooling fins extending in a direction away from the heat generating component.

43. The battery pack of claim 42, further comprising a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail disposed on the housing and configured to couple the battery pack to the electrical device, wherein the plurality of cooling fins are disposed between the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail.

44. The battery pack of claim 43, wherein the first mounting rail includes a first vent and the second mounting rail includes a second vent, the first vent and the second vent being positioned adjacent the plurality of cooling fins.

45. The battery pack of claim 44, further comprising a third vent extending through a cover coupled to the housing, wherein the third vent and the heat sink are aligned along an axis perpendicular to a sliding axis of the battery pack.

46. ​​The battery pack of claim 45, wherein the first vent and the second vent enable an airflow path to flow through the plurality of cooling fins and exit through the third vent to dissipate heat away from the heat sink and the circuit board.

47. The battery pack of claim 45, wherein the first, second, and third vents allow thermal energy dissipated by the heat sink to exit the housing, wherein heat is dissipated from the plurality of cooling fins, thereby drawing heat away from the heat generating components.

48. The battery pack of claim 38, wherein the housing comprises a first compartment and a second compartment fluidly isolated from the first compartment, and wherein the plurality of battery cells and the circuit board are disposed within the first compartment.

49. The battery pack of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one terminal configured to electrically connect the battery pack to the electrical device.

50. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein: The circuit board is located on top of the plurality of battery cells.

Images