Battery pack

Abstract

The battery pack may include a housing having an interface coupleable to an external device configured to execute a group of applications. The battery pack may further include a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the interface, the battery cells including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The plurality of battery cells are configured to provide power to an external device at a run time. The plurality of battery cells are additionally configured to be recharged at a charging time, and wherein the charging time is less than a sum of the run time and a rest time, the rest time corresponding to a time taken to prepare a new application group.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 618,175, filed on January 5, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to battery packs, and more particularly, to optimizing the runtime and charge time of battery packs. Background Art

[0003] Compared to comparable wired electrical devices, wireless electrical devices (such as power tools, outdoor tools, other motorized devices, non - motorized devices, etc.) have limited runtime. Battery packs for power tools have typical runtime and charge time. The capacity of a battery pack depends on the capacity of individual battery cells, as well as the number and configuration of these cells. The charge time of a battery pack typically depends on the magnitude of the current provided by the charger (and received by the battery pack), the capacity of the battery cells, and the total capacity of the battery pack. Depending on the power tool, the battery pack may not be optimized for a particular application. In such cases, the operator may need to frequently replace the battery pack during operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to a battery pack including a housing and a plurality of battery cells. The housing includes an interface that can be coupled to an external device configured to perform a group of applications. The plurality of battery cells are arranged within the housing and electrically connected to the interface. The battery cells include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The plurality of battery cells are configured to provide power to the external device during runtime. The plurality of battery cells are also configured to be re - charged during charge time, where the charge time is less than the sum of the runtime and a rest time corresponding to the time spent preparing a new group of applications.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to a battery pack including a housing, a plurality of battery cells, a switch control circuit, and a controller. The housing includes an interface. The plurality of battery cells are arranged within the housing and electrically connected to the interface. The switch control circuit is electrically coupled to the plurality of battery cells. The controller is connected to the plurality of battery cells and the switch control circuit. The switch control circuit is operable to control the connection of each of the plurality of battery cells. The controller is configured to determine the operating mode of the plurality of battery cells and operate the switch control circuit between a high - power mode and a high - capacity mode.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described in the present application relates to a power tool system including a power tool, a battery pack, and a charger. The power tool is configured to perform an application group over a period of time. The battery pack is couplable to the power tool, and the charger is couplable to the battery pack. The battery pack is configured to supply power to the power tool and additionally includes a controller. The charger is configured to supply a charging current to the battery pack. The controller is configured to receive operating parameters of the battery pack, determine an operating time of the battery pack based on the operating parameters of the battery pack, determine a charging time of the battery pack based on the operating parameters of the battery pack, and transmit the charging time to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a system including a battery pack, a power tool, and a charger according to some configurations.

[0008] Figure 2 is according to some configurations Figure 1 Electromechanical diagram of the battery pack.

[0009] Figure 3 is according to some configurations Figure 1 Electromechanical diagram of the charger.

[0010] Figure 4 FIG. is a graph showing the power consumed by a power tool to complete an application with rest periods (Tr1) over a duration (Ta) according to some configurations.

[0011] Figure 5 FIG. is a graph showing the power consumed by a power tool in a grouped application (N) with a second rest period (Tr2) according to some configurations.

[0012] Figure 6 FIG. is a graph showing an example task of power usage including a plurality of applications during a work process according to some configurations.

[0013] Figure 7 FIG. is a graph showing a second example task according to some configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Before discussing any detailed embodiments of the subject matter, it should be understood that the subject matter is not limited to its application in the construction details and component arrangements described in the following discussion or shown in the following drawings. The subject matter can have other specific embodiments and can be implemented or realized in various ways. Additionally, it should be understood that the language and terms used in this application are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0015] Figure 1Disclosed is a system 100 including a battery pack 10, a power tool 20, and a charger 30. The battery pack 10 can be used to power the power tool 20 (such as a drill, a grinder, a lawn mower, etc.). The battery pack 10 can also be used with non-motorized devices, such as sensing devices (such as a visual inspection camera, an infrared sensor [such as a thermometer or a thermal imaging camera], a clamp meter, a wall scanner [such as a stud finder, etc.]), lighting devices (such as a flashlight, a floodlight, etc.), audio devices (such as a radio, a speaker, etc.), temperature-controlled (such as heating and / or cooling) clothing, etc. The battery pack 10 can include any battery pack design (such as a smart, non-smart design, etc.), any rated voltage (such as 12V, 18V, etc.), and any chemical composition (such as lithium cobalt, lithium manganese, lithium iron phosphate, non-lithium-based battery chemical composition, etc.) configured to provide power to the power tool 20. The battery pack 10 includes a housing 14 and a plurality of cells disposed within the housing 14. In a configuration where the battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells, each cell includes an anode, a cathode, and a separator. As described in further detail below, the battery pack 10 has an optimized runtime and charge time in a manner that can be completed with a minimum number of pack replacements according to the user's task or application. The charger 30 can provide a charging current to one or more battery packs (such as the battery pack 10) having one or more nominal voltage values. As described in further detail below, the charger 30 can include control operations for multiple charging modes (such as trickle charging, fast charging, etc.), and can further include active cooling elements (such as a fan, a heat exchange unit, etc.). It should be understood that the general principles outlined in the present invention apply to power tools using a single battery pack or multiple battery packs (such as a dual pack, a quad pack, etc.). In each specific embodiment, the battery pack(s) and / or the system including the power tool, the battery pack(s), and the charger are optimized to complete the task with a minimum number of pack replacements.

[0016] Figure 2Shows a block diagram of a control system for a battery pack 10. In the illustrated configuration, the control system is disposed within the battery pack 10. In other configurations, at least a portion of the control system may be disposed within a power tool 20 or a charger 30. The control system includes a controller 200 that is electrically and / or communicatively connected to various modules or components of the battery pack 10. The controller 200 includes a combination of hardware and software that is operable to (among other things) monitor the condition of the battery pack 10, control the operation of the battery pack 10, initiate or stop charging of the battery pack 10, and initiate or stop discharging of the battery pack 10, etc. For example, the illustrated controller 200 is connected to one or more battery cells 205 and an interface 210. The controller 200 is also connected to one or more sensors 215, and one or more sensors 215 include one or more voltage sensors or voltage sensing circuits, one or more current sensors or current sensing circuits, and one or more temperature sensors or temperature sensing circuits. The controller 200 may also include hardware and software operable to communicate with external devices (such as the power tool 20 and the charger 30).

[0017] The controller 200 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operation control, and protection to the controller 200 and / or components and modules within the battery pack 10. For example, among other things, the controller 200 includes a processing unit 230 (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an electronic processor, an electronic controller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 235, an input unit 240, and an output unit 245. Among other things, the processing unit 230 includes a control unit 250, an arithmetic logic unit (“ALU”) 255, and a plurality of registers 260 (shown as grouped registers in Figure 2 ), and is implemented using known computer architectures (such as a modified Harvard architecture and a von Neumann architecture, etc.). The processing unit 230, the memory 235, the input unit 240, the output unit 245, and various modules or circuits connected to the controller 200 are connected through one or more control buses and / or data buses (such as a common bus 265). Figure 2 The control bus and / or data bus is generally shown for illustration purposes. For those skilled in the art, it is known to use one or more control buses and / or data buses to achieve interconnection and communication between various modules, circuits, and components according to the specific embodiments described in this application.

[0018] The memory 235 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include a combination of different types of memories, such as ROM, RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, SD card, or other suitable magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, physical storage devices, or electronic storage devices. The processing unit 230 is connected to the memory 235 and executes software instructions, which may be stored in the RAM of the memory 235 (e.g., during execution), in the ROM of the memory 235 (e.g., typically for permanent storage), or in another non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., another memory or optical disc). The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more application programs, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller 200 is configured to retrieve and execute (among other things) instructions related to the control processes and methods described in this application from the memory 235. In other configurations, the controller 200 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0019] The interface 210 includes a combination of mechanical components (e.g., tracks, slots, latches, etc.) and electrical components (e.g., one or more terminals), which are configured and operable to interface the cells 205 of the battery pack 10 with an external device (e.g., mechanically, electrically, and communicatively connect). For example, the interface 210 is configured to receive power via a power input circuit through a charging circuit. The interface 210 is also configured to communicatively connect to the controller 200 via the communication line 270. Thus, the controller 200 can control the charging of the battery pack 10 through the interface 210. Additionally, the interface 210 is also configured to output power through a discharge circuit. Thereby, the controller 200 can also control the output of the battery pack 10 through the interface 210. The battery pack 10 may further include a cell connection circuit 280, which is configured to connect plural battery cells 205 in different operating modes (e.g., high power mode, high capacity mode) by controlling the connection between the plural battery cells. The cell connection circuit 280 may be operable to serially connect portions of the plural battery cells 205, thereby generating a larger voltage output at the interface 210. The cell connection circuit 280 may additionally or alternatively connect portions of the plural battery cells 205 in parallel to generate a larger capacity output at the interface.

[0020] Figure 3Shown in it is a controller 300 for a charger 30. The controller 300 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operation control, and protection for components and modules within the controller 300 and / or the battery pack charger 30. For example, among other things, the controller 300 includes a processing unit 302 (such as an electronic processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 305, an input unit 310, and an output unit 315. Among other things, the processing unit 302 further includes a control unit 320, an ALU 325, and a plurality of registers 330 (shown as a group of registers in Figure 3 ), and is implemented using known computer architectures (such as a modified Harvard architecture and a von Neumann architecture, etc.). The processing unit 302, the memory 305, the input unit 310, the output unit 315, and various modules connected to the controller 300 are connected through one or more control buses and / or data buses (such as a common bus 335). Figure 3 Generally shown are the control bus and / or the data bus for illustration. For a person skilled in the art, it is known to use one or more control buses and / or data buses to achieve the interconnection and communication between various modules and components according to the invention described in this application.

[0021] The memory 305 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include a combination of different types of memories, such as ROM, RAM (such as DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, physical storage devices, or electronic storage devices. The processing unit 302 is connected to the memory 305 and executes software instructions, which may be stored in the RAM of the memory 305 (for example, during execution), in the ROM of the memory 305 (for example, usually for permanent storage), or in another non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as another memory or an optical disc). The software included in the implementation of the charger 30 may be stored in the memory 305 of the controller 300. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more application programs, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller 200 is configured to retrieve and execute (among other things) instructions related to the control processes and methods described in this application from the memory 305. In other configurations, the controller 200 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0022] The controller 300 is electrically connected and / or communicatively coupled to various modules or components of the charger 30. For example, the illustrated controller 300 is connected to the battery pack interface 210 via the power control module 332. The power control module 332 may control the power output by the charger 30 along the power line 365. The controller 300 may include a plurality of indicators 340 (e.g., one or more LEDs), a fan control module 345 operable to control the fan 350, a power input circuit 355, and a thermistor 357, or may communicate with a plurality of indicators 340 (e.g., one or more LEDs), a fan control module 345 operable to control the fan 350, a power input circuit 355, and a thermistor 357. The power input circuit 355 may include an AC / DC converter and a buck / boost converter to convert the power input from an AC power source into a DC charging current. The controller 300 includes a combination of hardware and software that are operable to (among other things) control the operation of the charger 30, activate the indicators 340, estimate the temperature of a first heat sink, measure the temperature of a second heat sink, etc. As discussed further below in detail, the charger 30 may include additional temperature control components that are operable to force-cool the coupled battery pack.

[0023] In some embodiments, the charger 30 may communicate with at least one battery pack (e.g., via the communication line 360) to control the rate at which the at least one battery pack receives power based on a charging profile and other parameters (e.g., state of charge (SOC), temperature, cell age, cell health, and charging acceptance capabilities based on different voltages). The charging profile and other parameters may be battery pack-related monitoring data and / or data stored in the memory 305 of the charger 30.

[0024] As Figures 4 - 6 shown, power tools typically require a high power burst of duration Ta to complete an application (cutting, grinding, drilling, etc.), with an intervening rest period Tr1 to allow the operator to prepare for a new application. For example, for an operation of using a saw to cut a section from a stock board, the user may drive the saw during the cutting duration Ta and then allow the saw to idle for a period of time (rest period Tr1) while repositioning and / or measuring, before starting another cut. As Figure 5 shown, groups of applications, each containing N applications, are further separated by a second rest period Tr2. During the second rest period Tr2, the user allows the power tool 20 to idle for another, typically longer, period of time to prepare for the next group of applications (e.g., changing the work location, preparing the site, etc.). Continuing with the above example, the user may transport the cut section of the board and prepare a new board for cutting.

[0025] Figure 6 Shows an example task where the power usage of multiple applications in a work process is simulated. The graph includes an application power axis (e.g., the left y-axis) and the battery discharge state as a function of time (e.g., the x-axis) (e.g., the right y-axis). In this embodiment, one battery pack can complete one set of applications and 33% of a second set of applications. At this time, the first battery pack is replaced with a second battery pack while the first battery pack is placed on a charger. The second battery pack can complete the remainder of the second set of applications and a third set of applications, but will quickly (e.g., 10% of the set) be completely discharged by the fourth set of applications. It should be understood that in the shown embodiment, the first battery pack is not fully charged during the time the second battery is discharging and a third battery pack is needed to avoid a delay in the task. With the addition of the third battery pack, the operator may further need to manage the charging times of the first (still charging) battery pack and the second (fully depleted) battery pack. During the course of the task, as the charging time continues to lag behind the power discharged during operation, additional battery packs (e.g., fourth, fifth battery packs, etc.) can be introduced. Thus, although current battery packs are designed to maximize power (e.g., current load) and energy (e.g., current capacity), these battery packs may ignore the limitations of the actual task. As Figure 4 shown, these designs result in the battery packs taking longer to charge than the time it takes to replace a completely depleted battery pack.

[0026] In a second configuration, the battery pack and associated charging system can be adjusted to complete the task with one or fewer backup battery packs. Specifically, each battery pack can be designed to enable an operator to continuously alternate between a first battery pack and a second battery pack among application groups. It should be understood that the energy capacity of the battery pack according to the second configuration is reduced compared to the conventional configuration. The minimum operating time of the battery pack is the time required for the power tool for a set of applications. In other words, the operating time (RT) of the battery pack according to the second configuration is designed to be greater than the product of the number of applications (N) per group and the duration (Ta) of each application. Expressed as an equation, the operating time specification of the battery pack can be expressed as RT > N * Ta. Similarly, the maximum charging time of the battery pack is the total rest time before a new application group begins. In other words, the charging time (CT) of the second battery pack can be reduced such that the charging time is less than the sum of the product of the number of applications (N) minus 1 and the first rest time (Tr1) for positioning the new application and the second rest time (Tr2). Expressed as an equation, the charging time of the battery pack can be expressed as CT < (N - 1) * Tr1 + Tr2. In other configurations, the charging time of the battery pack can additionally or alternatively be expressed as CT < (N - 1) * Tr1 + Tr2 + RT. In some configurations, the voltage (V) and positive electrode capacity (Qc) of the cells of the battery pack can be expressed as Qc * V >= N * Ta * Pave (average application power). In some configurations, the negative electrode capacity (Qa) can be expressed as Qa / Ic < (N - 1) * Tr1 + Tr2 (Ic = charging current). In other configurations, the negative electrode capacity (Qa) can additionally or alternatively be expressed as Qa / Ic < (N - 1) * Tr1 + Tr2 + RT (Ic = charging current).

[0027] Figure 7An exemplary battery pack according to a second configuration for an exemplary task is shown. The graph includes a cell current axis (e.g., the y-axis with IA on the left) and a state of charge of the cell as a function of time (e.g., the x-axis). In the illustrated embodiment, the charge of the cell is more than sufficient to provide power to the power tool 20. Accordingly, the run time (RT) of the battery pack 10 is greater than the total time (Ta) of each application in the first set of applications (N). Accordingly, the charge time (CT) of the battery pack is less than the second rest period (Tr2), such that the battery pack can be fully charged between sets of applications. In the illustrated embodiment, only one battery pack 10 is required. However, in other instances, a longer tool operation time (Ta) or more applications per set (N) may cause the battery pack to be fully discharged before the set of applications is completed. Similarly, a shorter second rest period (Tr2) may not provide sufficient time to fully charge a single battery. For example, in another task (not shown), the first battery pack is fully discharged by the power tool 20 after completing the first set of applications. The first battery pack is then replaced with a second battery pack and placed in a charger. The first battery pack is charged to full during the second rest period (Tr2) and the course of the second set of applications, including the run time RT and the sum of all first rest times ([N - 1]*Tr1). In other words, in this embodiment, the charge time CT is equal to the sum of the run time RT, the sum of all first rest times ([N - 1]*Tr1), and the second rest time Tr2. Thus, before the third set of applications is ready, the first battery pack is fully charged and available to replace the second battery pack. The second battery pack can be charged in the same amount of time as the first battery pack so that the user can indefinitely swap between the first and second battery packs.

[0028] Optimization of the battery pack runtime and charging time can be achieved through any combination of adjustments or changes at the cell level, battery pack level, and / or system level. For example, at the cell level, the battery pack can be fine-tuned so that the battery cells are designed to have higher power and lower energy. For example, the cells can be reconfigured to allow for lower loads but generate more power. The cells can be redesigned using materials or structures with high charging capabilities to facilitate low impedance and fast charging. Such materials and structures can also maintain or increase the energy capacity of the battery pack. Examples of materials with high charging capabilities can include zero-strain structures (such as LTO, NWO, NTO, XNO), anodes including high-capacity materials (Si, nanoparticle materials, S- / C), and cathodes including high-voltage materials (LiCoO2, LNMO, LMP, LFP, NCM, high-nickel materials, etc.). Examples of structures that help reduce impedance and thus increase the charging speed include thinner coatings, low-impedance tab designs, and 3D electrode structures. In some configurations, the cells have a tabless design where the electrodes are directly connected to the battery terminals. In some configurations, the battery cells are wound in a spiral. Spiral-wound battery cells provide a greater surface area of material for the anode and electrode to contact the electrolyte, resulting in a greater power density in the battery cell. It should be understood that a greater power density can enable the battery cell to have a higher charge and discharge rate.

[0029] In some configurations, the areal capacity of the cathode is less than a predetermined cathode areal capacity value (e.g., measured in mAh / cm 2 ), and the area of the cathode is greater than a predetermined area (e.g., measured in cm 2 ). In some configurations, the cell impedance is less than a predetermined cell impedance (e.g., measured in mOhm). In some configurations, the anode resistivity is less than a predetermined anode resistivity (e.g., measured in Ohm*cm 2 ).

[0030] In some configurations, the anode material is a material with a zero-strain structure. Zero-strain materials provide a high battery operating voltage and capacity. Materials with a zero-strain structure may also be more stable than traditional batteries in terms of the cycle life of the battery. In some configurations, the anode material is from the group LTO (Li4Ti5O 12) Select from NTO, NWO, and XNO. In some configurations, the specific capacity of the negative electrode material is greater than the specific capacity of a first predetermined negative electrode material (e.g., measured in mAh / g). In some configurations, the specific capacity of the negative electrode material is greater than the specific capacity of a second predetermined negative electrode material (e.g., measured in mAh / g). In some configurations, the particle size of the negative electrode material is less than 10 microns. In some configurations, the particle size of the negative electrode material is less than 1 micron. In some configurations, the particle size of the negative electrode material is less than 0.1 micron. In some configurations, the negative electrode active material is a silicon (Si) / graphite mixture, a silicon / carbon composite material, a silicon-based negative electrode, or a silicon nanowire material. In some configurations, the specific capacity of the negative electrode material is greater than the specific capacity of a first predetermined negative electrode material (e.g., measured in mAh / g). In some configurations, the specific capacity of the negative electrode material is greater than the specific capacity of a second predetermined negative electrode material (e.g., measured in mAh / g). In some configurations, the specific capacity of the negative electrode material is greater than the specific capacity of a third predetermined negative electrode material (e.g., measured in mAh / g).

[0031] In some configurations, the negative electrode or the positive electrode is an electrode with a 3D structure configured to provide a larger surface area for the reaction of the electrode with the electrolyte. In some configurations, the negative electrode current collector and / or the positive electrode current collector is a material with a 3D structure. In some configurations, the positive electrode active material is a high-nickel material of the general formula LiNixM(1 - x)O2 (where M is at least one metal element and 0.83 < x < 0.99). In some configurations, the specific capacity of the positive electrode is greater than the specific capacity of a predetermined positive electrode (e.g., measured in mAh / g). In some configurations, the positive electrode active material is a high-voltage material selected from a predetermined group of materials. In some configurations, the positive electrode material has a predetermined voltage (e.g., measured in V). In some configurations, the specific capacity of the positive electrode has a predetermined specific capacity of the positive electrode (e.g., measured in mAh / g, yy).

[0032] In other configurations, traditional battery cells can be at least partially replaced with alternative electrical components including supercapacitors and fuel cells. Compared to traditional electrochemical battery cells, supercapacitors have a lower total capacity but a faster charge and discharge rate. Compared to traditional batteries, supercapacitors can withstand significantly more (e.g., up to one million) cycles and can operate at higher temperatures, so they are not easily worn out due to continuous charge and discharge.

[0033] At the battery pack level, the battery pack can utilize cells with different power / energy profiles connected in parallel within the same group (cell-cell hybrid). For example, at least some of the cells within the battery pack can be designed to have a higher voltage and a lower current capacity. In some configurations, the battery pack can include higher power cells with a capacity greater than Ta * Iave (Iave = average current), and higher capacity cells with a capacity greater than Ta * N * Iave. In another embodiment, the battery pack can be designed to operate at a higher voltage so that the battery pack can charge and discharge the same amount of power using a smaller current. In yet another embodiment, the electrical components of the battery can be designed to have a low impedance. In yet another embodiment, the electrical components of the battery can be forced cooled to reduce the increase in resistance due to Joule heating.

[0034] In another configuration, the battery pack 10 can be designed to minimize impedance by modifying the contact design. The battery pack can include cell interconnects (e.g., power buses) with reduced resistance. For example, the resistivity of the cell interconnects within the battery pack can be less than 2 * 10 -6 Ohm·cm. The battery pack 10 can include terminals with reduced resistance. For example, the resistivity of the battery pack terminals can be less than 2 * 10 -6 Ohm·cm.

[0035] In another configuration, a plurality of cells of the battery pack 10. For example, the controller 200 can use the cell connection circuit 280 to configure some of the plurality of battery cells in a series configuration to achieve the desired voltage, and configure some of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel configuration to achieve the desired capacity. In another embodiment, during operation of the power tool 20, the battery pack 10 can operate in a high-capacity mode and configure at least some of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel configuration. During charging, the battery pack 10 can switch the operation from the high-capacity mode to the high-voltage mode. In the high-voltage mode, at least some of the plurality of battery cells can be connected in series so that the battery pack 10 can be charged at a higher voltage with a smaller current. The battery pack can be configured to operate based on the following criteria according to the runtime (RT) and the charging time (CT): RT > N * Ta and CT < (N - 1) * Tr1 + Tr2. In other configurations, the battery pack 10 can be configured to connect a plurality of battery cells in series and in parallel based on the following criteria: RT > N * Ta and CT < (N - 1) * Tr1 + Tr2. As discussed further in detail below, the controller 200 of the battery pack 10 can be configured to calculate the expected charging time and runtime and reconfigure the battery pack 10 to meet the needs of the application.

[0036] In another configuration, the battery pack 10 can be forced-cooled using an active cooling method (such as a fan, heat exchanger, liquid cooling, etc.). In some configurations, the battery pack can include a fan that is configured to convectively cool parts such as the power bus and switches of the battery pack. In some configurations, the battery pack 10 can additionally include a heat sink to absorb some of the heat generated by the electrical components of the battery pack 10. The battery pack 10 can be configured to force-cool the heat sink rather than directly cooling the heat-generating electrical components.

[0037] At the system level, the system 100 can adopt an advanced charging protocol and utilize a charger with active cooling. More specifically, the charger 30 can charge the battery pack 10 using a fast charging protocol (such as overvoltage charging, segmented fast charging, constant current charging, constant voltage charging, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 includes a forced cooling tool (such as active cooling, phase change cooling, etc.) in at least one of the battery pack 10 and the charger 30. In another embodiment, the system 100 can include communication between the battery pack 10 and the power tool 20 to reconfigure and optimize the battery pack 10 based on the operation of the power tool 20. In another embodiment, the system 100 can further include communication between the battery pack 10 and the charger 30 based on the charging state of the battery pack 10 and the components.

[0038] In some configurations, the system 100 can include a smart battery pack that is configured to be able to identify the specific tool it powers and calculate optimal battery parameters. For example, based on the connected tool, the controller 200 of the battery pack 10 can calculate the approximate run time (RT) of the connected power tool 20. The controller 200 can additionally calculate whether the battery pack run time (RT) is sufficient to complete a set of applications. To determine whether the battery pack run time (RT) is sufficient to complete a set of applications, the controller 200 can use a lookup table or calculate the approximate run time based on the historical data of the connected power tool 20. Once it is determined that the approximate run time is greater than the battery pack run time (RT), the electronic controller will alert the user.

[0039] In some configurations, one or more of the controllers 200, 300 of the system 100 can track user behavior and create usage profiles. Based on the usage profiles, the system 100 can control the battery pack 10 and the power tool 20 to adjust the power output to complete a grouped application. Additionally, the system 100 can control one or more of the controllers 200, 300 to guide the user to start charging. For example, the controllers 200, 300 can additionally or alternatively provide the user with the calculated run time (RT) and charge time (CT) of the connected battery pack to enable the user to track the charging requirements of the battery pack. In another embodiment, the system can utilize user behavior to maximize battery life by using a low charging rate (e.g., trickle charging) during downtime and apply fast charging just before expected user activity to charge as quickly as possible.

[0040] In some configurations, the system includes an intelligent battery pack that can identify the specific tool it powers and can transmit the optimal charging protocol for the task to the charger. In some configurations, the system includes an intelligent battery pack configured to track user behavior and adjust the usage profile accordingly. In some configurations, the system adjusts the power load to complete a grouped application and guide the user to start charging. In some configurations, the system is configured to instruct the user on how to complete the work with the fewest replacement groups.

[0041] Although the present disclosure has been presented by way of a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate, from the present disclosure, that other embodiments can be envisioned that do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: A housing, the housing including an interface that can be coupled to an external device, the external device being configured to execute a set of applications, and A plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being arranged within the housing and electrically connected to the interface, the battery cells including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator; Wherein, the plurality of battery cells are configured to provide power to the external device during runtime, Wherein, the plurality of battery cells are configured to be recharged during charging time, and Wherein, the charging time is less than the sum of the runtime and the rest time, the rest time corresponding to the time spent preparing a new set of applications.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein The runtime is greater than the product of the number of applications of the set of applications executed by the external device and the time spent executing each application in the set of applications.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The charging time is less than the sum of the product of the number of applications minus one and the first rest time and the second rest period, the first rest time corresponding to the time for locating a new application, and the second rest period corresponding to the time spent preparing a new set of applications.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of battery cells is spiral wound.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The active material in the negative electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells is one of the following: a silicon-graphite mixture, a silicon-carbon composite material, a silicon-based negative electrode, or a silicon nanowire material.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein The negative electrode material is a material having a zero-strain structure.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The negative electrode material is selected from one of LTO, NTO, NWO, XNO.

8. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The particle size of the negative electrode material is less than 10 microns.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The negative electrode and / or the positive electrode is an electrode having a 3D structure.

10. A battery pack, comprising: A housing, the housing including an interface; A plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being arranged within the housing and electrically connected to the interface; A switch control circuit, the switch control circuit being electrically coupled to the plurality of battery cells, the switch control circuit being operable to control the connection between each of the plurality of battery cells; And A controller, the controller being connected to the plurality of battery cells and the switch control circuit, the controller being configured to determine the operating mode of the plurality of battery cells and operate the switch control circuit between a high-power mode and a high-capacity mode.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that, The high-power mode includes controlling the switch control circuit to connect at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells in a series configuration.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The high-capacity mode includes controlling the switch control circuit to connect at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel configuration.

13. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein The controller determines the operating mode of the plurality of battery cells based on a device coupled to the interface.

14. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that, Further comprising a supercapacitor arranged within the housing, wherein the supercapacitor is electrically connected to the interface and the plurality of battery cells.

15. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of battery cells define a first portion having a first current capacity and a second portion having a second current capacity different from the first current capacity.

16. A power tool system, comprising: A power tool configured to perform an application group within a time period; A battery pack that can be coupled to the power tool, the battery pack being configured to supply power to the power tool, the battery pack including a controller; and A charger that can be coupled to the battery pack, the charger being configured to supply a charging current to the battery pack; Wherein the control unit is configured to: Receive the operating parameters of the battery pack, Determine the running time of the battery pack based on the operating parameters of the battery pack, Determine the charging time of the battery pack based on the operating parameters of the battery pack, and Transmit the charging time to the user.

17. The power tool system according to claim 16, wherein, The operating parameters of the battery pack include the charging state of the battery pack during the time period of the application group.

18. The power tool system according to claim 16, wherein, The charging time is less than the sum of the product of the number of applications minus one multiplied by the first rest time and the second rest period, the first rest time corresponding to the time to locate a new application, and the second rest period corresponding to the time spent preparing a new application group.

19. The power tool system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The charger further includes a charging controller that communicates with the controller of the battery pack, the charging controller being configured to charge the battery pack according to the charging time calculated by the controller of the battery pack.

20. The power tool system according to claim 16, wherein, The running time is greater than the product of the number of applications of the grouped applications executed by an external device and the time taken to execute each of the grouped applications.

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