Battery pack and control method thereof

Abstract

A battery pack includes a housing having a first side, a second side disposed opposite the first side, a third side disposed adjacent both the first side and the second side, a fourth side disposed opposite the third side, an air inlet disposed on the first side, and an air outlet disposed on the second side. The battery pack further comprises a plurality of battery units, a fan arranged in the shell, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature and an electronic controller, and the electronic controller can receive signals from the temperature sensor, determine whether the temperature value is larger than a first threshold value or not and start the fan at a first rotating speed so that air can flow from the air inlet to the air outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery packs, and more specifically, to battery packs for devices (e.g., power tools). Summary of the Invention

[0002] The battery pack can be connected to a battery charger to charge itself by receiving charging current from the charger. The battery pack may also be connected to a device (e.g., a power tool) and provide operating power to that device. Overheating may occur during charging and / or while providing operating power to a device. Therefore, the battery pack may also include a cooling fan to provide cooling air to the battery pack and / or its internal components. The battery pack may further include air inlets and outlets to direct the cooling air to the internal components; however, known designs may face intake control, exhaust control, and size constraints.

[0003] This disclosure provides a battery pack, including: a housing having a first side facing forward, a second side opposite to the first side, a third side adjacent to both the first and second sides, a fourth side opposite to the third side, an air inlet on the first side, and an air outlet on the second side. The battery pack also includes a plurality of battery cells and a fan disposed within the housing. The battery pack further includes a temperature sensor for detecting temperature. The battery pack also includes an electronic controller capable of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor. The electronic controller is capable of determining a temperature value based on the signal. The electronic controller is capable of determining whether the temperature value is higher than the first temperature threshold. In response to determining that the temperature value is higher than the first temperature threshold, the electronic controller is capable of activating the fan at a first speed to allow air to flow from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0004] In some aspects, the battery pack includes an interface for engaging with external devices, and the air outlet includes this interface.

[0005] In some aspects, the electronic controller is mounted on a PCB, forming a channel between the PCB and the battery cell and / or between the PCB and the housing, and the fan directs airflow through the heat dissipation channel.

[0006] In some aspects, the battery pack includes multiple channels, each of which is disposed between two adjacent battery cells in a plurality of battery cells, and the fan causes air to flow through the plurality of channels.

[0007] In some respects, the fan is positioned adjacent to the air inlet or air outlet.

[0008] In some respects, the fan is positioned below the LED instrument panel.

[0009] In some aspects, the fan draws airflow through the air inlet, uses the airflow drawn from the air inlet to cool the battery cell and / or electronic controller, and discharges the airflow through the air outlet.

[0010] In some aspects, the PCB includes a heat sink for the resurrection ring heating element, and the heat sink is located within the channel.

[0011] In some respects, if the temperature is higher than a second temperature threshold, the electronic controller controls the fan to operate at a second speed; wherein the second temperature threshold is higher than a first temperature threshold, and the second speed is higher than the first speed.

[0012] In some respects, the LED gauge indicates the status of the fan.

[0013] In some respects, the fan is arranged in parallel with the battery cell.

[0014] In some aspects, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal, with each first battery terminal disposed near a third side and each second battery terminal disposed near a fourth side.

[0015] In some aspects, the air inlet includes a first plurality of openings through which air passes, and the air outlet includes a second plurality of openings through which air passes.

[0016] In some aspects, the fan draws air in through an air inlet, uses the air drawn in from the air inlet to cool the battery unit, and discharges air from an air outlet.

[0017] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method for controlling the temperature of a battery pack, the battery pack including an electronic controller. The method includes receiving a signal from a temperature sensor via the electronic controller. The method further includes determining a temperature value via the electronic controller and based on the signal. The method further includes determining via the electronic controller whether the temperature value is greater than a first temperature threshold. The method further includes activating a fan to allow air to flow from an air inlet to an air outlet in response to the temperature being greater than the first temperature threshold.

[0018] In some aspects, the battery pack includes multiple channels, each of which is disposed between two adjacent battery cells.

[0019] In some respects, the fan is activated to allow air to flow through the plurality of channels.

[0020] In some aspects, the air inlet further includes a first plurality of openings through which air passes, and the air outlet includes a second plurality of openings through which air passes.

[0021] In some aspects, the method further includes drawing air through an air inlet via the fan. The method also includes using the air drawn through the air inlet to cool the battery unit. The method further includes discharging the air from an air outlet.

[0022] In some aspects, the method also includes turning off the fan in response to determining that the temperature is below a temperature threshold.

[0023] Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from a close reading of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 The embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 The internal components of the battery pack.

[0026] Figure 3A For embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 1 A three-dimensional rear view of the battery pack.

[0027] Figure 3B For embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 1 A three-dimensional semi-transparent view of the battery pack, which includes a fan.

[0028] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4B For embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 4A A three-dimensional rear view of the battery pack.

[0030] Figure 4C For embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 4A A three-dimensional semi-transparent view of the battery pack, which includes a fan.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a battery pack temperature control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a control system including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Before detailing any embodiment of this disclosure, it should be understood that the scope of application of the technical solution of this disclosure is not limited to the structural details and component arrangements given in the following description, nor is it limited to the implementation forms shown in the following figures. The technical solution of this disclosure can be implemented in other ways and can be practiced or realized in various ways. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery pack 100 according to some embodiments is shown. In some examples, the battery pack 100 may be configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to a battery charger. The battery pack 100 may receive charging current from the battery charger and be charged according to the nominal charging voltage of the battery pack 100. In other examples, the battery pack 100 may be configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to a power tool (or other electronic device). The power tool may be any power tool capable of receiving power from the battery pack 100 (e.g., electric drill, fastener drive tool, impact drill, reciprocating saw, etc.). The battery pack 100 is capable of providing operating power to the power tool (or other electrical device). As shown, the battery pack 100 may include a housing 105. The housing 105 may include a top portion 110 and a bottom portion 115. The top portion 110 and the bottom portion 115 are mechanically connected to provide a first side 120, a second side 125, a third side 130, and a fourth side 135 of the battery pack 100. In some examples, the first side 120 (i.e., the front side) faces the front direction D of the battery pack 100, the second side 125 (i.e., the rear side) is positioned opposite to the first side 120, the third side 130 (i.e., the left side) is positioned adjacent to both the first side 120 and the second side 125, and the fourth side 135 (i.e., the right side) is positioned opposite to the third side 130.

[0035] In some examples, the top portion 110 may include a plurality of battery pack terminals 140 (e.g., interfaces), one or more rails 145, a release mechanism 150, and a latch 155. The battery pack 100 may be electrically and mechanically coupled to a battery charger or power tool (or another external device) via the plurality of battery pack terminals 140, one or more rails 145, and the latch 155. When the battery pack 100 is mechanically coupled to the battery charger or power tool, the latch 155 may engage with a portion of the housing of the battery charger or power tool. The release mechanism 150 is designed to be depressable to release the battery pack 100 from the battery charger or power tool via the latch 155 when the battery pack 100 is coupled to the battery charger or power tool. Although illustrated as rails 145, in other embodiments, the battery pack 100 may include other forms of connection structures for coupling to a battery charger and / or device, such as, but not limited to, stems.

[0036] The first side 120 may also include a user interface 160 and an air inlet 165. In some examples, the user interface 160 is an LED instrument. The user interface 160 may receive user input and provide the user with indications of one or more characteristics of the battery pack 100. For example, the user interface 160 may include buttons, switches, knobs, etc., to receive user input. Furthermore, the user interface 160 may include multiple indicators to provide indications of the characteristics of the battery pack 100. In some examples, the multiple indicators may be light-emitting diodes ("LEDs"), displays, and / or touchscreens. The characteristics of the battery pack 100 may be state of charge ("SOC"), state of health ("SOH"), battery capacity, etc. The air inlet 165 may be located on the first side 120 of the battery pack 100. The air inlet 165 may receive air from the surrounding environment of the battery pack 100. In some examples, the battery pack 100 may include an additional air inlet. In some examples, the air inlet 165 may include a first plurality of openings 170 for air passage. In some examples, the first plurality of openings 170 may be generally rectangular slits. In other examples, the first plurality of openings 170 may be in the shape of a circle, an ellipse, a hexagon, or a patterned surface.

[0037] Figure 2 Demonstrates some embodiments Figure 1 The internal components of the battery pack 100. A plurality of battery cells 210 may be disposed within the housing 105. The plurality of battery cells 210 may be, for example, lithium-ion battery cells or any other suitable battery cells. Each of the plurality of battery cells 210 may include a first battery terminal 215 (e.g., a positive battery terminal) and a second battery terminal 220 (e.g., a negative battery terminal). In some examples, each of the plurality of battery cells 210 may be arranged in an alternating sequence with each subsequent battery cell. In such examples, the first cell terminal 215 of a battery cell may be positioned adjacent to the second cell terminal 220 of an adjacent battery cell in the plurality of battery cells 210. In other examples, each first cell terminal 215 is positioned adjacent to a third side 130, while each second cell terminal 220 is positioned adjacent to a fourth side 135. Although illustrated as cylindrical battery cells, in other embodiments, the battery pack 100 may include one or more pouch cells, one or more prismatic cells, or other suitable battery cells.

[0038] The battery pack 100 may also include a circuit board 225. In some examples, the circuit board 225 may be a printed circuit board ("PCB"), a flexible PCB, or any other suitable electronic controller. In some examples, the circuit board 225 may be located adjacent to the top portion 110. In other examples, the circuit board 225 may also be located adjacent to the first side 120, the second side 125, the third side 130, or the fourth side 135. In some examples, the circuit board 225 may control the operation of the battery pack 100. In some examples, the circuit board 225 may be mechanically coupled to the housing 230, the heat sink 235, and the battery pack electrical terminals 140. The housing 230 may cover a portion of the circuit board 225 and provide protection for the circuit board 225. In some examples, the heat sink 235 may dissipate heat generated by the circuit board 225 and / or the plurality of battery cells 210. In some examples, the heat sink 235 is attached to the heat-generating components of the circuit board 225.

[0039] In some examples, the battery pack 100 also includes a temperature sensor 240 and a fan 245. The temperature sensor 240 may be a thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient ("NTC") thermistor, a resistance temperature detector ("RTD"), a thermocouple, etc. The temperature sensor 240 may be configured to sense the temperature of a plurality of battery cells 210. The temperature sensor 240 is electrically connected to a circuit board 225 and transmits one or more signals to the circuit board 225 indicating the temperature of the battery cells 210. In other examples, the temperature sensor 240 may also sense the temperature of other components of the battery pack 100, such as the circuit board 225, the heat sink 235, the plurality of battery pack terminals 140, etc. Figure 2 As shown, temperature sensor 240 is disposed inside housing 105 and adjacent to the first side 120. In other configurations, the sensor may be placed inside housing 105. In some other embodiments, it may also be disposed on circuit board 225. Temperature sensor 240 may also be disposed on or adjacent to the second side 125, third side 130, or fourth side 135. Although a single temperature sensor 240 is illustrated, in other embodiments, battery pack 100 may include two or more temperature sensors. In such configurations, the average temperature value of battery pack 100 can be determined by the average temperature calculated from two or more temperature sensors.

[0040] In some examples, fan 245 is disposed inside housing 105. The fan may be positioned adjacent to air inlet 165. In some examples, fan 245 cools the battery cells and circuit board 225 by providing cooling air received from air inlet 165 along the direction of the plurality of battery cells 210. Fan 245 may be arranged parallel to the plurality of battery cells 210. In some examples, fan 245 further includes a fan motor and a plurality of fan blades. In some examples, fan 245 is electrically connected to circuit board 225. Fan 245 receives control signals from circuit board 225. For example, circuit board 225 may control fan operation to direct airflow through battery pack 100. In some examples, fan 245 is located below user interface 160. In some examples, multiple indicators may provide indication of fan status.

[0041] Figure 3A Demonstrates a partial embodiment Figure 1 A perspective rear view of the battery pack 100 shows a second side 125 and a fourth side 135. In some examples, the battery pack 100 may include an air outlet 365. This air outlet 365 is located on the second side 125 of the battery pack 100. The air outlet 365 discharges airflow used to cool the plurality of battery cells 210 to the surrounding environment of the battery pack 100. In some examples, the battery pack 100 may also include additional exhaust vents (e.g., located on other sides of the battery pack 100). In some examples, the air outlet 365 may have a second plurality of openings 370 for airflow. In some examples, the second plurality of openings 370 may be generally rectangular slits. In other examples, the second plurality of openings 370 may also be in the shape of a circle, ellipse, hexagon, or patterned surface. The air outlet 365 may include battery pack terminals 140 for connecting external devices.

[0042] Figure 3B Demonstrates a partial embodiment Figure 1 A 3D semi-transparent view of the battery pack 100, including the fan 245. (See image.) Figure 3B As shown, in some examples, a plurality of channels 375 are provided between the plurality of battery cells 210. In some examples, each channel of the plurality of channels 375 extends from a third side 130 to a fourth side 135 of the battery pack 100. In some examples, channels of the plurality of channels 375 are formed between the circuit board 225 and the plurality of battery cells 210. In some examples, channels of the plurality of channels 375 are formed between the circuit board 225 and the housing 105. A heat sink 235 may be placed within the channels of the plurality of channels 375. Each channel of the plurality of channels 375 may be located between two adjacent battery cells of the plurality of battery cells 210 to allow air supplied by the fan 245 to cool the plurality of battery cells 210. In some examples, the number of channels of the plurality of channels 375 may be more or less than Figure 3B The quantities shown are as described above. As previously described, circuit board 225 can control the operation of fan 245 to guide airflow through battery pack 100. For example, circuit board 225 can control fan 245 to draw air from the environment surrounding battery pack 100 through air inlet 165 along a first airflow path 380. This first airflow path 380 can pass through the entire battery pack 100 from the first side 120 to the second side 125. Furthermore, when fan 245 draws air along the first airflow path 380, the air can pass through multiple channels 375. Thus, fan 245 can draw air along the first airflow path 380 and pass it through multiple channels 375 to cool multiple battery cells 210 as air flows from the first side 120 to the second side 125. Fan 245 can draw air from the first airflow path 380 and discharge it through air outlet 365. Alternatively, in some examples, the air inlet 165 may be located on the second side 125 of the battery pack 100, while the air outlet 365 may be located on the first side 120. In such examples, a fan 245 may be located on the second side 125 adjacent to the air inlet 165 (or the air outlet 365). Accordingly, the direction of the first airflow path 380 may be reversed, and the fan 245 may draw air from the second side 125 to the first side 120 along the first airflow path 380.

[0043] Furthermore, circuit board 225 can control fan 245 to operate to draw ambient air from the battery pack along a second airflow path 385. This second airflow path 385 can extend from the first side 120 to the second side 125 through the entire battery pack 100. For example, fan 245 draws air through air inlet 165 and directs the airflow along the second airflow path 385 past specific electronic components (such as multiple battery terminals 140, circuit board 225, multiple battery cells 210, MOSFETs, etc.). Accordingly, fan 245 can draw air from the second airflow path 385 and discharge it through air outlet 365. In some examples, circuit board 225 can control fan 245 to draw air from the environment surrounding the battery pack 100 along a third airflow path 390. In this case, fan 245 can draw air through openings in the multiple battery terminals 140 to cool the multiple battery terminals 140. Accordingly, fan 245 can draw air from the third airflow path 390 and discharge it through air outlet 365. In some examples, battery pack 100 includes multiple fans. For example, a first fan (such as fan 245) may be used to draw air to an air outlet 365 along a first airflow path 380, while a second fan may be used to draw air to an air outlet 365 along a second airflow path 385. In some examples, the first fan draws air to an air outlet 365 along a second airflow path 385, while the second fan draws air to an air outlet 365 along a third airflow path 390.

[0044] In some examples, fan 245 can be used with Figure 3BThe orientation shown is the opposite of the orientation (or the fan rotor rotates in the opposite direction). For example, fan 245 is positioned to draw air in from air outlet 365 and exhaust it through air inlet 165. In this case, fan 245 can draw air in through air outlet 365 and / or openings of multiple battery pack terminals 140. In such examples, the first airflow path 380, the second airflow path 385, and the third airflow path 390 can be reversed. Fan 245 can draw air in through air outlet 365 to flow in the opposite direction along the first airflow path 380 and exhaust it through air inlet 165. Similarly, fan 245 can draw air in through air outlet 365 to flow in the opposite direction along the second airflow path 385 and exhaust it through air inlet 165. Fan 245 can draw air in through openings of multiple battery pack terminals 140 to flow in the opposite direction along the third airflow path 390 and exhaust it through air inlet 165.

[0045] Figure 4A A perspective view of a battery pack 400 according to a partial embodiment is shown. The battery pack 400 may include... Figure 1 Similar components to the battery pack 100 shown (e.g., mechanical and / or electrical components). For example, the battery pack 400 may include a housing 105, a top portion 110, a bottom portion 115, a first side 120, a second side 125, a third side 130, a fourth side 135, an air inlet 165, and an air outlet 365 (see below for details). Figure 4B (Note) and Fan 245 (see below for details) Figure 4C (Explanation). For example... Figure 4A As shown, in some examples, air inlet 165 may be located on the third side 130 of battery pack 400. In some examples, battery pack 400 may have additional air inlets. In some examples, air inlet 165 may include a first plurality of openings 170 for air passage. The first plurality of openings 170 may be generally rectangular slits. In other examples, the first plurality of openings 170 may also be circular, elliptical, hexagonal, or patterned surfaces, etc.

[0046] Figure 4B Demonstrates according to certain implementations Figure 4A A perspective rear view of the battery pack 400, showing the second side 125 and the fourth side 135. The battery pack 400 may include... Figure 3A Similar mechanical and / or electrical components to the battery pack 100 shown. For example, the battery pack 400 may include an air outlet 365. Figure 4BAs shown, in some examples, an air outlet 365 may be located on a fourth side 135 of the battery pack 400. The air outlet 365 can exhaust air used to cool the plurality of cells 210 to the environment surrounding the battery pack. In some examples, the battery pack 400 may include an additional air outlet. In some examples, the air outlet 365 includes a second plurality of openings 370 for air to pass through. In some embodiments, the second plurality of openings 370 may be generally rectangular slits. In other examples, they may also be circular, elliptical, hexagonal, or patterned surfaces, etc.

[0047] Figure 4C Demonstrates according to certain implementations Figure 4A A three-dimensional semi-transparent view of the battery pack 400, including the fan 245. The battery pack 400 includes... Figure 3B The battery pack 100 shown may contain similar components (e.g., mechanical and / or electrical components). For example, battery pack 400 may include a fan 245 and multiple channels 375. Figure 4C As shown, in some examples, fan 245 may be positioned relative to the third side 130 adjacent to air inlet 165. As previously described, each of the plurality of channels 375 extends from the third side 130 of battery pack 100 to the fourth side 135 of battery pack 100. Each of the plurality of channels 375 is positioned between two adjacent battery cells 210 to allow air supplied by fan 245 to cool the plurality of battery cells 210. In some examples, circuit board 225 may control fan 245 to operate to draw air around battery pack 400 via air inlet 165 along a fourth airflow path 480. This fourth airflow path 480 passes through the entire battery pack 400 from the third side 130 to the fourth side 135. Additionally, as fan 245 draws air along the fourth airflow path 480, air will flow through the plurality of channels 375. Therefore, fan 245 can draw in air along the fourth airflow path 480 and cool the multiple battery cells 210 through multiple channels 375 as air flows from the third side 130 to the fourth side 135. Fan 245 draws air in from the fourth airflow path 480 and exhausts it through air outlet 365. Alternatively, in some embodiments, air inlet 165 may be located on the fourth side 135 of the battery pack 400, while air outlet 365 may be located on the third side 130. In this case, fan 245 may be located on the fourth side 135 adjacent to air inlet 165. Therefore, the direction of the fourth airflow path 480 is reversed and fan 345 draws in air from the fourth side 135 to the third side 130 along the fourth airflow path 480.

[0048] Although the air inlet 165 and air outlet 365 are described above as being located on the side of the battery pack 100 or battery pack 400, in some examples, the air inlet 165 may be located on the bottom portion 115 and the air outlet 365 may be located on the top portion 110. In such examples, the fan 245 is located adjacent to the bottom air inlet 165 relative to the bottom portion 115. Accordingly, the fan 245 can draw air from the bottom portion 115 to the top portion 110 through the air inlet 165. Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the air inlet 165 is located on the bottom portion 115, the air outlet 365 may also be located on the first side 120, the second side 125, the third side 130, or the fourth side 135.

[0049] In some examples, the air inlet 165 may be located at the junction of two sides of the battery pack 100 or battery pack 400. For example, the air inlet 165 may be located at the junction of the first side 120 and the third side 130. The air inlet 165 may also be located at the junction of the first side 120 and the fourth side 135. The air outlet 365 may be located at the junction of the second side 125 and the third side 130. Alternatively, the air inlet 165 may be located at the junction of the second side 125 and the third side 130. The air outlet 365 may also be located at the junction of the first side 120 and the third side 130.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 500 for controlling the temperature of a battery pack (e.g., battery pack 100 or battery pack 400) according to certain embodiments. It should be understood that the order of steps disclosed in method 500 may vary. For example, additional steps may be added to the process, and not all steps are necessary, or steps shown in one order may occur in a second order. Method 500 begins at step 505: when circuit board 225 (e.g., an electronic controller) receives a signal (e.g., a temperature signal) from temperature sensor 240. For example, temperature sensor 240 may sense the temperature of a plurality of battery cells 210, the temperature of circuit board 225, a temperature indicating the internal temperature of battery housing 105, and / or the average temperature of battery pack 100 (or battery pack 400), and transmit a signal indicating that temperature to circuit board 225. Method 500 then proceeds to step 510.

[0051] In step 510, circuit board 225 determines a temperature value based on the signal. Method 500 then proceeds to step 515. In step 515, circuit board 225 determines whether the temperature value is greater than a first temperature threshold. For example, circuit board 225 may compare the determined temperature value with a known temperature value stored in its memory. In some examples, the first temperature threshold may be 60 degrees Celsius; in other examples, the first temperature threshold may be greater than or less than 60 degrees Celsius. When circuit board 225 determines that the temperature value is less than the first temperature threshold, method 500 returns to step 505 and circuit board 225 continues to receive signals from temperature sensor 240; when circuit board 225 determines that the temperature of the plurality of battery cells 210 is greater than the first temperature threshold, method 500 then proceeds to step 520.

[0052] In step 520, circuit board 225 transmits one or more control commands to fan 245 to turn on fan 245 at a first rotational speed. For example, in response to circuit board 225 determining that the temperature of multiple battery cells 210 is greater than a first temperature threshold, fan 245 directs air from air inlet 165 to air outlet 365. In some examples, when fan 245 is turned on, the fan directs air through multiple channels 375. Once fan 245 is turned on in step 520, method 500 may return to step 505 to continue receiving signals from temperature sensor 240. In such examples, circuit board 225 repeats step 505, receives signals from temperature sensor 240 indicating the temperature of multiple battery cells 210, and may perform steps 510-515 as described above. When fan 245 is on in step 515 and circuit board 225 determines that the temperature of multiple battery cells 210 is less than the first temperature threshold, circuit board 225 transmits one or more control commands to fan 245 to turn off fan 245. For example, when circuit board 225 determines that the temperature value is less than a first temperature threshold, method 500 proceeds to step 525. In step 525, circuit board 225 transmits one or more control commands to fan 245 to turn off fan 245 before returning to step 505 to continue receiving signals from temperature sensor 240.

[0053] In some examples, circuit board 225 determines whether the temperature value is greater than a second temperature threshold. For example, circuit board 225 may compare the determined temperature value with a known temperature value stored in its memory. When circuit board 225 determines that the temperature value is greater than the second temperature threshold, circuit board 225 transmits one or more control commands to fan 245 to turn on fan 245 at a second rotational speed. In some examples, the second temperature threshold is greater than a first temperature threshold. In some examples, the second rotational speed is greater than the first rotational speed.

[0054] Figure 6This is a block diagram of a control system 600 for a battery pack 605 according to some examples. In some examples, the battery pack 605 may include... Figure 1 The battery pack 100 shown and / or Figure 4A Similar components (e.g., mechanical and / or electrical components) to the battery pack 400 shown. The control system 600 may include... Figure 6 Other components not shown, such as battery chargers, power tools, motors, solenoids, and / or other mechanical and / or electrical components described above. The battery pack 605 may comprise a stack 610 consisting of one or more battery cells 615. In some examples, the one or more battery cells 615 may be the same as the plurality of battery cells 210. In other examples, the one or more battery cells 615 are electrically connected to each other in series. In still other examples, the one or more battery cells 615 are electrically connected to each other in parallel. In yet another example, the one or more battery cells 615 are electrically connected to each other in a combination of series and parallel connections.

[0055] The battery pack 605 may further include a battery pack controller 620 comprising a battery processor 625 and a battery memory 630. In some examples, the battery pack controller 620 may be incorporated as part of a circuit board 225. The battery pack 605 may further include a positive battery terminal 635 and a negative battery terminal 640. The positive battery terminal 635 and the negative battery terminal 640 may be used for electrical and / or mechanical connections to corresponding terminals of a battery charger or power tool. In some examples, the battery pack 605 includes a communication terminal 645, which may be used for electrical, mechanical, and / or communication connections to one or more communication terminals of a battery charger or power tool.

[0056] In some examples (e.g.) Figure 6 (A block diagram of the battery pack 605 is shown). The one or more battery cells 615 are connected to a battery pack controller 620. The battery pack controller 620 can control the power delivered to the positive battery terminal 635 and the negative battery terminal 640, for example, via a discharge field-effect transistor (FET), a charge field-effect transistor, and / or other field-effect transistors located within the battery pack 605. In some examples, the battery pack controller 620 controls the power by enabling or disabling the power supply. Furthermore, in some examples, the controller controls the power by allowing a proportion of the power generated by the one or more battery cells 615 to be output. In some embodiments, the amount of power delivered between the battery terminals 635, 640 is approximately 100% of the power that the one or more battery cells 615 may generate.

[0057] In some examples, the battery processor 625 may include a control unit, an arithmetic logic unit, and one or more registers. Furthermore, the battery memory 630 may include program storage and / or data storage; the memory may be flash memory, random access memory, solid-state memory, other types of memory, or a combination of these. The battery pack controller 620 may further include one or more input units and / or output units. In some examples, the one or more input units may be used to receive multiple inputs, such as mode switching signals, signals from one or more sensors (e.g., temperature signals), battery current signals, battery temperature signals, or battery voltage signals. In some examples, the one or more output units may be configured to transmit multiple outputs, such as signals controlling the operation of fan 245, signals controlling multiple light-emitting diodes, or signals controlling multiple field-effect transistors connected to a motor. For example, the battery pack controller 620 may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip, a PID controller, a programmable logic controller, etc. The battery processor 625 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or other suitable programmable device.

[0058] The battery memory 630 is a non-transient computer-readable medium that includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and data storage area may contain combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory ("ROM"), random access memory ("RAM") (e.g., dynamic RAM ["DRAM"], synchronous DRAM ["SDRAM"], etc.), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), flash memory, hard disk, SD card, or other suitable magnetic storage, optical storage, physical storage, or electronic storage device. The battery processor 625 may be connected to the battery memory 630 and execute software instructions that can be stored in the memory RAM (e.g., during execution), ROM (e.g., permanent storage), or other non-transient computer-readable media (e.g., other memory or disk). In the battery pack 605 or fan 245 implementation, software may be stored in the battery memory 630 of the battery pack controller 620, and 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 battery pack controller 620 can retrieve and execute, among other things, instructions relating to controlling the charging and / or discharging of the battery pack 605 from memory. In other examples, the battery pack controller 620 can retrieve and execute, among other things, instructions relating to controlling the fan 245 described herein. In other configurations, the battery pack controller 620 may include more, fewer, or different components. As shown, the battery pack controller 620 may be electrically and / or communicatively connected to the fan motor 650 and the temperature sensor 240. The temperature sensor 240 may transmit one or more signals to the battery pack controller 620 indicating the temperature of the one or more battery cells 615. The fan motor 650 may receive control signals from the battery pack controller 620 and operate the fan 245 based on the signals.

[0059] Although the present technical solution has been described in detail with reference to specific preferred embodiments, variations and modifications are possible within the scope of one or more independent claims as described.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: The housing has: The first side facing forward, The second side is positioned relative to the first side. The third side, positioned adjacent to both the first and second sides. The fourth side, positioned relative to the third side, An air inlet is provided on the first side, and An air outlet is provided on the second side; Multiple battery cells; A fan, which is positioned within the housing; A temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being configured to sense temperature; as well as An electronic controller is configured to perform the following operations: Receive signals from the temperature sensor. The temperature is determined based on this signal. Determine whether the temperature is higher than a first temperature threshold, and In response to determining that the temperature is higher than the first temperature threshold, the fan is started at a first rotational speed to allow air to flow from the air inlet to the air outlet.

2. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The battery pack includes an interface for cooperating with external devices, and the air outlet includes the interface.

3. The battery pack as described in claim 2, wherein, The electronic controller is mounted on the PCB, and a channel is formed between the PCB and the battery cell and / or between the PCB and the housing, and the fan causes air to flow through the channel.

4. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of channels, each of the plurality of channels being positioned between two adjacent battery cells in the plurality of battery cells, the fan causing air to flow through the plurality of channels.

5. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fan is positioned adjacent to either the air inlet or the air outlet.

6. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fan is located below the LED instrument panel.

7. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fan is also configured to: Air is drawn in through the air inlet; The plurality of battery cells and / or the electronic controller are cooled by air drawn from the air inlet. and Air is discharged from the air outlet.

8. The battery pack as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The PCB includes a heat sink attached to a heat-generating element, the heat sink being positioned within the channel.

9. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein, If the temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold, the electronic controller controls the fan to operate at a second speed; wherein the second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold, and the second speed is higher than the first speed.

10. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, It also includes an LED instrument that can indicate the status of the fan.

11. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The fan is arranged parallel to the battery cell.

12. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal, each first battery terminal being located adjacent to the third side and each second battery terminal being located adjacent to the fourth side.

13. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The air inlet includes a first plurality of openings through which air passes, and the air outlet includes a second plurality of openings through which air passes.

14. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fan is further configured as follows: Air is drawn in from the air inlet; The plurality of battery cells are cooled by air drawn in from the air inlet; and The air is discharged from the air outlet.

15. A method for controlling the temperature of a battery pack, the battery pack comprising an electronic controller, the method comprising: The electronic controller receives signals from the temperature sensor. Temperature is determined via the electronic controller and based on the signal; The electronic controller determines whether the temperature is higher than a temperature threshold. as well as In response to determining that the temperature is higher than the temperature threshold, the fan is activated to make air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of channels, each of the plurality of channels being positioned between two adjacent battery cells in the plurality of battery cells.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The fan is activated to allow air to flow through the multiple channels.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein, The air inlet includes a plurality of first openings through which air passes, and The air outlet mentioned therein includes a second plurality of openings through which air passes.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises, Air is drawn in through the air inlet via the fan. The plurality of battery cells are cooled by air drawn in through the air inlet. The air is discharged from the air outlet.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises In response to determining that the temperature is below the temperature threshold, the fan is turned off.

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