Battery pack and powered device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and an electric device, the battery pack comprising a box body, a battery module, a glue-filling structure and a first heat exchange member, the battery module being located in the box body, the battery module having a first gap between both ends thereof and side beams of the box body in a first direction, the glue-filling structure comprising a first glue-filling part, in the first direction, the first glue-filling part and the first heat exchange member being sequentially arranged in each first gap, the side of the first glue-filling part away from the first heat exchange member abutting against the side beam, and the side of the first heat exchange member away from the first glue-filling part abutting against the battery module. The first glue-filling part of the present disclosure can be matched with the first heat exchange member and sufficiently fill the first gap of different battery packs, so that the side beam can exert sufficient constraint force on the battery module through the first glue-filling part and the first heat exchange member, and the first heat exchange member can exchange heat with the end surface of the battery module in the first direction, improving the heat exchange effect on the battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of battery pack technology, and more particularly to a battery pack and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] In order to assemble the battery module into the battery pack housing, an assembly gap is usually reserved between the battery module and the side beam of the housing. If the assembly gap is not filled to constrain the battery module, the expansion force generated by the charging and discharging of the battery module will not only lead to the degradation of the battery module's performance and lifespan, but may also cause the battery module to exceed the size tolerance and damage the surrounding structural components.

[0003] In related technologies, foam is usually used to fill the assembly gap between the side beam and the battery module. However, due to the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of various components of the battery pack, the assembly gaps of different battery packs are different. Therefore, it is difficult for the foam to match the assembly gaps of different battery packs. If the foam is too thick, it will be difficult to put the foam into the assembly gap and it will be easy to misalign due to friction. If the foam is too thin, the elasticity provided by the foam will be small and it will not be able to provide sufficient constraint force for the battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery pack and an electrical device to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, including a housing, a battery module, a potting structure, and a first heat exchanger. The battery module is located inside the housing, and there is a first gap between both ends of the battery module in the first direction and the side beams of the housing. The potting structure includes a first potting section. In the first direction, the first potting section and the first heat exchanger are sequentially arranged in each of the first gaps. The side of the first potting section away from the first heat exchanger abuts against the side beam, and the side of the first heat exchanger away from the first potting section abuts against the battery module.

[0006] Optionally, the stiffness of the first heat exchanger is greater than that of the first glue-filling part, at least in the middle region of its height direction. The central region of the first heat exchanger corresponds to the central region of the battery module in the height direction.

[0007] Optionally, the side beam has a first connection area for abutting against the first glue-filling part, and at least a portion of the first connection area has a stiffness less than that of the first heat exchanger.

[0008] Optionally, the first connection area includes a first central connection area, and the first heat exchanger includes a second central connection area; In the height direction of the battery pack, the first central connection area corresponds to the middle of the battery module in the height direction, and the second central connection area corresponds to the middle of the battery module in the height direction. The stiffness of the first central connecting region is less than that of the second central connecting region.

[0009] Optionally, the first heat exchanger is provided with a flow channel for the heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with the battery module to pass through.

[0010] Optionally, the first heat exchanger is constructed as a heat-conducting heat dissipation plate.

[0011] Optionally, the first heat exchanger is constructed as a plate and includes a heat dissipation shell and reinforcing ribs. The heat dissipation shell has a cavity, and the reinforcing ribs are disposed in the cavity.

[0012] Optionally, the heat dissipation housing includes a bottom wall and two side walls disposed opposite each other in the first direction, and the upper end of the heat dissipation housing has a first opening extending in the second direction; The reinforcing rib includes a sealing portion and an extension portion; The sealing portion blocks the first opening, the extension portion is located inside the heat dissipation housing, and the second direction intersects the first direction.

[0013] Optionally, the heat dissipation housing also has two second openings, which are arranged opposite to each other along the second direction; The extension includes two first extensions, the upper ends of which are respectively connected to the two ends of the blocking part located in the second direction; The first extension extends along the height direction of the battery pack, and the lower end of the first extension is connected to the bottom wall. The first extension is used to block the second opening.

[0014] Optionally, the extension further includes at least one second extension; The second extension is located at both ends in the second direction and is respectively connected to the corresponding first extension.

[0015] Optionally, the number of the second extensions may be multiple; Multiple second extensions are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the battery pack.

[0016] Optionally, in the height direction of the battery pack, the area defined between the uppermost second extension and the lowermost second extension corresponds to the middle part of the height direction of the battery module.

[0017] Optionally, the extension includes at least one third extension, which is located between the two first extensions in the second direction. The upper end of the third extension is connected to the blocking portion, and the lower end of the third extension is connected to the bottom wall.

[0018] Optionally, there may be a plurality of third extensions, and the plurality of third extensions are arranged at intervals along the second direction; The third extension is arranged at an angle; Each pair of adjacent third extensions is symmetrical about the center of the line connecting them in the second direction.

[0019] Optionally, the battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction, and in the first direction, the first heat exchanger is provided between the large surfaces of each two adjacent battery cells.

[0020] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a second heat exchanger located inside the housing and supported at the bottom of the battery module.

[0021] Optionally, the side beam includes a side beam shell and internal reinforcing bars disposed within the side beam shell.

[0022] Optionally, there are multiple internal reinforcement bars, which are spaced apart along the height direction of the side beam. Each of the inner ribs extends along the first direction, and the two ends of the inner ribs in the first direction are respectively connected to the two inner sidewalls of the side beam shell that are opposite each other in the first direction; The first heat exchanger includes a second central connection area, which corresponds to the middle of the battery module in the height direction. The second central connection area is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs arranged at intervals along the height direction of the first heat exchanger, and each reinforcing rib extends along the first direction. In the height direction of the battery pack, the inner ribs and the reinforcing ribs are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0023] Optionally, the battery module includes multiple battery cells, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction; The battery cell is in an EOL (End of Operation) state, and in the EOL state: The deformation of the side of the first heat exchanger that abuts against the battery module in the first direction is b; The compression amount of the first dispensing part in the first direction is c; The deformation of the side beam in the first direction is d; Wherein, b, c, and d satisfy: 0.01 ​

[0024] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an electrical device is provided, including a device body and the aforementioned battery pack, the battery pack being installed in the device body and used to supply power to the device body.

[0025] Through the above technical solution, the first potting part and the first heat exchanger can be sequentially arranged in the first gap between the battery module and the side beam, and the first potting part and the first heat exchanger can respectively abut against the side beam and the battery module. Since the first potting part has fluidity before solidification, it is beneficial to overcome the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of various components of the battery pack and fill the first gaps of different sizes, so that the first potting part can match the first heat exchanger and fully fill the first gaps of different battery packs.

[0026] Furthermore, since the first potting part has good rigidity after solidification, by setting the first potting part and the first heat exchanger, it is beneficial for the side beam to apply sufficient constraint force to the battery module in the first direction through the first potting part and the first heat exchanger. This can reduce the occurrence of lithium plating in the battery module due to insufficient constraint force during the charging and discharging process, which is beneficial to improving the performance and life of the battery module.

[0027] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a battery pack provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a battery pack provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top cover is not shown.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery pack provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first heat exchanger provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a first heat exchanger provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6This is a graph of the charge-discharge life cycle test of a battery pack provided in one embodiment of this disclosure, wherein the stiffness of the first potting structure is less than that of the first heat exchanger.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a graph of the charge-discharge life cycle test of a battery pack provided in one embodiment of this disclosure, wherein the stiffness of the first potting structure is greater than that of the first heat exchanger.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1000 - Battery pack; 100 - Housing; 110 - Side beam; 111 - First connection area; 1111 - First central connection area; 112 - Side beam housing; 113 - Inner rib; 120 - First gap; 130 - Second gap; 140 - Top cover; 200 - Battery module; 210 - Battery cell; 300 - Potting structure; 310 - First potting part; 320 - Second potting part; 400 - First heat exchanger; 410 - Second connection area; 411 - Second central connection area; 420 - Heat dissipation housing; 421 - Cavity; 422 - Bottom wall; 423 - Side wall; 424 - First opening; 425 - Second opening; 430 - Reinforcing rib; 431 - Sealing part; 432 - Extension; 4321 - First extension; 4322 - Second extension; 4323 - Third extension; 500 - Second heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0038] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" are generally defined as the upper, lower, top, and bottom of the battery pack in its normal operating state. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and for simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or a specific orientation construction and operation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure. "Inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of the corresponding components. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have sequential or importance implications.

[0039] In the description of this disclosure, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup," "connection," "linking," and "installation" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand them according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] As mentioned above, the foam used in related technologies is difficult to match the assembly gaps of different battery packs, resulting in problems such as the foam being too thick to fit into the assembly gap, and the foam being too thin to provide sufficient constraint for the battery module.

[0041] In view of this, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack 1000 is provided, including a housing 100, a battery module 200, a potting structure 300, and a first heat exchanger 400. The battery module 200 is located inside the housing 100. The battery module 200 has a first gap 120 (i.e., the assembly gap mentioned above) between its two ends in a first direction and the side beams 110 of the housing 100. The potting structure 300 includes a first potting portion 310. In the first direction, the first potting portion 310 and the first heat exchanger 400 are sequentially arranged in each first gap 120. The side of the first potting portion 310 away from the first heat exchanger 400 abuts against the side beam 110, and the side of the first heat exchanger 400 away from the first potting portion 310 abuts against the battery module 200.

[0042] Through the above technical solution, the first potting part 310 and the first heat exchanger 400 can be sequentially (here, sequential refers only to spatial order, not temporal order) placed in the first gap 120 (i.e., assembly gap) between the battery module 200 and the side beam 110, and the first potting part 310 and the first heat exchanger 400 respectively abut against the side beam 110 and the battery module 200. Since the first potting part 310 has fluidity before solidification, it is beneficial to overcome the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the various components of the battery pack 1000 and fill the first gaps 120 of different sizes, so that the first potting part 310 can match the first heat exchanger 400 and fully fill the first gaps 120 of different battery packs 1000.

[0043] Furthermore, since the first potting section 310 has good rigidity after solidification, by setting the first potting section 310 and the first heat exchanger 400, it is beneficial for the side beam 110 to apply sufficient constraint force to the battery module 200 through the first potting section 310 and the first heat exchanger 400. This can reduce the occurrence of lithium plating in the battery module 200 due to insufficient constraint force during the charging and discharging process, which is beneficial to improving the performance and lifespan of the battery module 200.

[0044] In other words, compared with the related technology that fills the assembly gap with foam, the battery pack 1000 provided in this disclosure fills the first gap 120 with the first potting part 310 and the first heat exchanger 400, which helps to overcome the problems that it is difficult to put the foam into the assembly gap when it is too thick, and that it cannot provide sufficient constraint force for the battery module 200 when the foam is too thin.

[0045] Furthermore, by utilizing the fluidity of the first potting section 310 before solidification, it is beneficial to reduce the tolerance requirements of the contours of the products on both sides of the bonding interface, thereby reducing the process precision of the sub-parts of the first heat exchanger 400 and the side beam 110, improving the sub-part product qualification rate, reducing sub-part costs, and thus saving the total cost of the battery pack 1000.

[0046] In summary, by sequentially arranging the first potting section 310 and the first heat exchanger 400 within the first gap 120 between the battery module 200 and the side beam 110, the fluidity of the first potting section 310 can effectively eliminate the first gap 120 and reduce the requirements for the process precision of the sub-parts of the first heat exchanger 400 and the side beam 110. Furthermore, the good rigidity of the first heat exchanger 400 can effectively constrain the battery module 200, thereby reducing the occurrence of lithium plating in the battery module 200 due to insufficient constraint.

[0047] Furthermore, since the side of the first heat exchanger 400 facing away from the first potting portion 310 abuts against the battery module 200, heat exchange can occur between the first heat exchanger 400 and the end face of the battery module 200 in the first direction. This increases the heat exchange area of ​​the battery module 200, improves the temperature control efficiency of the battery module 200, and enhances the heat exchange effect of the battery module 200. For example, it can improve the efficiency of heating, cooling, and heat preservation of the battery module 200. Moreover, the arrangement of the first heat exchanger 400 also helps to improve the temperature consistency between the end of the battery module 200 in the first direction and other positions in the first direction.

[0048] Furthermore, since the battery module 200 has a first gap 120 between its two ends in the first direction and the side beam 110, and each first gap 120 is provided with a first potting part 310 and a first heat exchanger 400, the battery module 200 can be subjected to good constraint forces from the side beam 110, the first potting part 310 and the first heat exchanger 400 at both ends in the first direction. This can further reduce the occurrence of lithium plating in the battery module 200 due to insufficient constraint forces during the charging and discharging process, which is conducive to further improving the performance and lifespan of the battery module 200.

[0049] Furthermore, the temperature control efficiency of the battery module 200 can be further improved by the first heat exchanger 400 located at both ends of the battery module 200 in the first direction, and the temperature consistency of the battery module 200 at various locations in the first direction can be improved.

[0050] Here, the side beam 110 can be a side beam of the box 100 or a partition beam of the box 100, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0051] It is understood that the first direction can be the length or width direction of the battery pack. The first direction can be the length direction of the battery cell 210 in the battery module 200, or the stacking direction of the battery cells 210 in the battery module 200. This disclosure does not limit it in this respect.

[0052] For example, in such Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the first direction is the stacking direction of the battery cells 210 in the battery module 200, that is, the direction in which the large surface of the battery cell 210 is located. One end of the battery module 200 in the first direction is the end face of the battery cell 210 located at the end of the battery module 200 in the first direction.

[0053] In this article, the vertical direction of battery module 200 and battery pack 1000 refers to the vertical direction of battery pack 1000 in use. For example, when battery pack 1000 is used in a vehicle, the bottom of battery module 200 and battery pack 1000 is the side of battery pack 1000 closer to the ground, and the top of battery module 200 and battery pack 1000 is the side of battery pack 1000 away from the ground.

[0054] In addition, see Figure 2 The battery module 200 can be composed of a single row of battery cells 210 or multiple rows of battery cells 210. The structure of the battery cells 210 in different rows of multiple ...

[0055] Research has found that excessive constraint force applied to the battery module 200 can also have adverse effects. For example, it may prevent the outline of the battery module 200 from expanding at all, thereby causing damage to the internal structure of the battery module 200 or its battery cells 210, which in turn affects the performance and safety of the battery module 200.

[0056] Therefore, as one implementation, the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400 in its central region along its height direction is greater than the stiffness of the first potting portion 310, and the central region of the first heat exchanger 400 in its height direction corresponds to the central region of the battery module 200 in its height direction. In other words, the projection of the central region of the first heat exchanger 400 in the first direction at least partially coincides with the projection of the central portion of the battery module 200 in the first direction, such as only partially coinciding or completely coinciding.

[0057] By setting the stiffness of at least the central region of the first heat exchanger 400 to be greater than that of the first potting portion 310, the first potting portion 310 can undergo greater deformation than the first heat exchanger 400 (the first heat exchanger 400 may not deform). This allows the battery module 200 or its individual battery cells 210 to expand to a certain extent, and facilitates effective contact between the first heat exchanger 400 and the battery module 200 during this process. This helps reduce interface stiffness distortion caused by incomplete contact surfaces between the battery module 200 and the individual battery cells 210 at its first direction end and the first heat exchanger 400. Consequently, it helps reduce the occurrence of shortened battery cell lifespan due to inconsistent lithium plating thickness in the battery cells 210. Furthermore, effective contact between the first heat exchanger 400 and the battery module 200 also helps ensure effective heat exchange between the first heat exchanger 400 and the individual battery cells 210.

[0058] Furthermore, since the expansion force in the middle of the height direction of the battery module 200 is usually large, the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400 is greater than that of the first potting part 310, at least in the middle region of its own height direction. This is beneficial for the first heat exchanger 400 to better constrain the expansion force in the middle of the battery module 200.

[0059] Charge-discharge cycle tests on the battery pack 1000 revealed that when the stiffness of the first potting section 310 is less than the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400, such as... Figure 6 As shown, after 1500 charge-discharge cycles of the battery pack 1000, the total capacity of the battery pack 1000 is less than 85%. And when the stiffness of the first potting section 310 is greater than the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400, as... Figure 7 As shown, after 1250 charge-discharge cycles of the battery pack 1000, the total capacity of the battery pack 1000 is less than 85%.

[0060] The test results show that in a battery pack 1000 where the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400 is less than that of the first potting part 310, the battery cells 210 located at both ends of the battery module 200 are squeezed by the first heat exchanger 400 as the expansion force increases during charge and discharge cycles. This causes the first heat exchanger 400 to deform and fail to maintain effective contact with the battery cells 210. The difference in heat dissipation capacity and stiffness at the outer interface of the battery cells 210 leads to severe local lithium plating in the battery cells 210, resulting in a voltage drop. Compared with a battery pack 1000 where the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400 is greater than that of the first potting part 310, the lifespan of the battery modules 200 differs by 20%.

[0061] As one implementation method, such as Figure 3As shown, the side beam 110 has a first connection area 111 for abutting against the first potting section 310, and at least a portion of the first connection area 111 has a stiffness less than that of the first heat exchanger 400.

[0062] Because the expansion of the battery cell 210 is uneven, the expansion of the end face of the battery module 200 in the first direction is also uneven. Therefore, for the areas where the end face of the battery module 200 or its battery cell 210 expands more in the first direction, the stiffness of at least a portion of the first connection area 111 can be set to be greater than the stiffness of the first potting portion 310. This allows the expansion of the battery module 200 and its battery cell 210 to be absorbed by generating a larger deformation than the first heat exchanger 400 (the first heat exchanger 400 may not deform). This also allows the first heat exchanger 400 to maintain effective contact with the battery module 200 during the process. This helps to reduce the interface stiffness distortion caused by the incomplete contact surface between the battery module 200 and the battery cell 210 at its end in the first direction and the first heat exchanger 400. This, in turn, helps to reduce the occurrence of a shortened lifespan of the battery cell 210 due to inconsistent lithium plating thickness in the core of the battery cell 210.

[0063] Optionally, the area where the first heat exchanger 400 abuts against the battery module 200 can be the second connection area 410.

[0064] It is understandable that the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400 and the stiffness of at least a portion of the first connection area 111 can both be less than the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400.

[0065] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first connection area 111 includes a first middle connection area 1111, and the first heat exchanger 400 includes a second middle connection area 411. In the height direction of the battery pack 1000, the first middle connection area 1111 corresponds to the middle of the height direction of the battery module 200, and the second middle connection area 411 corresponds to the middle of the height direction of the battery module 200. The stiffness of the first middle connection area 1111 is less than the stiffness of the second middle connection area 411.

[0066] In other words, the projection of the first central connection area 1111 in the first direction at least partially coincides with the projection of the center of the battery module 200 in the first direction, such as only partially or completely. The projection of the second central connection area 411 in the first direction at least partially coincides with the projection of the center of the battery module 200 in the first direction, such as only partially or completely. The projection of the first central connection area 1111 in the first direction at least partially coincides with the projection of the second central connection area 411 in the first direction, such as only partially or completely.

[0067] Since the expansion of the battery module 200 is uneven, and the position where the battery module 200 expands the most is usually located in the middle of its height direction, the stiffness of the side beam 110 corresponding to the middle region of the battery module 200 in the height direction (i.e., the first middle connection area 1111) can be set to be less than that of the first heat exchanger 400 corresponding to the middle region of the battery module 200 in the height direction (i.e., the second middle connection area 411). This allows the first middle connection area 1111 to generate a larger deformation than the second middle connection area 411 (the second middle connection area 411 may not generate deformation), thus absorbing the expansion of the battery module 200 and its battery cells 210. This also helps the first heat exchanger 400 to maintain effective contact with the battery module 200 during the process. In this way, the beneficial effect of maintaining effective contact between the first heat exchanger 400 and the battery module 200 can be obtained, similar to the embodiment where the stiffness of the first heat exchanger 400 is greater than the stiffness of the first potting part 310. This will not be elaborated here.

[0068] Furthermore, since the first central connection area 1111 is a local area of ​​the side beam 110 and the second central connection area 411 is a local area of ​​the first heat exchanger 400, this arrangement is also conducive to increasing the stiffness design range and material selection range of the side beam 110 and the first heat exchanger 400 in other areas, thereby facilitating further optimization of the side beam 110 and the first heat exchanger 400.

[0069] It is understood that, in this disclosure, the middle portion of a component in the height direction may include the center position of the component in the height direction, a certain area above the center position in the height direction, and a certain area below the center position in the height direction. For example, the middle portion of the battery module 200 in the height direction may include the center position of the battery module 200 in the height direction, a certain area above the center position in the height direction, and a certain area below the center position in the height direction. This disclosure does not limit the type of the first heat exchanger 400. As one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 400 can be constructed as a heat-conducting heat dissipation plate. By constructing the first heat exchanger 400 as a heat-conducting heat dissipation plate, the first heat exchanger 400 can increase the heat transfer efficiency between the end face of the battery module 200 and the side beam 110 in the first direction, thereby improving the passive heat exchange efficiency of the battery module 200. In the embodiment where the first heat exchanger 400 is constructed as a heat-conducting heat dissipation plate, the material of the first heat exchanger 400 is not limited, including but not limited to metal materials. The first heat exchanger 400 made of metal material has good thermal conductivity and relatively high rigidity.

[0070] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first heat exchanger 400 may be provided with a flow channel for the passage of a heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with the battery module 200. That is, the first heat exchanger 400 utilizes a flow channel to achieve heat exchange with the battery module 200 by the heat exchange medium passing through the flow channel. Heat exchange media of different temperatures can be introduced into the flow channel, enabling the first heat exchanger 400 to achieve active heat exchange efficiency such as heating, cooling, and heat preservation of the end face of the battery module 200 in the first direction.

[0071] This disclosure does not limit the structure of the first heat exchanger 400. As one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 400 can be constructed as a plate-shaped component, including a heat dissipation shell 420 and reinforcing ribs 430. The heat dissipation shell 420 has a cavity 421, and the reinforcing ribs 430 are disposed in the cavity 421. The cavity 421 in the heat dissipation shell 420 is beneficial for the lightweight of the first heat exchanger 400, and the reinforcing ribs 430 disposed in the cavity 421 are beneficial for improving the rigidity of the heat dissipation shell 420. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 400 with this structure can not only have a lighter weight but also have sufficient rigidity, which is beneficial for reducing the overall weight of the battery pack 1000 while maintaining effective contact between the first heat exchanger 400 and the battery module 200.

[0072] As another embodiment of this disclosure, the first heat exchanger 400 may also be constructed as a solid structure.

[0073] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heat dissipation housing 420 includes a bottom wall 422 and two side walls 423 disposed opposite to each other in a first direction. The upper end of the heat dissipation housing 420 has a first opening 424 extending in a second direction. The reinforcing rib 430 includes a blocking part 431 and an extension part 432. The blocking part 431 blocks the first opening 424, and the extension part 432 is located inside the heat dissipation housing 420. The second direction intersects with the first direction.

[0074] The extension 432 can connect at least two side walls 423 of the heat sink 420 in the first direction, or have a gap between it and the two side walls 423, which can improve the rigidity of the heat sink 420 in the first direction. Furthermore, since the extension 432 can be installed into the interior of the heat sink 420 through the first opening 424, the heat sink 420 and the reinforcing rib 430 can be manufactured separately and then assembled, which helps to reduce the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the first heat exchanger 400.

[0075] Furthermore, by sealing the first opening 424 with the sealing part 431, it is beneficial to reduce the amount of adhesive flowing into the heat sink housing 420 from the first opening 424, or to prevent adhesive from flowing into the heat sink housing 420 from the first opening 424, thereby avoiding the waste of adhesive and the increase in weight of the first heat exchanger 400.

[0076] Here, the first opening 424 can be constructed as a strip-shaped opening extending along the second direction, and the sealing part 431 can be constructed as a strip-shaped sealing part 431 adapted to the strip-shaped opening.

[0077] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heat dissipation housing 420 also has two second openings 425, which are arranged opposite to each other along the second direction. The extension 432 includes two first extensions 4321, the upper ends of which are respectively connected to the two ends of the sealing part 431 located in the second direction. The first extensions 4321 extend along the height direction of the battery pack 1000, and the lower ends of the first extensions 4321 are connected to the bottom wall 422. The first extensions 4321 are used to seal the second openings 425.

[0078] Since the heat sink 420 has a first opening 424 extending along the second direction and two second openings 425 arranged opposite to each other along the second direction, the heat sink 420 can be constructed as a U-shaped plate, which allows the heat sink 420 to be formed by bending a flat plate, thereby helping to reduce the processing difficulty and processing cost of the heat sink 420.

[0079] Furthermore, by sealing the two second openings 425 with the two first extensions 4321 respectively, it is beneficial to reduce the amount of adhesive flowing into the heat sink housing 420 from the second openings 425, or to prevent adhesive from flowing into the heat sink housing 420 from the second openings 425, thereby reducing the waste of adhesive and the increase in weight of the first heat exchanger 400.

[0080] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the extension 432 further includes at least one second extension 4322, the two ends of the second extension 4322 located in the second direction are respectively connected to the corresponding first extension 4321.

[0081] Since the second extension 4322 is located at both ends of the second direction and is connected to the corresponding first extension 4321, the second extension 4322 can not only improve the rigidity of the corresponding part of the heat sink 420, but also improve the rigidity of the two first extensions 4321 in the second direction. This helps the first extension 4321 to remain in the position of blocking the corresponding second opening 425, and thus helps to prevent the glue caused by the deformation of the first extension 4321 from flowing into the heat sink 420 from the second opening 425.

[0082] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, there are multiple second extensions 4322, and the multiple second extensions 4322 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the battery pack 1000.

[0083] Multiple second extensions 4322 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the battery pack 1000, which can increase the rigidity of multiple parts of the heat dissipation housing 420 in the height direction of the battery pack 1000, and also increase the rigidity of multiple parts of the two first extensions 4321 in the height direction of the battery pack 1000. Furthermore, the weight of the extensions 432 is not too large, which is beneficial to the weight reduction of the first heat exchanger 400.

[0084] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the height direction of the battery pack 1000, the area defined between the uppermost second extension 4322 and the lowermost second extension 4322 corresponds to the middle part of the height direction of the battery module 200.

[0085] Since the region defined between the uppermost and lowermost second extensions 4322 has good rigidity in the first direction, the region defined between the uppermost and lowermost second extensions 4322 corresponds to the middle part of the height direction of the battery module 200. This allows the area of ​​the first heat exchanger 400 with good rigidity to correspond to the position of the battery module 200 with the greatest expansion, thereby helping to reduce the deformation of the first heat exchanger 400 caused by the expansion force of the battery module 200, and thus helping to ensure the effective fit between the first heat exchanger 400 and the battery module 200.

[0086] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the extension 432 includes at least one third extension 4323, which can be located between two first extensions 4321 in the second direction. The upper end of the third extension 4323 is connected to the blocking part 431, and the lower end of the third extension 4323 is connected to the bottom wall 422.

[0087] Since the upper end of the third extension 4323 is connected to the sealing part 431 and the lower end of the third extension 4323 is connected to the bottom wall 422, the third extension 4323 can not only improve the rigidity of the corresponding part of the heat dissipation housing 420, but also improve the rigidity of the sealing part 431 in the height direction of the battery pack 1000. This helps the sealing part 431 to remain in the position of sealing the first opening 424, and thus helps to prevent the adhesive from flowing into the heat dissipation housing 420 from the first opening 424 due to the deformation of the sealing part 431.

[0088] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, there are multiple third extensions 4323, and the multiple third extensions 4323 are arranged at intervals along the second direction.

[0089] Multiple third extensions 4323 are arranged at intervals along the second direction, which can increase the rigidity of multiple parts of the heat dissipation shell 420 in the second direction, and also increase the rigidity of multiple parts of the two sealing parts 431 in the second direction. Furthermore, the weight of the extensions 432 is not too large, which is beneficial to the weight reduction of the first heat exchanger 400.

[0090] This disclosure does not limit the extension direction of the third extension 4323. As one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the third extension 4323 can be arranged at an angle, and each pair of adjacent third extensions 4323 can be symmetrical about the center of the line connecting them in the second direction. With this arrangement, the number of parts of the heat dissipation housing 420 that can be reinforced by the third extensions 4323 in the second direction can be increased without changing the number of third extensions 4323, thereby improving the rigidity of multiple parts of the heat dissipation housing 420 in the second direction and making the first heat exchanger 400 lighter.

[0091] In other embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of third extensions 4323 may extend along the height direction of the battery pack 1000.

[0092] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the housing 100 includes two side beams 110 arranged at intervals in the first direction. The battery module 200 has a first gap 120 between its two ends in the first direction and the corresponding side beams 110. Each first gap 120 is provided with a first potting part 310 and a first heat exchanger 400.

[0093] This configuration ensures that both ends of the battery module 200 in the first direction are subject to good constraint forces from the two side beams 110, the first potting section 310, and the first heat exchanger 400, thereby further reducing lithium plating during the charging and discharging process of the battery module 200.

[0094] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the battery module 200 has a second gap 130 between at least one end in the second direction and the side beam 110 of the housing 100. The potting structure 300 also includes a second potting part 320, which is disposed in the second gap 130. The second direction intersects with the first direction.

[0095] In other words, in the second direction, the battery module 200 can be connected to the side beam 110 of the housing 100 in the second direction via the second potting section 320. This improves the connection between the battery module 200 and the housing 100, thereby enhancing the rigidity, strength, and modal characteristics of the battery pack 1000. Furthermore, by providing the second potting section 320, the constraint position on the battery module 200 can be further increased, reducing the possibility of lithium plating in the battery module 200 due to insufficient constraint in the second direction.

[0096] In an embodiment where the battery module 200 and the side beam 110 have a first gap 120 and a second gap 130, optionally, the two first gaps 120 and the two second gaps 130 are connected to form an annular gap, and the two first potting portions 310 and the two second potting portions 320 are connected to form an annular potting portion. In other words, the battery module 200 is located in the middle of the housing 100, and the battery module 200 can be connected to the side beam 110 of the housing 100 through the first potting portions 310 and the second potting portions 320, respectively, so that the battery pack 1000 has high rigidity, strength, and modal characteristics.

[0097] In embodiments where the battery module 200 includes a plurality of battery cells 210 arranged along a first direction, optionally, as shown in the following embodiments: Figure 3 As shown, in the first direction, a first heat exchanger 400 is provided between the large surfaces of every two adjacent battery cells 210.

[0098] This configuration, on the one hand, ensures that both large surfaces of each battery cell 210 in the first direction receive good heat exchange, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of each battery cell 210 and its temperature control capability, thus improving the temperature uniformity of each battery cell 210 and ultimately enhancing the performance of the battery module 200. On the other hand, it ensures that both ends of the battery cell 210 in the first direction receive good support, thereby improving the constraint on the expansion force of each battery cell 210.

[0099] It is understandable that the large surface of the battery cell 210 can be the surface enclosed by the side extending along its own length direction and the side extending along its own height direction.

[0100] To improve the heat exchange efficiency of the battery module 200, as one implementation method, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the battery pack 1000 also includes a second heat exchanger 500, which is located inside the housing 100 and supported at the bottom of the battery module 200. The second heat exchanger 500 allows for heat exchange at the bottom of the battery module 200, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the battery module 200.

[0101] In this embodiment, the battery cell 210 can be bonded to the second heat exchanger 500 via thermally conductive structural adhesive on its lower surface. Furthermore, in the embodiment where the battery module 200 has first heat exchangers 400 at both ends in the first direction, the two first heat exchangers 400 and the second heat exchanger 500 can perform three-sided heat exchange on the battery module 200, thereby not only improving the heat exchange efficiency of the battery module 200 but also improving the temperature uniformity throughout the battery module 200.

[0102] Especially in embodiments where the contact surface between the first heat exchanger 400 and the battery cell 210 can be a large surface of the battery cell 210, the battery cell 210 can obtain three main heat exchange surfaces with large areas, thereby significantly improving the instantaneous heat exchange capacity of the battery cell 210 and the consistency of heat exchange inside the battery cell 210, laying a safety foundation for the ultra-high power battery cell 210, and thus achieving a higher rate of fast charging and discharging.

[0103] This disclosure does not limit the construction of the side beam 110. As one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the side beam 110 may include a side beam housing 112 and an inner rib 113 disposed within the side beam housing 112. The side beam 110 is constructed in this way so that it has sufficient rigidity without being too heavy, thereby contributing to the weight reduction of the battery pack 1000.

[0104] As another embodiment of this disclosure, the side beam 110 may also be constructed as a solid structure.

[0105] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple inner ribs 113, which are spaced apart along the height direction of the side beam 110. Each inner rib 113 extends along a first direction. The two ends of the inner rib 113 in the first direction are respectively connected to the two inner sidewalls 423 of the side beam shell 112 that are opposite each other in the first direction. The first heat exchanger 400 includes a second central connection area 411 (which may be the second central connection area 411 mentioned above). The second central connection area 411 corresponds to the middle of the height direction of the battery module 200. The second central area is provided with multiple reinforcing ribs 430 (i.e., second extensions 4322) spaced apart along the height direction of the first heat exchanger 400. Each reinforcing rib 430 extends along the first direction. In the height direction of the battery pack 1000, the inner ribs 113 and the reinforcing ribs 430 are staggered.

[0106] Since multiple inner ribs 113 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the side beam 110, and the two ends of the inner ribs 113 in the first direction are respectively connected to the two inner sidewalls 423 of the side beam housing 112 in the first direction, the multiple inner ribs 113 can improve the rigidity of multiple parts of the side beam housing 112 in the height direction of the battery module 200, and the total weight of the inner ribs 113 is not too large.

[0107] Furthermore, since the area of ​​the side beam 110 with internal ribs 113 has higher stiffness than the interval area between its multiple internal ribs 113, and the area of ​​the first heat exchanger 400 with reinforcing ribs 430 has higher stiffness than the interval area between its multiple reinforcing ribs 430, by staggering the arrangement of the internal ribs 113 and the reinforcing ribs 430, the interval area between the multiple internal ribs 113 of the side beam 110 can absorb the relative displacement of the area of ​​the first heat exchanger 400 with reinforcing ribs 430 toward the side beam 110 through deformation, thereby allowing the expansion of the middle part of the battery module 200 in the height direction and facilitating the first heat exchanger 400 to stay in close contact with the battery module 200.

[0108] The battery cell 210 has an EOL (End of Life) state, in which the battery cell 210 has reached the end of its service life and can no longer provide enough power to meet the needs of the device, and needs to be replaced. At this time, the maximum expansion deformation of one side of the battery cell 210 in the first direction is a.

[0109] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery module 200 includes multiple battery cells 210, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each battery cell 210 is in an EOL (End-of-Life) state. In the EOL state: the deformation of the side of the first heat exchanger 400 that abuts against the battery module 200 in the first direction is b; the compression of the first potting portion 310 in the first direction is c; and the deformation of the side beam 110 in the first direction is d. Where b, c, and d satisfy: 0.01

[0110] ​Based on the relationships satisfied by b, c, and d above, the first heat exchanger 400, the first potting section 310, and the side beam 110 can be selected and designed. The first heat exchanger 400, the first potting section 310, and the side beam 110 can be adjusted to achieve suitable stiffness. For example, the compression curve of the first potting section 310 can be adjusted, as can the structure and position of the reinforcing ribs 430 in the first heat exchanger 400 and the internal ribs 113 in the side beam 110. A suitable stiffness difference between the three can be provided to maximize the absorption of the battery cell by utilizing the compression of the first potting section 310 in the first direction and the deformation of the side beam 110 in the first direction. The expansion deformation of one side of the body 210 in the first direction is reduced, thereby reducing the deformation of the side of the first heat exchanger 400 that abuts against the battery module 200 in the first direction. This helps to ensure the structural integrity of the cavity 421 of the first heat exchanger 400 throughout the entire life cycle of the battery cell 210, so that the first heat exchanger 400 and the battery cell 210 remain in effective contact, thereby ensuring effective heat exchange between the first heat exchanger 400 and the battery cell 210. Furthermore, it helps to subject the battery cell 210 to good constraint force throughout its entire life cycle, reducing the expansion of the battery cell 210.

[0111] For example, the first heat exchanger 400, the first potting section 310 and the side beam 110 can be selected and designed according to the above relationship of b, c and d, so that the maximum expansion deformation a on one side of the battery cell 210 in the first direction in the EOL state is ≤10mm.

[0112] It is understandable that it can be assumed that when the battery cell 210 is in its initial state, the expansion deformation of one side of the battery cell 210 in the first direction, the deformation of the side of the first heat exchanger 400 that abuts against the battery module 200 in the first direction, the compression of the first potting portion 310 in the first direction, and the deformation of the side beam 110 in the first direction are all 0. When the battery cell 210 is in the EOL state, the values ​​of a, b, c, and d can be obtained by measurement. Among them, when the battery cell 210 is in the EOL state, the value of a is equal to the sum of b, c, and d.

[0113] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an electrical device is provided, including a device body and the aforementioned battery pack 1000, the battery pack 1000 being installed in the device body and used to supply power to the device body.

[0114] Alternatively, the electrical device can be a vehicle or any other device suitable for using the battery pack 1000 described above, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0115] In an embodiment where the electrical equipment is a vehicle, the vehicle body may optionally be configured as a cover 140 of the battery pack 1000, which is disposed at the upper end of the side beam 110.

[0116] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0117] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0118] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes the housing, battery module, potting structure, and first heat exchanger; The battery module is located inside the housing, and there is a first gap between both ends of the battery module in the first direction and the side beams of the housing. The potting structure includes a first potting section. In the first direction, the first potting section and the first heat exchanger are sequentially arranged in each of the first gaps. The side of the first potting section away from the first heat exchanger abuts against the side beam, and the side of the first heat exchanger away from the first potting section abuts against the battery module.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stiffness of the first heat exchanger is greater than that of the first glue-filling part, at least in the middle region of its height direction. The central region of the first heat exchanger corresponds to the central region of the battery module in the height direction.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side beam has a first connection area for abutting against the first glue-filling part, and at least a portion of the first connection area has a stiffness less than that of the first heat exchanger.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connection area includes a first central connection area, and the first heat exchanger includes a second central connection area; In the height direction of the battery pack, the first central connection area corresponds to the middle of the battery module in the height direction, and the second central connection area corresponds to the middle of the battery module in the height direction. The stiffness of the first central connecting region is less than that of the second central connecting region.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger is provided with a flow channel for the heat exchange medium to pass through when exchanging heat with the battery module.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger is constructed as a heat-conducting heat dissipation plate.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger is constructed as a plate and includes a heat dissipation shell and reinforcing ribs. The heat dissipation shell has a cavity, and the reinforcing ribs are disposed in the cavity.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heat dissipation housing includes a bottom wall and two side walls disposed opposite each other in the first direction, and the upper end of the heat dissipation housing has a first opening extending in the second direction; The reinforcing rib includes a sealing portion and an extension portion; The sealing portion blocks the first opening, the extension portion is located inside the heat dissipation housing, and the second direction intersects the first direction.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heat dissipation housing also has two second openings, which are arranged opposite to each other along the second direction. The extension includes two first extensions, the upper ends of which are respectively connected to the two ends of the blocking part located in the second direction; The first extension extends along the height direction of the battery pack, and the lower end of the first extension is connected to the bottom wall. The first extension is used to block the second opening.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The extension further includes at least one second extension; The second extension is located at both ends in the second direction and is respectively connected to the corresponding first extension.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that, The number of the second extension is multiple; Multiple second extensions are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the battery pack.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the height direction of the battery pack, the area defined between the uppermost second extension and the lowermost second extension corresponds to the middle part of the height direction of the battery module.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The extension includes at least one third extension, which is located between the two first extensions in the second direction; The upper end of the third extension is connected to the sealing part, and the lower end of the third extension is connected to the bottom wall.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, characterized in that, The number of the third extensions is multiple, and the multiple third extensions are arranged at intervals along the second direction; The third extension is arranged at an angle; Each pair of adjacent third extensions is symmetrical about the center of the line connecting them in the second direction.

15. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction, and the first heat exchanger is provided between the large surfaces of each two adjacent battery cells in the first direction.

16. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a second heat exchanger, which is located inside the housing and supported at the bottom of the battery module.

17. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The side beam includes a side beam shell and internal reinforcement bars disposed within the side beam shell.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, characterized in that, The number of internal reinforcement bars is multiple, and the multiple internal reinforcement bars are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the side beam; Each of the inner ribs extends along the first direction, and the two ends of the inner ribs in the first direction are respectively connected to the two inner sidewalls of the side beam shell that are opposite each other in the first direction; The first heat exchanger includes a second central connection area, which corresponds to the middle of the battery module in the height direction. The second central connection area is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs arranged at intervals along the height direction of the first heat exchanger, and each reinforcing rib extends along the first direction. In the height direction of the battery pack, the inner ribs and the reinforcing ribs are arranged in a staggered manner.

19. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The battery module includes multiple battery cells, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction. The battery cell is in an EOL (End of Operation) state, and in the EOL state: The deformation of the side of the first heat exchanger that abuts against the battery module in the first direction is b; The compression amount of the first dispensing part in the first direction is c; The deformation of the side beam in the first direction is d; Wherein, b, c, and d satisfy: 0.01 includes a device body and a battery pack according to any one of claims 1-19, the battery pack being installed in the device body and used to supply power to the device body.

20. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, ​

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