Battery pack and electric equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery pack and electric equipment. The battery pack comprises a battery box, a battery module, a thermoelectric refrigerating unit and a heat dissipation piece, wherein the battery box comprises a box body and a box cover for sealing and covering the box body; the battery module is arranged in the box body; the thermoelectric refrigerating unit is arranged on the battery module and is positioned in the box body; the heat dissipation piece is arranged on the box cover; a part of the heat dissipation piece is positioned in the box body and is connected with the thermoelectric refrigerating unit; and the rest part of the heat dissipation piece protrudes out of one side, far away from the battery module, of the box cover. The heat dissipation capability of the battery pack can be improved, so that the service life of the battery pack is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy storage, and more particularly to a battery pack and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] To adapt to different working environments, battery packs in electrical equipment (such as vehicles) typically include heat exchangers for heat exchange with the battery pack. However, these heat exchangers usually rely on natural air cooling, which has poor heat exchange capacity. Especially under complex operating conditions and high-rate charge / discharge conditions where the battery temperature rises rapidly, they are unable to effectively reduce the battery pack temperature, thus limiting the maximum charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack.

[0003] To improve the heat exchange capacity of heat exchange devices, thermoelectric coolers and heat sinks were developed in combination. However, the aforementioned heat exchange devices still suffer from insufficient heat exchange capacity and low heat exchange efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a battery pack and electrical equipment that can improve the heat exchange capacity of thermoelectric coolers and heat sinks, thereby increasing the maximum charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery pack, comprising:

[0006] A battery box, the battery box comprising a box body and a box cover that seals the box body;

[0007] A battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed within the housing;

[0008] A thermoelectric cooler is disposed on the battery module and located inside the housing;

[0009] A heat sink is disposed on the cover; a portion of the heat sink is located inside the housing and connected to the thermoelectric cooler; the remaining portion of the heat sink protrudes from the side of the cover away from the battery module.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the heat sink includes a connecting base; the connecting base includes a recessed area that is circumferentially arranged around the connecting base.

[0011] The box cover is provided with an installation port;

[0012] The connecting base is engaged with the mounting opening, and the recessed area is fitted against the box cover on the wall surface of the connecting base in the thickness direction.

[0013] In one possible implementation, a seal is also provided within the recessed area.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the heat sink further includes a plurality of heat sink fins; the plurality of heat sink fins are spaced apart on the connecting base.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the heat sink is a one-piece structure extruded from aluminum alloy.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the battery module is connected to the thermoelectric cooler via a thermally conductive layer.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive layer is greater than or equal to 2 W / mK.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the thermoelectric cooler includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a semiconductor thermocouple disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; the second substrate is connected to the battery module, and the first substrate is connected to the heat sink.

[0019] The thermoelectric cooler includes a first state and a second state. When the thermoelectric cooler is in the first state, it is used to cool the battery module. When the thermoelectric cooler is in the second state, it is used to heat the battery module.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the battery module includes two end plates and a plurality of battery cells, with the plurality of battery cells arranged sequentially between the two end plates.

[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including the battery pack described in the first aspect.

[0022] In the battery pack and electrical equipment provided in this application embodiment, the heat sink is directly fabricated on the cover. This allows part of the heat sink to be located inside the casing and connected to the thermoelectric cooler; the remaining part of the heat sink protrudes from the side of the casing away from the battery module, meaning the remaining part of the heat sink is directly exposed to the air, forming convection with the outside air, which can effectively and promptly dissipate the heat absorbed by the thermoelectric cooler. Compared with a solution where the entire heat sink is inside the casing, this improves the heat exchange effect of the thermoelectric cooler and the heat sink.

[0023] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this application, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the battery pack and electrical equipment provided by the embodiments of this application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further explained in detail in the specific implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 An exploded view of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a battery module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a heat sink provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric cooler provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1000: Battery pack;

[0032] 100: Box body; 110: Receiving chamber;

[0033] 200: Cover; 210: Mounting port;

[0034] 300: Battery module; 310: Battery cell; 320: End plate; 330: Electrode;

[0035] 400: Thermoelectric cooler; 410: First substrate; 420: Second substrate; 430: Semiconductor thermocouple; 431: P-type semiconductor; 432: N-type semiconductor; 433: Current guide plate;

[0036] 500: Heat sink; 510: Connecting base; 511: Recessed area; 520: Heat sink fins;

[0037] 600: Thermal conductive layer.

[0038] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0040] As described in the background section, heat exchange devices composed of thermoelectric coolers and heat sinks in related technologies still suffer from insufficient heat exchange capacity and low heat exchange efficiency. The inventors have discovered that this problem arises because heat sinks are typically located inside the battery pack housing, with ventilation openings on the housing to allow airflow. However, the limited internal space of the battery pack, coupled with the presence of battery modules, wiring harnesses, and other components, results in complex airflow paths, high ventilation resistance, and difficulty in achieving effective air convection. This restricts the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink, hindering the timely dissipation of heat from the thermoelectric cooler and reducing the heat exchange capacity and efficiency of the heat exchange device composed of the thermoelectric cooler and heat sink.

[0041] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a battery pack and electrical device by directly incorporating a heat sink into the casing cover. This allows part of the heat sink to be located inside the casing and connected to a thermoelectric cooler; the remaining portion of the heat sink protrudes from the side of the casing cover away from the battery module, meaning the remaining portion is directly exposed to the air, creating convection currents and enabling timely and effective dissipation of heat absorbed by the thermoelectric cooler. Compared to solutions where the entire heat sink is inside the casing, this improves the heat exchange effect of the thermoelectric cooler and the heat sink, thereby increasing the maximum charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack.

[0042] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 This application provides a battery pack 1000, which serves as an energy storage component and can be applied to electrical equipment. For example, the battery pack 1000 can be applied to a vehicle to provide electrical energy to ensure the normal operation of the vehicle.

[0045] The battery pack 1000 includes a battery box, which serves as the main load-bearing component and connecting component of the battery pack 1000, and is used to install the battery pack 1000 onto electrical equipment. For example, the battery pack 1000 can be installed on the vehicle body frame.

[0046] The battery box includes a box body 100 and a box cover 200, wherein the box body 100 has a receiving chamber 110 and the receiving chamber 110 has a top opening to facilitate the installation of other structures of the battery pack 1000 into the receiving chamber 110 through the top opening.

[0047] It should be noted that the shape of the box 100 can be in various ways. The following embodiment takes the box 100 as a rectangle as an example for detailed description.

[0048] The lid 200 is sealed to the body 100 and covers the top opening of the body 100. The sealing connection can be achieved using conventional sealing methods, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0049] The battery pack 1000 also includes a battery module 300, which is housed within the casing 100. Please refer to the attached document for details. Figure 3 The battery module 300 includes two end plates 320 and multiple battery cells 310.

[0050] Multiple battery cells 310 are arranged sequentially between two end plates 320. The two end plates 320 are used to fix the multiple battery cells 310 to prevent the multiple battery cells 310 from shifting.

[0051] It should be understood that the battery module 300 provided in this embodiment also includes an electrode 330, which is used to connect with the terminal of the battery cell 310 to realize the electrical connection between the battery cell 310 and external electrical equipment.

[0052] The arrangement of the electrode 330 can be freely configured according to actual needs. For example, a portion of multiple battery cells 310 may form a battery pack, with each battery pack connected in series via the electrode 330. (See attached image) Figure 3 Taking the orientation shown as an example, every two battery cells 310 constitute a battery pack. Each battery pack is provided with an electrode 330, which is connected to the terminals of the two battery cells 310 respectively, so as to realize the series connection of the two battery cells 310.

[0053] In this embodiment, a barrier layer (not shown in the figure) can be provided between any adjacent battery packs. The barrier layer has extremely low thermal conductivity and can effectively isolate heat transfer. By placing the barrier layer between adjacent battery packs, this embodiment can prevent heat transfer between battery packs, thereby reducing heat accumulation, avoiding local overheating, and improving the overall thermal management performance of the battery pack.

[0054] Furthermore, placing a barrier layer between battery packs can effectively prevent the propagation of thermal runaway. If thermal runaway occurs in one battery pack, the barrier layer can isolate heat transfer, preventing the thermal runaway from spreading to other battery packs, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0055] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 2 and attached Figure 4 The battery pack 1000 also includes a thermoelectric cooler 400, which is disposed on the battery module 300 and located inside the housing 100.

[0056] The thermoelectric cooler 400 includes a first substrate 410, a second substrate 420, and a semiconductor thermocouple 430 disposed between the first substrate 410 and the second substrate 420. The second substrate 420 is connected to the battery module 300, and the first substrate 410 is connected to the heat sink 500.

[0057] The semiconductor thermocouple 430 includes multiple P-type semiconductors 431 and multiple N-type semiconductors 432, which are arranged alternately and at intervals. A current-conducting plate 433 is provided between any adjacent P-type semiconductors 431 and N-type semiconductors 432 to form a series circuit.

[0058] In this embodiment, the substrate is typically made of an insulating material (such as ceramic) to support the semiconductor thermocouple 430 and to serve as a heat exchange interface between the cold and hot ends.

[0059] The thermoelectric cooler includes a first state and a second state. When the thermoelectric cooler is in the first state, it is used to cool the battery module 300. When the thermoelectric cooler is in the second state, it is used to heat the battery module 300.

[0060] When the battery pack 1000 is used in a high-temperature environment, the battery module 300 generates a large amount of heat during operation, which rapidly increases the temperature of the battery pack 1000. At this time, the thermoelectric cooler is in its first state. Specifically, the second substrate 420 serves as the cold end of the thermoelectric cooler, and the first substrate 410 serves as the hot end. The cold end of the thermoelectric cooler exchanges heat with the battery module 300, reducing its temperature. The hot end of the thermoelectric cooler is connected to the heat sink 500, enabling heat exchange with the heat sink 500 via external natural convection.

[0061] When the battery pack 1000 is used in a low-temperature environment, in order to ensure the normal operation of the battery pack 1000, the battery module 300 needs to be heated. At this time, by changing the current direction of the thermoelectric cooler 400, its working mode can be switched from cooling mode to heating mode, so that the thermoelectric cooler is in the second state.

[0062] In this process, the first substrate 410 serves as the cold end of the thermoelectric cooler 400, and the second substrate 420 serves as the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler 400. The thermoelectric cooler 400 heats the battery module 300 so that the battery module 300 can maintain a suitable operating temperature in a low-temperature environment, avoiding capacity reduction or charging / discharging difficulties caused by excessively low temperatures.

[0063] The battery pack 1000 also includes a heat sink 500, which is disposed on the cover 200; and part of the heat sink 500 is located inside the housing 100 and connected to the thermoelectric cooler 400; the remaining part of the heat sink 500 protrudes from the side of the cover 200 away from the battery module 300.

[0064] In this way, a portion of the heat sink 500 is directly exposed to the air, forming convection with the outside air, which can effectively and promptly dissipate the heat absorbed by the thermoelectric cooler 400. Compared with a design where the entire heat sink 500 is inside the housing 100, this improves the heat exchange efficiency of the thermoelectric cooler and the heat sink.

[0065] To improve thermal conductivity between the thermoelectric cooler 400 and the battery module 300, this embodiment connects the battery module 300 and the thermoelectric cooler 400 via a thermally conductive layer 600. For example, the thermally conductive layer 600 can be a thermally conductive adhesive. This provides good adhesion and filling properties, allowing it to better fill the contact surface between the battery module 300 and the thermoelectric cooler 400, eliminating air gaps and reducing contact thermal resistance. Furthermore, through efficient thermal conduction, the battery module 300 can operate within a suitable temperature range, avoiding performance degradation caused by excessively high or low temperatures.

[0066] The thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting layer 600 is greater than or equal to 2 W / mK. The high thermal conductivity (≥2 W / mK) of the heat-conducting layer 600 enables rapid transfer of heat generated by the battery module 300 to the cold end of the thermoelectric cooler 400, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency. Alternatively, the high thermal conductivity (≥2 W / mK) of the heat-conducting layer 600 enables rapid transfer of heat generated by the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler 400 to the battery module 300, facilitating rapid heating of the battery module 300.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the heat sink 500 includes a connecting base 510, which includes a recessed area 511 that is circumferentially arranged around the connecting base 510. For example, if the connecting base 510 is rectangular, then the recessed area 511 is also rectangular.

[0068] The cover 200 is provided with a mounting opening 210. The connecting base 510 is engaged in the mounting opening 210, and the recessed area 511 is fitted against the cover 200 along the thickness direction of the connecting base 510. (See attached image) Figure 2 Taking the orientation shown as an example, the top surface of the recessed area 511 is in contact with the top surface of the box cover 200, and the bottom surface of the recessed area 511 is in contact with the bottom surface of the box cover 200.

[0069] This configuration increases the contact area between the connecting base 510 and the cover 200, thereby improving the connection strength between them and significantly enhancing the heat transfer efficiency of the heat sink 500. This allows the larger area of ​​the cover 200 to be utilized, making it a heat dissipation component and improving the overall heat dissipation performance of the battery pack 1000, thus extending its lifespan.

[0070] To further improve the sealing between the connecting base 510 and the cover 200, a sealing element (not shown in the figure) is also provided in the recessed area 511 provided in this embodiment. It should be noted that the sealing element can be a conventional sealing ring, which will not be described in detail here.

[0071] In this embodiment, the heat sink 500 further includes a plurality of heat sink fins 520; the plurality of heat sink fins 520 are spaced apart on the connecting base 510. The spaced arrangement of the plurality of heat sink fins 520 on the connecting base 510 significantly increases the total surface area of ​​the heat sink, so that heat can be transferred to the surrounding air more quickly, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0072] It is important to understand that the distance between adjacent heat dissipation fins 520 can be equal or unequal.

[0073] In this embodiment, the heat sink 500 is a one-piece structure extruded from aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy has good thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity of approximately 150-200 W / m·K), which can quickly transfer heat from the connecting base 510 to the heat sink fins 520, improving the overall heat dissipation efficiency. In addition, the one-piece structure reduces the interfacial thermal resistance in the heat transfer path, ensuring that heat can be transferred to the heat sink fins 520 more efficiently.

[0074] This application also provides an electrical device including the battery pack 1000 described in any of the above embodiments. Since the vehicle includes the battery pack 1000 described in any of the above embodiments, it possesses the structure and beneficial effects of the battery pack 1000, and will not be described in detail here.

[0075] The electrical equipment in this application embodiment can be a vehicle, for example, a new energy vehicle, which can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a range-extended electric vehicle, etc. Accordingly, the electrical device can be the vehicle's drive mechanism or the vehicle's control system.

[0076] In addition, electrical equipment can also serve as other energy storage devices, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric toys, power tools, ships, and spacecraft. Among these, spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, or spacecraft.

[0077] The various embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0078] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: A battery box, the battery box comprising a box body and a box cover that seals the box body; A battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed within the housing; A thermoelectric cooler is disposed on the battery module and located inside the housing; A heat sink is disposed on the cover; a portion of the heat sink is located inside the housing and connected to the thermoelectric cooler; the remaining portion of the heat sink protrudes from the side of the cover away from the battery module.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat sink includes a connecting base; the connecting base includes a recessed area, which is arranged circumferentially around the connecting base. The box cover is provided with an installation port; The connecting base is engaged with the mounting opening, and the recessed area is fitted against the box cover on the wall surface of the connecting base in the thickness direction.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sealing element is also provided in the recessed area.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat sink further includes multiple heat sink fins; the multiple heat sink fins are spaced apart on the connecting base.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The heat sink is a one-piece structure made of extruded aluminum alloy.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The battery module is connected to the thermoelectric cooler through a heat-conducting layer.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting layer is greater than or equal to 2 W / mK.

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The thermoelectric cooler includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a semiconductor thermocouple disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; the second substrate is connected to the battery module, and the first substrate is connected to the heat sink. The thermoelectric cooler includes a first state and a second state. When the thermoelectric cooler is in the first state, it is used to cool the battery module. When the thermoelectric cooler is in the second state, it is used to heat the battery module.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The battery module includes two end plates and multiple battery cells, with the multiple battery cells arranged sequentially between the two end plates.

10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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