Battery pack and electric device with same

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of battery technology and discloses a battery pack and an electrical device having the same. The battery pack includes an upper battery compartment and a lower battery compartment. Multiple upper battery packs are arranged in the upper battery compartment, and multiple lower battery packs are arranged in the lower battery compartment. A first cold plate is provided at the bottom of the upper battery compartment, and a second cold plate is provided at the bottom of the lower battery compartment. The multiple lower battery packs are mounted on the second cold plate, and the multiple upper battery packs are arranged at intervals on the first cold plate, with heat dissipation gaps between adjacent upper battery packs. The technical solution provided by this application can at least solve the problem in related technologies where the heat dissipation capacity of the battery packs in the upper battery compartment is poor, leading to inconsistent heat dissipation between the two battery compartments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery pack and an electrical device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] A battery pack is used to store and supply electrical energy. It typically consists of several battery cells, connectors, a battery management system (BMS), a cooling system, electrical interfaces, and a casing. The main function of a battery pack is to integrate multiple battery cells into a single unit. Battery cells are connected in parallel or series to increase the voltage, capacity, or power of the battery system.

[0003] In related technologies, for double-layer battery packs, the upper and lower battery compartments share a single cold plate, resulting in different heat dissipation capabilities of the battery packs in the two compartments, thus causing inconsistencies in heat dissipation between the two compartments. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a battery pack and an electrical device having the same, which can at least solve the problem in the related art of poor heat dissipation of the battery pack in the upper battery compartment, resulting in inconsistent heat dissipation between the two battery compartments.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack including an upper battery compartment and a lower battery compartment, wherein a plurality of upper battery packs are disposed in the upper battery compartment and a plurality of lower battery packs are disposed in the lower battery compartment; wherein a first cold plate is disposed at the bottom of the upper battery compartment and a second cold plate is disposed at the bottom of the lower battery compartment, the plurality of lower battery packs are disposed on the second cold plate, and the plurality of upper battery packs are arranged at intervals on the first cold plate, and there is a heat dissipation gap between adjacent two upper battery packs.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical device is provided, which includes a battery pack, the battery pack being the one provided above.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an energy storage device is provided, the energy storage device including a battery pack, the battery pack being the battery pack provided above.

[0008] Applying the technical solution of this utility model, the upper and lower battery compartments of the battery pack utilize a first cold plate and a second cold plate for heat dissipation, respectively. However, since the first cold plate is located at the bottom of the upper battery compartment, i.e., between the upper and lower battery compartments, the upper and lower battery compartments share the first cold plate. By setting a heat dissipation gap between two adjacent upper battery packs in the upper battery compartment, the sidewalls of the corresponding heat dissipation gaps of the upper battery packs can dissipate heat, thus increasing the heat dissipation area of ​​the upper battery packs and improving their heat dissipation efficiency. This solves the problem of poor heat dissipation capacity of the battery packs in the upper battery compartment in related technologies, ensuring heat dissipation consistency between the upper and lower battery compartments, extending the battery pack's lifespan, and improving its safety. Furthermore, by setting a heat dissipation gap between two adjacent upper battery packs in the upper battery compartment, the versatility of the battery pack can also be improved. For example, the heat dissipation gap can be used to avoid vehicle mounting beams, pipelines, and other structures, making the battery pack suitable for various vehicles, such as heavy trucks and motorcycles. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 This diagram shows a schematic of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention with the housing removed.

[0012] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the connector of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0013] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0014] 10. Upper battery compartment; 11. Upper battery pack; 12. First cooling plate; 13. Heat dissipation spacer; 14. Housing casing;

[0015] 20. Lower battery compartment; 21. Second cold plate;

[0016] 30. Connector; 31. Horizontal section; 32. Vertical section. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present utility model or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment provides a battery pack, which includes an upper battery compartment 10 and a lower battery compartment 20. The upper battery compartment 10 contains a plurality of upper battery packs 11, and the lower battery compartment 20 contains a plurality of lower battery packs. A first cold plate 12 is provided at the bottom of the upper battery compartment 10, and a second cold plate 21 is provided at the bottom of the lower battery compartment 20. The plurality of lower battery packs are disposed on the second cold plate 21, and the plurality of upper battery packs 11 are arranged at intervals on the first cold plate 12. A heat dissipation gap 13 is provided between each adjacent upper battery pack 11.

[0019] Using the battery pack provided in this embodiment, the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20 of the battery pack utilize the first cold plate 12 and the second cold plate 21 for heat dissipation, respectively. However, since the first cold plate 12 is located at the bottom of the upper battery compartment 10, that is, between the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20, the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20 share the first cold plate 12. By setting a heat dissipation gap 13 between two adjacent upper battery packs 11 in the upper battery compartment 10, the sidewall of the corresponding heat dissipation gap 13 of the upper battery pack 11 can dissipate heat, thereby increasing the heat dissipation area of ​​the upper battery pack 11, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper battery pack 11, and thus solving the problem of poor heat dissipation capacity of the battery pack in the upper battery compartment in the related art, ensuring the heat dissipation consistency of the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20, extending the service life of the battery pack, and improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0020] Furthermore, by setting a heat dissipation gap 13 between two adjacent upper battery packs 11 in the upper battery compartment 10, the versatility of the battery pack can be improved. For example, the heat dissipation gap 13 can be used to avoid the vehicle's mounting beams, pipes and other structures, making the battery pack suitable for a variety of vehicles, such as heavy trucks and motorcycles.

[0021] It should be noted that the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20 share the first cooling plate 12, resulting in different heat dissipation capabilities of the battery packs in the two battery compartments. The reason for the inconsistency in heat dissipation between the two battery compartments is as follows:

[0022] 1) The first cold plate 12 actually needs to dissipate heat from both the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20 simultaneously. This reduces the amount of cooling capacity that the first cold plate 12 can provide for the upper battery compartment 10, resulting in a weaker heat dissipation effect for the upper battery compartment 10 compared to when it has only one cold plate. This is inconsistent with the design purpose. The design purpose is that the first cold plate 12 is responsible for dissipating heat from the upper battery compartment 10, and the second cold plate 21 is responsible for dissipating heat from the lower battery compartment 20.

[0023] 2) The position of the first cold plate 12 between the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20 makes it, to some extent, a heat transfer medium, which may facilitate the indirect transfer of heat energy from one layer to another. For example, some of the heat generated by the lower battery pack may indirectly affect the temperature of the upper battery pack 11 through the first cold plate 12, or vice versa.

[0024] If the heat dissipation of the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20 is not consistent, the following consequences may occur:

[0025] 1) The upper battery pack 11 in the upper battery compartment 10 may experience higher operating temperatures due to poor heat dissipation, which will affect the charging and discharging efficiency of the battery, resulting in performance differences between the upper battery pack 11 and the lower battery pack, thus affecting the overall performance of the entire battery pack.

[0026] 2) Since batteries have an optimal operating temperature range, the upper battery pack 11 may age faster and have a shorter lifespan due to being in a high-temperature environment, while the lower battery pack may maintain relatively stable performance and a longer lifespan due to its better heat dissipation conditions.

[0027] 3) Sustained high temperatures pose a significant challenge to batteries, potentially increasing the risk of thermal runaway, especially under conditions of frequent charge / discharge cycles or heavy loads. The upper battery pack 11 in the upper battery compartment 10 faces even higher safety risks due to insufficient heat dissipation.

[0028] 4) The performance of the battery pack as a whole depends on its weakest link. If the upper battery pack 11 performs poorly due to heat dissipation issues, then even if the lower battery pack operates well, the overall performance of the battery pack will be affected, including energy density and cycle life.

[0029] In this embodiment, the upper battery pack 11 is equipped with a first cold plate 12, and the lower battery pack is equipped with a second cold plate 21. This design ensures uniform heat dissipation throughout the battery pack and avoids temperature differences between the upper and lower battery packs. The cooperation between the first cold plate 12 and the second cold plate 21 makes the thermal management of the battery pack more comprehensive, extending the battery's lifespan.

[0030] It should be noted that the first cold plate 12 and the second cold plate 21 in this embodiment are both water-cooled plates. A water-cooled plate is a device that achieves battery thermal management through water circulation. Its basic working principle is to use the high specific heat capacity and excellent thermal conductivity of water to remove the heat generated by the battery pack during operation, so as to keep the battery pack working within a suitable temperature range.

[0031] It should be noted that a battery pack is used to store and provide electrical energy. A battery pack typically consists of several battery cells, connectors, a Battery Management System (BMS), a cooling system, electrical interfaces, and a casing. The main function of a battery pack is to integrate multiple battery cells into a single unit. Battery cells are connected in parallel or series to increase the voltage, capacity, or power of the battery system. Both the upper and lower battery packs are composed of multiple individual battery cells (cells). The cell is the core component of the battery pack and the basic unit for storing and releasing electrical energy. Multiple cells are arranged in a specific order and connected by adhesive or cable ties. By combining multiple cells into a battery pack, the battery capacity requirements of different devices can be met, achieving a high-capacity battery pack.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, two adjacent upper battery packs 11 are electrically connected by connectors 30, and at least part of the connectors 30 is in contact with the first cold plate 12. The contact design between the connectors 30 and the first cold plate 12 can directly conduct the heat generated by the upper battery packs 11 to the first cold plate 12, thereby further enhancing the heat dissipation effect of the upper battery compartment 10 and improving the heat dissipation consistency between the upper battery compartment 10 and the lower battery compartment 20.

[0033] It should be noted that "at least part of the connector 30 is in contact with the first cold plate 12" means that part of the physical structure of the connector 30 is in contact with the first cold plate 12, or that the entire physical structure of the connector 30 is in contact with the first cold plate 12.

[0034] The connector 30 includes, but is not limited to, battery connectors and busbars.

[0035] In this embodiment, the connector 30 has a structure that is high at both ends and low in the middle. The two ends of the connector 30 are electrically connected to two adjacent upper battery packs 11, and the middle part of the connector 30 is located within the heat dissipation interval 13 and contacts the first cold plate 12. By setting the connector 30 to a structure that is high at both ends and low in the middle, the high ends of the connector 30 facilitate electrical connection with the two adjacent upper battery packs 11, and the low middle part of the connector 30 facilitates contact with the first cold plate 12, so that the middle part of the connector 30 can make closer contact with the first cold plate 12, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the connector 30 has a transverse section 31, which is located within the heat dissipation gap 13 and is in contact with the upper surface of the first cold plate 12. The design of the transverse section 31 increases the contact area between the connector 30 and the first cold plate 12, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0037] It should be noted that "transverse" in the transverse segment 31 refers to the horizontal direction or a certain angle with the horizontal direction, such as ±5°, as long as it can ensure that the transverse segment 31 is in contact with the upper surface of the first cold plate 12. In this embodiment, "transverse" in the transverse segment 31 refers to the horizontal direction.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the connector 30 also has two vertical segments 32. The first ends of the two vertical segments 32 are respectively connected to the two ends of the horizontal segment 31, and the second ends of the two vertical segments 32 are respectively electrically connected to two adjacent upper battery packs 11. By setting the vertical segments 32, it is convenient to use the second ends of the vertical segments 32 to electrically connect with the upper battery packs 11. Furthermore, the horizontal segment 31 and the two vertical segments 32 form a "U"-shaped structure, which has the advantage of structural stability. It can ensure the stability of the adhesion between the horizontal segment 31 and the first cold plate 12, and also ensure the stability of the connection between the vertical segment 32 and the upper battery pack 11.

[0039] It should be noted that "vertical" in vertical segment 32 refers to the vertical direction or a direction that forms a certain angle with the vertical direction, such as ±5°. In this embodiment, "vertical" in vertical segment 32 refers to the vertical direction.

[0040] The vertical section 32 can be fitted to the side wall of the corresponding upper battery pack 11. The above structure can directly conduct the heat generated by the upper battery pack 11 to the connector 30, and then conduct it to the first cold plate 12 through the connector 30, forming an efficient heat dissipation path, which significantly improves the thermal management capability of the battery pack.

[0041] In this embodiment, a plurality of connectors 30 are provided between two adjacent upper battery packs 11, and the plurality of connectors 30 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the heat dissipation gap 13. The arrangement of the plurality of connectors 30 further increases the heat dissipation area of ​​the upper battery compartment 10 and improves the efficiency of thermal management.

[0042] The distance L between two adjacent upper battery packs 11 is the heat dissipation gap 13, where 200mm ≤ L ≤ 240mm. Setting the distance L between two adjacent upper battery packs 11 within the above range ensures that the heat dissipation gap 13 can provide a sufficiently wide flow channel to facilitate airflow and improve heat transfer efficiency. On the other hand, it also prevents the energy density of the battery pack from being affected by an excessively large heat dissipation gap 13.

[0043] Specifically, the distance L of the heat dissipation interval 13 between two adjacent upper battery packs 11 can be 200mm, 210mm, 220mm, 230mm, 240mm, or other values ​​between 200mm and 240mm.

[0044] It should be noted that the heat dissipation spacing 13 between two adjacent upper battery packs 11 refers to the distance in... Figure 2 In the length direction of the battery pack, the distance of the heat dissipation interval 13 between two adjacent upper battery packs 11 is.

[0045] The total contact area between the upper battery pack 11 and the first cold plate 12 is S1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cold plate 12 is S2, with 80% ≤ S1 / S2 ≤ 90%. Setting the ratio of the total contact area S1 between the upper battery pack 11 and the first cold plate 12 to the cross-sectional area S2 of the first cold plate 12 between 80% and 90% can balance the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact area and the heat dissipation interval.

[0046] Heat dissipation efficiency is directly related to the contact area; the larger the contact area, the faster the heat transfer. However, an excessively large contact area will result in an insufficient heat dissipation gap 13, hindering air circulation. By setting S1 / S2 within the aforementioned range, it is possible to ensure that the upper battery pack 11 fully utilizes the first cold plate 12 for heat dissipation while also ensuring sufficient heat dissipation gap 13 between adjacent upper battery packs 11.

[0047] Specifically, S1 / S2 can be 80%, 82%, 84%, 86%, 88%, 90%, and other values ​​between 80% and 90%.

[0048] The upper battery compartment 10 has multiple spaced-apart housings 14, each corresponding to a different upper battery pack 11. The housings 14 provide better securing and protection for each corresponding upper battery pack 11.

[0049] In this embodiment, multiple upper battery packs 11 are arranged at intervals along the length of the battery pack. This arrangement ensures uniform heat dissipation along the length of the battery pack, avoids localized overheating, and thus makes the thermal management of the battery pack more balanced, enabling the battery pack to maintain overall temperature stability under high load operation.

[0050] Specifically, multiple upper battery packs 11 are arranged at equal intervals along the length of the battery pack.

[0051] Another embodiment of this utility model provides an electrical device including a battery pack, which is the battery pack provided above. Therefore, this electrical device can also utilize the sidewall of the corresponding heat dissipation interval 13 of the upper battery pack 11 for heat dissipation, thereby increasing the heat dissipation area of ​​the upper battery pack 11 and improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper battery pack 11. This solves the problem of poor heat dissipation capacity of the battery pack in the upper battery compartment in related technologies, extends the service life of the battery pack, and improves the safety of the battery pack.

[0052] The electrical device includes, but is not limited to, vehicles.

[0053] The apparatus provided by the embodiments has the following beneficial effects:

[0054] (1) By setting a first cold plate 12 below the upper battery pack 11 and setting a heat dissipation gap 13 between two adjacent upper battery packs 11 to optimize the layout between modules, the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper battery pack 11 is significantly improved, the battery overheating is effectively prevented, and the battery life is extended.

[0055] (2) The specially designed connector 30 not only strengthens the electrical connection between the upper battery packs 11, but also improves thermal management and electrical stability performance through contact with the first cold plate 12.

[0056] (3) The double-layer battery compartment design, combined with the application of upper and lower cold plates, realizes the high energy density configuration of the battery system in a limited space, while ensuring the uniformity of thermal management and avoiding local overheating.

[0057] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0058] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0059] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that "multiple" means two or more. Directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right," "horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal," and "top, bottom" indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used solely for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner or outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0060] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes an upper battery compartment (10) and a lower battery compartment (20). The upper battery compartment (10) is provided with a plurality of upper battery packs (11), and the lower battery compartment (20) is provided with a plurality of lower battery packs. The bottom of the upper battery compartment (10) is provided with a first cold plate (12), and multiple upper battery packs (11) are arranged at intervals on the first cold plate (12). The bottom of the lower battery compartment (20) is provided with a second cold plate (21), and multiple lower battery packs are arranged on the second cold plate (21). There is a heat dissipation gap (13) between two adjacent upper battery packs (11).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two adjacent upper battery packs (11) are electrically connected by a connector (30), and at least part of the connector (30) is in contact with the first cold plate (12).

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (30) has a structure that is high at both ends and low in the middle. The two ends of the connector (30) are electrically connected to the two adjacent upper battery packs (11) respectively. The middle part of the connector (30) is located in the heat dissipation interval (13) and is in contact with the first cold plate (12).

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (30) has a transverse section (31) located within the heat dissipation interval (13) and in contact with the upper surface of the first cold plate (12).

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connector (30) also has two vertical sections (32), the first ends of the two vertical sections (32) are respectively connected to the two ends of the horizontal section (31), and the second ends of the two vertical sections (32) are respectively electrically connected to the two adjacent upper battery packs (11).

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the vertical segments (32) is attached to the side wall of the corresponding upper battery pack (11).

7. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, A plurality of connectors (30) are provided between two adjacent upper battery packs (11), and the plurality of connectors (30) are arranged at intervals in the extending direction of the heat dissipation interval (13).

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The distance of the heat dissipation interval (13) between two adjacent upper battery packs (11) is L, 200mm≤L≤240mm.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The total contact area between the upper battery pack (11) and the first cold plate (12) is S1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cold plate (12) is S2, with 80% ≤ S1 / S2 ≤ 90%.

10. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The upper battery compartment (10) has a plurality of spaced-apart housings (14), and the plurality of housings (14) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of upper battery packs (11).

11. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Multiple upper battery packs (11) are arranged at intervals along the length of the battery pack.

12. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, The electrical device includes a battery pack, which is the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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