Battery pack, electric device and vehicle

Abstract

This application relates to a battery pack, an electrical device, and a vehicle, and pertains to the field of battery technology. The battery pack includes a housing, multiple battery packs, and a liquid cooling assembly. The housing has a receiving cavity. The multiple battery packs are located within the receiving cavity and arranged along a first direction. The liquid cooling assembly is located within the receiving cavity and is connected to the multiple battery packs. The liquid cooling assembly includes a multi-way valve and a liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate has multiple flow channel groups, each flow channel group located on one side of a battery pack along a second direction and thermally connected to the battery pack. The multi-way valve is connected to the multiple flow channel groups and is used to control the on / off state of the flow channel groups. The first direction intersects the second direction. This configuration, by controlling the on / off state of the flow channel groups through the multi-way valve, allows for real-time adjustment of the multiple battery packs within the battery pack during operation. This enables individual temperature control of each battery pack, preventing increased temperature differences between multiple battery packs and effectively improving the temperature uniformity of the multiple battery packs.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Batteries generate heat when they are working, especially when they are charged and discharged at high rates. The heat generated accumulates in the battery pack, causing the battery temperature to rise sharply and the temperature uniformity between the cells to deteriorate, which in turn leads to a significant reduction in the working performance and safety performance of the cells. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a battery pack, an electrical device, and a vehicle to at least partially solve the technical problem of poor temperature uniformity within the battery pack.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this application, this application provides a battery pack, comprising:

[0005] The box-shaped enclosure has a receiving cavity;

[0006] Multiple battery packs are located within the receiving cavity and arranged along a first direction;

[0007] The liquid cooling assembly is located within the housing cavity and is connected to multiple battery packs. The liquid cooling assembly includes a multi-way valve and a liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate has multiple flow channel groups, each of which is located on one side of a battery pack along a second direction and is thermally connected to the battery pack. The multi-way valve is connected to the multiple flow channel groups and is used to control the opening and closing of the flow channel groups. The first direction intersects the second direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flow channel group includes a plurality of sub-flow channels, at least a portion of which are spaced apart along a first direction, and each sub-flow channel is connected to a multi-way valve.

[0009] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling assembly includes a plurality of multi-way valves, at least two of which are respectively disposed on both sides of the flow channel group along a third direction, the third direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction respectively.

[0010] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling plate has an inlet and an outlet, at least one multi-way valve is connected to the inlet, and at least one multi-way valve is connected to the outlet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery pack includes a plurality of individual cells arranged along a third direction;

[0012] The battery pack includes multiple temperature sensors, with at least some individual cells having temperature sensors installed. The temperature sensors are electrically connected to a multi-way valve.

[0013] In some embodiments, a multi-port valve includes multiple valve ports and multiple valves, with each valve corresponding to one of the multiple valve ports, and the valves are used to control the opening and closing of the valve ports.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multi-way valve includes multiple drive components, each drive component being connected to a valve, and the drive components are used to control the opening and closing of the valve.

[0015] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a coil, a first magnetic element, a second magnetic element, and an elastic element. The coil is disposed between the elastic element and the valve and is connected to the elastic element and the valve, respectively. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are disposed on the outer periphery of the coil.

[0016] According to a second aspect of this application, this application provides an electrical device including the aforementioned battery pack.

[0017] According to a third aspect of this application, this application provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery pack or the aforementioned electrical device.

[0018] This application provides a battery pack, including a housing, multiple battery packs, and a liquid cooling assembly. The housing has a receiving cavity. The multiple battery packs are located within the receiving cavity and arranged along a first direction. The liquid cooling assembly is located within the receiving cavity and is connected to the multiple battery packs. The liquid cooling assembly includes a multi-way valve and a liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate has multiple flow channel groups, each flow channel group located on one side of a battery pack along a second direction and thermally connected to the battery pack. The multi-way valve is connected to the multiple flow channel groups and is used to control the on / off state of the flow channel groups. The first direction intersects the second direction. This configuration, by controlling the on / off state of the flow channel groups through the multi-way valve, allows for real-time adjustment of the multiple battery packs within the battery pack during operation. This enables individual temperature control of each battery pack, preventing increased temperature differences between multiple battery packs, thereby effectively improving the temperature consistency of the multiple battery packs and enhancing the reliability and safety of the battery pack.

[0019] The electrical device in this application includes the battery pack described above. Therefore, the electrical device can have all the technical features and beneficial effects of the battery pack described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0020] The vehicle in this application embodiment includes the battery pack described above, and therefore the vehicle can have all the technical features and beneficial effects of the battery pack described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0021] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in the following description denote the same parts.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery pack provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid cooling component provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-way valve provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving component provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

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

[0031] 1. Housing; 2. Battery pack; 3. Liquid cooling assembly; 4. Temperature sensor; 10. Receiving cavity; 20. Individual battery; 30. Multi-way valve; 31. Liquid cooling plate; 300. Valve port; 301. Valve; 302. Drive assembly; 310. Flow channel assembly; 311. Inlet; 312. Outlet; 3020. Coil; 3021. First magnetic component; 3022. Second magnetic component; 3023. Elastic component; 3100. Sub-flow channel; X, First direction; Y, Second direction; Z, Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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 protection scope of this application.

[0033] The applicant noted that the battery generates heat during operation, especially when the battery is charged and discharged at a high rate. The heat generated accumulates in the battery pack, causing the battery temperature to rise sharply. Furthermore, the temperature uniformity between the individual cells becomes increasingly poor, which in turn leads to a significant reduction in the working performance and safety performance of the cells.

[0034] In view of this, this application provides a battery pack including a housing 1, multiple battery packs 2, and a liquid cooling assembly 3; the housing 1 has a receiving cavity 10; the multiple battery packs 2 are located in the receiving cavity 10 and arranged along a first direction X; the liquid cooling assembly 3 is located in the receiving cavity 10 and is connected to the multiple battery packs 2 respectively; the liquid cooling assembly 3 includes a multi-way valve 30 and a liquid cooling plate 31, the liquid cooling plate 31 has multiple flow channel groups 310, each flow channel group 310 is located on one side of a battery pack 2 along a second direction Y and is thermally connected to the battery pack 2, the multi-way valve 30 is connected to the multiple flow channel groups 310 respectively, and the multi-way valve 30 is used to control the opening and closing of the flow channel groups 310, the first direction X intersects the second direction Y. With this configuration, the flow channel group 310 is controlled by the multi-way valve 30, thereby enabling real-time adjustment of multiple battery packs 2 within the battery pack during operation. This allows for individual temperature control of each battery pack 2, preventing an increase in temperature difference between multiple battery packs 2, and effectively improving the temperature consistency of multiple battery packs 2, thus enhancing the reliability and safety of the battery pack.

[0035] The battery pack, electrical device, and vehicle of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery pack provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid cooling component 3 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; see reference. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3This application provides a battery pack including a housing 1, multiple battery packs 2, and a liquid cooling assembly 3. The housing 1 has a receiving cavity 10. The multiple battery packs 2 are located in the receiving cavity 10 and arranged along a first direction X. The liquid cooling assembly 3 is located in the receiving cavity 10 and is connected to the multiple battery packs 2 respectively. The liquid cooling assembly 3 includes a multi-way valve 30 and a liquid cooling plate 31. The liquid cooling plate 31 has multiple flow channel groups 310. Each flow channel group 310 is located on one side of a battery pack 2 along a second direction Y and is thermally connected to the battery pack 2. The multi-way valve 30 is connected to the multiple flow channel groups 310 respectively and is used to control the opening and closing of the flow channel groups 310. The first direction X intersects with the second direction Y. With this configuration, the flow channel group 310 is controlled by the multi-way valve 30, thereby enabling real-time adjustment of multiple battery packs 2 within the battery pack during operation. This allows for individual temperature control of each battery pack 2, preventing an increase in temperature difference between multiple battery packs 2, and effectively improving the temperature consistency of multiple battery packs 2, thus enhancing the reliability and safety of the battery pack.

[0037] In some embodiments, the flow channel assembly 310 includes a plurality of sub-flow channels 3100, at least a portion of which are spaced apart along a first direction X, and each sub-flow channel 3100 is connected to a multi-way valve 30. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Each flow channel group 310 includes three sub-flow channels 3100, which are distributed in different areas at the bottom of a group of battery packs 2. The flow of multiple sub-flow channels 3100 is controlled by a multi-way valve 30, allowing for precise adjustment of different areas within each battery pack 2 during battery pack operation. When a localized area within a battery pack 2 experiences excessive heat and a high temperature due to charging and discharging, the corresponding sub-flow channel 3100 can be opened or its flow rate increased via the multi-way valve 30. This increases the coolant flow and heat exchange area in that area, quickly removing localized heat. Conversely, for areas with lower temperatures within the battery pack 2, the number of open sub-flow channels 3100 or their flow rate can be reduced via the multi-way valve 30 to prevent overcooling in that area. This configuration allows for more uniform coolant distribution within the flow channel group 310, improving the uniformity of heat dissipation from the battery pack 2 and preventing localized overheating.

[0038] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling assembly 3 includes a plurality of multi-way valves 30, with at least two multi-way valves 30 respectively disposed on both sides of the flow channel assembly 310 along a third direction Z, which intersects with the first direction X and the second direction Y respectively. The liquid cooling plate 31 has an inlet 311 and an outlet 312, with at least one multi-way valve 30 communicating with the inlet 311 and at least one multi-way valve 30 communicating with the outlet 312. It can be understood that the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are mutually perpendicular, and the third direction Z can be understood as the extension direction of the main flow channel of the flow channel assembly 310. (Refer to...) Figure 3The liquid cooling assembly 3 includes two multi-way valves 30. One multi-way valve 30 is located on one side of the multiple flow channel group 310 along the third direction (Z) and is connected to the inlet 311 for the inflow of coolant into the liquid cooling plate 31. The other multi-way valve 30 is located on the other side of the multiple flow channel group 310 along the third direction (Z) and is connected to the outlet 312 for the outflow of coolant from the liquid cooling plate 31. The multi-way valves 30 on both sides of the flow channel group 310 can coordinately control the inflow and outflow of coolant in a single sub-flow channel 3100, avoiding the problem that a single-sided multi-way valve 30 may not be able to completely cut off the flow of coolant in the sub-flow channel 3100. This allows for precise adjustment of the heat exchange area of ​​the battery pack 2 region corresponding to the sub-flow channel 3100. In addition, setting multiple multi-way valves 30 can reduce the impact of multi-way valve 30 failure on the overall heat exchange system.

[0039] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 The battery pack 2 includes multiple individual cells 20, which are arranged along the third direction Z. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack 2 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, with reference to... Figure 4 The battery pack includes multiple temperature sensors 4, with at least some individual cells 20 having a temperature sensor 4. The temperature sensors 4 are electrically connected to a multi-way valve 30. These multiple temperature sensors 4 are distributed throughout the battery pack 2. For example, the temperature sensors 4 can be NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistors used to monitor the temperature of each individual cell 20. Since the temperature sensors 4 are electrically connected to the multi-way valve 30, after detecting the temperature, the control system can transmit the signal to the multi-way valve 30. If the temperature of a certain individual cell 20 is higher than a preset threshold, the multi-way valve 30 controls the corresponding sub-channel 3100 in the area where that individual cell 20 is located to open or open more adjacent sub-channels 3100, thereby increasing the coolant flow and enhancing heat dissipation. If the temperature of a certain individual cell 20 is lower than the preset threshold, the multi-way valve 30 controls the corresponding sub-channel 3100 to close or close more adjacent sub-channels 3100, reducing heat dissipation efficiency. When the temperature of a single cell 20 in a certain area is too high or too low, the multi-way valve 30 controls the opening and closing of the sub-channel 3100 of the corresponding flow channel group 310 according to the signal, so as to achieve precise adjustment of heat dissipation; it can also prevent local temperature from being too low by closing some sub-channels 3100, thereby reducing the ineffective circulation of coolant, reducing the energy consumption of the battery pack, effectively improving the temperature consistency of multiple battery packs 2, and improving the reliability and safety of the battery pack.

[0040] In some embodiments, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-way valve 30 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, with reference to... Figure 5The multi-way valve 30 includes multiple valve ports 300 and multiple valves 301, with each valve 301 corresponding to one of the multiple valve ports 300. Each valve 301 controls the opening and closing of a valve port 300. One valve port 300 is connected to either an inlet 311 or an outlet 312, while the remaining valve ports 300 are respectively connected to multiple sub-channels 3100. The multi-way valve 30 includes multiple drive components 302, each drive component 302 connected to one valve 301, and the drive component 302 controls the opening and closing of the valve 301. Each valve 301 is independently controlled by a drive component 302 to open or close a specific sub-channel 3100, thereby regulating the local temperature of the battery pack 2.

[0041] In some embodiments, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving component 302 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, with reference to... Figure 6 The drive assembly 302 includes a coil 3020, a first magnetic element 3021, a second magnetic element 3022, and an elastic element 3023. The coil 3020 is disposed between the elastic element 3023 and the valve 301 and is connected to both. The first magnetic element 3021 and the second magnetic element 3022 are disposed on the outer periphery of the coil 3020. When the coil 3020 is energized, an electromagnetic field is generated around it, which generates an electromagnetic interaction force with the first magnetic element 3021 and the second magnetic element 3022 on its outer periphery. Since the coil 3020 is connected between the elastic element 3023 and the valve 301, the electromagnetic force will drive the coil 3020 to move away from the valve 301, compressing the elastic element 3023 and opening the coolant passage. When the coil 3020 is de-energized, the electromagnetic field disappears, and the electromagnetic interaction force disappears accordingly. The elastic element 3023 releases its stored potential energy, causing the coil 3020 and the valve 301 connected to the coil 3020 to move in the opposite direction, thereby pulling the valve 301 back to its original position, closing the valve port 300, and cutting off the coolant passage. The first magnetic element 3021 and the second magnetic element 3022 on the outer periphery can guide the movement direction of the coil 3020, reduce the deviation of the valve 301's movement, and ensure the accuracy of the opening and closing of the valve port 300.

[0042] According to a second aspect of this application, this application provides an electrical device including the aforementioned battery pack. Therefore, the electrical device can possess all the technical features and beneficial effects of the aforementioned battery pack, which will not be repeated here. The electrical devices in the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc.

[0043] According to a third aspect of this application, this application provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery pack or electrical device. Therefore, the vehicle can possess all the technical features and beneficial effects of the aforementioned battery pack or electrical device, which will not be elaborated further here. The battery pack is disposed inside the vehicle, and the battery pack can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle. The battery pack can be used to power the vehicle; for example, the battery pack can serve as the vehicle's operating power source. The vehicle may also include a controller and a motor, the controller being used to control the battery pack to supply power to the motor, for example, for the vehicle's starting, navigation, and operating power needs. The battery pack can not only serve as the vehicle's operating power source but also as the vehicle's drive power source, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving force for the vehicle.

[0044] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0046] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0047] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The box-shaped enclosure has a receiving cavity; Multiple battery packs are located within the receiving cavity and arranged along a first direction; A liquid cooling assembly is located within the receiving cavity and is connected to multiple battery packs. The liquid cooling assembly includes a multi-way valve and a liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate has multiple flow channel groups, each of which is located on one side of a battery pack along a second direction and is thermally connected to the battery pack. The multi-way valve is connected to multiple flow channel groups and is used to control the on / off state of the flow channel groups. The first direction intersects the second direction.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow channel group includes multiple sub-flow channels, at least a portion of which are spaced apart along a first direction, and each sub-flow channel is connected to the multi-way valve.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid cooling assembly includes a plurality of the multi-way valves, with at least two of the multi-way valves respectively disposed on both sides of the flow channel group along a third direction, the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction respectively.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid cooling plate has an inlet and an outlet, at least one of the multi-way valves is connected to the inlet, and at least one of the multi-way valves is connected to the outlet.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack includes multiple individual cells, which are arranged along a third direction. The battery pack includes multiple temperature sensors, with at least some of the individual cells having the temperature sensors installed on them. The temperature sensors are electrically connected to the multi-way valve.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The multi-port valve includes multiple valve ports and multiple valves, with each valve corresponding to one of the multiple valve ports. The valves are used to control the opening and closing of the valve ports.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The multi-way valve includes multiple drive components, each drive component being connected to one of the valves, and the drive components are used to control the opening and closing of the valves.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving assembly includes a coil, a first magnetic element, a second magnetic element, and an elastic element. The coil is disposed between the elastic element and the valve and is connected to both the elastic element and the valve. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are disposed on the outer periphery of the coil.

9. An electrical device, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the electrical device as described in claim 9.

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