Battery packs and electrical equipment

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a battery pack and an electrical device. The battery pack includes a housing with multiple cavities, each containing a battery cell. Battery cells within the same cavity are identical, but each battery cell in any one cavity differs from those in at least one other cavity in at least one of the following: chemical system, shape, size, capacity, and charge / discharge rate. This differentiated design of battery cells in different cavities optimizes the overall performance of the battery pack. The identical design of battery cells within the same cavity facilitates management and maintenance of cells in any cavity. Furthermore, it allows for the adjustment of battery cells in multiple cavities to balance the expansion forces between cells in adjacent cavities, extending the battery pack's lifespan. This design achieves performance optimization while also providing safety, flexibility, and reliability.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The battery pack is one of the core components of an electric vehicle, primarily used to store and provide electrical energy to power the vehicle.

[0003] In related technologies, different battery cells may be mixed in the battery pack to improve the low-temperature performance and thermal conductivity of the battery pack. However, the differences in capacity, expansion force, etc. of various types of battery cells make it inconvenient to manage and maintain the cells and are difficult to design. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery pack and electrical device that combines performance optimization with convenient centralized management of individual battery cells within the battery pack, thereby at least partially solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this disclosure provides a battery pack, including a housing having a plurality of receiving cavities, each receiving cavity containing a battery cell, wherein each battery cell located in the same receiving cavity is identical, and any battery cell in one receiving cavity is different from at least one battery cell in another receiving cavity, and the difference lies in at least one of the following: the chemical system, shape, size, capacity, and charge / discharge rate of the battery cell.

[0006] By differentiating the battery cells in different cavities, the overall performance of the battery pack can be optimized. The battery cells in the same cavity are identical, which facilitates the management and maintenance of battery cells in any cavity. It also facilitates the design of thermal management, thermal safety, high-voltage system and low-voltage system for multiple cavities. At the same time, it allows the expansion force between battery cells in adjacent cavities to be balanced by adjusting the number and / or differences of battery cells in multiple cavities, so as to meet the expansion force requirements and extend the service life of the battery pack.

[0007] Optionally, the plurality of receiving cavities includes a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity arranged at intervals along a first direction. The housing includes a partition beam separating the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity. The partition beam extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The battery cells in the first receiving cavity are first battery cells, and the battery cells in the second receiving cavity are second battery cells. The first battery cells and the second battery cells can directly or indirectly abut against the partition beam along the first direction. The first battery cell has a first expansion direction parallel to the first direction, and the second battery cell has a second expansion direction parallel to the first direction. By providing the partition beam to absorb the expansion force of the first and second battery cells in the first direction, the service life of the battery pack can be extended.

[0008] Optionally, the sidewall with the largest area of ​​the first battery cell is perpendicular to the first direction, and / or, the sidewall with the largest area of ​​the second battery cell is perpendicular to the first direction. Having the sidewalls with the largest areas of both the first and second battery cells perpendicular to the first direction helps to disperse expansion forces and prevent excessive local stress from causing structural damage.

[0009] Optionally, the first volume of the first receiving cavity and the second volume of the second receiving cavity are configured such that the ratio of the sum of the expansion forces of each of the first battery cells in the first receiving cavity on the separator beam to the sum of the expansion forces of each of the second battery cells in the second receiving cavity on the separator beam is within a first preset range, and the first volume and the second volume are the same or different. By adjusting the first volume of the first receiving cavity and the second volume of the second receiving cavity, the number of first battery cells and second battery cells can be adjusted so that the ratio of the expansion forces of the first battery cells and the second battery cells is within the first preset range, thereby extending the service life of the battery pack.

[0010] Optionally, the ratio of the first volume of the first receiving cavity to the second volume of the second receiving cavity is 0.5 to 2. By optimizing the design of the ratio range, the overall expansion force of the battery cells in the first and second receiving cavities is indirectly adjusted.

[0011] Optionally, the first width of the first receiving cavity along the first direction and the second width of the second receiving cavity along the first direction are configured such that the ratio of the sum of the expansion forces exerted by the first battery cells located in the same column along the first direction on the separator beam in the first receiving cavity to the sum of the expansion forces exerted by the second battery cells located in the same column along the first direction on the separator beam in the second receiving cavity is within a second preset range, and the first width and the second width are the same or different. By designing the widths of the first and second receiving cavities, the number of first battery cells located in the same column along the first direction and the number of second battery cells located in the same column along the first direction can be adjusted to further adjust the magnitude of the expansion forces on both sides of the separator beam.

[0012] Optionally, the first battery cells in the first receiving cavity are arranged in rows along a first direction and columns along a second direction, and the second battery cells in the second receiving cavity are arranged in rows along the first direction and columns along the second direction. The number of first battery cells in each column may be the same as or different from the number of second battery cells in each column; and / or, the number of first battery cells in each row may be the same as or different from the number of second battery cells in each row. This variable arrangement and quantity of the first and second battery cells allows for flexible adjustments.

[0013] Optionally, each of the first battery cells in the first receiving cavity is electrically connected to form a first battery pack, and / or each of the second battery cells in the second receiving cavity is electrically connected to form a second battery pack, with the first battery pack connected in series or in parallel to the second battery pack. This series or parallel connection of the first and second battery packs allows for flexible adjustments as needed.

[0014] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a first heat exchange component that exchanges heat with the first battery pack and a second heat exchange component that exchanges heat with the second battery pack. The first heat exchange component has a first heat exchange channel and a first liquid inlet and a first liquid outlet both connected to the first heat exchange channel. The second heat exchange component has a second heat exchange channel and a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet both connected to the second heat exchange channel. By setting the first heat exchange component and the second heat exchange component, independent thermal management of the first battery pack and the second battery pack can be achieved, optimizing heat dissipation performance and improving heat dissipation effect.

[0015] Optionally, the first battery cell is one of lithium iron phosphate cell, ternary lithium cell, high-manganese lithium iron phosphate cell, quaternary lithium cell, cobalt-free cell, lithium manganese oxide cell, nickel-metal hydride cell, and lithium titanate cell; and / or,

[0016] The second battery cell is one of the following: lithium iron phosphate cell, ternary lithium cell, high manganese lithium iron phosphate cell, quaternary lithium cell, cobalt-free cell, lithium manganese oxide cell, nickel-metal hydride cell, and lithium titanate cell.

[0017] By selectively combining the chemical systems of the first and second battery cells, the overall performance of the battery pack can be optimized to meet the performance requirements under different operating conditions.

[0018] Optionally, the first battery cell is one of a cylindrical cell, a blade cell, a short blade cell, a prismatic cell, or a pouch cell; and / or,

[0019] The second battery cell is one of the following: cylindrical cell, blade cell, short blade cell, prismatic cell, and pouch cell.

[0020] By selectively combining the packaging forms of the first and second battery cells, the internal space of the first and second accommodating cavities can be fully utilized to optimize space utilization.

[0021] A second aspect of this disclosure is to provide an electrical device including the battery pack described above.

[0022] The above technical solution involves multiple cavities within the casing, with identical battery cells within each cavity. Each battery cell in one cavity differs from those in at least one other cavity. By differentiating the design of the battery cells in different cavities, various battery cells with different chemical systems, shapes, capacities, and / or charge / discharge rates can be integrated to optimize the overall performance of the battery pack. This also facilitates the management and maintenance of battery cells within any cavity, and allows for separate design of thermal management, thermal safety, high-voltage systems, and low-voltage systems for each cavity. Furthermore, it allows for the adjustment of the battery cells within multiple cavities to balance the expansion forces between cells in adjacent cavities, thereby meeting expansion force requirements and extending the battery pack's lifespan. Therefore, the battery pack provided by this disclosure combines performance optimization, safety, flexibility, and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the battery pack provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

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

[0026] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery pack provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, wherein the upper casing has been removed.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 1. Shell; 10. Receiving cavity; 100. First receiving cavity; 101. Second receiving cavity; 11. Separating beam; 12. Upper shell; 13. Frame; 14. Lower shell;

[0029] 2. Battery cell; 20. First battery cell; 21. Second battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] In this disclosure, the first direction may be referenced. Figure 1 In the context of battery packs used in vehicles, the first direction (Y-axis) can be either the left-right direction or the front-back direction of the vehicle; the second direction can be referenced... Figure 1 In the X-direction, when the battery pack is applied to a vehicle, the second direction can be the vehicle's front-to-back direction, or of course, the vehicle's left-to-right direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular. Unless otherwise stated, "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of the corresponding components. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in this disclosure are for distinguishing one element from another and do not have sequential or importance. In addition, when the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0032] according to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in a first aspect, this disclosure provides a battery pack, which may include a housing 1. The housing 1 may have a plurality of receiving cavities 10, each receiving cavity 10 having a battery cell 2 disposed therein. The battery cells 2 located in the same receiving cavity 10 are identical. The battery cell 2 in any one receiving cavity 10 is different from the battery cell 2 in at least one other receiving cavity 10, and the difference lies in at least one of the following: chemical system, shape, size, capacity, and charge / discharge rate of the battery cell 2.

[0033] Through the above technical solution, multiple receiving cavities 10 are provided inside the housing 1, and the individual battery cells 2 located in the same receiving cavity 10 are identical. The battery cells 2 in any one receiving cavity 10 are different from the battery cells 2 in at least one other receiving cavity 10. By differentiating the design of the battery cells 2 in different receiving cavities 10, multiple battery cells 2 with different chemical systems, shapes, capacities and / or charge / discharge rates are integrated to optimize the overall performance of the battery pack. It also facilitates the management and maintenance of the battery cells 2 in any receiving cavity 10, and facilitates the design of thermal management, thermal safety, high-voltage system and low-voltage system for multiple receiving cavities 10 respectively. At the same time, it allows the expansion force between the battery cells 2 in adjacent receiving cavities 10 to be balanced by adjusting the battery cells 2 in multiple receiving cavities 10, so as to meet the expansion force requirements, extend the service life of the battery pack, and have both performance optimization and safety, flexibility and reliability in use.

[0034] For example, regarding the chemical system of the battery cell 2, the battery cell 2 can be one of lithium iron phosphate cells, ternary lithium cells, high manganese iron lithium cells, quaternary lithium cells, cobalt-free cells, lithium manganese oxide cells, nickel-metal hydride cells, and lithium titanate cells. By selectively combining the chemical systems of the battery cells 2 within different accommodating cavities 10, the overall performance of the battery pack can be optimized to meet performance requirements under different operating conditions.

[0035] For example, in terms of the shape of the battery cell 2, the battery cell 2 can be one of the following: cylindrical cell, blade cell, short blade cell, prism cell, and pouch cell. By selectively combining the shapes or packaging forms of the battery cells 2 within different accommodating cavities 10, the internal space of the corresponding accommodating cavity 10 can be fully utilized, and the space utilization rate can be optimized.

[0036] For example, in the dimension direction of the battery cell 2, the corresponding dimensions can be designed according to the shape adopted by the battery cell 2. For example, when the battery cell 2 is a cylindrical cell, the dimensions may include the diameter and height, etc. When the battery cell 2 is a prism cell, such as a tetragonal prism cell or a hexagonal prism cell, the dimensions may include the height, edge length, bottom or top perimeter, etc.

[0037] For example, regarding the capacity of battery cell 2, capacity can also be understood as the electrical charge or capacity of the battery cell, and any suitable capacity value can be selected according to the needs.

[0038] For example, regarding the charge / discharge rate of the battery cell 2, the charge / discharge rate of the battery cell 2 can be selected between 2C and 10C, or any suitable charge / discharge rate can be selected according to the requirements.

[0039] The multiple receiving cavities 10 can be divided by one or more partition beams 11 as needed. For example, a partition beam 11 can be used to divide the housing 1 into two receiving cavities 10, which can be perpendicular to the first direction Y and extend along the second direction X. Alternatively, the partition beam 11 can also be perpendicular to the second direction X and extend along the first direction Y to divide the housing 1 into two receiving cavities 10. Based on the above two division methods, one or more partition beams 11 extending along the first direction Y or the second direction X can be provided in the divided receiving cavities 10 to further increase the number of receiving cavities 10. This disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can make adaptive adjustments according to the actual needs.

[0040] The housing 1 may include an upper housing 12, a lower housing 14, and a frame 13 located between the upper housing 12 and the lower housing 14. At least one partition beam 11 is provided in the frame 13 to divide the frame 13 into a plurality of receiving cavities 10.

[0041] The partition beam 11 and the frame 13 can be integrally formed, or they can be fixed by welding, gluing, or fasteners. The partition beam 11 can also be fixed to the upper shell 12 and the lower shell 14 by welding, gluing, or fasteners. Of course, the upper shell 12 and the frame 13, and the lower shell 14 and the frame 13 can also be fixed by welding, gluing, or fasteners.

[0042] The fasteners may be bolts or clips, etc. This disclosure does not specify any particular type.

[0043] The above method enables the multiple cavities 10 within the frame 13 to be sealed independently to avoid mutual interference in the event of thermal runaway, thus improving safety and reliability in use.

[0044] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 3As shown, the plurality of receiving cavities 10 may include a first receiving cavity 100 and a second receiving cavity 101 arranged at intervals along a first direction Y. The housing 1 may include a partition beam 11 separating the first receiving cavity 100 and the second receiving cavity 101. The partition beam 11 extends along a second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Y. The battery cell 2 in the first receiving cavity 100 is a first battery cell 20, and the battery cell 2 in the second receiving cavity 101 is a second battery cell 21. The first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 21 can directly or indirectly abut against the partition beam 11 along the first direction Y. The first battery cell 20 has a first expansion direction parallel to the first direction Y, and the second battery cell 21 has a second expansion direction parallel to the first direction Y. By setting the partition beam 11, the partition beam 11 absorbs the expansion force of the first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 21 in the first direction Y, so that the expansion force on both sides of the partition beam 11 reaches a balance or near balance, thereby extending the service life of the battery pack.

[0045] It should be noted that buffer structures can be provided between the partition beam 11 and the adjacent first battery cell 20, and between the partition beam 11 and the adjacent second battery cell 21. These buffer structures can include, for example, gaskets (such as rubber gaskets, silicone gaskets, insulating films, etc.) or colloids, to achieve indirect contact between the first battery cell 20, the second battery cell 21, and the partition beam 11. Furthermore, the aforementioned buffer structures can also be provided between adjacent first battery cells 20, between the frame 13 and adjacent first battery cells 20, between adjacent second battery cells, and between the frame 13 and adjacent second battery cells 21; this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0046] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the sidewall surface with the largest area of ​​the first battery cell 20 can be perpendicular to the first direction Y, and / or, the sidewall surface with the largest area of ​​the second battery cell 21 can be perpendicular to the first direction Y. The largest sidewall surface of the first battery cell 20 is perpendicular to the first expansion direction, and the largest sidewall surface of the second battery cell 21 is perpendicular to the second expansion direction, so as to increase the area of ​​the sidewall surfaces of the first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 21 opposite to the partition beam 11, which helps to disperse the expansion force and avoid excessive local expansion force causing structural damage.

[0047] The first expansion direction and the second expansion direction can be arranged collinearly so that the main expansion direction (first expansion direction) of the first battery cell 20 is parallel to the main expansion direction (second expansion direction) of the second battery cell 21. This limits the expansion of the first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 21, while making the stress on the separator beam 11 more uniform, reducing the risk of deformation of the separator beam 11, extending the service life of the battery cell 2, and improving the stability and reliability of the overall battery pack structure.

[0048] For example, the first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 21 each have two first sidewalls opposite each other along the first direction Y and two second sidewalls opposite each other along the second direction X. The area of ​​the first sidewall is larger than the area of ​​the second sidewall, and the first sidewall is the sidewall with the largest area of ​​the first battery cell 20 or the second battery cell 21.

[0049] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first volume of the first receiving cavity 100 and the second volume of the second receiving cavity 101 can be configured such that the ratio of the sum of the expansion forces of each first battery cell 20 in the first receiving cavity 100 to the sum of the expansion forces of each second battery cell 21 in the second receiving cavity 101 to the partition beam 11 is within a first preset range. The first and second volumes can be the same or different. By adjusting the first volume of the first receiving cavity 100 and the second volume of the second receiving cavity 101, the number of first battery cells 20 and second battery cells 21 can be adjusted according to actual needs, so that the ratio of the expansion forces of the first battery cells 20 and second battery cells 21 is within the first preset range, thereby balancing the expansion forces on both sides of the partition beam 11 and extending the service life of the battery pack.

[0050] The first preset range can be between 0.8 and 1.2, so that the expansion force of each first battery cell 20 and each second battery cell 21 on both sides can be balanced by the partition beam 11.

[0051] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the ratio of the volume of the first receiving cavity 100 to the volume of the second receiving cavity 101 can be 0.5 to 2. By optimizing the design of the volume ratio range, the number of battery cells 2 in the first receiving cavity 100 and the second receiving cavity 101 can be adjusted, thereby indirectly adjusting the overall expansion force of the battery cells 2 in the first receiving cavity 100 and the second receiving cavity 101.

[0052] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first width of the first receiving cavity 100 along the first direction Y and the second width of the second receiving cavity 101 along the first direction Y can be configured such that the ratio of the sum of the expansion forces of each first battery cell 20 located in the same column along the first direction Y in the first receiving cavity 100 to the expansion forces of each second battery cell 21 located in the same column along the first direction Y to the expansion forces of the second receiving cavity 101 to the expansion forces of the second battery cell 21 located in the same column along the first direction Y in the second receiving cavity 101 is within a second preset range, and the first width and the second width can be the same or different.

[0053] The second preset range may be the same as or different from the first preset range, or the second preset range may fall within the first preset range.

[0054] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first battery cells 20 in the first receiving cavity 100 can be arranged in rows along the first direction Y and columns along the second direction X, and the second battery cells 21 in the second receiving cavity 101 can be arranged in rows along the first direction Y and columns along the second direction X. The number of first battery cells 20 in each column and the number of second battery cells 21 in each column can be the same or different; and / or, the number of first battery cells 20 in each row and the number of second battery cells 21 in each row can be the same or different. This variable arrangement and quantity of the first battery cells 20 and the second battery cells 21 allows for flexible adjustments based on actual needs, providing greater usability. (Refer to...) Figure 1 As shown, taking the first receiving cavity 100 as an example, multiple first battery cells 20 located in the same row along the first direction Y form a column. The first receiving cavity 100 shows 7 columns of first battery cells 20 arranged along the second direction X. Similarly, multiple first battery cells 20 located in the same row along the second direction X form a row. The first receiving cavity 100 shows 12 rows of first battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction Y. Similarly, the second receiving cavity 101 shows 4 rows of second battery cells 21 arranged along the first direction Y and 7 columns of second battery cells 21 arranged along the second direction X.

[0055] Examples such as Figure 1 As shown, the ratio of the number of first battery cells 20 in the first receiving cavity 100 to the number of second battery cells 21 in the second receiving cavity 101 can be 3:1. This disclosure does not specifically limit this ratio.

[0056] For example, the expansion force of a single battery cell 2 can be indirectly adjusted by adjusting factors such as the chemical system, shape, size, capacity, and charge / discharge rate of the battery cell 2. Alternatively, the total expansion force exerted by each battery cell 2 on the separator beam 11 can be adjusted by adjusting the number of battery cells 2 in each receiving cavity 10. Of course, the expansion force requirements on both sides of the separator beam 11 can also be met by enhancing the structural strength of the separator beam 11. This disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0057] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 3As shown, each first battery cell 20 within the first receiving cavity 100 can be electrically connected to form a first battery pack, and / or each second battery cell 21 within the second receiving cavity 101 can be electrically connected to form a second battery pack. The first battery pack can be connected in series or in parallel with the second battery pack. This allows for series or parallel connections between the first and second battery packs, enabling flexible adjustment of the battery pack's voltage and capacity (i.e., the amount of power it can provide) according to different application scenarios and requirements. For example, in applications requiring high voltage, a series connection can be selected; in applications requiring high capacity, a parallel connection can be selected.

[0058] Of course, the series-parallel switching of the first and second battery packs can also be achieved by setting up a BMS (Battery Management System) to enhance the flexibility of use.

[0059] In some feasible embodiments not shown, the battery pack may further include a first heat exchange component that exchanges heat with the first battery pack and a second heat exchange component that exchanges heat with the second battery pack. The first heat exchange component has a first heat exchange channel and a first liquid inlet and a first liquid outlet both connected to the first heat exchange channel. The second heat exchange component has a second heat exchange channel and a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet both connected to the second heat exchange channel. By implementing independent thermal management for the first and second battery packs, the temperature of each battery pack can be precisely controlled to maintain overall temperature balance, avoid local overcooling or overheating, optimize heat dissipation performance, and effectively extend the service life of the battery pack.

[0060] Both the first and second heat exchange components can be, for example, liquid-cooled plates. Both the first and second heat exchange channels can be serpentine or U-shaped channels to improve heat exchange efficiency. The first heat exchange channel can be arranged at the bottom of the first battery cell 20, located between the lower housing 14 and the first battery cell 20. The second heat exchange channel can be arranged at the bottom of the second battery cell 21, located between the lower housing 14 and the first battery cell 20. This disclosure does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0061] Optionally, the first battery cell 20 can be one of lithium iron phosphate cells, ternary lithium cells, high-manganese lithium iron phosphate cells, quaternary lithium cells, cobalt-free cells, lithium manganese oxide cells, nickel-metal hydride cells, and lithium titanate cells; and / or, the second battery cell 21 can be one of lithium iron phosphate cells, ternary lithium cells, high-manganese lithium iron phosphate cells, quaternary lithium cells, cobalt-free cells, lithium manganese oxide cells, nickel-metal hydride cells, and lithium titanate cells. By selectively combining the chemical systems of the first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 21, the overall performance of the battery pack can be optimized to meet performance requirements under different operating conditions.

[0062] For example, the first battery cell 20 can be a lithium iron phosphate cell, and the second battery cell 21 can be a lithium manganese oxide cell. By combining the better heat resistance of lithium iron phosphate cells with the higher energy density of lithium manganese oxide cells, the overall heat resistance of the battery pack is improved while providing a longer driving range. This disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] Optionally, the first battery cell 20 is one of a cylindrical cell, a blade cell, a short blade cell, a prismatic cell, or a pouch cell; and / or, the second battery cell 21 is one of a cylindrical cell, a blade cell, a short blade cell, a prismatic cell, or a pouch cell. By selectively combining the packaging forms of the first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 21, battery cells 2 adapted to the internal spaces of the first and second accommodating cavities 100 and 101 are used according to the actual conditions (e.g., size, shape, etc.) of the internal spaces, so as to fully utilize the internal spaces of the first and second accommodating cavities 100 and optimize space utilization.

[0064] For example, the first battery cell 20 can be a cylindrical cell, and the second battery cell 21 can be a blade cell. This disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0065] A second aspect of this disclosure provides an electrical device including a battery pack, which has all the beneficial effects described in the specific embodiments above, and will not be repeated here. The electrical device can be arbitrarily selected according to the application scenario of the battery pack; for example, the electrical device can be a vehicle, such as a new energy vehicle. Alternatively, the electrical device can also be an energy storage device, etc., and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] The following is an exemplary description of a method for measuring the expansion force exerted by each battery cell 2 within each receiving cavity 10 on the separating beam 11:

[0067] Take two identical battery packs, A and B. In battery pack A, remove the upper shell 12, the first battery cell 20 in the first receiving cavity 100, and other components, leaving the first receiving cavity 100 empty. Fix the frame 13 and install a force sensor on the side of the partition beam 11 located in the first receiving cavity 100. Perform an EOL test on the second battery cell 21. During the test, the force sensor detects the expansion force applied to the partition beam 11 by each second battery cell 21 in the second expansion direction. The maximum value F1 measured is the expansion force of each second battery cell 21. The maximum value of the sum of forces; In battery pack B, the upper shell 12, the second battery cell 21 and other components in the second receiving cavity 101 are removed, so that the second receiving cavity 101 is an empty cavity. The frame 13 is fixed, and a force sensor is installed on the side of the partition beam 11 located in the second receiving cavity 101. The first battery cell 20 is subjected to an EOL test. During the test, the force sensor detects the expansion force applied to the partition beam 11 by the first battery cell 20 in the first expansion direction. The maximum value F2 measured is the maximum value of the sum of the expansion forces of each first battery cell 20.

[0068] EOL testing is a process of conducting end-of-life testing on battery cell 2, aiming to evaluate the performance of battery cell 2 after a certain period of use. For specific methods and procedures of EOL testing, those skilled in the art can refer to existing technologies and literature; these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0069] Of course, to ensure that the structural strength of the separator beam 11 is sufficient to withstand the expansion force applied by the first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 21, the separator beam 11 can be tested in the following way:

[0070] Take battery pack C. Remove the upper casing 12, the first battery cell 20 and other components in the first receiving cavity 100, and the second battery cell 21 and other components in the second receiving cavity 101, leaving both cavities empty. Arrange a force sensor on either side of the partition beam 11, and apply force to the partition beam 11 on the other side using a force application tool. For example, a force sensor can be arranged on the side of the partition beam 11 facing the first receiving cavity 100, and a force application tool can be placed on the side facing the second receiving cavity 101. This allows the failure threshold F3 of the partition beam 11 to be measured. This ensures that the larger of F1 and F2 is less than the failure threshold F3 of the partition beam 11, meeting the requirements of the battery cell 2's expansion force on the battery pack structure, thereby further improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 by, The device includes a housing having multiple receiving cavities, each of which contains a single battery cell. Wherein, each of the battery cells located in the same receiving cavity is identical, and any battery cell in any receiving cavity is different from at least one battery cell in another receiving cavity, and the difference lies in at least one of the following: chemical system, shape, size, capacity, and charge / discharge rate of the battery cell.

2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of accommodating cavities includes a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity arranged at intervals along a first direction. The housing includes a partition beam separating the first accommodating cavity and the second accommodating cavity. The partition beam extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The battery cell in the first accommodating cavity is a first battery cell, and the battery cell in the second accommodating cavity is a second battery cell. The first battery cell and the second battery cell can directly or indirectly abut against the partition beam along the first direction. The first battery cell has a first expansion direction parallel to the first direction, and the second battery cell has a second expansion direction parallel to the first direction.

3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The sidewall with the largest area of ​​the first battery cell is perpendicular to the first direction, and / or the sidewall with the largest area of ​​the second battery cell is perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The first volume of the first receiving cavity and the second volume of the second receiving cavity are configured such that the ratio of the sum of the expansion forces of each of the first battery cells in the first receiving cavity on the separator beam to the sum of the expansion forces of each of the second battery cells in the second receiving cavity on the separator beam is within a first preset range, and the first volume and the second volume are the same or different.

5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein, The ratio of the first volume of the first receiving cavity to the second volume of the second receiving cavity is 0.5 to 2.

6. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The first receiving cavity has a first width along the first direction and the second receiving cavity has a second width along the first direction, such that the ratio of the sum of the expansion forces of each of the first battery cells located in the first receiving cavity along the first direction on the separator beam to the sum of the expansion forces of each of the second battery cells located in the second receiving cavity along the first direction on the separator beam is within a second preset range, and the first width and the second width are the same or different.

7. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The first battery cells in the first receiving cavity are arranged in a row along a first direction and in a column along a second direction, and the second battery cells in the second receiving cavity are arranged in a row along the first direction and in a column along the second direction. The number of the first battery cells in each column may be the same as or different from the number of the second battery cells in each column; and / or, The number of the first battery cells in each row may be the same as or different from the number of the second battery cells in each row.

8. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, Each of the first battery cells in the first receiving cavity is electrically connected to form a first battery pack, and / or each of the second battery cells in the second receiving cavity is electrically connected to form a second battery pack, wherein the first battery pack is connected in series or in parallel to the second battery pack.

9. The battery pack of claim 8, wherein, The battery pack further includes a first heat exchange component that exchanges heat with the first battery pack and a second heat exchange component that exchanges heat with the second battery pack. The first heat exchange component has a first heat exchange channel and a first liquid inlet and a first liquid outlet that are both connected to the first heat exchange channel. The second heat exchange component has a second heat exchange channel and a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet that are both connected to the second heat exchange channel.

10. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The first battery cell is one of the following: lithium iron phosphate cell, ternary lithium cell, high-manganese lithium iron phosphate cell, quaternary lithium cell, cobalt-free cell, lithium manganese oxide cell, nickel-metal hydride cell, and lithium titanate cell; and / or, The second battery cell is one of the following: lithium iron phosphate cell, ternary lithium cell, high manganese lithium iron phosphate cell, quaternary lithium cell, cobalt-free cell, lithium manganese oxide cell, nickel-metal hydride cell, and lithium titanate cell.

11. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The first battery cell is one of the following: cylindrical cell, blade cell, short blade cell, prismatic cell, and pouch cell; and / or, The second battery cell is one of the following: cylindrical cell, blade cell, short blade cell, prismatic cell, and pouch cell.

12. An electrical device, characterized by Includes the battery pack described in any one of claims 1-11.

Images