Battery pack and electric device

Abstract

The application provides a battery pack and an electric device, and relates to the technical field of battery packs. The battery pack comprises a heat exchange structure and a plurality of batteries. The heat exchange structure comprises a plurality of heat exchange pieces and a heat exchange pipe. The heat exchange piece has a heat exchange flow channel. The heat exchange piece comprises a first joint and a second joint connected in communication. The heat exchange pipe connects two adjacent heat exchange pieces. The heat exchange pipe comprises an inner pipe and an outer pipe sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the inner pipe. The inner pipe comprises a connecting section and a fixing section connected in series. The fixing section is located at least one end of the connecting section in a first direction. At least part of the first joint or the second joint can extend into the fixing section. The fixing section can be deformed to be sealingly connected with the extended first joint or second joint. The hardness of the fixing section is less than that of the connecting section. The battery pack and the electric device can balance the sealing performance and the strength.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] To meet the rapid development of new energy vehicles, the number of batteries arranged in battery packs has increased accordingly. While increasing the capacity, this also increases the risk of thermal runaway within the battery pack. Therefore, heat exchange structures are installed within the battery pack, in which adjacent heat exchange components are connected by heat exchange tubes. In existing technologies, heat exchange tubes generally consist of a sleeved inner tube and an outer tube. The outer tube is a rigid component, while the inner tube is a flexible component for sealing connection with the heat exchange components. However, when a heat exchange medium under high pressure passes through the heat exchange tube, the inner tube expands, leading to the rupture of the outer tube. Therefore, how to improve the strength of the heat exchange tube while ensuring its sealing performance has become an important research direction in this field. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack that can balance the sealing performance and strength of the pipeline connection to prevent pipeline rupture. Another aspect of the present invention provides an electrical device including the aforementioned battery pack.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, one embodiment of this application provides a battery pack, including a heat exchange structure and a plurality of batteries arranged at intervals. The heat exchange structure includes: a plurality of heat exchange elements, spaced apart along a first direction, the first direction being parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of batteries; at least one battery being placed between two adjacent heat exchange elements; the heat exchange elements being configured to provide heat exchange for the batteries; the heat exchange elements having heat exchange channels configured to allow heat exchange medium to pass through; the heat exchange elements including a first connector and a second connector communicating with the heat exchange channels; and a heat exchange tube connecting two adjacent heat exchange elements, the heat exchange tube being configured to allow heat exchange medium to flow between the heat exchange elements; wherein the heat exchange tube includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed on the outer periphery of the inner tube; the inner tube includes a connecting section and a fixed section connected to each other; the fixed section is located at at least one end of the connecting section in the first direction; at least a portion of the first connector or the second connector can extend into the fixed section; the fixed section can deform to form a sealed connection with the extended first connector or the second connector; and the hardness of the fixed section is less than the hardness of the connecting section.

[0005] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an electrical device, including the battery pack described above.

[0006] The battery pack and electrical device provided in this application embodiment configure the inner tube of the heat exchange tube as a connected fixed section and a connecting section, with the fixed section having a lower hardness than the connecting section on at least one side in a first direction. This allows the fixed section to utilize its own flexible deformation capability to form a sealed connection with the inserted first or second connector. When the heat exchange tube is assembled with the first or second connector, during the flow of the heat exchange medium through the inner tube, the connecting section, with its higher hardness, has greater strength and can withstand greater pressure from the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange tube will not expand due to increased pressure, ensuring that the seal between the connector and the fixed section will not fail, and the outer tube will not be ruptured, thus balancing the sealing performance and strength of the heat exchange tube. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange structure and its cooperation with a battery, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a front view of a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a top view of a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a front view of the heat exchange tube and the fitting of the connector in a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchange tube in a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange tube and the joint in a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchange tube in another heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure label: 100. Battery pack; 10. Heat exchange structure; 1. Heat exchange component; 11. Heat exchange plate; 12. Protrusion; 1a. Heat exchange channel; 1b. First connector; 1c. Second connector; 2. Heat exchange tube; 21. Inner tube; 211. Fixed section; 212. Connecting section; 22. Outer tube; 20. Battery; 30. Housing; X. First direction; Y. Second direction; Z. Vertical direction. Detailed Implementation

[0017] 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] A battery pack, as a rechargeable energy storage device, is used in electrical devices to provide electrical energy. For example, electrical devices can be mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc., without specific limitations. For ease of explanation, this application embodiment applies the battery pack to a vehicle, i.e., the electrical device is set as a vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to, gasoline-powered vehicles, pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or range-extended vehicles. The battery pack, controller, and motor can be installed inside the vehicle, with the controller controlling the battery's power supply to the motor. For example, the battery pack can be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle.

[0019] The battery pack includes a battery management system (BMS), a thermal management system, an electrical connection system (high-voltage / low-voltage connectors, wiring harnesses, etc.), structural components (shell, brackets, etc.), and protective components, etc., and the above components are placed in a box and sealed with a cover plate to form a complete functional unit that can directly output electrical energy.

[0020] A battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells with similar capacity and internal resistance in series or parallel. It is understood that a battery cell can also be referred to as a battery.

[0021] A battery can store chemical energy and controllably convert it into electrical energy. In a recyclable battery, the active materials can be reactivated by charging after discharge, allowing it to continue to be used. A battery may specifically include a casing and battery cells housed within the casing; details are not provided here.

[0022] The enclosure refers to a closed or semi-closed structure made of materials such as metal and plastic. It is the physical carrier of the battery pack, and its design and manufacturing must meet the safety, reliability and functionality requirements of the battery pack in different usage scenarios.

[0023] The enclosure includes a lower enclosure, which includes a bottom plate and a side plate connected to and surrounding the bottom plate; and an upper enclosure, which is connected to the side plate and has a cover plate opposite to the bottom plate. The upper enclosure and the lower enclosure together enclose a receiving chamber.

[0024] Alternatively, the enclosure can be cast from materials such as steel plate or aluminum alloy, or made of lightweight materials such as glass fiber reinforced composite materials or carbon fiber reinforced composite materials. The shape of the enclosure can be cylindrical, cuboid, cube, etc.

[0025] The battery pack also includes a heat exchange structure, which is connected to an external liquid supply and circulation device that provides the heat exchange medium, so that the heat exchange medium can circulate in the heat exchange structure, enabling the heat exchange structure to provide heat to the battery inside the box to prevent thermal runaway.

[0026] The heat exchange structure includes a heat exchange plate, which is used to exchange heat with the battery to regulate the battery temperature.

[0027] The heat exchange plate can be constructed as a liquid cooling plate or a phase change cooling plate and is thermally connected to the battery.

[0028] Optionally, the liquid cooling plate has liquid cooling channels, specifically, the shapes of which can be various, such as "U", "U-shaped", or "S-shaped. Optionally, the liquid cooling plate also includes an inlet and an outlet, both of which are connected to a collector for the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange medium. The liquid cooling plate can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as stainless steel). The material of the liquid cooling plate can be various, including but not limited to: copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc. The material of the liquid cooling plate can also be nylon, plastic, etc.

[0029] Specifically, the heat exchange structure includes a plurality of heat exchange elements spaced apart along a first direction and disposed in a receiving chamber. One or more batteries are placed between two adjacent heat exchange elements, and the heat exchange elements are configured to provide heat exchange for the batteries. Each pair of adjacent heat exchange elements is connected by a heat exchange tube, which is configured to allow a heat exchange medium to flow between the plurality of heat exchange elements.

[0030] Generally, a heat exchanger tube consists of an inner tube and an outer tube located around its periphery. The outer tube is rigid, while the inner tube is flexible, allowing the inner tube to be inserted into the heat exchanger joint. The inner tube's deformation capability provides a seal at the joint. The outer tube restricts the inner tube, ensuring the heat exchanger tube can handle heat exchange media at a certain pressure. However, in practical applications, it has been found that during heat exchange media circulation, there are situations where the heat exchange media passing through the heat exchanger tube experiences significant pressure. Under such pressure, the flexible inner tube expands, making the outer tube prone to cracking. Furthermore, the sealing performance at the joint between the inner tube and the joint deteriorates or even fails. Therefore, a reasonable structural design that balances the sealing performance and strength of the heat exchanger tube is crucial for the heat exchanger structure.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange structure and its cooperation with a battery, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a front view of a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a top view of a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a front view of the heat exchange tube and the fitting of the connector in a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchange tube in a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Arrow X points to a first direction, which is also the row direction of the multiple batteries 20 arranged together; arrow Y points to a second direction, which is also the column direction of the multiple batteries 20 arranged together; and arrow Z points to a vertical direction. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the vertical direction intersect each other. Furthermore, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the vertical direction are mutually perpendicular, which will not be emphasized separately thereafter.

[0032] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a battery pack, such as... Figures 1 to 6 The battery pack 100 includes a heat exchange structure 10 and a plurality of batteries 20 arranged at intervals. The heat exchange structure 10 includes a plurality of heat exchange elements 1 and heat exchange tubes 2. The plurality of heat exchange elements 1 are arranged at intervals along a first direction X, which is parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of batteries 20. At least one battery 20 is placed between two adjacent heat exchange elements 1. The heat exchange elements 1 are configured to provide heat exchange for the batteries 20. The heat exchange elements 1 have heat exchange channels 1a, which are configured to allow heat exchange medium to pass through. The heat exchange tubes 2 connect two adjacent heat exchange elements 1 and are configured to allow heat exchange medium to flow between the heat exchange elements 1.

[0033] Optionally, the heat exchange structure 10 also includes heat exchange piping disposed on the bottom plate of the housing 30, which will not be described in detail.

[0034] Optionally, one or more batteries 20 may be provided between two adjacent heat exchangers 1. When multiple batteries 20 are provided between two adjacent heat exchangers 1, the multiple batteries 20 may be arranged in multiple rows along the first direction X and in multiple columns along the second direction Y. The arrangement can be adapted to actual needs without specific limitations.

[0035] It is understood that multiple batteries 20 disposed in the battery pack 100 can be electrically connected together in series, parallel or mixed manner. Multiple batteries 20 in the battery pack 100 can be arranged in multiple rows and columns in the accommodating chamber to form a battery group. A heat exchanger 1 is disposed between one or more batteries 20 adjacent in the row direction, which will not be described in detail.

[0036] Optionally, the heat exchange tube 2 can be disposed on one side of the battery pack or on both sides of the battery pack in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the heat exchange tube 2 is disposed on both sides of the battery pack in the second direction Y, with one side used to connect to the inlet of the external liquid supply circulation device that provides the heat exchange medium, and the other side used to connect to the outlet of the liquid supply circulation device, which will not be described in detail. For ease of understanding, the specific structure of the heat exchange tube 2 and its connection with the heat exchange component 1 will be described in detail below using the heat exchange tube 2 disposed on one side as an example.

[0037] Optionally, the heat exchange medium can be a liquid-cooled liquid or a liquid-cooled gas, which can be adapted to meet actual needs without being specifically limited.

[0038] like Figures 3 to 5 The heat exchanger 1 includes a first connector 1b and a second connector 1c that are connected to the heat exchange channel 1a. The first connector 1b and the second connector 1c are arranged opposite to each other in the first direction X on both sides of the heat exchanger 1. When the heat exchange tube 2 connects two adjacent heat exchangers 1, one end of the heat exchange tube 2 is sealed to the first connector 1b of one of the heat exchangers 1, and the other end of the heat exchange tube 2 is sealed to the second connector 1c of the other heat exchanger 1.

[0039] Optionally, the first connector 1b and the second connector 1c can be configured as water nozzles connected to the heat exchange channel 1a, and the water nozzles can be inserted into one end of the corresponding heat exchange tube 2.

[0040] Among them, such as 5 and Figure 6 The heat exchange tube 2 includes an inner tube 21 and an outer tube 22 disposed on the outer periphery of the inner tube 21. The inner tube 21 includes a connecting section 212 and a fixed section 211 connected to each other. The fixed section 211 is located at least one end of the connecting section 212 in a first direction X. At least a portion of the first connector 1b or the second connector 1c can extend into the fixed section 211. The fixed section 211 can deform to form a sealed connection with the extended first connector 1b or the second connector 1c. The hardness of the fixed section 211 is less than that of the connecting section 212.

[0041] The battery pack provided in this application embodiment sets the inner tube 21 of the heat exchange tube 2 as a connected fixed section 211 and a connecting section 212, and makes the hardness of the fixed section 211 less than that of the connecting section 212 on at least one side in the first direction X. This allows the fixed section 211 to use its own flexible deformation ability to seal and connect with the inserted first connector 1b or second connector 1c. When the heat exchange tube 2 is assembled with the first connector 1b and the second connector 1c, during the flow of the heat exchange medium through the inner tube 21, the connecting section 212, which has greater hardness, has higher strength and can withstand greater pressure from the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange tube 2 will not expand due to increased pressure, so the seal between the connector and the fixed section 211 will not fail, and the outer tube 22 will not be ruptured, thus balancing the sealing performance and strength of the heat exchange tube 2.

[0042] Optionally, the fixing segment 211 has a first distance d1mm between its two end faces in the first direction X, where 20mm ≤ d1mm ≤ 35mm, such as 20mm, 30mm, 35mm, etc. By limiting the length of the fixing segment 211 in the first direction X, the inserted first connector 1b or second connector 1c can have sufficient contact area with the fixing segment 211 for a sealing connection, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of the insertion position.

[0043] Optionally, the connecting section 212 has a second distance d2mm between its two end faces in the first direction X, where 30mm≤d2mm≤150mm, such as 30mm, 80mm, 120mm, 150mm, etc., and 0.15≤d1 / d2≤1.15. By reasonably distributing the lengths of the fixed section 211 and the connecting section 212, the heat exchange tube 2 as a whole can meet both the sealing performance and strength requirements when plugged into the first connector 1b or the second connector 1c.

[0044] In some alternative embodiments, the fixed section 211 is located at both ends of the connecting section 212 in the first direction X. When the heat exchange tube 2 is connected to two adjacent heat exchange elements 1, the fixed section 211 at one end of the heat exchange tube 2 is used to cooperate with the first connector 1b of one of the heat exchange elements 1 (sealed connection), and the fixed end at the other end of the heat exchange tube 2 is used to cooperate with the second connector 1c of the other heat exchange element 1 (sealed connection).

[0045] Optionally, the distance between the two end faces of the fixed segments 211 located at both ends of the connecting segment 212 in the first direction X can be set to be the same.

[0046] Optionally, the distance between the two end faces of the fixed segments 211 located at both ends of the connecting segment 212 in the first direction X can be set to be different.

[0047] Optionally, the ratio of the distance between the two end faces of the fixing segments 211 located at both ends of the connecting segment 212 in the first direction X is between 0.9 and 1.1, such as 0.9, 1, and 1.1. Specifically, it can be adaptively adjusted according to the size of the first connector 1b or the second connector 1c to be inserted and the actual situation such as the extension of the fixing segment 211 to be inserted, without being specifically limited.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the hardness difference between the connecting section 212 and the fixed section 211 is between 2HA and 30HA (HA is a hardness unit, specifically the Shore A hardness unit), such as 2HA, 10HA, 20HA, 30HA, etc. This ensures that the inner tube 21 of the heat exchange tube 2 as a whole can balance sealing performance and strength, and resist the impact of heat exchange media with high pressure.

[0049] Optionally, the hardness of the connecting section 212 is between 50HA and 120HA, such as 50HA, 70HA, 90HA, 120HA, etc.

[0050] Optionally, the hardness of the fixed segment 211 is between 20 HA and 95 HA, such as 20 HA, 40 HA, 70 HA, 95 HA, etc.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange tube and the joint in a heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchange tube in another heat exchange structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the first connector 1b or the second connector 1c is inserted into the fixed section 211, there is a third distance d3mm between the end face of the fixed section 211 connected to the connecting section 212 and the end face of the first connector 1b or the second connector 1c, where 5mm ≤ d3mm ≤ 20mm, such as 5mm, 8mm, 12mm, 20mm, etc. There is a fourth distance d4mm between the end face of the first connector 1b or the second connector 1c and the end face of the fixed section 211 away from the connecting section 212, where 5mm ≤ d4mm ≤ 30mm, such as 5mm, 12mm, 20mm, 30mm, etc., and 0.15 ≤ d4 / d1 ≤ 1.5. By limiting the length of the first connector 1b or the second connector 1c and the corresponding inserted fixed section 211, sufficient sealing contact area is ensured between the connector and the fixed section 211, thereby ensuring sealing performance.

[0053] Optionally, the wall of the connecting section 212 has a first thickness D1mm, where 1.4mm ≤ D1mm ≤ 3mm, such as 1.4mm, 1.8mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, etc. This ensures that when the heat exchange medium flows into the connecting section 212 of the inner tube 21, the connecting section 212 has sufficient space for the heat exchange medium to pass through. At the same time, the connecting section 212 has sufficient strength to allow the heat exchange medium under higher pressure to pass through, preventing the heat exchange tube 2 from rupturing due to expansion.

[0054] Optionally, the wall of the fixed section 211 has a second thickness D2mm, where 1.4mm ≤ D2mm ≤ 3mm, such as 1.4mm, 1.8mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, etc. By reasonably setting the wall thickness of the fixed section 211, both sealing performance and installation efficiency can be achieved.

[0055] Optionally, the first joint 1b or the second joint 1c has a third thickness D3mm, where 1.5mm ≤ D3mm ≤ 3mm, such as 1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, etc. The sum of the first thickness D1mm and the third thickness D3mm is between 2.9mm and 6mm, such as 2.9mm, 3.5mm, 4.5mm, 6mm, etc. While ensuring high sealing performance between the joint and the fixed section 211, the fixed section 211 can provide sufficient flow space for the heat exchange medium, increasing the flow rate of the heat exchange medium and thus improving the heat exchange effect.

[0056] Optionally, 1 ≤ (D2+D3) / D1 ≤ 4.2. If (D2+D3) / D1 is too large, i.e., (D2+D3) is too thick, the water nozzle (connector) is difficult to install and occupies a certain amount of space for the heat exchange medium flow, affecting the heat exchange effect. If D3 is too thin, it will weaken the strength of the heat exchange tube 2. If (D2+D3) / D1 is too small, i.e., (D2+D3) is too thin, although it is easy to install, the tube diameter of the heat exchange tube 2 is too large, which can easily lead to low tube wall strength and rupture. If (D1) is too thick, although it ensures strength, the tube diameter of the heat exchange tube 2 is too small, which affects the heat exchange effect. Therefore, this application sets (D2+D3) / D1 within a reasonable range, which can balance the strength of the heat exchange tube 2 and the ease of installation when the heat exchange tube 2 is connected to the heat exchange component 1, and will not affect the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange component 1.

[0057] Optionally, the pipe wall of the connecting section 212 extends along the first direction X, and the pipe wall thickness of each part of the connecting section 212 is the same. This allows the heat exchange medium to flow smoothly in the connecting section 212.

[0058] In some alternative embodiments, the inner diameter of the connecting section 212 is smaller than the inner diameter of the fixed section 211, and along the radial direction of the heat exchange tube 2, the distance between the inner wall of the connecting section 212 and the outer wall of the outer tube 22 is greater than the distance between the inner wall of the fixed section 211 and the outer wall of the outer tube 22. This further enhances the strength of the connecting section 212.

[0059] In other alternative embodiments, such as Figure 6 The inner diameter of the connecting section 212 is the same as that of the fixed section 211, and along the radial direction of the heat exchange tube 2, the distance between the inner wall of the connecting section 212 and the outer wall of the outer tube 22 is equal to the distance between the inner wall of the fixed section 211 and the outer wall of the outer tube 22. This allows the flowing heat exchange medium to transition smoothly between the connecting section 212 and the fixed section 211, without significant differences in flow velocity, thus avoiding excessive local pressure.

[0060] In other alternative embodiments, such as Figure 7 The inner diameter of the connecting section 212 is larger than that of the fixed section 211, and along the radial direction of the heat exchange tube 2, the distance between the inner wall of the connecting section 212 and the outer wall of the outer tube 22 is smaller than the distance between the inner wall of the fixed section 211 and the outer wall of the outer tube 22. The connecting section 212 can provide more space for the heat exchange medium to pass through, avoiding the accumulation of heat exchange medium in the connecting section 212 and the resulting pressure increase, thereby preventing the connecting section 212 and the corresponding part of the outer tube 22 from being ruptured.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, the axis of the fixed section 211 coincides with the axis of the connecting section 212 to facilitate the fabrication of the inner tube 21.

[0062] Optionally, two adjacent heat exchanger elements 1 have a fifth distance d5mm in the first direction X, where 60mm≤d5mm≤280mm, such as 60mm, 150mm, 200mm, 280mm, etc., and 0.11≤d2 / d5≤2.5. The lengths of the fixed section 211 and the connecting section 212 of the inner tube 21 are reasonably allocated within the limited space between two adjacent heat exchanger elements 1 to balance the sealing performance and strength of the heat exchange tube 2.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 8 The connecting section 212 and the outer tube 22 can be integrally injection molded. When manufacturing the heat exchange tube 2, the connecting section 212 and the outer tube 22 can be integrally injection molded first, and installation positions for the fixing section 211 can be pre-reserved at both ends of the heat exchange tube 2. Then, the fixing section 211 can be formed at the corresponding installation positions through injection molding. This method simplifies the manufacturing steps of the heat exchange tube 2, reduces the manufacturing difficulty, and helps to increase the manufacturing rate and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0064] Optionally, the hardness of the connecting section 212 is the same as that of the outer tube 22.

[0065] Optionally, the material used to prepare the connecting section 212 is the same as the material used to prepare the outer tube 22.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 Multiple batteries 20 are arranged along the first direction X and the second direction Y on the bottom plate of the housing 30, and at least one battery 20 is accommodated between every two adjacent heat exchange elements 1 in the heat exchange structure 10.

[0067] It should be emphasized that the batteries 20 accommodated between each pair of adjacent heat exchangers 1 may include one or more arranged along the first direction X and / or along the second direction Y, which can be adapted to actual needs. In the embodiments of this application, at least two batteries 20 arranged along the first direction X are accommodated between each pair of adjacent heat exchangers 1.

[0068] In some embodiments, the battery 20 includes two first surfaces disposed opposite each other along a first direction X and two second surfaces disposed opposite each other along a second direction Y. The area of ​​the first surfaces is larger than the area of ​​the second surfaces. The heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with the first surfaces, thereby achieving a better heat exchange effect on the battery 20 and preventing thermal runaway of the battery 20.

[0069] The battery 20 also includes a third surface and a fourth surface arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction Z. The third surface is provided with an electrode post, and the fourth surface faces the bottom plate of the housing 30. The bottom plate may be provided with heat exchange pipes for heat exchange on the fourth surface of the battery 20.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, the heat exchanger 1 includes a heat exchange plate 11 and a protrusion 12. The heat exchange plate 11 extends in the vertical direction Z and faces the first surface. The protrusion 12 is connected to one side of the heat exchange plate 11 in the vertical direction Z and extends in the first direction X. The orthographic projection of the protrusion 12 in the vertical direction Z onto the third surface overlaps with the third surface. The protrusion 12 is configured to exchange heat with the third surface. This further improves the heat exchange effect on the battery 20 and reduces the risk of thermal runaway of the battery 20.

[0071] Optionally, along the vertical direction Z, the protrusion 12 may contact the third surface of the battery 20, or the protrusion 12 may not contact the third surface of the battery 20, that is, there is a gap between the protrusion 12 and the third surface, without specific limitation.

[0072] Furthermore, the heat exchange plate 11 and the protrusion 12 can be integrally formed, or they can be formed into a separate structure by welding, detachable connection, etc., without specific limitations. The heat exchange component 1 includes a heat exchange channel 1a communicating with the first connector 1b and the second connector 1c. The heat exchange channel 1a can be arranged in a serpentine manner on the heat exchange plate 11. Further, the heat exchange channel 1a can extend to the protrusion 12 to improve the heat exchange effect of the protrusion 12 on the third surface of the battery 20, without specific limitations.

[0073] Alternatively, the protrusion 12 may extend to a position close to or corresponding to the pole post, so that the protrusion 12 is configured to also be able to exchange heat with the pole post, which will not be described in detail.

[0074] In some alternative embodiments, the heat exchange plate 11 may be provided with protrusions 12 on both sides of the vertical direction Z. The protrusions 12 on both sides are used to exchange heat on the third surface and the fourth surface of the battery 20, respectively, so as to further improve the heat exchange effect of the battery 20.

[0075] Optionally, the structure of the protrusion 12 used for heat exchange on the fourth surface and its cooperation with the fourth surface can be referred to the relevant description of the protrusion 12 provided for heat exchange on the third surface, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] This application also provides an electrical device, including a battery pack 100. The specific details of the battery pack 100 can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] A battery pack can be installed in an electrical device to provide electrical energy to it. For example, the electrical device can be a mobile phone, portable device, laptop, electric vehicle, electric car, ship, spacecraft, electric toy, or power tool, etc., without specific limitations. For ease of explanation, this application embodiment applies the battery pack to a vehicle, i.e., the electrical device is set in a vehicle, including but not limited to gasoline-powered vehicles, pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles. The battery pack, controller, and motor can be installed inside the vehicle, with the controller controlling the battery's power supply to the motor. For example, the battery pack can be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle.

[0078] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0079] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0080] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0081] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0082] It should be understood that the qualifiers “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0083] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes a heat exchange structure (10) and a plurality of spaced-apart batteries (20), wherein the heat exchange structure (10) includes: Multiple heat exchange elements (1) are spaced apart along a first direction (X), which is parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple batteries (20). At least one battery (20) is placed between two adjacent heat exchange elements (1). The heat exchange element (1) is configured to exchange heat with the battery (20). The heat exchange element (1) has a heat exchange channel (1a) configured to allow heat exchange medium to pass through. The heat exchange element (1) includes a first connector (1b) and a second connector (1c) connected to the heat exchange channel (1a). A heat exchange tube (2) is connected to two adjacent heat exchange elements (1), and the heat exchange tube (2) is configured to allow the heat exchange medium to flow between the heat exchange elements (1); The heat exchange tube (2) includes an inner tube (21) and an outer tube (22) disposed on the outer periphery of the inner tube (21). The inner tube (21) includes a connecting section (212) and a fixed section (211) connected to each other. The fixed section (211) is located at at least one end of the connecting section (212) in the first direction (X). At least a portion of the first connector (1b) or the second connector (1c) can extend into the fixed section (211). The fixed section (211) can deform to form a sealed connection with the extended first connector (1b) or the second connector (1c). The hardness of the fixed section (211) is less than that of the connecting section (212).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed segment (211) has a first distance d1mm between its two end faces in the first direction (X), and the connecting segment (212) has a second distance d2mm between its two end faces in the first direction (X), where 0.15≤d1 / d2≤1.

15.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, 20mm≤d1mm≤35mm, and / or, 30mm≤d2mm≤150mm.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed segment (211) is located at both ends of the connecting segment (212) in the first direction (X) to mate with the first connector (1b) and the second connector (1c) respectively. The ratio of the distance between the two end faces of the fixed segment (211) located at both ends of the connecting segment (212) in the first direction (X) is between 0.9 and 1.

1.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The difference between the hardness of the connecting segment (212) and the hardness of the fixing segment (211) is between 2HA and 30HA, and / or the hardness of the connecting segment (212) is between 50HA and 120HA, and / or the hardness of the fixing segment (211) is between 20HA and 95HA.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first connector (1b) or the second connector (1c) is inserted into the fixing segment (211), there is a third distance d3mm between the end face of the fixing segment (211) connected to the connecting segment (212) and the end face of the first connector (1b) or the second connector (1c), where 5mm≤d3mm≤20mm.

7. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first connector (1b) or the second connector (1c) is inserted into the fixing segment (211), the end face of the first connector (1b) or the second connector (1c) has a fourth distance d4mm to the end face of the fixing segment (211) on the side away from the connecting segment (212), where 0.15≤d4 / d1≤1.

5.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, 5mm≤d4mm≤30mm.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe wall of the connecting section (212) has a first thickness D1mm, the pipe wall of the fixing section (211) has a second thickness D2mm, the first joint (1b) or the second joint (1c) has a third thickness D3mm, and 1≤(D2+D3) / D1≤4.

2.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, 1.4mm≤D1mm≤3mm, 1.4mm≤D2mm≤3mm, and / or, 1.5mm≤D3mm≤3mm, and / or, the sum of the first thickness D1mm and the third thickness D3mm is between 2.9mm and 6mm.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe wall of the connecting segment (212) extends along the first direction (X), and the thickness of the pipe wall of each part of the connecting segment (212) is the same.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the connecting section (212) is smaller than the inner diameter of the fixed section (211), and along the radial direction of the heat exchange tube (2), the distance between the inner wall of the connecting section (212) and the outer wall of the outer tube (22) is greater than the distance between the inner wall of the fixed section (211) and the outer wall of the outer tube (22); and / or, The inner diameter of the connecting section (212) is the same as the inner diameter of the fixed section (211), and along the radial direction of the heat exchange tube (2), the distance between the inner wall of the connecting section (212) and the outer wall of the outer tube (22) is equal to the distance between the inner wall of the fixed section (211) and the outer wall of the outer tube (22); and / or, The inner diameter of the connecting section (212) is larger than the inner diameter of the fixed section (211), and along the radial direction of the heat exchange tube (2), the distance between the inner wall of the connecting section (212) and the outer wall of the outer tube (22) is smaller than the distance between the inner wall of the fixed section (211) and the outer wall of the outer tube (22).

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of the fixed section (211) coincides with the axis of the connecting section (212).

14. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two adjacent heat exchangers (1) have a fifth distance d5mm in the first direction (X), where 0.11≤d2 / d5≤2.

5.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that, 60mm≤d5mm≤280mm.

16. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The hardness of the connecting segment (212) is the same as that of the outer tube (22), or the material used to make the connecting segment (212) is the same as that used to make the outer tube (22), and / or the connecting segment (212) and the outer tube (22) are integrally injection molded.

17. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The battery (20) includes two first surfaces disposed opposite each other on both sides of the battery (20) in a first direction (X); and two second surfaces disposed opposite each other on both sides of the battery (20) in a second direction (Y), wherein the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) intersect. Wherein, the area of ​​the first surface is greater than the area of ​​the second surface, and the heat exchanger (1) is configured to exchange heat on the first surface.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, characterized in that, At least two of the batteries (20) are accommodated between each pair of adjacent heat exchangers (1).

19. The battery pack according to claim 17, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (1) includes a heat exchange plate (11) and a protrusion (12). The heat exchange plate (11) extends in the vertical direction (Z). The protrusion (12) is connected to one side of the heat exchange plate (11) in the vertical direction (Z). The protrusion (12) extends in the first direction (X). The battery (20) includes a third surface. The third surface is disposed on one side of the battery (20) in the vertical direction (Z). The third surface is provided with an electrode post. The heat exchange plate (11) faces the first surface, and the projection of the protrusion (12) in the vertical direction (Z) onto the third surface overlaps with the third surface. The protrusion (12) is configured to exchange heat with the third surface.

20. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack (100) as described in any one of claims 1-19.

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