Battery pack and electrical device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a battery pack and an electrical device. The battery pack comprises a housing, a flexible cold plate and a plurality of battery cells; the housing is provided with a cavity; the flexible cold plate is arranged in the cavity; the housing fits with the battery cells, and the flexible cold plate abuts against the inner wall of the cavity; the flexible cold plate is provided with a liquid cooling channel for conveying a cooling medium. When a battery cell undergoes thermal expansion, a cooling medium is introduced into the liquid cooling channel of the flexible cold plate to allow same to expand. The present application can improve the cooling and heat dissipation effect on the battery cells, and the housing provides protection for the flexible cold plate, thereby preventing the flexible cold plate from being prone to deformation caused by compression due to direct contact with the battery cells.

Description

A battery pack and electrical device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421630139.X, filed on July 10, 2024, entitled “A Battery Pack and Electrical Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application belongs to the field of battery technology, specifically relating to a battery pack and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0003] A battery pack typically consists of individual battery cells and a liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate is connected to the individual battery cells and is used to dissipate heat and cool them down.

[0004] In the prior art, there are multiple battery cells arranged in an array. A liquid cooling plate is connected between two adjacent battery cells. The liquid cooling plate has a liquid cooling channel. By introducing a cooling medium into the liquid cooling channel, heat exchange is carried out on the battery cells to achieve cooling and temperature reduction.

[0005] However, during the operation of the battery pack, the thermal expansion of the individual battery cells causes their surfaces to become curved, reducing the area of ​​the connection between the liquid cooling plate and the individual battery cells, thus reducing the cooling effect.

[0006] Application content

[0007] In view of the above problems, this application is made in order to provide a battery pack and electrical device that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery pack, the battery pack comprising: a housing, a flexible cold plate, and a plurality of battery cells;

[0010] The housing has a cavity, the flexible cold plate is disposed in the cavity, the housing is attached to the battery cell, and the flexible cold plate abuts against the inner wall of the cavity;

[0011] The flexible cold plate is provided with a liquid cooling channel for transmitting the cooling medium.

[0012] Optionally, the flexible cold plate includes a first flexible membrane and a second flexible membrane connected to each other;

[0013] The first flexible membrane includes a first liquid cooling part and a first pressing part connected to each other. The second flexible membrane includes a second liquid cooling part and a second pressing part connected to each other. The first liquid cooling part and the second liquid cooling part are spaced apart and surround each other to form the liquid cooling channel. The first pressing part is attached to the second pressing part, and the side of the first liquid cooling part and the second liquid cooling part away from the liquid cooling channel abuts against the inner wall of the cavity. The first pressing part and the second pressing part are spaced apart from the inner wall of the cavity.

[0014] Optionally, the first flexible membrane includes a first thermally conductive membrane and a first insulating membrane connected to the outer periphery of the first thermally conductive membrane.

[0015] Optionally, the second flexible film includes a second thermally conductive film and a second insulating film connected to the outer periphery of the second thermally conductive film.

[0016] Optionally, the first flexible film includes a first thermally conductive film and a first insulating film connected to the outer periphery of the first thermally conductive film, and the second flexible film includes a second thermally conductive film and a second insulating film connected to the outer periphery of the second thermally conductive film, wherein the first thermally conductive film is connected to the second thermally conductive film.

[0017] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a buffer member disposed between the housing and the flexible cold plate, and the buffer member is connected to the first pressing part.

[0018] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a buffer element disposed between the housing and the flexible cold plate, and the buffer element is connected to the second pressing part.

[0019] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a buffer member disposed between the housing and the flexible cold plate, and the buffer member is connected to the first pressing part and the second pressing part.

[0020] Optionally, the housing has a partition at a position corresponding to the buffer member, the partition forming a first groove extending inward toward the direction away from the flexible cold plate, and the buffer member is at least partially accommodated in the first groove.

[0021] Optionally, the partition divides the housing into multiple arcuate walls, which protrude toward adjacent battery cells and are connected to the battery cells.

[0022] Optionally, the flexible cold plate is further provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet and the water outlet being connected to the liquid cooling channel respectively, and the water inlet and the water outlet being exposed outside the housing.

[0023] Optionally, the battery pack has a first direction, the housing and the flexible cold plate both extend along the first direction, and along the first direction, at least one end of the flexible cold plate protrudes from the housing to provide the water inlet.

[0024] Optionally, the battery pack has a first direction, the housing and the flexible cold plate both extend along the first direction, and along the first direction, at least one end of the flexible cold plate protrudes from the housing to provide the water outlet.

[0025] Optionally, the battery pack has a first direction, the housing and the flexible cold plate both extend along the first direction, and along the first direction, at least one end of the flexible cold plate protrudes from the housing to provide the water inlet and the water outlet.

[0026] Optionally, the battery pack has intersecting first and second directions, the housing extends along the first direction, and the housing has ends at both ends along the second direction. At least one of the ends is provided with a support rib, the support rib extends along the first direction, and the support rib is spaced apart from the flexible cold plate.

[0027] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a heat-conducting element connected between the housing and the individual battery cells.

[0028] Optionally, the battery cell has a first wall, which is the wall with the largest surface area of ​​the battery cell, and the housing is attached to the first wall.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device, which includes the aforementioned battery pack.

[0030] In this embodiment, the battery pack includes a housing, a flexible cold plate, and multiple battery cells. The housing has a cavity, and the flexible cold plate is disposed within the cavity. The housing is fitted to the battery cells, and the flexible cold plate abuts against the inner wall of the cavity. The flexible cold plate has a liquid cooling channel for transmitting cooling medium. Thus, during the operation of the battery pack, when the battery cells undergo thermal expansion, cooling medium flows into the liquid cooling channel of the flexible cold plate, causing the flexible cold plate to expand. Because the flexible cold plate is disposed within the cavity of the housing, the expanded flexible cold plate abuts against the housing, ensuring that the housing still has a large contact area with the thermally expanded battery cells, achieving a good fit. This allows the cooling medium in the liquid cooling channel of the flexible cold plate to exchange heat with the battery cells through the housing, improving the cooling effect on the battery cells. This reduces the impact of the reduced area of ​​the liquid cooling plate's connection surface with the battery cells during thermal expansion, improving the thermal management effect of the battery pack. Furthermore, the casing provides protection for the flexible cold plate, preventing it from directly contacting the battery cells and being deformed by pressure when the cells expand. It also allows for smooth control of the expansion of the flexible cold plate by adjusting the amount of cooling medium supplied to the liquid cooling channels, thus adapting to the varying degrees of expansion of the battery cells and providing good flexibility and adaptability.

[0031] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application.

[0032] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 is an exploded structural diagram of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of section AA in Figure 1 of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the housing of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the BB section of the housing of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible cold plate of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the CC section of a flexible cold plate of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional enlarged structural schematic diagram of a flexible cold plate of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 10 is an exploded structural diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Reference numerals: 10-Shell; 20-Flexible cold plate; 30-Battery cell; 11-Cavity; 21-Liquid cooling channel; 22-First flexible membrane; 23-Second flexible membrane; 24-First liquid cooling section; 25-First pressing section; 26-Second liquid cooling section; 27-Second pressing section; 221-First thermally conductive membrane; 222-First insulating membrane; 231-Second thermally conductive membrane; 232-Second insulating membrane; 28-Buffer; 12-Separation section; 17-Arc-shaped wall; 13-Inlet; 14-Outlet; 15-End; 16-Supporting rib; 31-Heat-conducting component; 32-First wall; X-First direction; Y-Second direction. Specific Implementation

[0044] 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, 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.

[0045] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0046] In this application, the term "parallel" includes not only absolute parallelism but also approximate parallelism as commonly understood in engineering. For example, "parallel" refers to the angle between two lines, a line and a surface, or a surface, where the angle is between -1° and 1°. Similarly, "perpendicular" also includes not only absolute perpendicularity but also approximate perpendicularity as commonly understood in engineering. For example, "perpendicular" refers to the angle between two lines, a line and a surface, or a surface, where the angle is between 89° and 91°. Equal distances or equal angles include not only absolute equality but also approximate equality as commonly understood in engineering, meaning there may be a certain degree of error, such as a tolerance range of -1% to 1%.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, a structural schematic diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The battery pack may specifically include: a housing 10, a flexible cold plate 20, and a plurality of battery cells 30.

[0050] The housing 10 has a cavity 11, and a flexible cold plate 20 is disposed inside the cavity 11. The housing 10 is attached to the battery cell 30, and the flexible cold plate 20 abuts against the inner wall of the cavity 11.

[0051] The flexible cold plate 20 is provided with a liquid cooling channel 21 for transmitting the cooling medium.

[0052] In this embodiment, during the operation of the battery pack, when the battery cell 30 undergoes thermal expansion, a cooling medium is introduced into the liquid cooling channel 21 of the flexible cold plate 20, causing the flexible cold plate 20 to expand. Since the flexible cold plate 20 is disposed within the cavity 11 of the housing 10, the expanded flexible cold plate 20 abuts against the housing 10, ensuring that the housing 10 still has a large contact area with the thermally expanded battery cell 30, achieving a good fit. This allows the cooling medium in the liquid cooling channel 21 of the flexible cold plate 20 to exchange heat with the battery cell 30 through the housing 10, improving the cooling and heat dissipation effect on the battery cell 30. This reduces the impact on the cooling effect caused by the reduced area of ​​the liquid cooling plate and its connection surface when the battery cell 30 undergoes thermal expansion, improving the thermal management effect of the battery pack. Furthermore, the housing 10 provides protection for the flexible cold plate 20, preventing it from being directly compressed and deformed when the battery cell 30 expands. Furthermore, this allows the flexible cold plate 20 to smoothly control the degree of expansion of the flexible cold plate 20 by adjusting the amount of cooling medium introduced into the liquid cooling channel 21, so as to adapt to the degree of expansion of the battery cell 30, and has good flexibility and adaptability.

[0053] In this embodiment, specifically, before the cooling medium is introduced into the liquid cooling channel 21 of the flexible cold plate 20, the thickness of the flexible cold plate 20 is less than the thickness of the housing 10. Therefore, it is convenient to install the flexible cold plate 20 into the housing 10, making the assembly operation simpler and more convenient, and improving assembly efficiency.

[0054] Specifically, in this embodiment, the housing 10 is attached to the battery cell 30. The spacing between two adjacent battery cells 30 can be set to be close to the thickness of the housing 10, connecting the housing 10 between two adjacent battery cells 30, thus making the housing 10 attached to the battery cell 30. Alternatively, the attachment between the housing 10 and the battery cell 30 can be achieved by using an adhesive such as an colloid. The adhesive is placed between the housing 10 and the battery cell 30 to bond the housing 10 to the battery cell 30, achieving a more stable and reliable attachment between the housing 10 and the battery cell 30. For example, the adhesive can be an adhesive, structural adhesive, or thermally conductive adhesive, etc. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of adhesive.

[0055] In this embodiment, for example, the shell 10 can be made of aluminum, which provides advantages such as light weight, high thermal conductivity, low cost, and good heat exchange effect. Alternatively, the shell 10 can also be made of aluminum alloy or fiberglass composite material, etc. This embodiment does not limit the specific material of the shell 10.

[0056] For example, in this embodiment, the flexible cold plate 20 may be partially located within the cavity 11 of the housing 10. For instance, the end 15 of the flexible cold plate 20 may be exposed outside the housing 10, so that inlet / outlet ports 14 can be provided at the exposed end 15 of the flexible cold plate 20. This facilitates the installation of the flexible cold plate 20 within the housing 10, improving assembly efficiency. Alternatively, the flexible cold plate 20 may be entirely housed within the cavity 11 of the housing 10, and the inlet / outlet ports 14 may pass through the housing 10 and connect to the flexible cold plate 20. This embodiment does not limit the specific arrangement of the flexible cold plate 20. On the other hand, the cavity 11 of the housing 10 may be an open cavity 11 or a closed cavity 11. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of the housing 10.

[0057] In this embodiment of the application, the material of the flexible cold plate 20 can be at least one of copper foil, aluminum foil, polyamide resin (PA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The specific material of the flexible cold plate 20 is not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0058] For example, in the embodiments of this application, multiple battery cells 30 can be arranged in an array. Alternatively, the multiple battery cells 30 can be arranged randomly. The specific arrangement of the battery cells 30 is not limited in the embodiments of this application. The battery cells 30 can be lithium-ion cells, polymer lithium-ion cells, or lithium iron phosphate cells, etc. The specific type of battery cells 30 is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0059] Optionally, in this embodiment, the flexible cold plate 20 includes a first flexible membrane 22 and a second flexible membrane 23 connected to each other; the first flexible membrane 22 includes a first liquid cooling part 24 and a first pressing part 25 connected to each other, and the second flexible membrane 23 includes a second liquid cooling part 26 and a second pressing part 27 connected to each other. The first liquid cooling part 24 and the second liquid cooling part 26 are spaced apart and enclosed to form a liquid cooling channel 21. The first pressing part 25 is attached to the second pressing part 27, and the side of the first liquid cooling part 24 and the second liquid cooling part 26 away from the liquid cooling channel 21 abuts against the inner wall of the cavity 11. The first pressing part 25 and the second pressing part 27 are spaced apart from the inner wall of the cavity 11. In this way, the flexible cold plate 20 is formed by connecting the first flexible membrane 22 and the second flexible membrane 23, the liquid cooling channel 21 is formed by the first liquid cooling part 24 and the second liquid cooling part 26, and the liquid cooling channel 21 is divided into multiple flow channels by the first pressing part 25 being attached to the second pressing part 27, so as to form an arc-shaped liquid cooling channel 21, so that the cooling medium can circulate within the arc-shaped liquid cooling channel 21.

[0060] For example, in this embodiment of the application, in the manufacturing process, a first flexible film 22 and a second flexible film 23 can be spaced apart first, and then the edges of the first flexible film 22 and the second flexible film 23 can be heat-pressed together to achieve the connection between the first flexible film 22 and the second flexible film 23. Next, multiple hot-pressed sections are formed in the middle region of the first flexible film 22 and the second flexible film 23 to form an arc-shaped liquid cooling channel 21. In practical applications, the hot-pressed areas can be flexibly set according to the thermal management requirements of different areas in the battery pack to form liquid cooling channels 21 with different shapes and structures, thereby improving the thermal management effect. For example, the hot-pressed sections extend along the length direction of the flexible cold plate 20, i.e., the first direction X, and multiple hot-pressed sections are spaced apart along the width direction of the flexible cold plate 20, i.e., the second direction Y.

[0061] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first flexible film 22 includes a first thermally conductive film 221 and a first insulating film 222 connected to the outer periphery of the first thermally conductive film 221. Optionally, the second flexible film 23 includes a second thermally conductive film 231 and a second insulating film 232 connected to the outer periphery of the second thermally conductive film 231. Optionally, the first flexible film 22 includes a first thermally conductive film 221 and a first insulating film 222 connected to the outer periphery of the first thermally conductive film 221, and the second flexible film 23 includes a second thermally conductive film 231 and a second insulating film 232 connected to the outer periphery of the second thermally conductive film 231, with the first thermally conductive film 221 connected to the second thermally conductive film 231. This eliminates the need for a separate insulating layer to insulate and protect the flexible cold plate 20, reducing production costs and improving the electrical safety of the flexible cold plate 20. Specifically, the first flexible film 22 is composed of a first thermally conductive film 221 and a first insulating film 222. The first flexible film 22 improves the heat exchange efficiency between the flexible cold plate 20 and the housing 10 through the first thermally conductive film 221, thereby improving the thermal conductivity of the flexible cold plate 20 and enhancing the cooling effect. Furthermore, the first insulating film 222 provides insulation between the flexible cold plate 20 and the housing 10, giving the flexible cold plate 20 better insulation performance and preventing damage to the flexible cold plate 20 in the event of leakage from the battery cell 30. In other words, the first flexible film 22 gives the flexible cold plate 20 both good thermal conductivity and insulation performance.

[0062] Alternatively, in this embodiment, a second flexible film 23 is formed by the second thermally conductive film 231 and the second insulating film 232. The second flexible film 23 improves the heat exchange efficiency between the flexible cold plate 20 and the housing 10 through the second thermally conductive film 231, thereby improving the thermal conductivity of the flexible cold plate 20 and enhancing the cooling effect. Furthermore, the second insulating film 232 provides insulation between the flexible cold plate 20 and the housing 10, giving the flexible cold plate 20 better insulation performance and preventing damage to the flexible cold plate 20 when the battery cell 30 leaks current. In other words, the second flexible film 23 gives the flexible cold plate 20 both good thermal conductivity and insulation performance.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flexible film 22 may simultaneously include a first thermally conductive film 221 and a first insulating film 222 connected to the outer periphery of the first thermally conductive film 221, and the second flexible film 23 may include a second thermally conductive film 231 and a second insulating film 232 connected to the outer periphery of the second thermally conductive film 231. This allows both the first flexible film 22 and the second flexible film 23 to have good thermal conductivity and insulation properties, further improving the thermal conductivity on both sides of the flexible cold plate 20 and ensuring good insulation on both sides of the flexible cold plate 20. When the first flexible film 22 includes the first thermally conductive film 221 and the first insulating film 222 connected to the outer periphery of the first thermally conductive film 221, and the second flexible film 23 includes the second thermally conductive film 231 and the second insulating film 232 connected to the outer periphery of the second thermally conductive film 231, the first thermally conductive film 221 is connected to the second thermally conductive film 231, and the first thermally conductive film 221 and the second thermally conductive film 231 enclose and form a liquid cooling channel 21.

[0064] Optionally, in this embodiment, the battery pack further includes a buffer member 28, which is disposed between the housing 10 and the flexible cold plate 20, and is connected to the first pressing part 25. Optionally, the battery pack further includes a buffer member 28, which is disposed between the housing 10 and the flexible cold plate 20, and is connected to the second pressing part 27. Optionally, the battery pack further includes a buffer member 28, which is disposed between the housing 10 and the flexible cold plate 20, and is connected to the first pressing part 25 and the second pressing part 27.

[0065] Since the first pressing portion 25 and the second pressing portion 27 are in close contact with each other, forming a recessed structure relative to the first liquid cooling portion 24 and the second liquid cooling portion 26, a buffer member 28 is provided at least one of the first pressing portion 25 and the second pressing portion 27 between the housing 10 and the flexible cold plate 20 to prevent the corresponding position on the housing 10 to be easily dented when subjected to external force. Specifically, when the housing 10 is squeezed by the expanded battery cell 30, the buffer member 28 can buffer the squeezing force on the housing 10. Specifically, the buffer member 28 can undergo elastic deformation to provide buffering force.

[0066] For example, in this embodiment, the buffer 28 can be a strip structure, and the buffer 28 extends along the length direction of the flexible cold plate 20, i.e., the first direction X, so as to provide a buffering effect for a large area of ​​the housing 10. For example, the buffer 28 can be a foam strip, a rubber strip, or a silicone strip, etc., and this embodiment does not limit the specific type of the buffer 28. For example, the shape of the buffer 28 can be wavy or serrated, etc., which can make the buffer 28 have better deformation performance in shape and structure, and make the buffer 28 have better structural stability. In addition, the elastic modulus of the buffer 28 can be set according to the different needs of different battery packs during operation, and this embodiment does not limit the elastic modulus of the buffer 28.

[0067] Optionally, in this embodiment, the housing 10 has a partition 12 at a position corresponding to the buffer member 28. The partition 12 forms a first groove extending recessed away from the flexible cold plate 20, and the buffer member 28 is at least partially accommodated in the first groove. Thus, the partition 12 limits the buffer member 28, ensuring it is contained within the first groove of the partition 12. For example, it engages the buffer member 28 with the partition 12, preventing it from sliding or shifting, thus providing better stability. Furthermore, the partition 12 can divide the housing 10 into multiple smaller areas, preventing significant deformation of the outer surface of the housing 10 and reducing the degree of deformation when subjected to external forces.

[0068] Specifically, the partition 12 also has a second groove extending inward toward the flexible cold plate 20. The second groove is provided on both sides of the first groove along the second direction Y, so that the partition 12 has a wave-shaped structure to separate the shell 10.

[0069] Optionally, in this embodiment, the partition 12 divides the housing 10 into multiple arc-shaped walls 17, which protrude toward adjacent battery cells 30 and are connected to the battery cells 30. Specifically, in practical applications, to reduce the deformation caused by thermal expansion of the battery cells 30, the sides of the battery cells 30 are usually set as concave surfaces. To ensure that the housing 10 fits the battery cells 30 better when assembled into the battery pack, the partition 12 divides the housing 10 into multiple arc-shaped walls 17 protruding toward the battery cells 30, thereby improving the tightness of the fit between the housing 10 and the battery cells 30. This reduces air bubbles generated during the assembly process of the housing 10 and the battery cells 30 due to poor flatness, reduces the thermal resistance of the flexible cold plate 20 and the housing 10 and the battery cells 30, and improves heat exchange efficiency.

[0070] Optionally, in this embodiment, the flexible cold plate 20 is further provided with an inlet 13 and an outlet 14, which are respectively connected to the liquid cooling channel 21 and are exposed outside the housing 10. In this way, cooling medium is introduced into the liquid cooling channel 21 through the inlet 13 and discharged from the liquid cooling channel 21 through the outlet 14, allowing the cooling medium to circulate within the liquid cooling channel 21. Furthermore, having the inlet 13 and outlet 14 exposed outside the housing 10 facilitates connection to external water pipes, improving assembly efficiency.

[0071] For example, in this embodiment, the outlet 14 and the inlet 13 can be located on the same side of the flexible cold plate 20, which facilitates assembly of the outlet 14 and the inlet 13 on the same side and improves assembly efficiency. Alternatively, the outlet 14 and the inlet 13 can be located on opposite sides of the flexible cold plate 20, which allows for flexible arrangement of the outlet 14 and the inlet 13 to adapt to the specific installation position of the flexible cold plate 20 in the battery pack, providing good installation flexibility. The specific arrangement of the outlet 14 and the inlet 13 in this embodiment is not limited.

[0072] In this embodiment of the application, for example, the number of inlets 13 can be 1, 2, or 3, etc., and the specific number of inlets 13 is not limited in this embodiment of the application. Similarly, the number of outlets 14 can be 1, 2, or 3, etc., and the specific number of outlets 14 is not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0073] Optionally, in this embodiment, the battery pack has a first direction X, with both the housing 10 and the flexible cold plate 20 extending along the first direction X, and at least one end of the flexible cold plate 20 protruding from the housing 10 along the first direction X to provide a water inlet 13. Optionally, the battery pack has a first direction X, with both the housing 10 and the flexible cold plate 20 extending along the first direction X, and at least one end of the flexible cold plate 20 protruding from the housing 10 along the first direction X to provide a water outlet 14. Optionally, the battery pack has a first direction X, with both the housing 10 and the flexible cold plate 20 extending along the first direction X, and at least one end of the flexible cold plate 20 protruding from the housing 10 along the first direction X to provide both a water inlet 13 and a water outlet 14.

[0074] Specifically, the flexible cold plate 20 extends along a first direction X and has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. When the first end of the flexible cold plate 20 protrudes from the housing 10, it facilitates the placement of an inlet 13 and an outlet 14 at the first end. Alternatively, when the second end of the flexible cold plate 20 protrudes from the housing 10, it facilitates the placement of an inlet 13 and an outlet 14 at the second end. Furthermore, the flexible cold plate 20 can also be configured such that both the first and second ends protrude from the housing 10, facilitating the placement of an inlet 13 at the first end and an outlet 14 at the second end, or vice versa. The specific arrangement of the flexible cold plate 20 and the corresponding arrangement of the inlet 13 and outlet 14 are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0075] In this embodiment, optionally, the battery pack has intersecting first direction X and second direction Y. The housing 10 extends along the first direction X, and both ends of the housing 10 along the second direction Y have end portions 15. At least one end portion 15 is provided with a support rib 16, which extends along the first direction X and is spaced apart from the flexible cold plate 20. In this way, the support rib 16 supports at least one end portion 15 of the housing 10, preventing the end portion 15 of the housing 10 from being easily deformed by the pressure of the battery cells, thereby improving the structural strength and overall structural stability of the housing 10. Specifically, the support rib 16 extends along the first direction X, so that the support rib 16 has a large setting area in the extension direction of the housing 10, further improving the support stability of the end portion 15 of the housing 10. Furthermore, the support rib 16 and the flexible cold plate 20 are spaced apart, so that there is a gap between the support rib 16 and the flexible cold plate 20. This prevents the support rib 16 from touching the flexible cold plate 20 when the end 15 of the housing 10 is squeezed, which would easily damage the flexible cold plate 20 and prevent the support rib 16 from interfering with the flexible cold plate 20.

[0076] Optionally, in this embodiment, the battery pack further includes a heat-conducting element 31, which is connected between the housing 10 and the battery cell 30. In this way, the heat-conducting element 31 can serve as a heat-conducting medium, allowing the heat generated by the battery cell 30 to be conducted to the housing 10 more quickly. This enables the flexible cold plate 20 located within the cavity 11 of the housing 10 to absorb the heat generated by the battery cell 30, improving heat exchange efficiency and cooling effect. Furthermore, the heat-conducting element 31 can also fill the gap between the housing 10 and the battery cell 30, reducing the thermal resistance between them and further improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0077] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the thermally conductive component 31 can be a thermally conductive structural adhesive, thermally conductive gel, thermally conductive pad, etc. The specific type of the thermally conductive component 31 is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Among them, the use of thermally conductive structural adhesive can make the thermally conductive component 31 more stably bonded between the housing 10 and the battery cell 30, preventing the thermally conductive component 31 from detaching from the housing 10 or the battery cell 30.

[0078] In this embodiment, optionally, the battery cell 30 has a first wall 32, which is the wall with the largest surface area of ​​the battery cell 30, and the housing 10 is attached to the first wall 32. This allows the housing 10 to be attached to the first wall 32, which has the largest surface area of ​​the battery cell 30, resulting in a larger contact area between the housing 10 and the battery cell 30, thus providing a larger heat exchange area, further improving heat exchange efficiency, and providing better cooling and heat dissipation for the battery cell 30.

[0079] In summary, the battery pack described in the embodiments of this application may include at least the following advantages:

[0080] In this embodiment, the battery pack includes a housing, a flexible cold plate, and multiple battery cells. The housing has a cavity, and the flexible cold plate is disposed within the cavity. The housing is fitted to the battery cells, and the flexible cold plate abuts against the inner wall of the cavity. The flexible cold plate has a liquid cooling channel for transmitting cooling medium. Thus, during the operation of the battery pack, when the battery cells undergo thermal expansion, cooling medium flows into the liquid cooling channel of the flexible cold plate, causing the flexible cold plate to expand. Because the flexible cold plate is disposed within the cavity of the housing, the expanded flexible cold plate abuts against the housing, ensuring that the housing still has a large contact area with the thermally expanded battery cells, achieving a good fit. This allows the cooling medium in the liquid cooling channel of the flexible cold plate to exchange heat with the battery cells through the housing, improving the cooling effect on the battery cells. This reduces the impact of the reduced area of ​​the liquid cooling plate's connection surface with the battery cells during thermal expansion, improving the thermal management effect of the battery pack. Furthermore, the casing provides protection for the flexible cold plate, preventing it from directly contacting the battery cells and being deformed by pressure when the cells expand. It also allows for smooth control of the expansion of the flexible cold plate by adjusting the amount of cooling medium supplied to the liquid cooling channels, thus adapting to the varying degrees of expansion of the battery cells and providing good flexibility and adaptability.

[0081] This application also proposes an electrical device, which includes the aforementioned battery pack.

[0082] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the electrical equipment may be a vehicle, an energy storage structure, or an aircraft, etc. The specific type of electrical equipment is not limited in the embodiments of this application. The vehicle may specifically include small cars, medium-sized cars, sedans, trucks, trailers, CDVs (CXr Derived VXn, vans based on car platforms), MPVs (multi-Purpose Vehicles), SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited in this regard.

[0083] The electrical equipment described in this application embodiment may include at least the following advantages:

[0084] In this embodiment, the electrical device includes a battery pack, comprising a housing, a flexible cold plate, and multiple battery cells. The housing has a cavity, and the flexible cold plate is disposed within the cavity. The housing is fitted to the battery cells, and the flexible cold plate abuts against the inner wall of the cavity. The flexible cold plate has a liquid-cooling channel for transmitting cooling medium. Thus, during the operation of the battery pack, when the battery cells undergo thermal expansion, cooling medium flows into the liquid-cooling channel of the flexible cold plate, causing the flexible cold plate to expand. Because the flexible cold plate is disposed within the cavity of the housing, the expanded flexible cold plate abuts against the housing, ensuring a large contact area between the housing and the thermally expanded battery cells, achieving a good fit. This allows the cooling medium in the liquid-cooling channel of the flexible cold plate to exchange heat with the battery cells through the housing, improving the cooling effect on the battery cells. This reduces the impact on cooling effect caused by the reduced area of ​​the liquid-cooling plate's connection surface when the battery cells undergo thermal expansion, improving the thermal management effect of the battery pack. Furthermore, the casing provides protection for the flexible cold plate, preventing it from directly contacting the battery cells and being deformed by pressure when the cells expand. It also allows for smooth control of the expansion of the flexible cold plate by adjusting the amount of cooling medium supplied to the liquid cooling channels, thus adapting to the varying degrees of expansion of the battery cells and providing good flexibility and adaptability.

[0085] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0086] Although optional embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the optional embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or terminal device that includes that element.

[0088] The technical solutions provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the principles and implementation methods of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, wherein, The battery pack includes: a housing (10), a flexible cold plate (20), and multiple battery cells (30); The housing (10) is provided with a cavity (11), the flexible cold plate (20) is disposed in the cavity (11), the housing (10) is attached to the battery cell (30), and the flexible cold plate (20) abuts against the inner wall of the cavity (11); The flexible cold plate (20) is provided with a liquid cooling channel (21) for transmitting the cooling medium.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible cold plate (20) includes a first flexible membrane (22) and a second flexible membrane (23) that are connected to each other; The first flexible membrane (22) includes a first liquid cooling part (24) and a first pressing part (25) connected to each other. The second flexible membrane (23) includes a second liquid cooling part (26) and a second pressing part (27) connected to each other. The first liquid cooling part (24) and the second liquid cooling part (26) are spaced apart and surround each other to form the liquid cooling channel (21). The first pressing part (25) is attached to the second pressing part (27). The side of the first liquid cooling part (24) and the second liquid cooling part (26) away from the liquid cooling channel (21) abuts against the inner wall of the cavity (11). The first pressing part (25) and the second pressing part (27) are spaced apart from the inner wall of the cavity (11).

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The first flexible film (22) includes a first thermally conductive film (221) and a first insulating film (222) connected to the outer periphery of the first thermally conductive film (221).

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The second flexible film (23) includes a second thermally conductive film (231) and a second insulating film (232) connected to the outer periphery of the second thermally conductive film (231).

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The first flexible film (22) includes a first thermally conductive film (221) and a first insulating film (222) connected to the outer periphery of the first thermally conductive film (221). The second flexible film (23) includes a second thermally conductive film (231) and a second insulating film (232) connected to the outer periphery of the second thermally conductive film (231). The first thermally conductive film (221) is connected to the second thermally conductive film (231).

6. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The battery pack also includes a buffer (28), which is disposed between the housing (10) and the flexible cold plate (20), and the buffer (28) is connected to the first pressing part (25).

7. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The battery pack also includes a buffer (28), which is disposed between the housing (10) and the flexible cold plate (20), and the buffer (28) is connected to the second pressing part (27).

8. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The battery pack also includes a buffer (28), which is disposed between the housing (10) and the flexible cold plate (20), and the buffer (28) is connected to the first pressing part (25) and the second pressing part (27).

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein, The housing (10) has a partition (12) at a position corresponding to the buffer (28), the partition (12) having a first groove extending inward toward the direction away from the flexible cold plate (20), and the buffer (28) being at least partially accommodated in the first groove.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The partition (12) divides the housing (10) into a plurality of arcuate walls (17), which protrude toward the adjacent battery cell (30) and are connected to the battery cell (30).

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible cold plate (20) is also provided with a water inlet (13) and a water outlet (14), the water inlet (13) and the water outlet (14) are respectively connected to the liquid cooling channel (21), and the water inlet (13) and the water outlet (14) are exposed outside the shell (10).

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The battery pack has a first direction (X), the housing (10) and the flexible cold plate (20) both extend along the first direction (X), and along the first direction (X), at least one end of the flexible cold plate (20) protrudes from the housing (10) to provide the water inlet (13).

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein, The battery pack has a first direction (X), the housing (10) and the flexible cold plate (20) both extend along the first direction (X), and along the first direction (X), at least one end of the flexible cold plate (20) protrudes from the housing (10) to provide the water outlet (14).

14. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The battery pack has a first direction (X), the housing (10) and the flexible cold plate (20) both extend along the first direction (X), and along the first direction (X), at least one end of the flexible cold plate (20) protrudes from the housing (10) to provide the water outlet (14) and the water outlet (14).

15. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack has intersecting first direction (X) and second direction (Y). The housing (10) extends along the first direction (X). The housing (10) has end portions (15) at both ends along the second direction (Y). At least one end portion (15) is provided with a support rib (16). The support rib (16) extends along the first direction (X) and is spaced apart from the flexible cold plate (20).

16. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack also includes a heat-conducting component (31) connected between the housing (10) and the battery cell (30).

17. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell (30) has a first wall (32), which is the wall with the largest surface area of ​​the battery cell (30), and the housing (10) is attached to the first wall (32).

18. An electrical appliance, wherein, The electrical equipment includes the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-17.

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