Battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging

Abstract

A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, comprising a battery module, a heating assembly, a controller, and a temperature acquisition device. The battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells. The heating assembly comprises heat conducting members arranged between every two adjacent battery cells, and heating members electrically connected to the heat conducting members. The temperature acquisition device has one end electrically connected to the controller and the other end in contact with the battery module, and can acquire the temperature of the battery module and transmit related information to the controller. The controller is electrically connected to the heating assembly and the battery module, and performs related control when receiving temperature information measured by the temperature acquisition device. If the temperature of the battery module is lower than a predetermined temperature, the controller controls the heating assembly to perform heating and the battery module to perform small-current charging; and when the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, the controller controls the heating assembly to stop working and the battery module to perform large-current charging. In a low-temperature environment, a charging environment is heated while small-current battery charging is performed, thereby greatly reducing damage to battery cells and effectively prolonging the service life of the battery cells.

Description

A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and is based on Chinese Patent Application No. 2024229299241, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on November 29, 2024, entitled "A Battery Pack Suitable for Low-Temperature Charging," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of battery pack technology, and more particularly to a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of science and technology, batteries have become mainstream. In cold weather, the cold weather will affect the battery's usage needs. Due to the characteristics of batteries, high-current charging in low-temperature environments will damage the battery's lifespan. In order for batteries to be used normally in low-temperature environments, it is necessary to heat the battery cells before charging to ensure that the internal temperature of the battery cells is above 15°C. This will reduce damage to the battery cells and ensure the lifespan of the lithium battery cells.

[0005] In existing technologies, the battery pack is heated by attaching a PTC heating element to its bottom or by using liquid heating. However, attaching the PTC film is cumbersome, affects worker efficiency, and has high labor costs. Liquid heating requires more space, necessitates additional equipment, and is also expensive. Furthermore, the heating film cannot be reused after being attached, and liquid heating can cause internal interfaces to loosen due to drops or impacts, leading to liquid leakage, contamination, and battery damage. This results in resource waste and increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, characterized in that it includes...

[0009] A battery pack, comprising several battery cells;

[0010] A heating assembly includes a plurality of heating elements and a heat-conducting element connected to the heating elements, the heating assembly being disposed between two adjacent battery cells;

[0011] A controller, electrically connected to the heating element and the battery pack, is used to control the operation of the heating element; and

[0012] A temperature acquisition device, one end of which is electrically connected to the control board, is used to collect and transmit the temperature data of the battery pack to the controller.

[0013] During charging, the controller receives temperature data from the temperature acquisition device. If the battery pack is below the preset temperature, the controller controls the heating component to heat until the temperature is above the preset temperature, at which point the controller controls the heating component to stop working. If the battery pack is above the preset temperature, the controller controls the heating component to not work.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat-conducting component includes a heat-conducting pad and a heat-conducting plate, the heat-conducting plate being disposed between two adjacent battery cells, and the heat-conducting pad being disposed between the heat-conducting plate and the heating component.

[0015] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a first insulating sheet and a second insulating sheet, the first insulating sheet being disposed on both sides of each battery cell, and the second insulating sheet being disposed on the bottom of each battery cell.

[0016] Furthermore, adjacent battery cells are electrically connected by a connecting piece, which includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode is connected to the positive terminal of one battery cell, and the negative electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the other battery cell.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes at least two first fixing plates and a second fixing plate; the two first fixing plates are respectively disposed at both ends of the battery pack, and the two ends of the second fixing plate are respectively connected to the two first fixing plates.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a mounting bracket on which the battery pack is mounted.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a heating switch, which is electrically connected to the controller and the heating component. The controller controls the operation and shutdown of the heating component by controlling the heating switch.

[0020] Furthermore, the positive terminal of the battery pack is electrically connected to the main positive line of the battery cells, the negative terminal is electrically connected to the main negative line of the battery cells, and the other end of the main negative line of the battery cells is electrically connected to the controller.

[0021] Furthermore, a control line is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack, and the control line is electrically connected to each of the heating elements and the controller, with the heating elements connected in series.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0023] 1. This invention proposes a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, comprising an electrically connected battery pack, a heating component, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the battery pack and transmits the temperature information to the controller. The controller receives the detection information from the temperature sensor and controls the operation of the heating component when the temperature is below a preset level, ensuring that the battery pack can be powered for heating during low-temperature charging. The structure between the components is simple and reliable, resulting in high production efficiency and helping to reduce the cost of the battery pack.

[0024] 2. This invention proposes a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, wherein the heating component includes a heating element and a heat-conducting element. The heating element serves as a heat source and generates heat during operation. The heat-conducting element is attached to the heating element, enabling the heat generated by the heating element to be conducted to the interior of the battery pack and increasing the surface area, thereby heating each battery cell more evenly.

[0025] 3. The present invention proposes a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, wherein the heat-conducting component includes a heat-conducting plate and a heat-conducting pad, wherein the heat-conducting plate is disposed between two adjacent battery cells, and the heat-conducting pad is disposed between the heat-conducting plate and the heating element, which can better combine the heating element and the heat-conducting component and avoid gaps between them that would lead to a decrease in thermal conductivity.

[0026] 4. The present invention proposes a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, the battery pack further comprising a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate. The first fixing plate is disposed at both ends of the battery pack and connected through the second fixing plate, the cooperation of the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate to fix each battery cell in the battery pack.

[0027] 5. The present invention proposes a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, wherein the battery cells are respectively attached with a first insulating sheet and a second insulating sheet on both sides and the bottom, thereby preventing direct contact between the battery cells and heating components, and preventing damage to the insulation layer of the battery cells during impacts and drops, which could lead to leakage and short circuits.

[0028] 6. The battery pack proposed in this invention, suitable for low-temperature charging, also includes a fixing frame. The fixing frame is connected to the bottom of the battery pack, providing stable support for the entire battery pack and preventing displacement or shaking during transportation, thereby avoiding damage to the battery pack and the risk of short circuits. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the invention 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 some embodiments of the invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 is a wiring diagram of a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 is a bottom view of a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 is a front view of a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 is a top view of a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the heating assembly of the present invention;

[0037] In the diagram, 10 is the battery pack; 101 is the battery cell; 102 is the first fixing plate; 103 is the second fixing plate; 203 is the thermally conductive silicone pad; 104 is the insulating sheet; 105 is the connecting piece; 20 is the heating assembly; 201 is the T-shaped aluminum sheet; 202 is the aluminum shell resistor; 30 is the controller; 40 is the mounting bracket; 501 is the controller's main negative wire; 502 is the battery cell's main negative wire; 503 is the battery cell's main positive wire; 504 is the voltage acquisition harness; 505 is the aluminum shell resistor connection wire; and 506 is the aluminum shell resistor heating control wire. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 1-7.

[0039] This embodiment provides a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, as shown in Figure 3, including a battery pack 10, a heating component 20, a temperature sensor, and a controller 30. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 101 arranged sequentially; the heating component 20 includes a heat-conducting element and a heating element, the heat-conducting element being disposed between two adjacent battery cells 101 and connected to the heating element, enabling the heat generated by the heating element to be transferred to the two adjacent battery cells 101; the controller 30 is electrically connected to the heating component 20 and can control the operation of the heating component 20. In this embodiment, a temperature sensor is also included, one end of which is electrically connected to the controller 30, and the other end, a temperature probe, is connected to the battery pack 10, enabling the sensor to detect the temperature of the battery pack 10 and transmit the relevant temperature data to the controller 30; the controller 30 receives the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor and makes corresponding adjustments based on the temperature data. Specifically, if the temperature of the battery pack 10 is lower than the predetermined temperature and is in a low-temperature state, the controller 30 will control the heating component 20 to heat until the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, at which point the controller 30 will control the heating component 20 to stop working. If the temperature of the battery pack 10 before charging is higher than the predetermined temperature, the controller 30 will control the heating component 20 to remain inactive, and the battery pack 10 will directly begin charging. In practice, the predetermined temperature value can be set according to actual needs. In this embodiment, when the predetermined temperature is 0°C, an air temperature below 0°C is considered a low temperature, and the controller 30 controls the heating component 20 to heat. In this embodiment, the controller 30 is also electrically connected to the battery pack 10 and can control the distribution of current entering the battery pack 10 and the heating component 20 during charging.

[0040] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery pack 10 further includes at least two first fixing plates 102 and two fixing plates 103. The two first fixing plates 102 are respectively located at both ends of the battery pack 10, and the two ends of the second fixing plates 103 are respectively connected to the first fixing plates 102. In this embodiment, the battery pack 10 includes two first fixing plates 102 and four second fixing plates 103. The two first fixing plates 102 are located at opposite ends of the battery pack 10 and are respectively attached to the end face of a battery cell 101. The two ends of each second fixing plate 103 are respectively connected to the first fixing plates 102, forming a rectangle with ends connected. Each battery cell 101 is pressed and fixed between the second fixing plates 103 and the first fixing plates 102. Specifically, the second fixing plates 103 on both sides are symmetrically distributed.

[0041] In this embodiment, a fixing frame 40 is also included. The fixing frame 40 is placed at the bottom of the battery pack 10 and the heating component 20, and serves as a support for the entire product. It is used to support the entire battery pack 10 and the heating component 20 and prevent the battery pack from tipping over or deforming due to external forces during transportation.

[0042] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the heat-conducting component includes a heat-conducting plate disposed between two battery cells 101. A heat-conducting pad is located at the bottom of the heat-conducting plate and is positioned between the heat-conducting component and the heating component, ensuring a tighter bond between them and preventing gaps that could lead to heat dissipation. In this embodiment, the heat-conducting plate is made of aluminum, copper, or a metal coated with graphene; the heating component can be a thick-film resistor or other heating element. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heat-conducting pad is a thermally conductive silicone pad 203, the heat-conducting plate is a T-shaped aluminum sheet 201, and the heating component is an aluminum-cased resistor 202. During operation, current flows through the aluminum-cased resistor 202, generating heat. The T-shaped aluminum sheet 201 then transfers this heat to each battery cell 101, raising their temperature. In this embodiment, each battery cell 101 is also fitted with insulating sheets 104 on its sides and bottom to prevent leakage and short circuits caused by direct contact between the battery cell 101 and the first fixing plate 102 and the T-shaped aluminum sheet 201 after impact. Specifically, the insulating sheet 104 also includes a first insulating sheet and a second insulating sheet, wherein the first insulating sheet is disposed on both sides of each battery cell 101 and the second insulating sheet is disposed on the bottom of each battery cell 101.

[0043] In this embodiment, the battery pack 10 further includes several connecting pieces 105. The two ends of each connecting piece 105 are connected to the terminals on adjacent battery cells 101. Specifically, each connecting piece 105 includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode is connected to the positive terminal of one battery cell 101, and the negative electrode is connected to the negative terminal of another battery cell 101. Alternatively, the connecting piece 105 may consist only of a positive or negative electrode connected to the terminals of the battery pack 10 for easy connection to external wiring. In this embodiment, the connecting pieces 105 are welded to the terminals of the battery cells 101 using a laser welding machine, ensuring that the entire battery pack 10 forms a complete structure.

[0044] In this embodiment, the controller 30 is equipped with a battery management system (BMS), including a voltage detection module, a temperature detection module, a control module, a heating module, and a charging module that are electrically connected to each other. It can detect the voltage and temperature of each battery cell 101 and control the charging and discharging of the cells. It can also heat and charge the battery cells 101 with a small current at low temperatures. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the controller 30 is electrically connected to a controller main negative line 501; the negative terminal of the battery pack 10 is electrically connected to the controller 30 via the cell main negative line 502; the positive terminal of the battery pack 10 is electrically connected to a cell main positive line 503 and a control line. The control line is electrically connected to each aluminum-cased resistor 202 and the controller 30. The control line includes an aluminum-cased resistor heating control line 506 and an aluminum-cased resistor connection line 505; each aluminum-cased resistor 202 is electrically connected to each other via the aluminum-cased resistor connection line 505; and each battery cell 101 is electrically connected to the controller 30 via a voltage acquisition harness 504.

[0045] In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature includes a first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature, with the second predetermined temperature being higher than the first predetermined temperature. After connecting an external charger, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the battery pack 10. If the temperature of the battery pack 10 is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the heating component 20 operates. After heating to the second predetermined temperature, the heating component 20 stops operating. If, after connecting an external charger, the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the battery pack 10 before charging is higher than the second predetermined temperature, the heating component 20 does not operate. In this embodiment, the first predetermined temperature is 0°C, and the second predetermined temperature is 15°C. With all wiring complete, current flows into the battery pack 10 from the positive cell line 503, then is output to the controller 30 via the negative cell line 502, and finally outputs from the controller's negative line 501. Before charging the battery pack 10, if the temperature of the battery pack 10 is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the controller 30 controls a small current to enter the battery pack 10 and a large current to enter the heating component 20 to complete heating; until the temperature of the battery pack 10 reaches the second predetermined temperature, the current no longer flows through the heating component 20 but enters the battery pack 10 to complete charging. Specifically, the battery pack provided by this invention is a lithium battery pack. During operation, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the battery pack 10 before charging and transmits the relevant temperature data to the controller 30. If the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the battery pack 10 is below 0°C, the controller 30 will activate the low-temperature low-current charging and low-temperature heating functions by controlling the corresponding modules during charging: the heating switch is turned on, allowing a large current to flow through the aluminum shell resistor 202 to generate heat, and the heat is transferred to the battery cell 101 through the T-shaped aluminum sheet 201; while a small current charges the battery cell 101, and this small current charging will not damage the battery cell 101. When the temperature of the battery pack 10 reaches 15°C, the controller 30 turns off the heating switch, the large current no longer flows through the aluminum shell resistor 202, and the aluminum shell resistor 202 stops generating heat; all the large current directly charges the battery cell 101, and the temperature of the battery cell 101 is maintained by the heat generated by the battery cell 101 itself during the large current charging. If the temperature of the battery pack 10 is detected to be higher than a first predetermined temperature of 0°C before charging, the battery pack 10 will be charged directly, and the heating component 20 will not operate. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heating switch that controls the large current passing through the aluminum shell resistor 202 is a MOS switch.

[0046] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Industrial applicability

[0047] This invention provides a battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, comprising a battery pack, a heating assembly, a controller, and a temperature sensor. The battery pack includes several battery cells. The heating assembly includes a heat-conducting element disposed between adjacent battery cells and another heat-conducting element electrically connected to the heating assembly. One end of the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller, and the other end is in contact with the battery pack, enabling it to collect the temperature of the battery pack and transmit relevant information to the controller. The controller is electrically connected to the heating assembly and the battery pack. Upon receiving the temperature information detected by the temperature sensor, the controller performs relevant control: if the battery pack temperature is below a predetermined level, the controller controls the heating assembly to heat the battery pack while simultaneously charging it with a small current until the predetermined temperature is reached. Then, the controller stops the heating assembly, and the battery pack begins charging with a large current. In low-temperature environments, heating the charging environment while charging the battery with a small current significantly reduces damage to the battery cells and effectively extends their lifespan, demonstrating industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging, characterized in that, include A battery pack, comprising several battery cells; A heating assembly includes a plurality of heating elements and a heat-conducting element connected to the heating elements, the heating assembly being disposed between two adjacent battery cells; A controller, electrically connected to the heating assembly and the battery pack, is used to control the operation of the heating element; as well as A temperature acquisition device, one end of which is electrically connected to the control board, is used to collect and transmit the temperature data of the battery pack to the controller. During charging, the controller receives temperature data from the temperature acquisition device. If the battery pack is below the preset temperature, the controller controls the heating component to heat until the temperature is above the preset temperature, at which point the controller controls the heating component to stop working. If the battery pack is above the preset temperature, the controller controls the heating component to not work. The heat-conducting components are a T-shaped heat-conducting plate and a heat-conducting pad. The T-shaped heat-conducting plate is located between two battery cells, and the bottom plane of the T-shaped heat-conducting plate is provided with a heat-conducting pad, which is attached to the heating component.

2. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal pad is a silicone pad.

3. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The battery pack further includes a first insulating sheet and a second insulating sheet, wherein the first insulating sheet is disposed on both sides of each battery cell and the second insulating sheet is disposed on the bottom of each battery cell.

4. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Two adjacent battery cells are electrically connected by a connecting piece, which includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode is connected to the positive terminal of one battery cell, and the negative electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the other battery cell.

5. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes at least two first fixing plates and a second fixing plate; the two first fixing plates are respectively disposed at both ends of the battery pack, and the two ends of the second fixing plate are respectively connected to the two first fixing plates.

6. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting bracket on which the battery pack is mounted.

7. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a heating switch, which is electrically connected to the controller and the heating component. The controller controls the operation and shutdown of the heating component by controlling the heating switch.

8. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The positive terminal of the battery pack is electrically connected to the main positive line of the battery cells, and the negative terminal is electrically connected to the main negative line of the battery cells. The other end of the main negative line of the battery cells is electrically connected to the controller.

9. A battery pack suitable for low-temperature charging as described in claim 8, characterized in that, A control line is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack. The control line is electrically connected to each of the heating elements and the controller. The heating elements are connected in series.

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