Thermal management system for battery, battery and electric device

Abstract

The invention discloses a thermal management system for a battery, the battery (300) and an electric device (1000). The thermal management system comprises a thermal management system body and a monitoring pipe (100). The heat management system body comprises a medium pipeline (200) allowing a heat exchange medium to flow, the medium pipeline (200) is provided with an inlet end (51) and an outlet end (52), at least one of the inlet end (51) and the outlet end (52) is provided with a monitoring pipe (100), the monitoring pipe (100) comprises a pipe body (10) and a window cover (20), a monitoring window (12) is formed in the outer circumferential wall of the pipe body (10) and penetrates through the inner circumferential wall of the pipe body (10), the window cover (20) covers the monitoring window (12), and the window cover (20) covers the monitoring window (12). The window cover (20) is detachable and / or the window cover (20) is a transparent piece.

Description

Thermal management system for battery, battery and electric device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202223253589.5 and application date December 6, 2022, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a thermal management system for a battery, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] To prevent batteries from overheating or underheating, thermal management systems are typically used to regulate the battery temperature. These systems contain pipes for the flow of heat exchange media. Over time, improper use or other factors can lead to corrosion and leakage. Therefore, regular inspection or testing of corrosion in the thermal management system's pipes is essential for timely maintenance.

[0005] However, in related technologies, inspecting or testing for corrosion in thermal management system pipes can damage them and increase repair costs. Therefore, how to inspect or test for corrosion in thermal management system pipes while facilitating repair and maintenance while reducing costs has become a pressing issue.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide a thermal management system, a battery, and an electrical device for a battery, which can inspect or detect the corrosion of the pipelines of the thermal management system without causing damage to the thermal management system, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance while reducing maintenance costs.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a thermal management system for a battery, comprising: a thermal management system body, the thermal management system body comprising a medium pipe for the flow of a heat exchange medium, the medium pipe having an inlet end and an outlet end; a monitoring tube, at least one of the inlet end and the outlet end is provided with the monitoring tube, the monitoring tube comprising a tube body and a window cover, a monitoring window being formed on the outer peripheral wall of the tube body, the monitoring window passing through the inner peripheral wall of the tube body, the window cover being provided on the monitoring window, the window cover being detachable and / or the window cover being a transparent part.

[0009] In the above technical solution, by providing a monitoring tube at at least one of the inlet and outlet ends of the medium pipeline of the thermal management system, during the circulation of the heat exchange medium in the thermal management system, the heat exchange medium flows not only through the medium pipeline but also through the monitoring tube. By inspecting or detecting the corrosion in the monitoring tube, the corrosion condition of the pipeline in the thermal management system can be obtained. Because the monitoring tube is provided with a monitoring window and the monitoring window is covered with a window cover, when it is necessary to inspect or detect the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube, the monitoring tube does not need to be removed. The corrosion condition in the monitoring tube can be inspected or detected through the monitoring window or observed through the transparent window cover. Thus, the corrosion condition of the pipeline in the thermal management system can be inspected or detected without causing damage to the thermal management system, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance while reducing maintenance costs.

[0010] In some embodiments, the material of the tube body is the same as that of the medium pipeline; and / or the material of the window cover is the same as that of the medium pipeline. This allows the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the monitoring tube to be similar to or identical to that of the heat exchange medium in the medium pipeline, thereby allowing the corrosion status in the monitoring tube to more accurately reflect the overall corrosion status of the pipeline of the thermal management system.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the window cover is flush with the inner wall of the tube body. This allows the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the monitoring tube to be similar to or identical to the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the medium pipeline, so that the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube can more accurately reflect the overall corrosion condition of the pipeline of the thermal management system.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the window cover is flush with the outer wall of the tube body. This prevents the window cover from protruding from the tube body and taking up extra space, thereby making the structure compact and also avoids a large step between the window cover and the tube body that could easily scratch the operator or other components.

[0013] In some embodiments, a seal is provided between the window cover and the tube body. Providing a seal between the window cover and the tube body seals the gap between the window cover and the tube body, thereby preventing leakage of the heat exchange medium from the window cover and the tube body during the process of the heat exchange medium flowing through the monitoring tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the window cover is connected to the tube body via a fastener, which is used to fix the window cover to the monitoring window of the tube body, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly of the window cover and ensuring the connection strength between the window cover and the tube body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel within the tube body is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel within the medium pipeline; and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel within the tube body is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel within the medium pipeline. This allows the flow environment of the heat exchange medium within the monitoring tube to be similar to or the same as the flow environment of the heat exchange medium within the medium pipeline, thereby allowing the corrosion status within the monitoring tube to more accurately reflect the overall corrosion status of the pipelines of the thermal management system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tube body is a circular tube, and the window cover extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the tube body. When the tube body is configured as a circular tube, extending the window cover in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the tube body can make the shape of the window cover compatible with the shape of the tube body, ensure that the window cover is securely placed on the monitoring window, and make the overall structure of the monitoring tube compact.

[0017] In some embodiments, the monitoring window is formed as a stepped hole, and the window cover is formed in a stepped shape that matches the monitoring window. By providing the monitoring window as a stepped hole and providing the outer peripheral wall of the window cover with a stepped shape that matches the stepped shape, the matching area between the window cover and the tube body can be increased, while also facilitating the installation and fixation of the window cover.

[0018] In some embodiments, the monitoring window includes a first hole segment and a second hole segment arranged along the wall thickness direction of the tube body, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first hole segment is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second hole segment and the first hole segment is located radially outside the second hole segment, and a step surface is formed between the first hole segment and the second hole segment; the window cover includes a cover plate and a boss, the boss is arranged on the inner side of the cover plate, the cover plate is accommodated in the first hole segment and abuts against the step surface, and the boss is accommodated in the second hole segment.

[0019] By setting the monitoring window as a stepped hole that is larger on the outside and smaller on the inside, it is convenient to inspect or detect the corrosion condition inside the pipe body through the monitoring window; and by setting the window cover as a structure with a boss, the part of the cover plate located on the outer peripheral side of the boss is supported and abutted against the stepped surface inside the monitoring window, thereby improving the installation stability of the window cover. At the same time, during the process of disassembling and assembling the window cover, the step surface can support the cover plate, thereby facilitating the disassembly and assembly of the window cover.

[0020] In some embodiments, a seal is provided between the cover plate and the stepped surface. Providing a seal between the cover plate of the window cover and the stepped surface of the tube body seals the gap between the window cover and the tube body, thereby preventing leakage of the heat exchange medium from the window cover and the tube body during the process of the heat exchange medium flowing through the monitoring tube. Furthermore, the step surface provides support for the seal by providing the seal between the cover plate and the stepped surface, facilitating its installation and fixation.

[0021] In some embodiments, a receiving groove is formed on the stepped surface. The receiving groove is formed in an annular shape and extends along the circumference of the first hole segment. The sealing member is received in the receiving groove. Providing a receiving groove on the stepped surface for receiving the sealing member facilitates installation and fixation of the sealing member. The receiving groove can also serve as a position limiter for the sealing member, preventing the sealing member from moving and affecting the sealing effect, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the sealing member.

[0022] In some embodiments, a first connection hole is formed on the cover plate, and a second connection hole is formed on the stepped surface. Fasteners are provided through the first and second connection holes to secure the window cover to the tube body. By having the fasteners pass through the cover plate and into the tube body via the stepped surface, the cover plate can be securely mounted to the monitoring window of the tube body. Since the fasteners pass through the stepped surface of the tube body, installation of the fasteners is facilitated.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second connection hole is a blind hole. By configuring the second connection hole on the stepped surface of the tube body as a blind hole, leakage of the heat exchange medium flowing through the monitoring tube from the fitting between the second connection hole and the fastener due to the second connection hole penetrating the inner circumferential wall of the tube body can be avoided, thereby improving the sealing performance of the assembly between the window cover and the tube body.

[0024] In some embodiments, the tube body is integrally formed with the medium pipeline. By integrally forming the tube body and the medium pipeline, the assembly process of the pipeline of the thermal management system can be simplified and the problem of heat exchange medium leakage caused by improper assembly and sealing between the tube body of the monitoring tube and the medium pipeline can be avoided.

[0025] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a battery comprising: at least one battery cell; and the aforementioned thermal management system, the thermal management system being configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell. Thus, by employing the aforementioned thermal management system, corrosion inspection or detection of the thermal management system's piping can be performed without damaging the thermal management system, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance while reducing maintenance costs.

[0026] In some embodiments, the battery includes a housing, the battery cells and the thermal management system body are both disposed within the housing, the inlet and outlet ports are both located outside the housing, and the monitoring tube is located outside the housing. Placing the monitoring tube outside the battery housing eliminates the need to disassemble the battery housing when inspecting or testing for corrosion on the monitoring tube, thereby facilitating inspection or testing of corrosion in the thermal management system's piping.

[0027] Thirdly, embodiments of the present application further provide an electrical device comprising the aforementioned battery, the battery being configured to provide electrical energy to the electrical device. Thus, by employing the aforementioned thermal management system, corrosion inspection or detection of the thermal management system's piping can be performed without damaging the thermal management system, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance while reducing maintenance costs.

[0028] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring tube of a thermal management system according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG2 ;

[0033] FIG4 is an enlarged view of point B in FIG3 ;

[0034] 5 is an exploded view of a monitoring tube of a thermal management system according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0035] FIG6 is a top view of the tube body of the monitoring tube in FIG5;

[0036] FIG7 is a side view of the window cover of the monitoring tube in FIG5;

[0037] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an electric device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0038] Figure numerals: 1000, electrical device; 300, battery; 301, housing; 100, monitoring tube; 10, tube body; 12, monitoring window; 121, first hole section; 122, second hole section; 13, step surface; 15, accommodating groove; 16, second connecting hole; 20, window cover; 21, cover plate; 211, first connecting hole; 22, boss; 50, seal; 60, fastener; 200, medium pipeline; 51, inlet end; 52, outlet end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application.

[0040] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary-secondary relationship.

[0042] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0044] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components in different embodiments are omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of this application, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0046] The term "plurality" used in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0047] In this application, battery 300 refers to a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. Multiple battery cells can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to directly form battery 300. A hybrid configuration means that multiple battery cells are connected both in series and in parallel. Multiple battery cells can also be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules can then be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form battery 300. For example, battery 300 referred to in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack.

[0048] In this application, battery cells may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. Battery cells may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. Battery cells are generally divided into three types based on the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0049] For example, a battery cell may include a battery case, an electrode assembly, and an electrolyte, and the battery case is used to hold the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The electrode assembly is composed of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The battery cell mainly relies on the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet to work. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode collector. The positive electrode collector not coated with the positive electrode active material layer protrudes from the positive electrode collector coated with the positive electrode active material layer, and the positive electrode collector not coated with the positive electrode active material layer serves as the positive electrode tab. Taking lithium-ion batteries as an example, the material of the positive electrode collector can be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc.

[0050] The negative electrode sheet consists of a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector. The negative current collector uncoated with the negative active material layer protrudes from the negative current collector coated with the negative active material layer. The negative current collector uncoated with the negative active material layer serves as the negative electrode tab. The negative current collector can be made of copper, and the negative active material can be carbon, silicon, or other materials. To ensure that high currents can pass without melting, multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked together, and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked together.

[0051] The material of the isolation film may be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly may be a wound structure or a laminated structure, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0052] Some batteries 300 may include a housing 301 for enclosing one or more battery cells or multiple battery modules. The housing 301 can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells. Of course, some batteries 300 may not include the housing 301 and may be directly installed in the battery installation compartment of the power-consuming device 1000.

[0053] To prevent the battery cells from overheating or underheating, ensuring stable operation of the battery 300 and extending its service life, a thermal management system is used to regulate the temperature of the battery cells. The thermal management system includes pipes for a heat exchange medium to flow through. As the heat exchange medium flows through the pipes, it removes heat generated by the battery cells or heats the battery cells, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery cells.

[0054] During the long-term use of the battery 300, improper use or other reasons may cause corrosion and leakage of the thermal management system pipes. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect or test the corrosion of the thermal management system pipes for timely maintenance.

[0055] In the related art, during the process of inspecting or detecting the corrosion condition of the pipelines of the thermal management system, the pipelines of the thermal management system will be damaged, and the pipelines need to be repaired. This not only makes it inconvenient to detect or inspect the corrosion condition of the pipelines of the thermal management system, but also increases the maintenance cost.

[0056] Based on this, in order to facilitate the inspection and maintenance of the pipelines of the thermal management system while reducing maintenance costs, the applicant has conducted in-depth research and proposed a thermal management system for a battery 300. The thermal management system includes a thermal management system body and a monitoring tube 100. The thermal management system body includes a medium pipeline 200 for the flow of heat exchange medium. The medium pipeline 200 has an inlet end 51 and an outlet end 52. At least one of the inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52 is provided with a monitoring tube 100. The monitoring tube 100 includes a tube body 10 and a window cover 20. The outer peripheral wall of the tube body 10 is formed with a monitoring window 12. The monitoring window 12 passes through the inner peripheral wall of the tube body 10. The window cover 20 is covered on the monitoring window 12. The window cover 20 is removable and / or the window cover 20 is a transparent part.

[0057] In the technical solution of the present application, by providing a monitoring tube 100 at at least one of the inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52 of the medium pipe 200 of the thermal management system, during the circulation of the heat exchange medium in the thermal management system, the heat exchange medium not only flows through the medium pipe 200 but also flows through the monitoring tube 100. By inspecting or detecting the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100, the corrosion condition of the pipes in the thermal management system can be obtained. Since the monitoring tube 100 is provided with a monitoring window 12 and the monitoring window 12 is covered with a window cover 20, when it is necessary to inspect or detect the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100, it is not necessary to remove the monitoring tube 100. The corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can be inspected or detected through the monitoring window 12 or can be observed through the transparent window cover 20. Thus, the corrosion condition of the pipes in the thermal management system can be inspected or detected without causing damage to the thermal management system, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance while reducing maintenance costs.

[0058] The battery 300 disclosed in the embodiment of the present application can be used for, but not limited to, an electrical device 1000 such as a vehicle, ship or aircraft. The power supply system of the electrical device 1000 composed of the battery 300 disclosed in the present application can reduce the maintenance difficulty and maintenance cost of the battery 300 of the electrical device 1000.

[0059] The present embodiment provides an electric device 1000 using the battery 300 as a power source. The electric device 1000 may be, but is not limited to, an electric vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. Electric vehicles may include trucks, engineering vehicles, cars, etc., and spacecraft may include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0060] The following describes a thermal management system for a battery 300 according to an embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1-3, in a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a thermal management system for a battery 300, comprising: a thermal management system body and a monitoring tube 100. The thermal management system body includes a medium pipe 200 for the flow of a heat exchange medium. The medium pipe 200 has an inlet end 51 and an outlet end 52. At least one of the inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52 is provided with a monitoring tube 100. The monitoring tube 100 includes a tube body 10 and a window cover 20. A monitoring window 12 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the tube body 10, and the monitoring window 12 extends through the inner peripheral wall of the tube body 10. The window cover 20 is disposed over the monitoring window 12. The window cover 20 is removable and / or transparent.

[0062] During the flow of the heat exchange medium in the thermal management system, the heat exchange medium can flow into the thermal management system body from the inlet end 51 of the medium pipe 200. During the flow of the heat exchange medium through the thermal management system body, the heat exchange medium can take away the heat generated by the battery cells or heat the battery cells, and then flow out of the thermal management system body from the outlet end 52 of the medium pipe 200.

[0063] Alternatively, the heat exchange medium may be water, or the heat exchange medium may be a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0064] At least one of the inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52 is provided with a monitoring tube 100. For example, the monitoring tube 100 may be provided at the inlet end 51 of the medium pipeline 200, or the monitoring tube 100 may be provided at the outlet end 52 of the medium pipeline 200. Alternatively, the monitoring tube 100 may be provided at the inlet end 51 of the medium pipeline 200 and the monitoring tube 100 may be provided at the outlet end 52 of the medium pipeline 200.

[0065] In which, when the monitoring tube 100 is set at the inlet end 51 of the medium pipeline 200, the heat exchange medium can flow through the monitoring tube 100 and flow into the thermal management system body from the inlet end 51 of the medium pipeline 200. In the process of the heat exchange medium flowing through the thermal management system body, the heat exchange medium can take away the heat generated by the battery cell or heat the battery cell, and then flow out of the thermal management system body from the outlet end 52 of the medium pipeline 200.

[0066] When the monitoring tube 100 is set at the outlet end 52 of the medium pipeline 200, the heat exchange medium can flow into the thermal management system body from the inlet end 51 of the medium pipeline 200. In the process of the heat exchange medium flowing through the thermal management system body, the heat exchange medium can take away the heat generated by the battery cells or heat the battery cells, and then flow out of the thermal management system body from the outlet end 52 of the medium pipeline 200 and flow through the monitoring tube 100.

[0067] When monitoring tubes 100 are provided at both the inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52 of the medium pipe 200, the heat exchange medium can flow through the monitoring tube 100 connected to the inlet end 51 and flow into the thermal management system body from the inlet end 51 of the medium pipe 200. In the process of the heat exchange medium flowing through the thermal management system body, the heat exchange medium can take away the heat generated by the battery cells or heat the battery cells, and then flow out of the thermal management system body from the outlet end 52 of the medium pipe 200 and flow through the monitoring tube 100 connected to the outlet end 52.

[0068] The window cover 20 is detachable and / or the window cover 20 is a transparent part, including the following situations: for example, the window cover 20 is detachable; for another example, the window cover 20 is a transparent part; for another example, the window cover 20 is detachable and the window cover 20 is a transparent part.

[0069] When the window cover 20 is detachable, if it is necessary to inspect or detect the corrosion condition inside the monitoring tube 100 , the window cover 20 can be removed from the monitoring window 12 of the monitoring tube 100 , so that the corrosion condition inside the monitoring tube 100 can be inspected or detected through the monitoring window 12 .

[0070] When the window cover 20 is a transparent member, if it is necessary to inspect or detect the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 , the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can be observed through the window cover 20 .

[0071] When the window cover 20 is removable and is a transparent part, if it is necessary to inspect or detect the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100, the window cover 20 can be removed from the monitoring window 12 of the monitoring tube 100 or not as needed. When the window cover 20 is removed from the monitoring window 12 of the monitoring tube 100, the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can be inspected or detected through the monitoring window 12. When the window cover 20 is not removed, the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can be observed through the window cover 20.

[0072] By providing a monitoring window 12 on the peripheral wall of the monitoring tube 100, when it is necessary to inspect or detect the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100, there is no need to remove the monitoring tube 100. The corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can be inspected or detected through the monitoring window 12, or the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can be observed through the transparent window cover 20.

[0073] Optionally, there may be one or more monitoring windows 12, each of which is covered with a window cover 20. When there are multiple monitoring windows 12, the monitoring windows 12 may be spaced apart along the axial direction and / or circumferential direction of the pipe body 10. When there are multiple monitoring windows 12, more paths for inspecting or testing the monitoring pipe 100 may be provided, making the inspection more convenient, flexible, accurate, and comprehensive.

[0074] In the above technical solution, by providing a monitoring tube 100 at at least one of the inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52 of the medium pipe 200 of the thermal management system, the heat exchange medium, during circulation in the thermal management system, flows not only through the medium pipe 200 but also through the monitoring tube 100. By inspecting or detecting the corrosion within the monitoring tube 100, the corrosion condition of the pipes within the thermal management system can be determined. Since the monitoring tube 100 is provided with a monitoring window 12 and the monitoring window 12 is covered with a window cover 20, when it is necessary to inspect or detect the corrosion condition within the monitoring tube 100, the monitoring tube 100 does not need to be removed. The corrosion condition within the monitoring tube 100 can be inspected or detected through the monitoring window 12 or observed through the transparent window cover 20. This allows for inspection or detection of corrosion condition within the thermal management system pipes without damaging the thermal management system, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance while reducing maintenance costs.

[0075] In some embodiments, the material of the tube body 10 is the same as that of the medium pipe 200 ; and / or the material of the window cover 20 is the same as that of the medium pipe 200 .

[0076] For example, the material of the tube body 10 can be the same as that of the medium pipeline 200. This allows the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the monitoring tube 100 to be similar to or identical to the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the medium pipeline 200. This allows the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 to more accurately reflect the overall corrosion condition of the pipelines in the thermal management system. If it is necessary to inspect or test the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100, the corrosion condition in the tube body 10 can be inspected or tested through the monitoring window 12.

[0077] For another example, the material of window cover 20 can be the same as that of medium pipe 200. This allows the flow environment of the heat exchange medium within monitoring pipe 100 to be similar to or identical to that within medium pipe 200. This allows the corrosion condition within monitoring pipe 100 to more accurately reflect the overall corrosion condition of the thermal management system's pipes. To inspect or test the corrosion condition within monitoring pipe 100, window cover 20 can be removed from monitoring window 12 to inspect or test the corrosion condition of the inner wall of window cover 20.

[0078] For another example, the material of the tube body 10 and the material of the medium pipeline 200 can be the same, and the material of the window cover 20 can be the same as the material of the medium pipeline 200. This can ensure that the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the monitoring tube 100 is similar to or the same as the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the medium pipeline 200. Therefore, the corrosion status in the monitoring tube 100 can more accurately reflect the overall corrosion status of the pipelines in the thermal management system. If it is necessary to inspect or detect the corrosion status in the monitoring tube 100, the corrosion status of the tube body 10 can be inspected or detected through the monitoring window 12, and the corrosion status of the inner wall of the window cover 20 can also be inspected or detected.

[0079] In this way, the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the monitoring tube 100 can be close to or the same as the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the medium pipeline 200, so that the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can more accurately reflect the overall corrosion condition of the pipeline of the thermal management system.

[0080] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the inner wall surface of the window cover 20 is flush with the inner wall surface of the tube body 10 .

[0081] The inner wall surface of the window cover 20 refers to the wall surface of the window cover 20 facing the inner flow channel of the monitoring tube 100, and the inner wall surface of the window cover 20 can contact the heat exchange medium. The inner wall surface of the tube body 10 refers to the wall surface of the tube body 10 facing the inner flow channel of the monitoring tube 100, and the inner wall surface of the tube body 10 can contact the heat exchange medium.

[0082] The inner wall surface of the window cover 20 is flush with the inner wall surface of the tube body 10, which may include the inner wall surface of the window cover 20 being completely flush with the inner wall surface of the tube body 10, or the situation where the inner wall surface of the window cover 20 is not completely flush with the inner wall surface of the tube body 10 due to manufacturing and assembly errors.

[0083] In this way, the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the monitoring tube 100 can be close to or the same as the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the medium pipeline 200, so that the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can more accurately reflect the overall corrosion condition of the pipeline of the thermal management system.

[0084] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the outer wall surface of the window cover 20 is flush with the outer wall surface of the tube body 10 .

[0085] The outer wall surface of the window cover 20 refers to the wall surface of the window cover 20 exposed to the outside, and the outer wall surface of the tube body 10 refers to the wall surface of the tube body 10 exposed to the outside.

[0086] The outer wall surface of the window cover 20 is set flush with the outer wall surface of the tube body 10, which may include the outer wall surface of the window cover 20 being completely flush with the outer wall surface of the tube body 10, or the situation where the outer wall surface of the window cover 20 is not completely flush with the outer wall surface of the tube body 10 due to manufacturing and assembly errors.

[0087] This can prevent the window cover 20 from protruding from the tube body 10 and taking up extra space, thereby making the structure compact, and can also prevent a large step from being formed between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10, which may easily scratch the operator or other components.

[0088] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , a sealing member 50 is provided between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10 .

[0089] Optionally, the seal 50 may be a rubber seal or a silicone seal.

[0090] By setting a seal 50 between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10, the fitting gap between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10 can be sealed, and when the heat exchange medium flows through the monitoring tube 100, it can be prevented from leaking from the fitting point between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10.

[0091] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3-FIG . 5 , the window cover 20 is connected to the tube body 10 via a fastener 60 .

[0092] Optionally, the fastener 60 may be a threaded fastener 60 , for example, the fastener 60 may be a screw or a bolt.

[0093] The window cover 20 is mounted and fixed to the monitoring window 12 of the tube body 10 by means of a fastener 60 , which facilitates assembly and disassembly of the window cover 20 and also ensures the connection strength between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10 .

[0094] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the tube body 10 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200 ; and / or, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the tube body 10 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200 .

[0095] The cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the tube body 10 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200; and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the tube body 10 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200, which may include the following cases: for example, the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the tube body 10 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200; for another example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the tube body 10 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200; for another example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the tube body 10 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the tube body 10 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200.

[0096] For example, the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the medium pipeline 200 is circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the pipe body 10 is also circular.

[0097] In this way, the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the monitoring tube 100 can be close to or the same as the flow environment of the heat exchange medium in the medium pipeline 200, so that the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can more accurately reflect the overall corrosion condition of the pipeline of the thermal management system.

[0098] 5-7 , in some embodiments, the tube body 10 is a circular tube, and the window cover 20 extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the tube body 10. When the tube body 10 is configured as a circular tube, extending the window cover 20 in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the tube body 10 allows the shape of the window cover 20 to match the shape of the tube body 10, ensuring that the window cover 20 is securely positioned over the monitoring window 12 and making the overall structure of the monitoring tube 100 compact.

[0099] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7 , the monitoring window 12 is formed as a stepped hole, and the outer peripheral wall of the window cover 20 is formed in a stepped shape that matches the stepped shape.

[0100] The outer peripheral wall of the window cover 20 refers to the wall that cooperates with the inner peripheral wall of the monitoring window 12 .

[0101] By setting the monitoring window 12 as a stepped hole and setting the outer peripheral wall of the window cover 20 to a stepped shape that matches the stepped shape, the matching area between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10 can be increased, and the installation and fixation of the window cover 20 can also be facilitated.

[0102] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3-5, the monitoring window 12 includes a first hole section 121 and a second hole section 122 arranged along the wall thickness direction of the tube body 10, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first hole section 121 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second hole section 122 and the first hole section 121 is located radially outward of the second hole section 122, and a step surface 13 is formed between the first hole section 121 and the second hole section 122; the window cover 20 includes a cover plate 21 and a boss 22, the boss 22 is provided on the inner side of the cover plate 21, the cover plate 21 is accommodated in the first hole section 121 and the cover plate 21 abuts against the step surface 13, and the boss 22 is accommodated in the second hole section 122.

[0103] The inner side of the cover plate 21 refers to the side of the cover plate 21 facing the flow channel in the tube body 10 .

[0104] When the window cover 20 includes the aforementioned cover plate 21 and boss 22 , the inner wall surface of the window cover 20 refers to the wall surface of the boss 22 facing the inner flow channel of the monitoring tube 100 .

[0105] By setting the monitoring window 12 as a stepped hole that is larger on the outside and smaller on the inside, it is convenient to inspect or detect the corrosion condition inside the tube body 10 through the monitoring window 12; and by setting the window cover 20 as a structure having a boss 22, the portion of the cover plate 21 located on the outer peripheral side of the boss 22 is supported and abutted against the stepped surface 13 inside the monitoring window 12, thereby improving the installation stability of the window cover 20. At the same time, during the process of disassembling and assembling the window cover 20, the step surface 13 can support the cover plate 21, thereby facilitating the disassembly and assembly of the window cover 20.

[0106] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , a sealing member 50 is provided between the cover plate 21 and the step surface 13 .

[0107] Optionally, the sealing member 50 may be fixed to the step surface 13 .

[0108] By arranging a seal 50 between the cover plate 21 of the window cover 20 and the step surface 13 of the tube body 10, the fitting gap between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10 can be sealed, and when the heat exchange medium flows through the monitoring tube 100, the heat exchange medium can be prevented from leaking from the fitting point between the window cover 20 and the tube body 10; in addition, the seal 50 is arranged between the cover plate 21 and the step surface 13, and the step surface 13 can support the seal 50, thereby facilitating the installation and fixation of the seal 50.

[0109] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the step surface 13 is formed with a receiving groove 15 . The receiving groove 15 is formed in a ring shape extending along the circumference of the first hole section 121 . The sealing member 50 is received in the receiving groove 15 .

[0110] By setting a receiving groove 15 for accommodating the seal 50 on the step surface 13, the installation and fixation of the seal 50 is facilitated. The receiving groove 15 can limit the seal 50 and prevent the seal 50 from moving and affecting the sealing effect, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the seal 50.

[0111] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 to 6, a first connection hole 211 is formed on the cover plate 21, a second connection hole 16 is formed on the step surface 13, and a fastener 60 is passed through the first connection hole 211 and the second connection hole 16 to fix the window cover 20 to the tube body 10.

[0112] By having the fastener 60 pass through the cover plate 21 and into the tube body 10 through the step surface 13 , the cover plate 21 can be reliably installed at the monitoring window 12 of the tube body 10 . Since the fastener 60 passes through the step surface 13 of the tube body 10 into the tube body 10 , the installation of the fastener 60 is facilitated.

[0113] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , the second connection hole 16 is a blind hole.

[0114] The second connecting hole 16 is a blind hole, which means that the second connecting hole 16 does not penetrate the inner wall surface of the tube body 10 .

[0115] The second connecting hole 16 on the stepped surface 13 of the tube body 10 is set as a blind hole, which can prevent the heat exchange medium flowing through the monitoring tube 100 from leaking from the fitting point between the second connecting hole 16 and the fastener 60 due to the second connecting hole 16 penetrating the inner wall of the tube body 10, thereby improving the assembly sealing between the cover plate 21 and the tube body 10.

[0116] In a second aspect, referring to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a battery 300 , comprising: at least one battery cell and the above-mentioned thermal management system, wherein the thermal management system is used to regulate the temperature of the battery cell.

[0117] Therefore, by adopting the above-mentioned thermal management system, the corrosion condition of the pipeline of the thermal management system can be inspected or detected without causing damage to the thermal management system, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance while reducing maintenance costs.

[0118] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1 , the battery 300 includes a housing 301 , in which the battery cells and the thermal management system body are disposed, the inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52 of the medium pipe 200 are both located outside the housing 301 , and the monitoring tube 100 is located outside the housing 301 .

[0119] The monitoring tube 100 is disposed outside the box 301 of the battery 300. When the monitoring tube 100 needs to be removed from the battery 300 for inspection or detection of corrosion, there is no need to disassemble the box 301 of the battery 300, making the inspection or detection of pipeline corrosion in the thermal management system more convenient.

[0120] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electric device 1000 , comprising the above-mentioned battery 300 , wherein the battery 300 is used to provide electric energy to the electric device 1000 .

[0121] Therefore, by adopting the above-mentioned thermal management system, the corrosion condition of the pipeline of the thermal management system can be inspected or detected without causing damage to the thermal management system, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance while reducing maintenance costs.

[0122] Optionally, as shown in FIG8 , when battery 300 is used in a vehicle, it can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle. Battery 300 can be used to power the vehicle, for example, as an operating power source for the vehicle. The vehicle can also include a controller and a motor. The controller controls battery 300 to power the motor, for example, to meet the vehicle's starting, navigation, and driving needs.

[0123] The following describes a thermal management system and a battery 300 having the same according to some specific embodiments of the present application with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 .

[0124] In this embodiment, the battery 300 includes a housing 301, at least one battery cell, and a thermal management system. The thermal management system comprises a thermal management body, a monitoring tube 100, and an external pipeline. The monitoring tube 100 is connected between the external pipeline and the medium pipeline 200 to form a circulation path. The battery cell and the thermal management body are both located within the housing 301. The inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52 of the medium pipeline 200 are both located outside the housing 301. The monitoring tube 100 is located at at least one of the inlet end 51 and the outlet end 52. The monitoring tube 100 is located outside the housing 301 and is integrally formed with the medium pipeline 200.

[0125] Optionally, the monitoring tube 100 and the external pipe may be detachably connected to facilitate removal of the battery 300 from the electrical device 1000. Alternatively, the monitoring tube 100 and the external pipe may be integrally formed.

[0126] The monitoring tube 100 includes a tube body 10, a window cover 20, a seal 50, and a fastener 60. A monitoring window 12 is formed on the outer circumferential wall of the tube body 10, extending through the inner circumferential wall of the tube body 10. The window cover 20 is removably mounted over the monitoring window 12. The tube body 10 is a circular tube, and the window cover 20 extends in an arc shape circumferentially of the tube body 10. The inner wall of the window cover 20 is flush with the inner wall of the tube body 10, and the outer wall of the window cover 20 is flush with the outer wall of the tube body 10. The material of the tube body 10 and the window cover 20 are the same as that of the medium pipeline 200. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel within the tube body 10 is the same as that within the medium pipeline 200, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel within the tube body 10 is the same as that within the medium pipeline 200.

[0127] The monitoring window 12 is formed as a stepped hole, and the outer peripheral wall of the window cover 20 is formed into a stepped shape that matches the stepped shape. The monitoring window 12 includes a first hole section 121 and a second hole section 122 arranged along the wall thickness of the tube body 10. The first hole section 121 is located radially outward of the second hole section 122, and a stepped surface 13 is formed between the first hole section 121 and the second hole section 122. The window cover 20 includes a cover plate 21 and a boss 22. The boss 22 is provided on the inner side of the cover plate 21. The cover plate 21 is accommodated in the first hole section 121 and abuts the stepped surface 13. The boss 22 is accommodated in the second hole section 122.

[0128] A seal 50 is disposed between the cover plate 21 and the stepped surface 13. The stepped surface 13 is formed with a receiving groove 15, and the seal 50 is received in the receiving groove 15. A first connection hole 211 is formed in the cover plate 21, and a second connection hole 16 is formed in the stepped surface 13. The second connection hole 16 is a blind hole. A fastener 60 is disposed through the first connection hole 211 and the second connection hole 16 to secure the window cover 20 to the tube body 10.

[0129] When it is necessary to inspect or test the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100, the window cover 20 of the monitoring tube 100 can be removed, so that the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can be inspected through the monitoring window 12, and the corrosion condition of the inner wall of the window cover 20 can also be inspected. In this way, the corrosion condition in the monitoring tube 100 can be inspected from multiple paths and angles.

[0130] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0131] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and intent of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a battery, wherein: include: A heat management system body, the heat management system body comprising a medium pipeline for the flow of heat exchange medium, the medium pipeline having an inlet end and an outlet end; A monitoring tube, at least one of the inlet end and the outlet end is provided with the monitoring tube, the monitoring tube includes a tube body and a window cover, the outer peripheral wall of the tube body is formed with a monitoring window, the monitoring window passes through the inner peripheral wall of the tube body, the window cover is provided on the monitoring window, the window cover is detachable and / or the window cover is a transparent part.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The material of the tube body is the same as that of the medium pipeline; and / or the material of the window cover is the same as that of the medium pipeline.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The inner wall surface of the window cover is flush with the inner wall surface of the tube body.

4. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer wall surface of the window cover is flush with the outer wall surface of the tube body.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A sealing member is provided between the window cover and the tube body.

6. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The window cover and the tube body are connected via fasteners.

7. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the tube body is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel in the medium pipeline; and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the tube body is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel in the medium pipeline.

8. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The tube body is a circular tube, and the window cover extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the tube body.

9. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The monitoring window is formed as a stepped hole, and the window cover is formed in a stepped shape adapted to the monitoring window.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: The monitoring window includes a first hole segment and a second hole segment arranged along the wall thickness direction of the tube body, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first hole segment is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second hole segment and the first hole segment is located radially outside the second hole segment, and a step surface is formed between the first hole segment and the second hole segment; the window cover includes a cover plate and a boss, the boss is arranged on the inner side of the cover plate, the cover plate is accommodated in the first hole segment and abuts against the step surface, and the boss is accommodated in the second hole segment.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 10, wherein: A sealing member is provided between the cover plate and the step surface.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 11, wherein: An accommodating groove is formed on the step surface. The accommodating groove is formed in an annular shape extending along the circumference of the first hole segment. The sealing member is accommodated in the accommodating groove.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 10, wherein: A first connecting hole is formed on the cover plate, a second connecting hole is formed on the step surface, and a fastener is passed through the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole to fix the window cover to the tube body.

14. The thermal management system according to claim 13, wherein: The second connecting hole is a blind hole.

15. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The tube body and the medium pipeline are integrally formed.

16. A battery, wherein: include: at least one battery cell; A thermal management system, wherein the thermal management system is the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and the thermal management system is used to regulate the temperature of the battery cell.

17. The battery according to claim 16, wherein include: The battery cell and the thermal management system body are both arranged inside the box, the inlet end and the outlet end are both located outside the box, and the monitoring tube is located outside the box.

18. An electrical device, wherein: include: A battery according to claim 16 or 17.

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