Box, battery and electrical device

Abstract

This application provides a housing, a battery, and an electrical device. The housing includes: multiple beams enclosing a first accommodating space for accommodating a high-voltage battery module; and a thermal management component intersecting the beams for regulating the temperature of the high-voltage battery module. The thermal management component is located within the first accommodating space along its thickness direction. By incorporating a thermal management component to regulate the temperature of the high-voltage battery module, this application provides a housing, battery, and electrical device that can promptly cool the high-voltage battery module during battery use, thereby improving its lifespan.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Typically, the battery casing not only houses the individual battery cells but also the high-voltage module. During battery use, the temperature of the high-voltage module also rises. If the high-voltage module cannot be cooled down in time, it will affect the lifespan of the high-voltage module and may even cause battery malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present application provides a housing, a battery, and an electrical device. By setting up a thermal management component to regulate the temperature of the battery high-voltage module, the battery high-voltage module can be cooled down in a timely manner during battery use, thereby improving the service life of the battery high-voltage module.

[0004] In a first aspect, a housing is provided, comprising: a plurality of beams enclosing a first accommodating space for accommodating a battery high-voltage module; and a thermal management component intersecting with the beams for regulating the temperature of the battery high-voltage module; wherein the thermal management component is located within the first accommodating space in the thickness direction.

[0005] In this embodiment, on the one hand, by setting a thermal management component to regulate the temperature of the battery high-voltage module, the temperature of the battery high-voltage module can be reduced in a timely manner during battery use, thereby improving the service life of the battery high-voltage module; on the other hand, by setting the thermal management component in the thickness direction of the thermal management component within the first accommodating space, the dimensions of the housing in the thickness direction of the thermal management component can be saved.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the beam includes a connected main body and an extension, the extension extending from the main body toward a first receiving space, and a thermal management component fixedly connected to the extension.

[0007] In this embodiment, by fixing the thermal management component to the extension, the bonding strength between the two can be enhanced. On the other hand, the extension is integrally formed with the beam and extends from the main body toward the first receiving space, which increases the width of the beam and can increase the vibration frequency of the battery when it is subjected to impact, thereby promoting the uniform distribution of electrolyte inside the battery and improving the charging and discharging performance of the battery.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the surface of the extension facing the high-voltage battery module is flush with the surface of the thermal management component facing the high-voltage battery module.

[0009] In this embodiment, by setting the surface of the extension facing the first accommodating space to be flush with the surface of the thermal management component facing the first accommodating space, it is beneficial to place the high-voltage battery module and to maximize the utilization of the first accommodating space.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the thermal management components are fixedly connected to the beam by welding.

[0011] In this embodiment, the thermal management component is fixedly connected to the beam by welding, which can improve the structural strength of the box without compromising its integrity. In addition, since the thermal management component is placed in the through hole formed by the beam and the thermal management component can be directly welded to the beam, no additional sealing measures are required, which greatly reduces the manufacturing complexity of the box.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the thermal management component includes a first heat exchange plate, which includes a first flow path that is curved.

[0013] In this embodiment, the first flow channel of the first heat exchange plate is designed as a curve, which is beneficial to increase the flow length of the fluid in a limited space, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency. In addition, designing the first flow channel of the first heat exchange plate as a curve can also be understood as using a stamping process to prepare the first heat exchange plate, which is beneficial to reduce the weight of the housing, thereby improving the energy density of the battery.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the enclosure further includes a first protective plate, which is disposed intersecting with the beam and located on the side of the first heat exchange plate away from the first accommodating space.

[0015] In this embodiment, a first protective plate is provided on the side of the first heat exchange plate away from the first accommodating space. This can protect the first heat exchange plate and improve the overall strength of the housing.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first protective plate is located within the first accommodating space in the thickness direction of the thermal management component.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first protective plate is disposed within the first accommodating space in the thickness direction of the thermal management component, which can save the size of the housing in the thickness direction of the thermal management component.

[0018] In one possible implementation, a buffer is provided between the first heat exchange plate and the first protective plate.

[0019] In this embodiment, by providing a buffer between the first heat exchange plate and the first protective plate, the impact of the bottom ball impact on the battery interior can be reduced.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the thermal management component includes a second heat exchange plate, which includes a second flow channel that is linear.

[0021] In this embodiment, the second flow channel of the second heat exchange plate is designed as a straight line, which can also be understood as the second heat exchange plate being prepared by profile extrusion process. This is conducive to the rapid flow of fluid inside the profile, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. In addition, the second heat exchange plate prepared by profile extrusion process can directly support the high voltage module of the battery, eliminating the need to set a support plate below the thermal management component, thereby helping to reduce costs.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second heat exchange plate has openings at both ends along a first direction, which is the extension direction of the second flow channel. The housing also includes a sealing strip disposed at the opening for sealing the opening.

[0023] In this embodiment, a sealing strip is placed at the openings at both ends of the second heat exchange plate along the first direction to block the openings, so that the second flow channel forms a closed loop in the second heat exchange plate, reducing the possibility of leakage.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the sealing strip is a metal strip, which is fixedly connected to the second heat exchange plate by welding.

[0025] In this embodiment, the metal strip is fixedly connected to the second heat exchange plate by welding to seal the opening of the second heat exchange plate, which can further reduce the possibility of leakage.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the metal strip passes through the second heat exchange plate along a second direction, which is the length direction of the metal strip.

[0027] In this embodiment, the metal strip passes through the second heat exchange plate along the second direction, which facilitates the welding operation between the metal strip and the second heat exchange plate.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first receiving space is located at the end of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the thermal management component.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first accommodating space is located at the end of the box, which can make full use of the remaining space in the box after the battery cells are arranged while the battery cells are arranged in a concentrated manner, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the box.

[0030] In one possible implementation, multiple beams further enclose a second accommodating space, which is adjacent to the first accommodating space and is used to accommodate battery cells. The housing also includes a second protective plate for supporting the battery cells, which extends to the side of the thermal management component away from the high-voltage battery module.

[0031] In this embodiment, extending the second protective plate used to support the battery cell to the side of the thermal management component away from the high-voltage battery module can improve the support strength of the housing.

[0032] In a second aspect, a battery is provided, including a battery high-voltage module and a housing as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, wherein the battery high-voltage module is disposed within a first accommodating space of the housing.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first receiving space is located at the end of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the thermal management component.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the battery also includes individual battery cells disposed within a second accommodating space of the housing, the second accommodating space being adjacent to the first accommodating space.

[0035] Thirdly, an electrical device is provided, including the battery in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, the battery being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle disclosed in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery disclosed in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the box disclosed in one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the box body disclosed in one embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the box body disclosed in another embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange plate disclosed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange plate disclosed in another embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the box body disclosed in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly 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.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0040] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of this application. It should also be noted in the description of this application that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0042] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0043] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0044] In this embodiment of the application, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged to activate the active materials and continue to be used after the battery cell has been discharged.

[0045] The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0046] A single battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charging and discharging process of a single battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) repeatedly insert and extract between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator, positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0047] In some embodiments, the positive electrode can be a positive electrode sheet, which may include a positive current collector and a positive active material disposed on at least one surface of the positive current collector.

[0048] As an example, the positive current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the positive active material is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the positive current collector.

[0049] As an example, the positive electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0050] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: lithium phosphate, lithium transition metal oxide, and their respective modified compounds. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as positive electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium phosphate include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), lithium iron phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), lithium manganese phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon composites.

[0051] In some embodiments, the negative electrode can be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet can include a negative current collector.

[0052] As an example, the negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0053] As an example, the negative electrode sheet may include a negative current collector and a negative active material disposed on at least one surface of the negative current collector.

[0054] As an example, the negative electrode current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the negative electrode active material is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the negative electrode current collector.

[0055] As an example, the negative electrode active material may be a negative electrode active material known in the art for use in battery cells. As an example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate, etc.

[0056] In some embodiments, the negative electrode can be made of foamed metal. The foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon, etc. When foamed metal is used as the negative electrode sheet, the surface of the foamed metal may or may not contain a negative electrode active material.

[0057] As an example, lithium source material, potassium metal or sodium metal may also be filled or deposited in the negative electrode current collector, wherein the lithium source material is lithium metal and / or lithium-rich material.

[0058] In some embodiments, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the negative current collector can be made of copper.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes an isolator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0060] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator membrane. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the type of separator membrane; any known porous separator membrane with good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0061] As an example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic.

[0062] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, serving both to transport ions and to isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery cell also includes an electrolyte, which acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. This application does not impose specific limitations on the type of electrolyte; it can be selected according to requirements. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0064] In some implementations, the electrode assembly is a wound structure. The positive and negative electrode sheets are wound into a wound structure.

[0065] In some implementations, the electrode assembly is a stacked structure.

[0066] As an example, multiple positive and negative electrode plates can be set, and multiple positive and multiple negative electrode plates can be stacked alternately.

[0067] As an example, multiple positive electrode sheets can be set, and negative electrode sheets are folded to form multiple stacked folded segments, with a positive electrode sheet sandwiched between adjacent folded segments.

[0068] As an example, both the positive and negative electrode sheets are folded to form multiple stacked folded segments.

[0069] As an example, multiple separators can be provided, each positioned between any adjacent positive or negative electrode plates.

[0070] As an example, the separator can be set continuously, either by folding or rolling between any adjacent positive or negative electrode plates.

[0071] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs that allow current to be drawn from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0073] In some embodiments, the battery cell may include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as electrode assemblies and electrolytes. The housing may be made of steel, aluminum, plastic (such as polypropylene), composite metal (such as copper-aluminum composite), or aluminum-plastic film, etc. The housing includes a shell and a cover plate.

[0074] As an example, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or a battery cell of other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and multi-prismatic batteries, such as hexagonal prismatic batteries. This application does not have any particular limitations.

[0075] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are connected in series, parallel, or mixed via a busbar.

[0076] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery module, and when there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module.

[0077] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery pack, which includes a housing and individual battery cells, with the individual battery cells or battery modules housed within the housing.

[0078] In some embodiments, the housing may be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For example, a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's floor, or a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0079] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to various battery-powered devices, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, ships, and spacecraft. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft.

[0080] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are not limited to the devices described above, but can also be applied to all devices that use batteries. However, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments are all illustrated using electric vehicles as examples.

[0081] Typically, the battery casing not only houses the individual battery cells but also the high-voltage module. During battery use, the temperature of the high-voltage module also rises. If the high-voltage module cannot be cooled down in time, it will affect the lifespan of the high-voltage module and may even cause battery malfunction.

[0082] In view of this, the present application provides a housing comprising multiple beams and a thermal management component. The multiple beams enclose a first accommodating space for accommodating a high-voltage battery module. The thermal management component is used to regulate the temperature of the high-voltage battery module and is fixedly connected to the beams. The thermal management component is located within the first accommodating space in the thickness direction. On the one hand, by setting the thermal management component to regulate the temperature of the high-voltage battery module, the temperature of the high-voltage battery module can be reduced in a timely manner during battery use, thereby improving the service life of the high-voltage battery module. On the other hand, by designing the thermal management component to be located within the first accommodating space in the thickness direction, the dimensions of the housing in the thickness direction of the thermal management component can be saved.

[0083] For example, such as Figure 1The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of this application. Vehicle 1 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A motor 80, a controller 60, and a battery 100 can be installed inside vehicle 1. The controller 60 controls the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 80. For example, the battery 100 can be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1. The battery 100 can be used to power vehicle 1. For example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1, for example, for the electrical system of vehicle 1, such as for the power requirements of vehicle 1's starting, navigation, and operation. In another embodiment of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1, but also as the driving power source for vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas to provide driving power for vehicle 1.

[0084] To meet diverse power demands, a battery can comprise multiple different types of individual cells, such as those with varying safety levels. These individual cells can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form multiple cell groups. These cell groups can then be connected in series to form a battery. A combination of series and parallel connections is possible. Alternatively, these different individual cells can be directly connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a battery. In other words, multiple individual cells can be directly assembled into a battery, or they can first be grouped into cell groups according to their types, and then these cell groups can be combined to form a battery.

[0085] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a battery 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The battery 100 may include multiple battery cells (not shown in the figure). The battery 100 may also include a housing 300 (or cover), the housing 300 having a hollow internal structure, and multiple battery cells are housed within the housing 300. Figure 2 As shown, the housing 300 may include two parts, referred to here as the housing body 305 and the housing cover 306, which are fastened together. The shapes of the housing body 305 and the housing cover 306 can be determined according to the shape of the combination of multiple battery cells.

[0086] In some embodiments, both the box body 305 and the box cover 306 may have an opening. For example, both the box body 305 and the box cover 306 may be hollow cuboids with only one open side each. The openings of the box body 305 and the box cover 306 are arranged opposite to each other, and the box body 305 and the box cover 306 are interlocked to form a box with a closed cavity. Multiple battery cells are connected in parallel, series, or mixed and placed inside the box formed by the interlocking of the box body 305 and the box cover 306.

[0087] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a housing 300 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The schematic diagram of the external structure of the housing 300 can be found by referring to... Figure 2 .

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown, the box 300 has an internally hollow structure and can include multiple beams 310. These beams 310 can include side beams and internal beams. The side beams refer to the outermost frame of the box, while the internal beams are located inside the hollow structure of the box 300. For example, the internal beams can be expansion beams. That is, the box 300 can be enclosed by the side beams to form a large storage space, and then by placing the internal beams inside the box 300, this large storage space is divided into multiple subspaces.

[0089] Typically, the housing 300 houses both individual battery cells and high-voltage battery modules. In other words, the internal space of the housing 300 can be divided into at least two sub-spaces: one for individual battery cells and the other for the high-voltage battery modules. The sub-space for the high-voltage battery modules is the first housing space 301 in this embodiment. This first housing space 301 can be formed by multiple beams 310, for example, by side beams and internal beams.

[0090] A battery high-voltage module is a high-voltage power distribution device that may include a high-voltage relay, a high-voltage fuse, and related chips. It can communicate with related modules to ensure the safety of high-voltage power consumption in electrical devices. Optionally, in addition to accommodating the battery high-voltage module, the first accommodating space 301 in this embodiment may also accommodate a battery control module for managing and monitoring the battery. For example, the battery control module may include a Battery Management Unit (BMU) that can control the closing and opening of relays to control the charging or discharging of the battery.

[0091] The enclosure 300 may also include a thermal management component 320, which may be disposed intersecting with the beam 310 for regulating the temperature of the battery high-voltage module. For example, the enclosure 300 may include, Figure 2 The diagram shows a housing body and a lid. The housing body has an opening, and the lid closes the opening to enclose the high-voltage battery module and / or individual battery cells within the hollow structure of the housing body 300. The thermal management component 320 can be positioned opposite the opening of the housing body. When the housing body 300... Figure 3When placed as shown, the thermal management component 320 can also be understood as being located at the bottom of the battery high-voltage module. It should be understood that the thermal management component 320 in this embodiment typically includes a heat exchange plate or a spray structure, which can contain liquid or gas to heat or cool the battery high-voltage module. When cooling or lowering the temperature of the battery high-voltage module, the thermal management component 320 can be used to contain cooling fluid to reduce the temperature of the battery high-voltage module. In this case, the thermal management component 320 can also be called a cooling component, cooling system, or cooling plate, etc., and the fluid it contains can also be called a cooling medium or cooling fluid, more specifically, a coolant or cooling gas. Optionally, the fluid can be circulating to achieve better temperature regulation. Optionally, the fluid can be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or air, etc.

[0092] Optionally, the thermal management component 320 can be fixedly connected to the beam 310 in various ways. For example, the thermal management component 320 and the beam 310 can be fixedly connected by welding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical connection. In other embodiments, the thermal management component 320 and the beam 310 can also be spliced ​​together simply by structural design without being fixed by other means. For example, one of the thermal management component 320 and the beam 310 may have a protrusion, and the other may have a recess, with the protrusion and recess cooperating with each other.

[0093] It should be noted that the thermal management component 320 is intersecting with the beam 310. This can be understood as the main structure of the thermal management component 320 and the main structure of the beam 310 being at an angle. For example, the main structure of the thermal management component 320 is perpendicular to the main structure of the beam 310.

[0094] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The image shows a partial sectional view of a box 300 along line A-A'. Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A partial sectional view of another type of housing 300 along B-B' is shown.

[0095] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320, the thermal management component 320 is located within the first receiving space 301. In other words, the thermal management component 320 is located between the sidewalls of the plurality of beams 310 that enclose and form the first receiving space 301, and in the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320, the thermal management component 320 does not extend beyond the beams 310.

[0096] In this embodiment, on the one hand, by setting the thermal management component 320 to regulate the temperature of the battery high-voltage module, the temperature of the battery high-voltage module can be reduced in time during battery use, thereby improving the service life of the battery high-voltage module; on the other hand, the thermal management component 320 is located in the first accommodating space 301 in the thickness direction Z, which can save the size of the housing 300 in the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320.

[0097] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the beam 310 includes a main body 311 and an extension 312 connected together. The extension 312 extends from the main body 311 toward the first receiving space 301, and the thermal management component 320 is fixedly connected to the extension 312.

[0098] It should be understood that the main body 311 can limit the movement of the battery high-voltage module in the horizontal direction, while the thermal management component 320 and the extension 312 of the beam 310 can jointly limit the movement of the battery high-voltage module in the thickness direction Z. Optionally, the main body 311 can be arranged perpendicularly to the extension 312, the thermal management component 320 can be arranged perpendicularly to the main body 311, and the thermal management component 320 can be arranged parallel to the extension 312.

[0099] In some embodiments, the extension 312 may extend from the bottom of the main body 311 toward the first receiving space 301. In this case, the fixed connection between the extension 312 and the thermal management component 320 causes the first receiving space 301 to form a complete receiving space in the thickness direction Z. In other embodiments, the extension 312 may also extend from the main body 311 at a position in the middle region of the thickness direction Z toward the first receiving space 301. In this case, the fixed connection between the extension 312 and the thermal management component 320 allows the first receiving space 301 to be divided into multiple sub-receiving spaces in the thickness direction Z.

[0100] In this embodiment, by fixing the thermal management component 320 to the extension 312, the bonding strength between the two can be enhanced. On the other hand, the extension 312 is integrally provided with the main body 311 and extends from the main body 311 toward the first receiving space 301, which increases the width of the beam 310 and can increase the vibration frequency of the battery when it is subjected to impact, thereby promoting the uniform distribution of electrolyte inside the battery and improving the charging and discharging performance of the battery.

[0101] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 The surface 3121 of the extension 312 facing the high-voltage battery module is flush with the surface 3201 of the thermal management component 320 facing the high-voltage battery module.

[0102] In other embodiments, the surface 3121 of the extension 312 facing the first receiving space 301 and the surface 3201 of the thermal management component 320 facing the first receiving space 301 may not be flush. That is, the surface 3121 of the extension 312 facing the first receiving space 301 and the surface 3201 of the thermal management component 320 facing the first receiving space 301 have a stepped structure.

[0103] In this embodiment, by setting the surface 3121 of the extension 312 facing the first accommodating space 301 to be flush with the surface 3201 of the thermal management component 320 facing the first accommodating space 301, it is beneficial to place the high-voltage battery module and maximize the utilization of the first accommodating space 301.

[0104] Optionally, in this embodiment, the thermal management component 320 is fixedly connected to the beam 310 by welding.

[0105] In this embodiment, the thermal management component 320 is fixedly connected to the beam 310 by welding, which can improve the structural strength of the box 300 without compromising its integrity. In addition, since the thermal management component 320 is placed in the through hole formed by the beam 310 and the thermal management component 320 and the beam 310 can be directly welded, no additional sealing measures are required, which greatly reduces the manufacturing complexity of the box 300.

[0106] Alternatively, the thermal management component 320 and the beam 310 are fixedly connected by friction stir welding.

[0107] Friction stir welding refers to the process of using the heat generated by the friction between a high-speed rotating welding tool and the workpiece to locally melt the materials being welded. As the welding tool moves forward along the welding interface, the plasticized material flows from the front to the rear of the welding tool under the rotational friction force, forming a dense solid-phase weld under the pressure of the welding tool. The advantages of friction stir welding are low welding cost and simple operation.

[0108] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the thermal management component 320 includes a first heat exchange plate 321, which includes a first flow channel 3213, and the first flow channel 3213 is curved.

[0109] In other words, the first heat exchange plate 321 is manufactured by a stamping process, and the extension shape of the first flow channel 3213 of the first heat exchange plate 321 can be, for example, serrated, sinusoidal, sawtooth, or pulse-shaped. The extension shape of the first flow channel 3213 of the first heat exchange plate 321 can also be as follows: Figure 6 The irregularly bent shape shown. For example... Figure 6As shown, the first heat exchange plate 321 may include an upper plate 3211 and a lower plate 3212. A first flow channel 3213 is formed by stamping on the lower plate 3212, and a male connector is provided on the upper plate 3211. The upper plate 3211 and the lower plate 3212 are formed by brazing to form the first heat exchange plate 321 with the first flow channel 3213.

[0110] In this embodiment, the first flow channel 3213 of the first heat exchange plate 321 is designed as a curve, which is beneficial to increase the flow length of the fluid in a limited space, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency. In addition, designing the flow channel of the first heat exchange plate 321 as a curve can also be understood as using a stamping process to manufacture the first heat exchange plate 321, which is beneficial to reduce the weight of the housing 300, thereby improving the energy density of the battery.

[0111] Further reference Figure 4 The housing 300 also includes a first protective plate 330, which is intersected with the beam 310 and is located on the side of the first heat exchange plate 321 away from the first accommodating space 301.

[0112] It should be noted that the first protective plate 330 is intersecting with the beam 310. This can be understood as the main structure of the first protective plate 330 and the main structure of the beam 310 being set at an angle. For example, the main structure of the first protective plate 330 is perpendicular to the main structure of the beam 310.

[0113] Alternatively, the first protective plate 330 is disposed perpendicular to the main body 311, and the first protective plate 330 is disposed parallel to the extension 312.

[0114] Since the first heat exchange plate 321 formed by stamping is usually not strong enough, a first protective plate 330 is set at the bottom of the first heat exchange plate 321. On the one hand, it can protect the first heat exchange plate 321, and on the other hand, it can improve the overall strength of the housing 300.

[0115] Optionally, the first protective plate 330 can be made of the same material as the housing 300. Specifically, the first protective plate 330 can be made of the same material as the beam 310. For example, if the beam 310 is made of aluminum, the first protective plate 330 can be made of aluminum.

[0116] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320, the first protective plate 330 is located within the first accommodating space 301.

[0117] In other words, the first protective plate 330 is located between the side walls of the plurality of beams 310 that enclose the first receiving space 301, and in the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320, the first protective plate 330 does not extend beyond the beams 310.

[0118] Optionally, the first protective plate 330 can be fixedly connected to the beam 310. Further, the first protective plate 330 and the beam 310 can be fixedly connected by welding. For example, the first protective plate 330 and the beam 310 can be fixedly connected by friction stir welding.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first protective plate 330 may be fixedly connected to the extension 312 of the beam 310. For example, the first protective plate 330 and the extension 312 of the beam 310 may be fixedly connected by welding, such that the surface of the first protective plate 330 away from the high-voltage battery module is flush with the surface of the extension away from the high-voltage battery module. At the same time, the thermal management component 320 may also be fixedly connected to the extension 312 of the beam 310 by welding, such that the surface 3201 of the thermal management component 320 facing the high-voltage battery module is flush with the surface 3121 of the extension 312 facing the high-voltage battery module.

[0120] In other embodiments, the first protective plate 330 and the beam 310 may be spliced ​​together by structural design without being fixed by other means. For example, one of the first protective plate 330 and the beam 310 may have a protrusion and the other may have a recess, with the protrusion and the recess cooperating with each other.

[0121] In this embodiment, the first protective plate 330 is located within the first accommodating space 301 in the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320, which can save the size of the housing 300 in the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320. In addition, fixing the first protective plate 330 to the beam 310 is beneficial to enhance the structural strength of the housing 300 without compromising the integrity of the housing 300.

[0122] In other embodiments, the first protective plate 330 may be fixedly connected to the thermal management component 320, but not fixedly connected to the beam 310. For example, the first protective plate 330 and the thermal management component 320 may be snap-fitted together.

[0123] See further Figure 4 A buffer element 340 is provided between the first heat exchange plate 321 and the first protective plate 330. In some embodiments, the buffer element 340 may be cushioning foam.

[0124] In this embodiment, by providing a buffer 340 between the first heat exchange plate 321 and the first protective plate 330, the impact of the bottom ball impact on the inside of the battery can be reduced.

[0125] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the thermal management component 320 includes a second heat exchange plate 322, which includes a second flow channel 3221, which is linear.

[0126] In other words, the second heat exchange plate 322 is manufactured using a profile extrusion process. Extruded profile heat exchange plates typically have a harmonica-tube structure, with straight internal flow channels, unlike the arbitrarily bent flow channels of stamped heat exchange plates. Furthermore, both ends of the heat exchange plate are collectors, serving a confluence function. In this embodiment, the second flow channel 3221 of the second heat exchange plate 322 is designed as a straight line, which can also be understood as using a profile extrusion process to manufacture the second heat exchange plate 322. This facilitates rapid fluid flow within the profile, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. Additionally, the second heat exchange plate 322 manufactured using the profile extrusion process can directly support the high-voltage battery module, eliminating the need for a support plate below the thermal management component 320, thus reducing costs.

[0127] Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, the second heat exchange plate 322 has openings 3222 at both ends along the first direction X, where the first direction X is the extension direction of the second flow channel 3221. The housing 300 also includes a sealing strip 350, which is disposed at the opening 3222 and is used to seal the opening 3222.

[0128] Since the two ends of the second heat exchange plate 322 prepared by the profile extrusion process are usually not closed, in this embodiment, openings 3222 are provided at both ends of the second heat exchange plate 322 along the first direction X, and sealing strips 350 are provided at the openings 3222 to seal the openings 3222, so that the second flow channel 3221 forms a closed loop in the second heat exchange plate 322, reducing the possibility of leakage.

[0129] Optionally, a sealing strip 350 can be provided at each end of the second heat exchange plate 322 along the first direction X, so that the sealing structure used to block the multiple second flow channels 3221 forms a whole, thereby reducing the splicing gap between the sealing strips 350.

[0130] Optionally, in this embodiment, the sealing strip 350 is a metal strip, and the metal strip is fixedly connected to the second heat exchange plate 322 by welding.

[0131] In this embodiment, the metal strip is fixedly connected to the second heat exchange plate 322 by welding to seal the opening 3222 of the second heat exchange plate 322, which can further reduce the possibility of leakage.

[0132] In other embodiments, the sealing strip 350 may also be made of non-metallic material and may be fixedly connected to the second heat exchange plate 322 by means of adhesive or other methods.

[0133] See also Figure 7The metal strip extends through the second heat exchange plate 322 along the second direction Y, such that the metal strip is welded to the second heat exchange plate 322 at the opening along the second direction Y, where the second direction Y is the length direction of the metal strip. For example, the second heat exchange plate 322 and the metal strip are fixedly connected by argon arc welding at the opening along the second direction Y of the second heat exchange plate 322.

[0134] In this embodiment, since the metal strip and the second heat exchange plate 322 are integrated and then placed between the side walls of the beam 310 and fixedly connected to the beam 310, the integrated second heat exchange plate 322 and the metal strip form a plane facing the side wall of the beam 310. Therefore, it is not convenient to weld and fix the second heat exchange plate 322 and the metal strip at the opening 3222 along the first direction X. The metal strip passes through the second heat exchange plate 322 along the second direction Y, which facilitates the welding operation of the metal strip and the second heat exchange plate 322.

[0135] See further Figure 7 The second flow channel 3221 can be set only in the middle area of ​​the second heat exchange plate 322 along the width direction, and the sealing strip 350 can also only span the middle area. In order to facilitate welding operations, a notch can be set in the edge area of ​​the second heat exchange plate 322 along the width direction.

[0136] After the sealing strip 350 is integrated with the second heat exchange plate 322, the second heat exchange plate 322 can be further welded to the beam 310.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first receiving space 301 may be located at the end of the housing 300 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320.

[0138] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first accommodating space 301 can be located at one end of the box body 300 along its length. For example, the first accommodating space 301 can also be located at one end of the box body 300 along its width. In other embodiments, the first accommodating space 301 can also be located at one or both ends of the box body 300 along its length, and / or, the first accommodating space 301 can also be located at one or both ends of the box body 300 along its width.

[0139] In this embodiment, the first accommodating space 301 is located at the end of the housing 300, which can make full use of the remaining space in the housing 300 after the battery cells are arranged while the battery cells are arranged in a concentrated manner, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the housing 300.

[0140] In some other embodiments, the first accommodating space 301 may also be located in the middle space of the housing 300. For example, the first accommodating space 301 divides the space of the housing 300 for accommodating battery cells into two spaces.

[0141] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, multiple beams 310 also enclose a second accommodating space 302, which is adjacent to the first accommodating space 301. The second accommodating space 302 is used to accommodate battery cells. The housing 300 also includes a second protective plate 360 ​​for supporting the battery cells. The second protective plate 360 ​​extends to the side of the thermal management component 320 away from the high-voltage battery module.

[0142] Optionally, the second protective plate 360 ​​can be disposed at the bottom of the battery cell, and the second protective plate 360 ​​can be fixedly connected to the beam 310, for example, the second protective plate 360 ​​can be fixedly connected to the beam by bolts.

[0143] In this embodiment, extending the second protective plate 360 ​​for supporting the battery cell to the side of the thermal management component 320 away from the high-voltage battery module can improve the support strength of the housing 300.

[0144] In other embodiments, the housing 300 may further include a thermal management component for regulating the thermal management of the battery cells, which may be disposed at the bottom, top, and side of the battery cells. This application does not limit the location or structural form of the thermal management component for the battery cells.

[0145] See you again Figures 3 to 8This application provides a housing 300, including multiple beams 310, which enclose a first accommodating space 301 and a second accommodating space 302. The first accommodating space 301 is located at the end of the housing 300 and is used to accommodate a high-voltage battery module. The second accommodating space 302 is adjacent to the first accommodating space and is used to accommodate individual battery cells. Each beam 310 includes a connected main body 311 and an extension 312, with the extension 312 extending from the main body 311 toward the first accommodating space 301. The housing 300 also includes a thermal management component 320, which is disposed at the bottom of the high-voltage battery module. The surface 3121 of the extension 312 facing the high-voltage battery module is flush with the surface 3201 of the thermal management component 320 facing the high-voltage battery module. The thermal management component 320 and the extension 312 are fixedly connected by friction stir welding. The thermal management component 320 includes a first heat exchange plate 321, which includes a first flow channel 3213. The first flow channel 3213 is curved. The housing 300 also includes a first protective plate 330 and a buffer member 340. The first protective plate 330 is disposed at the bottom of the thermal management component 320, and the buffer member 340 is disposed between the first protective plate 330 and the thermal management component 320. The surface of the first protective plate 330 away from the high-voltage module of the battery is flush with the surface of the extension 312 away from the high-voltage module of the battery. The first protective plate 330 and the extension 312 are fixedly connected by friction stir welding. The housing 300 also includes a second protective plate 360, which is disposed at the bottom of the battery cell and is used to support the battery cell. The second protective plate 360 ​​extends to the side of the thermal management component 320 away from the high-voltage module of the battery.

[0146] In this embodiment, by placing the thermal management component 320 within the through hole formed by the beam 310 and fixing the thermal management component 320 to the beam 310 by friction stir welding, the dimension of the housing 300 in the thickness direction Z can be greatly reduced, and no additional sealing measures are required, thus reducing costs. Furthermore, the first protective plate 330 provided at the bottom of the thermal management component 320 can enhance the strength of the housing 300. Finally, the buffer 340 provided between the first protective plate 330 and the thermal management component 320 can mitigate the impact of bottom ball impacts on the battery's internal structure.

[0147] This application also provides a battery, including a high-voltage battery module and a housing 300 as described in the various embodiments above. The high-voltage battery module is housed within a first receiving space 301 of the housing 300.

[0148] Optionally, the first receiving space 301 is located at the end of the housing 300 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the thermal management component 320.

[0149] Optionally, the battery also includes battery cells, which are disposed in the second receiving space 302 of the housing 300, and the second receiving space 302 is adjacent to the first receiving space 301.

[0150] This application also provides an electrical device, including a battery having a housing 300 as described in the various embodiments above, the battery being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0151] Electrical devices can be such as Figure 1 The vehicle shown can also be any device that uses batteries.

[0152] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A box, characterized in that, include: Multiple beams (310) enclose a first accommodating space (301), which is used to accommodate the high-voltage battery module; A thermal management component (320) is disposed intersecting with the beam (310) and is used to regulate the temperature of the battery high-voltage module; In the thickness direction (Z) of the thermal management component (320), the thermal management component (320) is located within the first accommodating space (301).

2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beam (310) includes a connected main body (311) and an extension (312), the extension (312) extending from the main body (311) toward the first receiving space (301), and the thermal management component (320) being fixedly connected to the extension (312).

3. The housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface (3121) of the extension (312) facing the high-voltage battery module is flush with the surface (3201) of the thermal management component (320) facing the high-voltage battery module.

4. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The thermal management component (320) is fixedly connected to the beam (310) by welding.

5. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The thermal management component (320) includes a first heat exchange plate (321), the first heat exchange plate (321) includes a first flow channel (3213), and the first flow channel (3213) is curved.

6. The housing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The enclosure (300) also includes: The first protective plate (330) is intersecting with the beam (310) and is located on the side of the first heat exchange plate (321) away from the first accommodating space (301).

7. The housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the thickness direction (Z) of the thermal management component (320), the first protective plate (330) is located within the first accommodating space (301).

8. The housing according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, A buffer (340) is provided between the first heat exchange plate (321) and the first protective plate (330).

9. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The thermal management component (320) includes a second heat exchange plate (322), the second heat exchange plate (322) includes a second flow channel (3221), the second flow channel (3221) is linear.

10. The housing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second heat exchange plate (322) has openings (3222) at both ends along a first direction (X), the first direction (X) being the extension direction of the second flow channel (3221), and the housing (300) further includes: A sealing strip (350) is provided at the opening (3222) to seal the opening (3222).

11. The housing according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sealing strip (350) is a metal strip, and the metal strip is fixedly connected to the second heat exchange plate (322) by welding.

12. The housing according to claim 11, characterized in that, The metal strip passes through the second heat exchange plate (322) along the second direction (Y), where the second direction (Y) is the length direction of the metal strip.

13. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first receiving space (301) is located at the end of the housing (300) in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z) of the thermal management component (320).

14. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The plurality of beams (310) further enclose a second accommodating space (302), which is adjacent to the first accommodating space (301). The second accommodating space (302) is used to accommodate individual battery cells. The housing (300) also includes: A second protective plate (360) is used to support the battery cell, and the second protective plate (360) extends to the side of the thermal management component (320) away from the battery high-voltage module.

15. A battery, characterized in that, It includes a battery high-voltage module and a housing (300) as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the battery high-voltage module is disposed within a first receiving space (301) of the housing (300).

16. The battery according to claim 15, characterized in that, In a direction perpendicular to the thermal management component (320), the first accommodating space (301) is located at the end of the housing (300).

17. The battery according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The battery also includes a battery cell, which is disposed in the second accommodating space (302) of the housing (300), and the second accommodating space (302) is adjacent to the first accommodating space (301).

18. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery as described in any one of claims 15 to 17, the battery being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

Images