Heat exchange structure, battery, energy storage device and power utilization device

Abstract

The invention discloses a heat exchange structure, a battery, an energy storage device and an electric device, the heat exchange structure comprises a liquid inlet joint, a liquid outlet joint and at least two heat exchange tubes, the at least two heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint, the liquid inlet joint is used for guiding a heat exchange medium into the at least two heat exchange tubes, and the liquid outlet joint is used for guiding the heat exchange medium into the at least two heat exchange tubes; the liquid outlet connector is used for guiding out the heat exchange media in the at least two heat exchange pipes. The battery comprises at least one battery monomer, a battery box and the heat exchange structure, wherein the heat exchange structure is arranged inside or outside the battery box. The energy storage device comprises the battery. The power utilization device comprises the battery for providing electric energy. The invention provides a heat exchange structure with relatively good heat management capability, a battery, an energy storage device and an electric device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a heat exchange structure, a battery, an energy storage device, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] New energy batteries are finding increasingly widespread application in everyday life and industry. For example, battery-powered new energy vehicles are already widely used, and batteries are also increasingly being used in energy storage applications. In electric vehicles, the battery pack, as the power source, significantly impacts overall vehicle performance, including roadworthiness, safety, reliability, and durability.

[0003] Existing battery packs manage heat by exchanging heat with the batteries within the pack through a liquid-cooling structure that circulates coolant. The cooling effect of the liquid-cooling structure is closely related to the battery lifespan and charge / discharge capacity. Therefore, improving the thermal management capabilities of batteries is a topic of ongoing research in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a heat exchange structure, a battery, an energy storage device and an electrical device with good thermal management capabilities.

[0005] This application is implemented through the following technical solutions.

[0006] The first aspect of the present application provides a heat exchange structure for a battery, comprising a liquid inlet joint, a liquid outlet joint and at least two heat exchange tubes, wherein at least two of the heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint, the liquid inlet joint is used to introduce a heat exchange medium into the at least two heat exchange tubes, and the liquid outlet joint is used to discharge the heat exchange medium in the at least two heat exchange tubes.

[0007] Because the heat exchange structure includes at least two heat exchange tubes, and at least two heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel, heat exchange medium flows through the at least two heat exchange tubes simultaneously, and the temperature changes of the heat exchange medium in the at least two heat exchange tubes during the circulation process are similar. That is, the heat exchange effects of each heat exchange tube are similar. Moreover, compared with the prior art that uses a single heat exchange tube, for battery wall surfaces of the same area, the use of at least two heat exchange tubes can reduce the length of each heat exchange tube, shorten the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange tubes, shorten the duration of a single heat exchange stroke in the heat exchange tubes, and improve the cooling effect of the heat exchange medium in a single heat exchange stroke. Therefore, the heat exchange effect of each heat exchange tube is relatively good. Moreover, although the length of each heat exchange tube is shortened, the number of heat exchange tubes is increased at the same time. The area of the battery wall surface contacting the heat exchange tubes can remain unchanged. In other words, the total area of the battery wall surface being heated can remain unchanged, and the heat exchange effect per unit area is improved. Therefore, the overall heat exchange effect of the battery wall surface is improved, effectively improving the temperature control effect of the battery.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least two of the heat exchange tubes are distributed sequentially along a first direction, and the liquid inlet joint and / or the liquid outlet joint are arranged on one side of the heat exchange tube along a second direction, and the second direction intersects the first direction.

[0009] In this way, the liquid inlet joint and / or the liquid outlet joint do not occupy the position in the first direction of the heat exchange tube, reducing the space occupied in the first direction. The space in the first direction is provided for the distribution of the heat exchange tube, making the layout of the heat exchange tube more reasonable, thereby helping to improve the heat exchange effect.

[0010] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint are arranged on the same side of the heat exchange tube along the second direction.

[0011] In this way, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint occupy the space on the same side of the heat exchange tube, reducing the space occupied in the second direction, which is beneficial to reducing the overall volume of the battery and reducing the space occupied in the electrical device.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least two of the heat exchange tubes include a first heat exchange tube and a second heat exchange tube, the first heat exchange tube includes a first bent tube segment, a first tortuous tube segment and a first straight tube segment connected in sequence, the second heat exchange tube includes a second bent tube segment, a second tortuous tube segment and a second straight tube segment connected in sequence, the first tortuous tube segment and the second tortuous tube segment are spaced apart in the first direction, the ends of the first tortuous tube segment and the second tortuous tube segment close to each other are respectively connected to the first straight tube segment and the second straight tube segment, the ends away from each other are respectively connected to the first bent tube segment and the second bent tube segment, the first bent tube segment and the second bent tube segment are connected to one of the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint, and the first straight tube segment and the second straight tube segment are connected to the other of the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint.

[0013] In this way, the first tortuous pipe section and the second tortuous pipe section mainly serve to store a large amount of heat exchange medium and perform heat exchange, the first bent pipe section and the second bent pipe section mainly serve to import or export the heat exchange medium, and the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section mainly serve to export or import the heat exchange medium, so that the first heat exchange tube and the second heat exchange tube are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint, shortening the duration of a heat exchange stroke in the heat exchange tube and improving the cooling effect of a heat exchange stroke of the heat exchange medium.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first bent pipe segment includes a first guide pipe segment extending along the first direction and a first connecting pipe segment extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, one end of the first guide pipe segment is connected to the first bent pipe segment, and the other end is connected to the first connecting pipe segment, and the end of the first connecting pipe segment facing away from the first guide pipe segment is connected to the liquid outlet joint or the liquid inlet joint; the second bent pipe segment includes a second guide pipe segment extending along the first direction and a second connecting pipe segment extending along the second direction, one end of the second guide pipe segment is connected to the second bent pipe segment, and the other end is connected to the second connecting pipe segment, and the end of the second connecting pipe segment facing away from the second guide pipe segment is connected to the liquid outlet joint or the liquid inlet joint.

[0015] The first flow guide pipe section and the second flow guide pipe section both extend along the first direction, so that the first connecting pipe section and the second connecting pipe section are close to each other in the first direction. The first connecting pipe section and the second connecting pipe section both extend along the second direction, so that the first connecting pipe section and the second connecting pipe section are close to each other and parallel. In this way, the structure of the first heat exchange tube and the second heat exchange tube is compact, the structural strength of the heat exchange structure is improved, and a larger space can be left for the arrangement of other battery components.

[0016] In some embodiments, along a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions, the projection of the first flow-guiding pipe segment and the projections of the first and second straight pipe segments have an overlapping portion. This allows the first connecting pipe segment to approach the second connecting pipe segment, thereby enabling the first and second connecting pipe segments to connect to the same liquid outlet connector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the portion of the first guide pipe section that intersects with the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section is bent and deformed in a direction away from the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section to form a first accommodating groove, and / or the portions of the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section that intersect with the first guide pipe section are both bent and deformed in a direction away from the first guide pipe section to form a second accommodating groove.

[0018] The first accommodating groove and the second accommodating groove are set to allow the first guide pipe section and the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section to avoid each other, so that the other parts of the first guide pipe section except the first accommodating groove and the other parts of the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section except the second accommodating groove can be in the same plane formed by the first direction and the second direction. In this way, the space occupied in the third direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction is reduced.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first tortuous tube segment extends along a tortuous path, and / or the second tortuous tube segment extends along a tortuous path.

[0020] The first zigzag pipe section extends along a tortuous path, so that the length of the first zigzag pipe section is longer within the limited space; the second zigzag pipe section extends along a tortuous path, so that the length of the second zigzag pipe section is longer within the limited space, thereby improving the heat exchange effect.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first bent pipe section and the second bent pipe section are respectively connected to the liquid outlet joint, and the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section are respectively connected to the liquid inlet joint.

[0022] The first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section are respectively connected to the liquid inlet joint for introducing the heat exchange medium, and the first bent pipe section and the second bent pipe section are respectively connected to the liquid outlet joint for discharging the heat exchange medium. Since the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section both extend along the second direction, and the first bent pipe section and the second bent pipe section are bent structures, the lengths of the first bent pipe section and the second bent pipe section are longer than the lengths of the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section. Therefore, using the shorter first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section to introduce the heat exchange medium can allow the heat exchange medium to be introduced into the first and second bent pipe sections as quickly as possible, reducing the degree of temperature change of the heat exchange medium during the introduction process, so that the temperature change of the heat exchange medium entering the first and second bent pipe sections is smaller than that at the initial stage, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the first and second bent pipe sections.

[0023] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet joint has a liquid inlet and two liquid inlet outlets both connected to the liquid inlet, the two liquid inlet outlets are respectively connected to the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section, and the liquid inlet is used to supply heat exchange medium; the liquid outlet joint has a liquid discharge outlet and two liquid discharge inlets both connected to the liquid discharge outlet, the two liquid discharge inlets are respectively connected to the first bent pipe section and the second bent pipe section, and the liquid discharge outlet is used to discharge heat exchange medium.

[0024] In this way, the liquid inlet connector can simultaneously connect the external heat exchange medium supply pipe to the two heat exchange tubes, and the liquid outlet connector can simultaneously connect the external heat exchange medium collection pipe to the two heat exchange tubes. This allows the heat exchange medium entering through the liquid inlet connector to be diverted to the two heat exchange tubes. After heat exchange in the two heat exchange tubes, the heat exchange medium converges at the liquid outlet connector for discharge. This achieves parallel connection of the two heat exchange tubes between the liquid inlet connector and the liquid outlet connector. This shortens the duration of a single heat exchange cycle within the heat exchange tubes and improves the cooling effect of the heat exchange medium during a single heat exchange cycle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heat exchange tubes include flat tubes.

[0026] The flat tube is a flat tubular structure with its large surface facing the wall of the battery, which can improve the heat exchange effect.

[0027] In some embodiments, the crossing comprises a perpendicular crossing.

[0028] In this way, the heat exchange structure is close to a rectangle, which is more suitable for the rectangular wall surface of the battery, thereby improving the heat exchange effect.

[0029] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the heat exchange tube along the second direction.

[0030] In this way, the pipe for supplying heat exchange medium connected to the liquid inlet joint and the pipe for collecting heat exchange medium connected to the liquid outlet joint are respectively located on opposite sides of the heat exchange tube along the second direction, and their respective operating spaces are relatively large, making the operation of connecting the pipelines more convenient.

[0031] A second aspect of the present application provides a battery, comprising: at least one battery cell; a battery box in which the battery cell is housed; and the above-mentioned heat exchange structure, which is arranged inside or outside the battery box.

[0032] Since the heat exchange structure has good heat exchange effect, low cost and low energy consumption, the battery provided in this application has good temperature control capability, low cost and low energy consumption.

[0033] In some embodiments, the battery cells are disposed on the inner bottom surface of the battery box, and the heat exchange tubes are all attached to the outer bottom surface of the battery box.

[0034] The heat exchange tubes of the heat exchange structure are all attached to the outer bottom surface of the battery box, and can exchange heat with the battery cells arranged on the inner bottom surface of the battery box, which has a good heat exchange effect and enables the battery to have better temperature control capabilities.

[0035] A third aspect of the present application provides an energy storage device, which includes the above-mentioned battery.

[0036] In this way, the energy storage device has good temperature control capability, low cost and low energy consumption.

[0037] A fourth aspect of the present application provides an electrical device, comprising the above-mentioned battery for providing electrical energy.

[0038] In this way, the electrical device has better temperature control capability, low cost and low energy consumption.

[0039] Effects of the Invention

[0040] Through the present application, a heat exchange structure, a battery, an energy storage device and an electrical device with good thermal management capabilities can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same components. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic exploded perspective view of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic exploded perspective view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figure 4 A schematic exploded perspective view of a partial structure of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange structure provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0048] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the outer bottom of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view at AA in the middle;

[0050] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view at the middle BB;

[0051] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a liquid inlet connector provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0052] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a liquid outlet connector provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0053] Figure 12 A schematic structural diagram of the outer bottom of a box provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0054] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Cross-sectional view at CC.

[0055] Description of Reference Numerals

[0056] 1000 vehicle; 100 battery; 200 controller; 300 motor; 10 battery box; 101 box cover; 102 box body; 1021 heat exchange area; 1022 avoidance groove; 1023 limiting groove; 1024 limiting protrusion; 20 battery cell; 201 end cap; 202 housing; 203 electrode assembly; 204 pressure relief mechanism; 205 electrode terminal; 206 electrode tab; X first direction; Y second direction; Z third direction;

[0057] 30 heat exchange structure; 1 liquid inlet joint; 11 liquid inlet; 12 liquid inlet outlet; 2 liquid outlet joint; 21 liquid discharge outlet; 22 liquid discharge inlet; 31 first heat exchange tube; 311 first bent tube section; 3111 first flow guide tube section; 3112 first connecting tube section; 3113 first accommodating groove; 312 first tortuous tube section; 3121 straight section; 3122 first arc section; 3123 second arc section; 313 first straight tube section; 32 second heat exchange tube; 321 second bent tube section; 3211 second flow guide tube section; 3212 second connecting tube section; 322 second tortuous tube section; 323 second straight tube section; 3131 second accommodating groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments 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 figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0060] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0061] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present 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. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0062] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0063] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by technical terms such as "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", and "circumferential" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

[0064] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0065] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be understood in a broad sense, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact with essentially no interaction force between the two contacting parties, or contact with interaction force between the two contacting parties.

[0066] Below, this application is described in detail.

[0067] Currently, new energy batteries are increasingly being used in everyday life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in a variety of fields such as aerospace. As the application of power batteries continues to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0068] During use, batteries heat up, which can have adverse effects on the battery itself and its surroundings. For example, excessively high temperatures can accelerate the rate of chemical reactions within the battery, causing its capacity to decay faster, damaging its chemical structure and performance, and thus shortening its lifespan. Excessively high temperatures can limit the battery's charge and discharge capabilities, leading to decreased performance. Excessively high temperatures can increase internal pressure and even trigger dangerous conditions such as thermal runaway and explosion, posing serious safety threats to users and the surrounding environment. Therefore, a heat exchange structure is provided to control the battery's temperature and keep it within an appropriate range.

[0069] The inventors of the present application noticed that the heat exchange structure includes a heat exchange tube. A typical heat exchange tube is a continuous tortuous pipe. One end of the heat exchange tube is open for introducing a heat exchange medium, and the other end is open for discharging the heat exchange medium. In order to improve the heat exchange effect, the total length of the heat exchange tube is relatively long so that it can cover a certain wall of the battery as much as possible. After the heat exchange medium enters the heat exchange tube, as the flow time increases, the temperature of the heat exchange medium gradually approaches the temperature of the battery, and the heat exchange effect becomes worse and worse. The total length of the heat exchange tube is relatively long, and the time of one heat exchange journey in the heat exchange tube is relatively long. Therefore, the cooling effect of a heat exchange tube is relatively poor.

[0070] After research, the inventors of this application discovered that using at least two heat exchange tubes in parallel instead of a single one can improve cooling efficiency. For battery wall surfaces of the same size, using at least two heat exchange tubes can reduce the length of each tube, shorten the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the tubes, shorten the duration of each heat exchange cycle within the tubes, and improve the cooling efficiency of each heat exchange cycle. Furthermore, while the length of each tube is shortened, the number of tubes is increased, and the area of the battery wall exposed to the tubes remains unchanged. This effectively improves the battery's temperature control.

[0071] Based on this design concept, the inventor of this application designed a heat exchange structure, which includes a liquid inlet joint, a liquid outlet joint and at least two heat exchange tubes. The at least two heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint. The liquid inlet joint is used to introduce the heat exchange medium into the at least two heat exchange tubes, and the liquid outlet joint is used to discharge the heat exchange medium in the at least two heat exchange tubes.

[0072] Because the heat exchange structure includes at least two heat exchange tubes, and at least two heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel, heat exchange medium flows through at least two heat exchange tubes simultaneously. The temperature changes of the heat exchange medium in at least two heat exchange tubes during circulation are similar, that is, the heat exchange efficiency of each heat exchange tube is similar. Moreover, compared with the prior art method of using a single heat exchange tube, for a battery wall of the same area, the use of at least two heat exchange tubes can reduce the length of each heat exchange tube, shorten the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the heat exchange tube, shorten the duration of a single heat exchange process within the heat exchange tube, and improve the cooling effect of the heat exchange medium during a single heat exchange process. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency of each heat exchange tube is relatively good. Moreover, while the length of each heat exchange tube is shortened, the number of heat exchange tubes is increased. The area of the battery wall surface contacting the heat exchange tubes can remain unchanged. In other words, the total area of the battery wall surface subjected to heat exchange can remain unchanged, while the heat exchange efficiency per unit area is improved. Therefore, the overall heat exchange efficiency of the battery wall surface is improved, effectively enhancing the temperature control effect of the battery.

[0073] The heat exchange structure provided in the embodiments of the present application can be used, but is not limited to, in batteries, energy storage devices, or electrical equipment, for example, for thermal management of batteries, energy storage devices, or electrical equipment. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the heat exchange structure provided in the embodiments of the present application is not only used for thermal management of batteries, energy storage devices, or electrical equipment, but can also be used for thermal management of other objects requiring temperature control.

[0074] Embodiments of the present application provide a battery comprising at least one battery cell and a heat exchange structure. The battery can be used, but is not limited to, in mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, and the like. Electric toys can include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft.

[0075] The embodiments of the present application provide an electrical device including the above-mentioned battery for providing electrical energy. The electrical device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc.

[0076] In the following embodiments, for the convenience of description, the electric device of one embodiment of the present application is taken as an example of a vehicle 1000. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 1000 is provided for some embodiments of the present application.

[0078] The vehicle 1000 may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended range vehicle. Figure 1 As shown, a battery 100 is installed inside vehicle 1000. Battery 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1000. Battery 100 can be used to power vehicle 1000. For example, battery 100 can serve as an operating power source for vehicle 1000. Vehicle 1000 also includes a controller 200 and a motor 300. Controller 200 is used to control battery 100 to power motor 300, for example, to meet the power requirements of vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0080] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the battery 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery 100 includes a battery box 10 and at least one battery cell 20. The battery box 10 is provided with an accommodation space, and the at least one battery cell 20 is accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery box 10 includes a box body 102 and a box cover 101 , and the box cover 101 covers the box body 102 , thereby forming the accommodation space between the box body 102 and the box cover 101 .

[0083] The case 102 can be a hollow structure with one end open, and the cover 101 can be a plate-like structure. The cover 101 covers the open side of the case 102, so that the cover 101 and the case 102 jointly define a storage space. The cover 101 and the case 102 can also be hollow structures with one end open, with the open side of the cover 101 covering the open side of the case 102. Of course, the battery case 10 formed by the cover 101 and the case 102 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, etc.

[0084] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 20, and the multiple battery cells 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection. A hybrid connection refers to a combination of series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 20. The multiple battery cells 20 may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection, and then the entire battery cell 20 may be placed in the storage space formed by the case 102 and the case cover 101. Of course, the battery 100 may also be a battery module formed by first connecting multiple battery cells 20 in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection, and then the multiple battery modules are further connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form an entire battery cell, which is then stored in the storage space formed by the case 102 and the case cover 101. The battery 100 may also include other structures, for example, the battery 100 may also include a busbar component for electrically connecting the multiple battery cells 20.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 20 may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0086] The battery cell 20 can be a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a sodium lithium ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a magnesium ion battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lead storage battery, etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0087] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery cell 20 provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 3 A battery cell 20 is the smallest unit of a battery. It includes an outer casing, an electrode assembly 203, and other functional components. The outer casing includes an end cap 201 and a housing 202. Housing 202 has a storage space and an opening. The electrode assembly 203 is positioned within the storage space, and the end cap 201 seals the opening of housing 202.

[0089] The end cap 201 is a component that covers the opening of the housing 202 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. Without limitation, the shape of the end cap 201 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 202 to match the housing 202. Optionally, the end cap 201 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy). In this way, the end cap 201 is less likely to deform when squeezed or collided, giving the battery cell 20 a higher structural strength and improved safety performance. The electrode terminal 205 is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 203 for outputting or inputting electrical energy from the battery cell 20.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present application, the end cap 201 may also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism 204 for releasing the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold value. The material of the end cap 201 may also be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any special restrictions on this. In some embodiments of the present application, an insulating member may also be provided on the inner side of the end cap 201. The insulating member may be used to isolate the electrical connection components in the housing 202 from the end cap 201 to reduce the risk of short circuit. Exemplarily, the insulating member may be plastic, rubber, etc.

[0091] The shell 202 is a component used to cooperate with the end cap 201 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20, wherein the formed internal environment can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 203, electrolyte and other components. The shell 202 and the end cap 201 can be independent components. An opening can be set on the shell 202, and the internal environment of the battery cell 20 is formed by covering the opening with the end cap 201. Without limitation, the end cap 201 and the shell 202 can also be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 201 and the shell 202 can form a common connection surface before other components are inserted into the shell. When the interior of the shell 202 needs to be encapsulated, the end cap 201 is then covered with the shell 202. The shell 202 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylindrical shape, a hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the shell 202 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 203. The shell 202 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0092] The electrode assembly 203 is a component in the battery cell 20 where electrochemical reactions occur. One or more electrode assemblies 203 may be contained in the housing 202. The electrode assembly 203 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and an isolator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets with active materials constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, and the parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active materials each constitute a tab 206. The positive tab and the negative tab may be located together at one end of the main body or respectively at both ends of the main body. During the charge and discharge process of the battery, the positive active material and the negative active material react with the electrolyte, and the tab 206 connects to the electrode terminal 205 to form a current loop.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 includes a heat exchange structure 30 , which is disposed close to the battery cell 20 .

[0094] The heat exchange structure 30 is a structure for exchanging heat with the battery cell 20 so as to reduce the temperature of the battery when the battery heats up during use, thereby controlling the temperature of the battery and keeping the temperature of the battery within an appropriate temperature range.

[0095] Below, refer to Figures 4 to 13 Some embodiments of the present application are described in detail.

[0096] Figure 4 A schematic exploded perspective view of a partial structure of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange structure provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the outer bottom of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view at AA in the middle; Figure 9 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view at the middle BB; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a liquid inlet connector provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a liquid outlet connector provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 12 A schematic structural diagram of the outer bottom of a box provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 13 for Figure 12 Cross-sectional view at CC.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present application, for ease of explanation, a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction are set. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are directions that intersect with each other. Here, intersecting with each other includes intersecting perpendicularly with each other. Figures 1 to 13 In the embodiment shown, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other for illustration, but those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiment of the present application is not limited to the case where the three directions are perpendicular to each other. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figures 7 to 11 As shown by the arrows in FIG, the direction of arrow X is the first direction, the direction of arrow Y is the second direction, and the direction of arrow Z is the third direction. The direction indicated by arrow Z along the third direction is sometimes referred to as "upward," and the opposite direction is referred to as "downward."

[0098] The embodiment of the present application provides a heat exchange structure 30, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the heat exchange structure 30 includes a liquid inlet joint 1, a liquid outlet joint 2 and at least two heat exchange tubes. The at least two heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet joint 1 and the liquid outlet joint 2. The liquid inlet joint 1 is used to introduce the heat exchange medium into the at least two heat exchange tubes, and the liquid outlet joint 2 is used to discharge the heat exchange medium in the at least two heat exchange tubes.

[0099] A heat exchange tube is a structure with an internal flow channel. One end of the flow channel has an inlet for the heat exchange medium to enter, and the other end of the flow channel has an outlet for the heat exchange medium to flow out. The liquid inlet connector 1 is connected to the heat exchange tube inlet, and the liquid outlet connector 2 is connected to the heat exchange tube outlet. The heat exchange medium enters the flow channel of the heat exchange tube through the liquid inlet connector 1 and the heat exchange tube inlet. The heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the object outside the heat exchange tube inside the heat exchange tube to regulate the temperature. The heat exchange medium is discharged through the heat exchange tube outlet and the liquid outlet connector 2. The heat exchange tube can be a round tube or a flat tube, and of course other shapes are also possible, as long as it can guide the heat exchange medium and can connect the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2. The heat exchange tube can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as but not limited to copper, aluminum, copper-aluminum composite materials, stainless steel, engineering plastics, etc. The number of heat exchange tubes can be two, three, four, five, or six, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0100] The heat exchange medium includes a liquid heat exchange medium or a gaseous heat exchange medium. The liquid heat exchange medium may be a polyol-based water-cooling liquid such as ethylene glycol coolant or glycerol water-cooling liquid, or a water-based coolant. The gaseous heat exchange medium may be air, ammonia, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, or alcohol vapor.

[0101] The liquid inlet connector 1 is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange tube and can be connected to the pipeline supplying the heat exchange medium. It is used to introduce the heat exchange medium into the heat exchange tube. The liquid inlet connector 1 has at least one inlet and at least two outlets. At least one inlet is connected to the pipeline supplying the heat exchange medium, and the at least two outlets are connected to the inlets of at least two heat exchange tubes in a one-to-one correspondence. In this way, the heat exchange medium entering the liquid inlet connector 1 can be diverted to at least two heat exchange tubes.

[0102] The liquid outlet connector 2 is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange tube and can be connected to the pipe that collects the heat exchange medium. It is used to discharge the heat exchange medium from the heat exchange tube. The liquid outlet connector 2 has at least one outlet and at least two inlets. At least one outlet is connected to the pipe that collects the heat exchange medium, and the at least two inlets are connected to the outlets of at least two heat exchange tubes in a one-to-one correspondence. In this way, the heat exchange medium in at least two heat exchange tubes can be collected and discharged simultaneously.

[0103] Because the heat exchange structure 30 includes at least two heat exchange tubes, and at least two heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel, heat exchange medium flows through at least two heat exchange tubes simultaneously. The temperature changes of the heat exchange medium in at least two heat exchange tubes during circulation are similar, meaning that each heat exchange tube has similar heat exchange effects. Furthermore, compared to the prior art method of using only one heat exchange tube, for a battery wall of the same area, using at least two heat exchange tubes can reduce the length of each heat exchange tube, shorten the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the tube, shorten the duration of each heat exchange cycle within the tube, and improve the cooling effect of each heat exchange cycle. Therefore, each heat exchange tube has a better heat exchange effect. Furthermore, while the length of each heat exchange tube is shortened, the number of heat exchange tubes is increased, and the area of the battery wall contacting the heat exchange tubes can remain unchanged. In other words, the total area of the battery wall subjected to heat exchange can remain unchanged, while the heat exchange effect per unit area is improved. Therefore, the overall heat exchange effect of the battery wall is improved, effectively enhancing the temperature control effect of the battery.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present application, at least two heat exchange tubes are distributed sequentially along the first direction X, and the liquid inlet joint 1 and / or the liquid outlet joint 2 are arranged on one side of the heat exchange tube along the second direction Y, and the second direction Y intersects the first direction X.

[0105] In this way, the liquid inlet joint 1 and / or the liquid outlet joint 2 do not occupy the position of the heat exchange tube in the first direction X, reducing the space occupied in the first direction X. The space in the first direction X is provided for the distribution of the heat exchange tube, making the layout of the heat exchange tube more reasonable, thereby helping to improve the heat exchange effect.

[0106] In some embodiments of the present application, the liquid inlet joint 1 and the liquid outlet joint 2 are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the heat exchange tube along the second direction Y.

[0107] In this way, the pipe for supplying heat exchange medium connected to the liquid inlet joint 1 and the pipe for collecting heat exchange medium connected to the liquid outlet joint 2 are respectively located on opposite sides of the heat exchange tube along the second direction Y, and their respective operating spaces are relatively large, making the operation of connecting the pipelines more convenient.

[0108] In some embodiments of the present application, the liquid inlet joint 1 and the liquid outlet joint 2 are arranged on the same side of the heat exchange tube along the second direction Y.

[0109] In this way, the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 occupy the same side of the heat exchange tube, reducing the space occupied in the second direction Y, which is beneficial to reducing the overall volume of the battery and reducing the space occupied in the electrical device.

[0110] In some embodiments of the present application, the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 are arranged close to each other in the first direction X.

[0111] "Proximally arranged" means that the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 are relatively close in the first direction X, and the spacing between them in the first direction X is within a set range. For example, the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 may be in direct contact in the first direction X, that is, the lower limit of the set range of the spacing is 0 mm, and the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 may be spaced 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm apart in the first direction X, etc. The upper limit of the set range can be determined based on actual conditions and is not specifically limited here.

[0112] In this way, the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 are close to each other, so that the heat exchange structure 30 is relatively compact and a larger space can be left for arranging other components of the battery.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present application, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, at least two heat exchange tubes include a first heat exchange tube 31 and a second heat exchange tube 32. The first heat exchange tube 31 includes a first bent tube segment 311, a first bent tube segment 312 and a first straight tube segment 313 that are connected in sequence. The second heat exchange tube 32 includes a second bent tube segment 321, a second bent tube segment 322 and a second straight tube segment 323 that are connected in sequence. The first bent tube segment 312 and the second bent tube segment 322 are spaced apart in the first direction X. The ends of the first bent tube segment 312 and the second bent tube segment 322 that are close to each other are respectively connected to the first straight tube segment 313 and the second straight tube segment 323, and the ends that are away from each other are respectively connected to the first bent tube segment 311 and the second bent tube segment 321. The first bent tube segment 311 and the second bent tube segment 321 are connected to one of the liquid inlet joint 1 and the liquid outlet joint 2, and the first straight tube segment 313 and the second straight tube segment 323 are connected to the other of the liquid inlet joint 1 and the liquid outlet joint 2.

[0114] Illustratively, the first curved pipe section 311 and the second curved pipe section 321 are respectively connected to the liquid inlet connector 1, and the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 are respectively connected to the liquid outlet connector 2. The first curved pipe section 311 and the second curved pipe section 321 are used to receive the heat exchange medium introduced by the liquid inlet connector 1 and introduce the heat exchange medium into the first curved pipe section 312 and the second curved pipe section 322, respectively. The first curved pipe section 311 and the second curved pipe section 321 primarily serve to introduce the heat exchange medium, while the first curved pipe section 312 and the second curved pipe section 322 primarily serve to store a large amount of heat exchange medium and perform heat exchange. The heat exchange medium in the first curved pipe section 312 and the second curved pipe section 322 is introduced into the liquid outlet connector 2 via the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323, respectively. The first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 primarily serve to discharge the heat exchange medium.

[0115] Illustratively, the first curved pipe section 311 and the second curved pipe section 321 are respectively connected to the liquid outlet joint 2, and the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 are respectively connected to the liquid inlet joint 1. The first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 are used to receive the heat exchange medium introduced by the liquid inlet joint 1 and introduce the heat exchange medium into the first curved pipe section 312 and the second curved pipe section 322, respectively. The first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 primarily serve to introduce the heat exchange medium, while the first curved pipe section 312 and the second curved pipe section 322 primarily serve to store a large amount of heat exchange medium and perform heat exchange. The heat exchange medium in the first curved pipe section 312 and the second curved pipe section 322 is respectively introduced into the liquid outlet joint 2 through the first curved pipe section 311 and the second curved pipe section 321, and the first curved pipe section 311 and the second curved pipe section 321 primarily serve to discharge the heat exchange medium.

[0116] The first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 are both pipelines that extend generally along a straight line. "Generally extending along a straight line" means that the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 can extend entirely along a straight line, or they can extend mostly in the same direction, with only a small portion being bent. The ends of the first and second curved pipe sections 312 and 322 that are close to each other are connected to the first and second straight pipe sections 313 and 323, respectively, so that the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 are close to each other. The first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 can extend generally along the second direction Y, or they can extend generally along other straight directions, as long as they can extend from the first and second curved pipe sections 312 and 322 to the side where the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 are provided.

[0117] The first bent pipe section 311 and the second bent pipe section 321 are both bent pipes, which can be L-shaped, S-shaped, Z-shaped or other bent shapes. As long as the ends of the first bent pipe section 312 and the second bent pipe section 322 that are away from each other can be connected to the liquid inlet connector 1 or the liquid outlet connector 2, there is no specific limitation on the specific shapes of the first bent pipe section 311 and the second bent pipe section 321.

[0118] The first zigzag pipe section 312 and the second zigzag pipe section 322 are both zigzag pipe sections that extend along a winding path or a spiral path, and their specific shapes are not specifically limited herein. The zigzag arrangement of the first zigzag pipe section 312 and the second zigzag pipe section 322 allows for the longest possible pipe length within a limited space, accommodating the maximum amount of heat exchange medium, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0119] In this way, the first curved pipe section 312 and the second curved pipe section 322 mainly serve to store a large amount of heat exchange medium and perform heat exchange, the first curved pipe section 311 and the second curved pipe section 321 mainly serve to import or export the heat exchange medium, and the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 mainly serve to export or import the heat exchange medium, so that the first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet joint 1 and the liquid outlet joint 2, shortening the duration of a heat exchange stroke in the heat exchange tube and improving the cooling effect of a heat exchange stroke of the heat exchange medium.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present application, the first curved pipe section 311 includes a first guide pipe section 3111 extending along a first direction X and a first connecting pipe section 3112 extending along a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. One end of the first guide pipe section 3111 is connected to the first curved pipe section 312, and the other end is connected to the first connecting pipe section 3112. The end of the first connecting pipe section 3112 facing away from the first guide pipe section 3111 is connected to the liquid outlet joint 2 or the liquid inlet joint 1. The second curved pipe section 321 includes a second guide pipe section 3211 extending along the first direction X and a second connecting pipe section 3212 extending along the second direction Y. One end of the second guide pipe section 3211 is connected to the second curved pipe section 322, and the other end is connected to the second connecting pipe section 3212. The end of the second connecting pipe section 3212 facing away from the second guide pipe section 3211 is connected to the liquid outlet joint 2 or the liquid inlet joint 1.

[0121] like Figure 5 As shown, for example, the end of the first connecting pipe section 3112 facing away from the first flow-guiding pipe section 3111 extends along a side facing away from the first zigzag pipe section 312 and connects to the liquid outlet joint 2. The end of the second connecting pipe section 3212 facing away from the second flow-guiding pipe section 3211 extends along a side facing away from the second zigzag pipe section 322 and connects to the liquid outlet joint 2. Thus, the first and second zigzag pipe sections 311 and 321 primarily function to conduct heat exchange medium. It will be appreciated that in this case, the first and second straight pipe sections 313 and 323 are respectively connected to the liquid inlet joint 1 and primarily function to introduce heat exchange medium.

[0122] For example, the end of the first connecting pipe section 3112 facing away from the first flow-guiding pipe section 3111 extends along a side facing away from the first zigzag pipe section 312 and is connected to the liquid inlet connector 1. The end of the second connecting pipe section 3212 facing away from the second flow-guiding pipe section 3211 extends along a side facing away from the second zigzag pipe section 322 and is connected to the liquid inlet connector 1. In this manner, the first and second zigzag pipe sections 311, 321 primarily serve to introduce heat exchange medium. It will be appreciated that in this case, the first and second straight pipe sections 313, 323 are each connected to the liquid outlet connector 2, primarily serving to discharge the heat exchange medium.

[0123] The first flow guide pipe section 3111 and the second flow guide pipe section 3211 both extend along the first direction X, so that the first connecting pipe section 3112 and the second connecting pipe section 3212 are close to each other in the first direction X. The first connecting pipe section 3112 and the second connecting pipe section 3212 both extend along the second direction Y, so that the first connecting pipe section 3112 and the second connecting pipe section 3212 are close to each other and parallel. In this way, the structure of the first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 is compact, the structural strength of the heat exchange structure 30 is improved, and a larger space can be left for the arrangement of other battery components.

[0124] In some embodiments of the present application, the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 substantially extend along the second direction Y.

[0125] The first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 generally extend along the second direction Y, which means that the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 can extend entirely along the second direction Y, or most of them can extend along the second direction Y with only a small portion being bent.

[0126] The first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 generally extend along the second direction Y, and the liquid inlet connector 1 and the liquid outlet connector 2 are located on one side of the first and second curved pipe sections 312 and 322 along the second direction Y. This helps to shorten the length of the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present application, the first tortuous tube segment 312 extends along a tortuous path, and / or the second tortuous tube segment 322 extends along a tortuous path.

[0128] Illustratively, the first zigzag tube segment 312 extends along a tortuous path, and the second zigzag tube segment 322 extends along a tortuous path.

[0129] The first zigzag pipe section 312 extends along a tortuous path, so that the length of the first zigzag pipe section 312 is longer within the limited space; the second zigzag pipe section 322 extends along a tortuous path, so that the length of the second zigzag pipe section 322 is longer within the limited space, thereby improving the heat exchange effect.

[0130] For example, Figure 5As shown, the winding path includes a straight section 3121, a first arc section 3122 and a second arc section 3123. A plurality of straight sections 3121 are arranged at intervals along the first direction X. The straight sections 3121 extend along the second direction Y. Two adjacent straight sections 3121 are connected to the same first arc section 3122 or the same second arc section 3123 along the same side of the second direction Y. The first arc section 3122 and the second arc section 3123 connected to the same straight section 3121 are respectively arranged at both ends of the straight section 3121 and respectively bend and extend toward opposite sides of the straight section 3121 along the first direction X. The second guide pipe section 3211 can be connected to the first straight section 3121 along the first direction X, and the first guide pipe section 3111 is connected to the last straight section 3121 along the first direction X; of course, the second guide pipe section 3211 can also be connected to the first first arc section 3122 or the first second arc section 3123 along the first direction X, and the first guide pipe section 3111 is connected to the last first arc section 3122 or the last second arc section 3123 along the first direction X.

[0131] In this way, the winding path is formed by connecting several "S"-shaped pipe segments end to end. The curvature at the bends is relatively similar, which ensures a relatively uniform flow rate of the heat exchange medium and improves the heat exchange effect. In some embodiments of the present application, the first winding pipe segment 312 and the second winding pipe segment 322 both extend within the same plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0132] In this way, the space occupied in the third direction Z is reduced, and the first meandering tube section 312 and the second meandering tube section 322 can be simultaneously attached to a certain plane of the battery to improve the heat exchange effect.

[0133] In some embodiments of the present application, Figure 5 As shown, along the third direction Z intersecting both the first direction X and the second direction Y, the projection of the first flow guiding pipe section 3111 and the projection of the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 have an overlapping portion.

[0134] In this way, the first connecting pipe section 3112 is close to the second connecting pipe section 3212 , so that the first connecting pipe section 3112 and the second connecting pipe section 3212 can be connected to the same liquid outlet connector 2 .

[0135] In some embodiments of the present application, Figures 6 to 9The portion of the first flow guide pipe section 3111 that intersects the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 is bent and deformed in a direction away from the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 to form a first accommodating groove 3113, and / or the portions of the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 that intersect the first flow guide pipe section 3111 are both bent and deformed in a direction away from the first flow guide pipe section 3111 to form a second accommodating groove 3131.

[0136] The first accommodating groove 3113 and the second accommodating groove 3131 are provided for the mutual avoidance of the first guide pipe section 3111 and the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323, so that the other parts of the first guide pipe section 3111 except the first accommodating groove 3113 and the other parts of the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 except the second accommodating groove 3131 can be located in the same plane formed by the first direction X and the second direction Y. In this way, the space occupied in the third direction Z intersecting with both the first direction X and the second direction Y is reduced.

[0137] In some embodiments of the present application, the first bent pipe section 311 and the second bent pipe section 321 are respectively connected to the liquid outlet joint 2 , and the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 are respectively connected to the liquid inlet joint 1 .

[0138] The first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 are respectively connected to the liquid inlet joint 1 for introducing heat exchange medium, and the first bent pipe section 311 and the second bent pipe section 321 are respectively connected to the liquid outlet joint 2 for discharging heat exchange medium. Since the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 both extend along the second direction Y, and the first bent pipe section 311 and the second bent pipe section 321 are bent structures, the lengths of the first bent pipe section 311 and the second bent pipe section 321 are longer than the lengths of the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323. Therefore, by using the shorter first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 to introduce the heat exchange medium, the heat exchange medium can be introduced into the first and second meandering pipe sections 312 and 322 as quickly as possible, reducing the degree of temperature change of the heat exchange medium during the introduction process, so that the temperature change of the heat exchange medium entering the first and second meandering pipe sections 312 and 322 is smaller than that at the initial stage, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the first and second meandering pipe sections 312 and 322.

[0139] In some embodiments of the present application, Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the liquid inlet joint 1 has a liquid inlet 11 and two liquid inlet outlets 12 both connected to the liquid inlet 11, the two liquid inlet outlets 12 are respectively connected to the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323, and the liquid inlet 11 is used to supply heat exchange medium; the liquid outlet joint 2 has a drain outlet 21 and two drain inlets 22 both connected to the drain outlet 21, the two drain inlets 22 are respectively connected to the first bent pipe section 311 and the second bent pipe section 321, and the drain outlet 21 is used to discharge the heat exchange medium.

[0140] Liquid inlet connector 1 connects the external heat exchange medium supply pipe to both heat exchange tubes simultaneously, while liquid outlet connector 2 connects the external heat exchange medium collection pipe to both heat exchange tubes simultaneously. This allows the heat exchange medium entering through liquid inlet connector 1 to be diverted to the two heat exchange tubes. After heat exchange within the two heat exchange tubes, the heat exchange medium converges to liquid outlet connector 2 for discharge. This achieves parallel connection of the two heat exchange tubes between liquid inlet connector 1 and liquid outlet connector 2. This shortens the duration of a single heat exchange cycle within the heat exchange tubes and improves the cooling effect of the heat exchange medium during a single heat exchange cycle.

[0141] In some embodiments of the present application, the crossing includes a perpendicular crossing.

[0142] The intersections between the first direction X and the second direction Y include vertical intersections; the intersections between the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 and the first flow guiding pipe section 3111 include vertical intersections.

[0143] In this way, the heat exchange structure 30 is close to a rectangle, which is more suitable for the rectangular wall of the battery, increasing the heat exchange area between the heat exchange structure 30 and the rectangular wall, thereby improving the heat exchange effect.

[0144] In some embodiments of the present application, the heat exchange tube includes a flat tube.

[0145] The flat tube is a flat tubular structure with a width greater than a height, that is, the surface of the flat tube extending in the width direction is greater than the surface extending in the height direction. The surface extending in the width direction is called the large surface. The large surface of the flat tube is arranged toward the wall of the battery to increase the heat exchange area and thus improve the heat exchange effect.

[0146] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, some embodiments of the present application provide a battery 100 , which includes at least one battery cell 20 and the above-mentioned heat exchange structure 30 , wherein the heat exchange structure 30 is disposed close to the battery cell 20 .

[0147] The heat exchange structure 30 is disposed close to the battery cell 20 and is used to perform heat exchange with the heat generated by the battery cell 20 to achieve temperature control of the battery cell 20 .

[0148] Since the heat exchange structure 30 has good heat exchange effect, low cost and low energy consumption, the battery 100 provided in the present application has good temperature control capability, low cost and low energy consumption.

[0149] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 further includes a battery box 10 , the battery cells 20 are disposed inside the battery box 10 , and the heat exchange tubes are all attached to the outer bottom surface of the battery box 10 .

[0150] The outer bottom surface of the battery case 10 refers to a surface of the battery case 10 away from the battery cells 20 in the third direction Z.

[0151] The heat exchange tubes of the heat exchange structure 30 are all attached to the outer bottom surface of the battery box 10, and can exchange heat with the battery cells 20 arranged on the inner bottom surface of the battery box 10, with good heat exchange effect, so that the battery 100 has better temperature control ability.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery box 10 includes a box body 102 and a box cover 101, and the box body 102 and the box cover 101 are distributed in sequence along the third direction Z. The box cover 101 covers the box body 102, and the battery cell 20 is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the box body 102. The heat exchange tubes of the heat exchange structure 30 are all attached to the outer bottom surface of the box body 102.

[0153] In some embodiments of the present application, Figure 7 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the outer bottom surface of the box body 102 includes a heat exchange area 1021 that fits the heat exchange tube, and an avoidance groove 1022 is provided on one side of the heat exchange area 1021 along the second direction Y. The avoidance groove 1022 accommodates a protrusion corresponding to the first accommodating groove 3113 of the first guide pipe section 3111 and protrudes upward. Two limiting protrusions 1024 arranged at intervals along the first direction X are provided on one side of the avoidance groove 1022 along the second direction Y and away from the heat exchange area 1021. A limiting groove 1023 is formed between the two limiting protrusions 1024, and the second connecting pipe section 3212, the first connecting pipe section 3112, the first straight pipe section 313 and the second straight pipe section 323 are accommodated in the limiting groove 1023.

[0154] In this way, the relative position of the heat exchange structure 30 and the outer bottom surface of the box body 102 is restricted, and the relative position of the heat exchange structure 30 and the battery cell 20 in the box body 102 in the plane where the first direction X and the second direction Y are located is restricted, thereby increasing the overlapping area of the heat exchange structure 30 and the battery cell 20 along the third direction Z, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and improving the heat exchange effect.

[0155] Some embodiments of the present application provide an energy storage device, which includes the battery 100 described above.

[0156] In this way, the energy storage device has good temperature control capability, low cost and low energy consumption.

[0157] Some embodiments of the present application provide an electrical device, which includes a battery 100 for providing electrical energy.

[0158] In this way, the electrical device has better temperature control capability, low cost and low energy consumption.

[0159] Below, some specific examples of embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0160] As a specific example, the heat exchange structure 30 includes a first heat exchange tube 31, a second heat exchange tube 32, a liquid inlet joint 1 and a liquid outlet joint 2. The first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet joint 1 and the liquid outlet joint 2. The first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 are distributed in sequence along the first direction X. The projections of the first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 in the third direction Z have overlapping parts, so that the liquid inlet joint 1 and the liquid outlet joint 2 are arranged on the same side of the first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 along the second direction Y. The parts where the first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 intersect with each other form a receiving groove. The first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 both include flat tubes extending along a winding path and are arranged on the outside of the bottom of the box body 102.

[0161] In this way, the two heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel, shortening the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange tube, shortening the duration of one heat exchange stroke in the heat exchange tube, and improving the cooling effect of one heat exchange stroke of the heat exchange medium. Moreover, the heat exchange structure 30 has a compact structure, which reduces space occupancy.

[0162] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchange structure for a battery, characterized in that: It comprises a liquid inlet joint (1), a liquid outlet joint (2) and at least two heat exchange tubes, At least two of the heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet joint (1) and the liquid outlet joint (2); the liquid inlet joint (1) is used to introduce the heat exchange medium into the at least two heat exchange tubes; and the liquid outlet joint (2) is used to discharge the heat exchange medium from the at least two heat exchange tubes.

2. The heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two of the heat exchange tubes are distributed in sequence along a first direction, and the liquid inlet joint (1) and / or the liquid outlet joint (2) are arranged on one side of the heat exchange tube along a second direction, and the second direction intersects the first direction.

3. The heat exchange structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid inlet joint (1) and the liquid outlet joint (2) are arranged on the same side of the heat exchange tube along the second direction.

4. The heat exchange structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least two heat exchange tubes include a first heat exchange tube (31) and a second heat exchange tube (32), The first heat exchange tube (31) comprises a first bent tube section (311), a first zigzag tube section (312), and a first straight tube section (313) that are sequentially connected; the second heat exchange tube (32) comprises a second bent tube section (321), a second zigzag tube section (322), and a second straight tube section (323) that are sequentially connected. The first zigzag pipe section (312) and the second zigzag pipe section (322) are spaced apart in the first direction; the ends of the first zigzag pipe section (312) and the second zigzag pipe section (322) close to each other are respectively connected to the first straight pipe section (313) and the second straight pipe section (323); the ends of the first zigzag pipe section (311) and the second zigzag pipe section (321) away from each other are respectively connected to the first bent pipe section (311) and the second bent pipe section (321). The first bent pipe section (311) and the second bent pipe section (321) are connected to one of the liquid inlet joint (1) and the liquid outlet joint (2), and the first straight pipe section (313) and the second straight pipe section (323) are connected to the other of the liquid inlet joint (1) and the liquid outlet joint (2).

5. The heat exchange structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first curved pipe section (311) comprises a first flow guiding pipe section (3111) extending along the first direction and a first connecting pipe section (3112) extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; one end of the first flow guiding pipe section (3111) is connected to the first curved pipe section (312), and the other end is connected to the first connecting pipe section (3112); the end of the first connecting pipe section (3112) facing away from the first flow guiding pipe section (3111) is connected to the liquid outlet joint (2) or the liquid inlet joint (1); The second curved pipe section (321) comprises a second flow guiding pipe section (3211) extending along the first direction and a second connecting pipe section (3212) extending along the second direction; one end of the second flow guiding pipe section (3211) is connected to the second curved pipe section (322), and the other end is connected to the second connecting pipe section (3212); the end of the second connecting pipe section (3212) facing away from the second flow guiding pipe section (3211) is connected to the liquid outlet joint (2) or the liquid inlet joint (1).

6. The heat exchange structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: Along a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, the projection of the first guide pipe section (3111) and the projections of the first straight pipe section (313) and the second straight pipe section (323) have an overlapping portion.

7. The heat exchange structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The portion of the first flow guiding pipe section (3111) that intersects the first straight pipe section (313) and the second straight pipe section (323) is bent and deformed in a direction away from the first straight pipe section (313) and the second straight pipe section (323) to form a first accommodating groove (3113), and / or, The portions of the first straight pipe section (313) and the second straight pipe section (323) that intersect with the first flow guiding pipe section (3111) are bent and deformed in a direction away from the first flow guiding pipe section (3111) to form a second accommodating groove (3131).

8. The heat exchange structure according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The first meandering pipe section (312) extends along a tortuous path, and / or the second meandering pipe section (322) extends along a tortuous path.

9. The heat exchange structure according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that: The first bent pipe section (311) and the second bent pipe section (321) are respectively connected to the liquid outlet joint (2), and the first straight pipe section (313) and the second straight pipe section (323) are respectively connected to the liquid inlet joint (1).

10. The heat exchange structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The liquid inlet joint (1) comprises a liquid inlet (11) and two liquid inlet outlets (12) both connected to the liquid inlet (11), the two liquid inlet outlets (12) being connected to the first straight pipe section (313) and the second straight pipe section (323) respectively, and the liquid inlet (11) is used for supplying heat exchange medium; The liquid outlet joint (2) comprises a liquid discharge outlet (21) and two liquid discharge inlets (22) both connected to the liquid discharge outlet (21); the two liquid discharge inlets (22) are respectively connected to the first bent pipe section (311) and the second bent pipe section (321); the liquid discharge outlet (21) is used to discharge heat exchange medium.

11. The heat exchange structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The heat exchange tubes include flat tubes.

12. The heat exchange structure according to claim 2 or 6, characterized in that: The crossing includes a vertical crossing.

13. The heat exchange structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid inlet joint (1) and the liquid outlet joint (2) are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the heat exchange tube along the second direction.

14. A battery, characterized in that: include: at least one battery cell (20); A battery box (10), wherein the battery cells (20) are accommodated in the battery box (10); The heat exchange structure (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the heat exchange structure (30) is arranged inside or outside the battery box (10).

15. The battery according to claim 14, characterized in that The battery cells (20) are arranged on the inner bottom surface of the battery box (10), and the heat exchange tubes are all attached to the outer bottom surface of the battery box (10).

16. An energy storage device, characterized in that: The energy storage device comprises the battery according to claim 14 or 15.

17. An electrical device, characterized in that: The electrical device comprises the battery according to claim 14 or 15 for providing electrical energy.

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