Battery, power-consuming device and device for manufacturing a battery

Abstract

Battery characterized in that it comprises the following: several battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction (x); a thermal management component (101), wherein the thermal management component (101) extends along the first direction (x) and is connected to a first wall (2111) of each battery cell (20) of the multiple battery cells (20), wherein the first wall (2111) is the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell (20), wherein the thermal management component (101) comprises a pair of thermally conductive plates (1011) arranged opposite each other in a second direction (y), and a flow channel (1012) arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates (1011), wherein the flow channel (1012) serves to receive a fluid for temperature control of the battery cells (20), wherein the second direction (y) is perpendicular to the first wall (2111); where in the second direction (y) a thickness D of the heat-conducting plate (1011) and a dimension H of the flow channel (1012) satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, in particular a battery, a power-consuming device, and a method and apparatus for manufacturing a battery. State of the art

[0002] With increasing environmental pollution, the renewable energy sector is gaining more and more attention. Battery technology represents a crucial factor in the development of this sector.

[0003] A battery's energy density is a crucial parameter for its performance. However, increasing a battery's energy density also requires considering other performance parameters. Therefore, improving battery performance represents a pressing technical challenge in battery technology. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a battery, a power-consuming device, and a method and apparatus for manufacturing a battery, which are capable of ensuring thermal management in the battery while simultaneously increasing the energy density of the battery and thus improving the performance of the battery.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a battery is provided comprising: several battery cells arranged along a first direction; a thermal management component, the thermal management component extending along the first direction and connected to a first wall of each of the several battery cells, the first wall being the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell; the thermal management component comprising a pair of thermally conductive plates arranged opposite each other in a second direction and a flow channel arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates, the flow channel serving to receive a fluid for temperature control of the battery cells, the second direction being perpendicular to the first wall; wherein, in the second direction, a thickness D of the thermally conductive plate and a dimension H of the flow channel satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.

[0006] In the embodiments of the present application, the thermal management component provided in the battery is connected to the first wall with the largest surface area in each of the multiple battery cells arranged in a row along the first direction. The thermal management component comprises a pair of heat-conducting plates arranged opposite each other perpendicular to the first wall in the second direction, and the flow channel located between the pair of heat-conducting plates. In the second direction, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate and the dimension H of the flow channel satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25. This eliminates the need for a structure such as beams in the central part of the battery's casing, thereby maximizing the space utilization within the battery and thus increasing the battery's energy density.Simultaneously, the use of the aforementioned thermal management component ensures effective thermal management within the battery. Therefore, the technical solutions of the embodiments described in this application enable thermal management within the battery while simultaneously increasing the battery's energy density and thus improving its performance.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate and the dimension H of the flow channel meet the condition 0.05 ≤ D / H ≤ 15, and furthermore they meet the condition 0.1 ≤ D / H ≤ 1, in order to better balance space, strength and thermal management and to further improve the performance of the battery.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the dimension W of the thermal management component in the second direction ranges from 0.3 to 100 mm. If the dimension W is too large, it occupies too much space. If the dimension W is too small, it results in insufficient strength or an excessively narrow flow channel, which impairs thermal management performance. Therefore, with a total thickness W of the thermal management component ranging from 0.3 to 100 mm, space, strength, and thermal management can be balanced to ensure battery performance.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the thickness D of the heat transfer plate ranges from 0.1 to 25 mm. If the thickness D of the heat transfer plate is too great, it occupies too much space, preventing the thermal management component from providing the necessary expansion space for the battery cell in a timely manner. Conversely, if the thickness D is too small, the strength becomes insufficient. Therefore, a heat transfer plate thickness D of 0.1 to 25 mm balances the space, strength, and expansion requirements of the battery cell to ensure optimal battery performance.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the dimension H of the flow channel ranges from 0.1 to 50 mm. This allows for a balance between space, strength, and thermal management performance to ensure battery performance.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the dimension W of the thermal management component in the second direction and an area A of the first wall satisfy the following condition: 0.03 mm -1 ≤ W / A × 1000 ≤ 2 mm -1 In this way, the requirements for strength and thermal management performance can be balanced to ensure battery performance.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the thermal management component also includes a rib positioned between the pair of heat-conducting plates, with the rib and the heat-conducting plates forming the flow channel. The rib can increase the strength of the thermal management component.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the angle formed by the fin and the heat sink is an acute angle. This allows the thermal management component to have a larger compression space in the second direction, thus providing a larger expansion space for the battery cell.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the thickness X of the rib is no less than (-0.0005 × F + 0.4738) mm, where F is the tensile strength of the rib material. To meet the load requirements of thermal management components, selecting a higher-strength material can reduce the thickness X of the inner rib, thereby saving space and increasing energy density.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the battery cell comprises two first walls arranged opposite each other in the second direction and two second walls arranged opposite each other in the first direction, with the second walls of two adjacent battery cells being arranged opposite each other in the first direction. In this way, the connection of a large-area first wall with the thermal management component promotes heat exchange between the battery cells and ensures battery performance.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the battery comprises multiple rows of multiple battery cells arranged along the first direction and multiple thermal management components, with the multiple rows of battery cells and the multiple thermal management components arranged alternately in the second direction.

[0017] In this way, the multiple rows of battery cells and the various thermal management components are interconnected, forming a single unit housed within the casing. This enables effective thermal management for each row of battery cells while simultaneously ensuring the overall structural rigidity of the battery, thereby improving its performance.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the heat management component is bonded to the first wall.

[0019] According to a second aspect, a power-consuming device is provided, comprising: a battery according to the first aspect or one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, wherein the battery serves to provide power.

[0020] According to a third aspect, a method for manufacturing a battery is provided, comprising: providing several battery cells arranged along a first direction; providing a thermal management component, the thermal management component extending along the first direction and connected to a first wall of each of the several battery cells, the first wall being the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell, the thermal management component comprising a pair of thermally conductive plates arranged opposite each other in a second direction, and a flow channel arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates, the flow channel serving to receive a fluid for temperature control of the battery cells, the second direction being perpendicular to the first wall;where in the second direction a thickness D of the heat-conducting plate and a dimension H of the flow channel satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.;

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, a device for manufacturing a battery is provided, which includes a module for carrying out a process according to the third aspect mentioned above.

[0022] In the technical solutions according to the embodiments of the present application, a thermal management component is provided in the battery, which is connected to the first wall with the largest surface area in each of the multiple battery cells arranged in a row along a first direction. The thermal management component comprises a pair of heat-conducting plates arranged opposite each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first wall, and a flow channel located between the pair of heat-conducting plates. In the second direction, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate and the dimension H of the flow channel satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25. This eliminates the need for a structure such as beams in the central part of the battery's casing, thereby maximizing the space utilization inside the battery and thus increasing the battery's energy density.Simultaneously, the use of the aforementioned thermal management component ensures effective thermal management within the battery. Therefore, the technical solutions of the embodiments described in this application enable thermal management within the battery while simultaneously increasing the battery's energy density and thus improving its performance. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] To better illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, a brief description of the drawings required in these embodiments is given below. Of course, the drawings described below represent only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be created by a person skilled in the art based on these drawings without any creative effort. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 5 is an exploded view of a series of battery cells and a thermal management component according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a series of battery cells and a thermal management component according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view along AA in Fig. 6; Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part B in Fig. 7; Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of a process for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a device for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] The drawings in the figures are not to scale. Detailed descriptions

[0025] The following provides a more detailed description of the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the drawings and exemplary embodiments. The detailed description of the following exemplary embodiments and the drawings serve to illustrate the principles of the present application by way of example, but should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present application. That is to say, the present application is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as they are generally understood by engineers in the technical field to which this application relates. The terms used serve solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The terms "comprise" and "feature," and all variations thereof, as used in the description and claims of this application and in the brief description of the drawings, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The meaning of "several" is two or more. The terms "above," "below," "left," "right," "inside," "outside," etc., are used in this context.The specified orientation or positional relationship serves only to facilitate the description of the present application and to simplify its description, without indicating or implying that the designated devices or elements must have a specific orientation or be designed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore is not to be understood as a limitation of the present application. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., serve only for descriptive purposes and are not to be interpreted as indicating or implying a relative priority. The term "perpendicular" is not understood in the strict sense as perpendicular, but rather as lying within an acceptable tolerance range. The term "parallel" is not understood in the strict sense as parallel, but rather as lying within an acceptable tolerance range.

[0027] A reference to "embodiment" in the present application means that certain features, structures, or properties described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the preceding phrase at various points in the description does not necessarily mean that it refers to the same embodiment, nor does it represent an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. A person skilled in the art understands, expressly and implicitly, that the embodiments described in the present application may be combined with other embodiments.

[0028] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not to be understood as limiting the specific structure of the present application. Furthermore, it should be noted in the description of the present application that the terms "assemble," "connect," and "attach" should be interpreted broadly unless expressly stated and defined otherwise. They may, for example, refer to permanent connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may mean direct connections or indirect connections via an intermediate medium; and they may include internal communication between two components. The person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application within the relevant context.

[0029] The term “and / or” in the present application serves only to describe an associative relationship between the associated objects, indicating that three types of relationships can exist, such as A and / or B, which can represent the following three scenarios: A alone, both A and B, and B alone. Furthermore, the symbol “ / ” in the present application generally represents an “or” relationship between the front and back associated objects.

[0030] In the present application, the battery cell may comprise a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, etc., without this constituting a limitation of the embodiments of the present application. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or have another shape, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to these. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to the encapsulation method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and pouch battery cells, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to these.

[0031] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide a higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in the present application may comprise a battery pack, etc. A battery generally comprises a housing for enclosing one or more battery cells. The housing can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from interfering with the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0032] A battery cell comprises an electrode assembly and an electrolyte solution. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The battery cell functions primarily through the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active layer. The surface of the positive electrode current collector is coated with the positive electrode active layer. The portion of the current collector not coated with the positive electrode active layer protrudes from the coated current collector. This portion of the current collector not coated with the positive electrode active layer serves as the positive electrode tab.Using lithium-ion batteries as an example, the material of the positive electrode current collector can be aluminum, and the positive electrode active substance can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode sheet comprises a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active substance layer. The surface of the negative electrode current collector is coated with the negative electrode active substance layer. The portion of the current collector not coated with the negative electrode active substance layer protrudes from the coated current collector. This portion serves as the negative electrode tab. The material of the negative electrode current collector can be copper, and the negative electrode active substance can be carbon or silicon.To ensure that large currents can flow without melting, there are several positive electrode tabs stacked on top of each other, and there are several negative electrode tabs stacked on top of each other. The separator material can be polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). Furthermore, the electrode arrangement can have a wound or stacked structure, and the embodiments described in this application are not limited to these.

[0033] To meet varying power requirements, a battery can comprise multiple battery cells. These cells can be connected in series, parallel, or a mixed configuration, where a mixed configuration is a combination of series and parallel connections. Optionally, multiple battery cells can first be combined in series, parallel, or a mixed configuration to form a battery module. Multiple battery modules can then be combined in series, parallel, or a mixed configuration to form a battery. In other words, the multiple battery cells can directly form a battery, or they can first form a battery module, which then forms a battery. The battery is then installed in a power-consuming device to supply it with electrical energy.

[0034] Battery technology development requires the simultaneous consideration of several design factors, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge and discharge rates, and safety. Increasing the space utilization within the battery, given limited internal space, is an effective means of increasing energy density. However, when increasing space utilization, other battery parameters, such as thermal management, must also be taken into account.

[0035] Against this background, the embodiments of the present application provide a technical solution in which a thermal management component is provided in the battery. This component is connected to a first wall with the largest surface area in each of the multiple battery cells arranged in a row along a first direction. The thermal management component comprises a pair of heat-conducting plates arranged opposite each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first wall, and a flow channel located between the pair of heat-conducting plates. In the second direction, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate and the dimension H of the flow channel satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25. This eliminates the need for structures such as beams in the central part of the battery's casing, thereby maximizing the use of space inside the battery and thus increasing its energy density.Simultaneously, the use of the aforementioned thermal management component ensures effective thermal management within the battery. Therefore, the technical solutions of the embodiments described in this application enable thermal management within the battery while simultaneously increasing the battery's energy density and thus improving its performance.

[0036] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are suitable for various battery-powered devices, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric bicycles, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, ships, and spacecraft. Spacecraft include, for example, airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft.

[0037] 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 be applied to all devices that use batteries. For the sake of simplicity, only electric vehicles are used as examples in the following embodiments.

[0038] For example, it shows Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 can be a fuel-powered vehicle, a gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a range-extender vehicle, etc. The vehicle 1 can be equipped with a motor 40, a control unit 30, and a battery 10. The control unit 30 serves to regulate the power supply to the motor 40 from the battery 10. For example, the battery 10 can be located in the floor area, at the front, or at the rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 can be used as an operating current source for the vehicle 1 in the vehicle 1's circuit system, for instance, to meet the power requirements of the vehicle 1 during starting, navigation, and operation.In a further embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 can serve not only as an operating current source for the vehicle 1, but also as a drive current source for the vehicle 1, replacing fuel or natural gas wholly or partially to provide the drive of the vehicle 1.

[0039] To meet varying power requirements, the battery can comprise 10 multiple battery cells. For example, it shows Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery 10 can comprise several battery cells 20. The battery 10 can also comprise a box body 11, the interior of which has a hollow structure and the several battery cells 20 are contained within the box body 11. For example, the several battery cells 20 can be combined in parallel, in series, or in a mixed circuit and then contained within the box body 11.

[0040] Optionally, the battery 10 can include other structures that are not described in detail here. For example, the battery 10 can also include a bus component for establishing an electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 20, for example, in parallel, series, or mixed configurations. More precisely, the bus component can establish an electrical connection between the battery cells 20 by connecting it to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. Furthermore, the bus component can be attached to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electrical energy of the multiple battery cells 20 can also be conducted to the outside through the housing via a conductive mechanism. Optionally, the conductive mechanism can also be part of the bus component.

[0041] Depending on the power requirements, the number of battery cells (20) can be set to any desired value. The multiple battery cells (20) can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed configurations to achieve greater capacity or power. Since each battery (10) can contain a large number of battery cells (20), the battery cells (20) can be arranged in groups for easier assembly, with each group of battery cells (20) forming a battery module. The number of battery cells (20) in a battery module is unlimited and can be set as needed. A battery can comprise multiple battery modules, which can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed configurations.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery cell 20 comprises one or more electrode assemblies 22, a housing body 211, and a cover plate 212. The housing body 211 and the cover plate 212 form a housing or battery box 21. The walls of the housing body 211 and the cover plate 212 are referred to as the walls of the battery cell 20. In the case of a cuboid battery cell 20, the walls of the housing body 211 comprise a bottom wall and four side walls. The housing body 211 is shaped according to the form of one or more combined electrode assemblies 22. For example, the housing body 211 can be a hollow cuboid, a cube, or a cylinder, with one side of the housing body 211 having an opening to accommodate one or more electrode assemblies 22 within the housing body 211.If the housing body 211 is, for example, a hollow cuboid or cube, one of its faces is an open surface, i.e., this face has no wall, so the interior and exterior of the housing body 211 are in contact. If the housing body 211 is a hollow cylinder, the end face of the housing body 211 is an open surface, i.e., this end face has no wall, so the interior and exterior of the housing body 211 are in contact. The cover plate 212 covers the opening and is connected to the housing body 211 to form a closed cavity for receiving the electrode assembly 22. The housing body 211 is filled with an electrolyte, for example, an electrolyte solution.

[0043] The battery cell 20 can also include two electrode terminals 214, which can be arranged on the cover plate 212. The cover plate 212 is typically flat. The two electrode terminals 214 are attached to a flat surface of the cover plate 212, with the two electrode terminals 214 being a positive electrode terminal 214a and a negative electrode terminal 214b, respectively. Each electrode terminal 214 is associated with a connecting element 23 or a current collector element 23, which is arranged between the cover plate 212 and the electrode arrangement 22 and serves to electrically connect the electrode arrangement 22 and the electrode terminal 214.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, each electrode assembly 22 has a first electrode tab 221a and a second electrode tab 222a. The polarity of the first electrode tab 221a is opposite to the polarity of the second electrode tab 222a. For example, if the first electrode tab 221a is a positive electrode tab, the second electrode tab 222a is a negative electrode tab. The first electrode tab 221a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 is connected to an electrode terminal via a connecting element 23, while the second electrode tab 222a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 is connected to another electrode terminal via another connecting element 23. For example, the positive electrode terminal 214a is connected to the positive electrode tab by a connecting element 23, and the negative electrode terminal 214b is connected to the negative electrode tab by another connecting element 23.

[0045] Depending on the actual requirements, this battery cell 20 can be provided with a single or a plurality of electrode arrangements 22. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, four separate electrode arrangements 22 are arranged in the battery cell 20.

[0046] A pressure relief mechanism 213 can also be arranged on the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 213 serves to be actuated when a threshold value for internal pressure or internal temperature of the battery cell 20 is reached, in order to dissipate the internal pressure or internal temperature.

[0047] The pressure relief mechanism 213 can have various possible pressure relief structures, and the embodiments described in the present application are not limited to these. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be a temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism configured to melt when the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 equipped with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold; and / or the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism configured to break when the internal gas pressure of the battery cell 20 equipped with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold.

[0048] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] The battery 10 comprises several battery cells 20 arranged along a first direction x, as well as a thermal management component 101.

[0050] The first direction x is the arrangement direction of a series of battery cells 20 in the battery 10. That is, a series of battery cells 20 in the battery 10 is arranged along the x-direction.

[0051] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a series of battery cells 20 and a thermal management component 101; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a series of battery cells 20 and a thermal management component 101; Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view along AA in Fig. 6; Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of Part B in Fig. 7.

[0052] The thermal management component 101 extends along the first direction x and is connected to a first wall 2111 with the largest surface area in each battery cell 20 of the multiple battery cells 20, wherein the first wall 2111 is the wall with the largest surface area of ​​the battery cell 20.

[0053] The battery cell 20 can comprise multiple walls, with the first wall 2111 having the largest surface area in the battery cell 20 being connected to the thermal management component 101. That is, the first wall 2111 of the battery cell 20 faces the thermal management component 101, i.e., the first wall 2111 of the battery cell 20 runs parallel to the first direction x.

[0054] As in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the thermal management component 101 comprises a pair of thermally conductive plates 1011 arranged opposite each other in a second direction y, and a flow channel 1012 arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates 1011, wherein the flow channel 1012 serves to receive a fluid for temperature control of the battery cells 20, wherein the second direction y is perpendicular to the first wall 2111.

[0055] The thermal management component 101 serves to hold a fluid for temperature control of the multiple battery cells 20. The fluid can be a liquid or a gas. Temperature control refers to heating or cooling the multiple battery cells 20. In the case of cooling the battery cells 20, the flow channel 1012 can hold a cooling medium for temperature control of the multiple battery cells 20. In this case, the thermal management component 101 can also be referred to as a cooling component or cooling plate, etc., and the fluid held therein can be referred to as a cooling medium or cooling fluid, in particular as a cooling liquid or cooling gas. Furthermore, the thermal management component 101 can also be used for heating, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. Optionally, the fluid can flow in a circulating manner to achieve a better temperature control effect.Optionally, the fluid can be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, a refrigerant, or air, etc. Optionally, a fluid collector 102 and a pipe 103 are arranged at both ends of the heat management component 101 in the first direction x, the pipe 103 serving to transport the fluid and the fluid collector 102 serving to collect the fluid.

[0056] In the second direction y, a thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 and a dimension H of the flow channel 1012 satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.

[0057] In the embodiments of the present application, a thermal management component 101 is provided in the battery 10, which is connected to a first wall 2111 with the largest surface area in each battery cell 20 of the multiple battery cells 20, which are arranged in a row along a first direction x. This eliminates the need for a structure such as beams in the central part of the box body 11 of the battery 10, thereby maximizing the space utilization inside the battery 10 and thus increasing the energy density of the battery 10.

[0058] Accordingly, the thermal management component 101 must meet the requirements for strength and thermal management performance to ensure the performance of the battery 10.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present application, if in the second direction y the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 and the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 satisfy the condition 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25, the requirements for strength and thermal management performance can be reconciled.

[0060] Specifically: If the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 is large, the flow resistance of the fluid in the flow channel 1012 is low, which increases the heat exchange rate of the thermal management component 101 per unit time; if the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 is large, the strength of the thermal management component 101 is high. If D / H is less than 0.01, the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 is sufficiently large, but occupies too much space; or, given a certain amount of space for the thermal management component 101, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 may be too small, resulting in insufficient strength. For example, the vibration and shock requirements of the battery 10 may not be met, or the thermal management component 101 may even be crushed during initial assembly.If D / H ≥ 25, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 is indeed sufficiently thick, but given the space available for the thermal management component 101, it can lead to the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 becoming too small, the flow resistance of the fluid in the flow channel 1012 increasing, the heat exchange performance deteriorating, or the flow channel 1012 becoming clogged during operation. Simultaneously, due to the excessive wall thickness of the heat-conducting plate 1011, the force generated by the expansion of the battery cell 20 cannot reach the compression force acting on the thermal management component 101 that corresponds to the expansion space required by the battery cell 20. This means that the thermal management component 101 cannot release the expansion space required by the battery cell 20 in a timely manner, which accelerates the capacity degradation of the battery cell 20.Therefore, if the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 and the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 meet the condition 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25, the requirements for strength and thermal management performance can be reconciled to ensure the performance of the battery 10.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present application, a thermal management component 101 is provided in the battery 10, which is connected to a first wall 2111 having the largest surface area in each battery cell 20 of the multiple battery cells 20 arranged in a row along a first direction x, wherein the thermal management component 101 comprises a pair of thermally conductive plates 1011 arranged opposite each other in a second direction y perpendicular to the first wall 2111, and a flow channel 1012 arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates 1011. In the second direction y, a thickness D of the thermally conductive plate 1011 and a dimension H of the flow channel 1012 satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.This eliminates the need for structural elements such as beams in the central part of the battery 10's housing 11, thereby maximizing space utilization within the battery 10 and increasing its energy density. Simultaneously, the use of the aforementioned thermal management component 101 ensures effective thermal management within the battery 10. Therefore, the technical solutions of the embodiments described in this application enable thermal management within the battery 10 while simultaneously increasing its energy density and thus improving its performance.

[0062] Optionally, a solid-liquid phase change material or a liquid working fluid can be used if the D / H ratio is 0.01 ≤ 0.1. The outer layer of the thermal management component 101 can consist of a film-like material as a sheath, while the interior can be filled with a skeletal structure for reinforcement. This solution can be used in cases with low strength requirements or high compressibility requirements for the thermal management component 101.

[0063] Optionally, in the range of 0.1 ≤ D / H ≤ 1 inside the thermal management component 101, a convective heat exchange with liquid working medium or a vapor-liquid phase change cooling can be used to ensure the heat exchange performance of the thermal management component 101.

[0064] Optionally, for 1 ≤ D / H ≤ 25, the thermal management component 101 can use vapor-liquid phase change cooling, whereby the overall pressure is increased by adjusting the internal gap to ensure that the working medium inside the thermal management component 101 is in liquid form, in order to prevent the phenomenon of vapor and liquid states coexisting due to pressure losses and to ensure heat exchange performance; at the same time, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 is sufficiently thick to prevent the thermal management component 101 from breaking during heating due to the pressure increase caused by evaporation of the internal working medium.

[0065] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 and the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 satisfy the condition 0.05 ≤ D / H ≤ 15, and furthermore they satisfy the condition 0.1 ≤ D / H ≤ 1, in order to better balance space, strength and thermal management and to further improve the performance of the battery 10.

[0066] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, a dimension W of the thermal management component 101 in the second direction y is 0.3 to 100 mm.

[0067] W is the total thickness of the thermal management component 101, i.e., W = 2 × D + H. If W is too large, it occupies too much space. If W is too small, it results in insufficient strength or an excessively narrow flow channel 1012, impairing thermal management performance. Therefore, for the total thickness W of the thermal management component 101, ranging from 0.3 to 100 mm, space, strength, and thermal management can be balanced to ensure the performance of the battery 10.

[0068] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the thickness D of the heat-conducting plate 1011 is 0.1 to 25 mm.

[0069] If the thickness D of the thermal interface plate 1011 is too great, it occupies too much space, preventing the thermal management component 101 from releasing the necessary expansion space for the battery cell 20 in a timely manner. If the thickness D is too small, the strength is insufficient. Therefore, a thickness D of the thermal interface plate 1011 of 0.1 to 25 mm allows for a balance between space, strength, and the expansion requirements of the battery cell 20, ensuring the performance of the battery 10.

[0070] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 is 0.1 to 50 mm.

[0071] Specifically, the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 must be at least larger than the particle size of any potential contaminants inside to prevent blockages during operation. Furthermore, if the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 is too small, the fluid flow resistance within the channel increases, and the heat exchange performance deteriorates. Therefore, the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 must not be less than 0.1 mm. Conversely, if the dimension H of the flow channel 1012 is too large, it will require too much space or result in insufficient strength. Therefore, with a dimension H of the flow channel 1012 ranging from 0.1 to 50 mm, space, strength, and thermal management performance can be balanced to ensure the performance of the battery 10.

[0072] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the dimension W of the heat management component 101 in the second direction y and an area A of the first wall 2111 satisfy the following condition: 0.03 mm -1 ≤ W / A × 1000 ≤ 2 mm -1 .

[0073] If W and A satisfy the above condition, the requirements for the heat exchange performance and the installation space of the battery cell 20 can be met. Specifically: if the area A of the first wall 2111 of the battery cell 20 is large, the cooling surface is also large, which reduces the heat transfer resistance from the thermal management component 101 to the surface of the battery cell 20; if the total thickness W of the thermal management component 101 is large, the strength can be increased. If W / A × 1000 is less than 0.03 mm -1If W / A × 1000 is greater than 2, the area A of the first wall 2111 of the battery cell 20 is sufficiently large, but the thermal management component 101 is too thin, resulting in insufficient strength and potentially causing problems such as damage or cracking during operation. If W / A × 1000 is greater than 2, the thermal management component 101 is sufficiently thick, but the area A of the first wall 2111 of the battery cell 20 is too small, resulting in insufficient cooling surface area for the battery cell 20 provided by the thermal management component 101, which risks failing to meet the cooling requirements of the battery cell 20. Therefore, if the total thickness W of the thermal management component 101 and the area A of the first wall 2111 meet the condition 0.03 mm -1 ≤ W / A × 1000 ≤ 2 mm -1 to meet the requirements for strength and thermal management performance, in order to ensure the performance of battery 10.

[0074] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the thermal management component 101 also includes a rib 1013 arranged between the pair of heat-conducting plates 1011, the rib 1013 together with the pair of heat-conducting plates 1011 forming the flow channel 1012. The rib 1013 can also increase the strength of the thermal management component 101. The number of ribs 1013 can be determined according to the requirements of the flow channel 1012 and the strength requirements. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the fin 1013 can be arranged perpendicular to the heat-conducting plate 1011, in which case the heat management component 101 can withstand a greater pressure. Optionally, the fin 1013 can have an irregular shape, e.g., C-shaped, wavy, or cross-shaped, which effectively absorbs expansion and increases turbulence to improve the heat exchange effect.

[0075] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the angle formed by the fin 1013 and the heat-conducting plate 1011 is an acute angle. That is, the fin 1013 is not perpendicular to the heat-conducting plate 1011. In this case, the thermal management component 101 can have a larger compression space in the second direction y in order to provide the battery cell 20 with a larger expansion space.

[0076] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the thickness X of the rib 1013 is not less than (-0.0005 × F + 0.4738) mm, where F is the tensile strength of the material of the rib 1013 in MPa. That is, the thickness X of the rib 1013 can be at least (-0.0005 × F + 0.4738) mm.

[0077] The thickness X of rib 1013 is related to the tensile strength of its material. According to the relationship above, to meet the load requirements of the thermal management component 101, the thickness X of the inner rib 1013 can be reduced by selecting a higher-strength material, thereby saving space and increasing energy density. Optionally, the thickness X of rib 1013 is 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0078] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 20 comprises two first walls 2111 arranged opposite each other in the second direction y and two second walls 2112 arranged opposite each other in the first direction x, wherein in the first direction x the second walls 2112 of two adjacent battery cells 20 are arranged opposite each other. That is, in the case of the square battery cell 20, its large side surface, namely the first wall 2111, is connected to the thermal management component 101, while its small side surface, namely the second wall 2112, is connected to the second wall 2112 of the adjacent battery cell 20 in order to be arranged in a row in the first direction x. In this way, the connection of a large-area first wall 2111 with the thermal management component 101 promotes heat exchange between the battery cells 20 and ensures the performance of the battery 10.

[0079] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 comprises multiple rows of multiple battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction x and multiple thermal management components 101, wherein the multiple rows of battery cells 20 and the multiple thermal management components 101 are arranged alternately in the second direction y. That is, the multiple rows of battery cells 20 and the multiple thermal management components 101 can be arranged in the following sequence: thermal management component 101, row of battery cells 20, thermal management component 101, etc., or row of battery cells 20, thermal management component 101, row of battery cells 20, etc. In this way, the multiple rows of battery cells 20 and the multiple thermal management components 101 are interconnected and form a unit that is contained in the box body 11.This enables effective thermal management for each row of battery cells 20 while ensuring the overall structural strength of the battery 10, thereby improving the performance of the battery 10.

[0080] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 can comprise multiple battery modules. The battery module comprises at least one row of multiple battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction x, and at least one thermal management component 101, wherein the at least one row of battery cells 20 and the at least one thermal management component 101 are arranged alternately in the second direction y. That is, for each battery module, the rows of battery cells 20 and the thermal management components 101 contained therein are arranged alternately in the second direction y, with multiple battery modules being accommodated in the box body 11 to form the battery 10. Optionally, the multiple battery modules are arranged along the second direction y with a gap between adjacent battery modules.

[0081] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the thermal management component 101 is bonded to the first wall 2111. That is, the thermal management component 101 and the battery cell 20 can be firmly connected to each other by bonding, for example by structural adhesive, although the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0082] Optionally, the battery cells 20 can be attached to the housing 11 by bonding. Optionally, adjacent battery cells 20 in each row of battery cells 20 can also be bonded together. For example, the second walls 2112 of two adjacent battery cells 20 can be bonded together using structural adhesive, although the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. Bonding adjacent battery cells 20 in each row of battery cells 20 can further improve the fastening effect of the battery cells 20.

[0083] It should be understood that the relevant parts in the embodiments of the present application may refer to each other and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present application, a power-consuming device is provided, comprising a battery 10 according to one of the above embodiments. Optionally, the power-consuming device may be a vehicle 1, a ship, a spacecraft, or the like, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited to such.

[0085] Previously, battery 10 and the power-consuming device were described according to the embodiments of the present application. The following describes the method and apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to the embodiments of the present application, whereby reference may be made to the preceding embodiments for parts not described in detail.

[0086] Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic flowchart of a process 300 for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. As in Fig. As shown in section 9, the procedure can comprise the following steps:

[0087] 310 Providing multiple battery cells 20 arranged along a first direction x;

[0088] 320 Providing a thermal management component 101, wherein the thermal management component 101 extends along the first direction x and is connected to a first wall 2111 of each battery cell 20 of the multiple battery cells 20, wherein the first wall 2111 is the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell 20, wherein the thermal management component 101 comprises a pair of thermally conductive plates 1011 arranged opposite each other in a second direction y, and a flow channel 1012 arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates 1011, wherein the flow channel 1012 serves to receive a fluid for temperature control of the battery cells 20, wherein the second direction y is perpendicular to the first wall 2111; wherein in the second direction y a thickness D of the thermally conductive plate 1011 and a dimension H of the flow channel 1012 satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.

[0089] Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of a device 400 for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the device 400 for manufacturing a battery can comprise the following: a first provisioning module 410, which is configured to provide several battery cells 20 arranged along a first direction x; a second provisioning module 420 configured to provide a thermal management component 101, wherein the thermal management component 101 extends along the first direction x and is connected to a first wall 2111 of each battery cell 20 of the multiple battery cells 20, wherein the first wall 2111 is the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell 20, wherein the thermal management component 101 comprises a pair of thermally conductive plates 1011 arranged opposite each other in a second direction y, and a flow channel 1012 arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates 1011, wherein the flow channel 1012 serves to receive a fluid for temperature control of the battery cells 20, the second direction y being perpendicular to the first wall 2111; where in the second direction y a thickness D of the heat conducting plate 1011 and a dimension H of the flow channel 1012 satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.

[0090] The following are examples of embodiments of the present application. These embodiments are examples and serve only to illustrate the present application; they should not be construed as limiting the present application. If no specific techniques or conditions are indicated in the embodiments, the techniques or conditions described in the technical literature or product instructions must be followed.

[0091] Using the battery cell 20 and thermal management component 101 shown in the drawings, simulation tests were performed on the heating rate and the deformation force of the thermal management component, with the test results shown in Table 1. In Table 1, L2 is the dimension of the battery cell 20 in the first direction x, L3 is the dimension of the battery cell 20 in the second direction y, and L1 is the dimension of the first wall 2111 of the battery cell 20 in the third direction z, where the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y. Table 1 L1(inmm) L2(inmm L3(inmm W(inmm) D(inmm) H(inmm) D / H W / A × 1000mm -1 Aufheizrate°C / min VerformungskraftN 71 1000 26,5 4 1,95 0,1 19,5 0,056338028 <0,5 >100000 100 960 26,5 4 1,8 0,4 4,5 0,041666667 <0,5 >100000 71 120 26,5 5 2,45 0,1 24,5 0,58685446 <0,5 >100000 71 120 26,5 8 3 2 1,5 0,938967136 <0,5 >100000 85,9 120 12,5 3 1,45 0,1 14,5 0,291036088 <0,5 >100000 91 148 26,5 3 1,45 0,1 14,5 0,222750223 <0,5 >100000 112,5 148 85,8 5 2,25 0,5 4,5 0,3003003 <0,5 >100000 95 148 52 5 2,25 0,5 4,5 0,355618777 <0,5 >100000 85 173 42 4 1,75 0,5 3,5 0,272016321 <0,5 [10000, 100000] 199,7 173,6 53,5 4 1,75 0,5 3,5 0,115380444 <0,5 [10000, 100000] 201,7 173,6 28,6 12 2 8 0,25 0,342709093 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 199,7 173,6 53,5 10 1,5 7 0,214285714 0,28845111 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 97,5 148 28,5 3 0,5 2 0,25 0,207900208 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 102,85 148 79 3 0,4 2,2 0,181818182 0,197085759 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 97 148 79 3 0,4 2,2 0,181818182 0,208971858 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 199,7 173,6 71,25 4 1 2 0,5 0,115380444 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 30 200 10 2 0,625 0,75 0,833333333 0,333333333 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 55 55 13,5 5 0,5 4 0,125 1,652892562 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 63,4 70 35 6 1 4 0,25 1,351960342 [0,5, 1,6] [10000, 100000] 112,5 203 44 6 0,25 5,5 0,045454545 0,26272578 [0,5, 1,6] <10000 112,5 203 88 6 0,25 5,5 0,045454545 0,26272578 [0,5, 1,6] <10000 91 148 26,5 0,3 0,1 0,1 1 0,022275022 <0,5 <10000 112,5 194 48 4 0,2 3,6 0,055555556 0,18327606 <0,5 <10000 112,5 194 70,7 4 0,2 3,6 0,055555556 0,18327606 <0,5 <10000 200 200 85,8 60 5 50 0,1 1,5 [0,5, 1,6] >100000

[0092] Although the present application is described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and equivalents used without altering the scope of the present application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way, provided there are no structural conflicts. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the text, but encompasses all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Battery, characterized in that it comprises: several battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction (x); a thermal management component (101), wherein the thermal management component (101) extends along the first direction (x) and is connected to a first wall (2111) of each battery cell (20) of the several battery cells (20), wherein the first wall (2111) is the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell (20), wherein the thermal management component (101) comprises a pair of thermally conductive plates (1011) arranged opposite each other in a second direction (y), and a flow channel (1012) arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates (1011), wherein the flow channel (1012) serves to receive a fluid for temperature control of the battery cells (20), wherein the second direction (y) is perpendicular to the first wall (2111);where in the second direction (y) a thickness D of the heat-conducting plate (1011) and a dimension H of the flow channel (1012) satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.; Battery according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness D of the heat conducting plate (1011) and the dimension H of the flow channel (1012) satisfy the following condition: 0.05 ≤ D / H ≤ 15. Battery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a dimension W of the thermal management component (101) in the second direction (y) is 0.3 to 100 mm. Battery according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the thickness D of the heat conducting plate (1011) is 0.1 to 25 mm. Battery according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the dimension H of the flow channel (1012) is 0.1 to 50 mm. Battery according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the dimension W of the thermal management component (101) in the second direction (y) and an area A of the first wall (2111) satisfy the following condition: 0.03 mm-1≤ W / A × 1000 ≤ 2 mm-1. Battery according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the thermal management component (101) also comprises a rib (1013) arranged between the pair of thermal conducting plates (1011), wherein the rib (1013) together with the pair of thermal conducting plates (1011) forms the flow channel (1012). Battery according to claim 7, characterized in that the angle formed by the rib (1013) and the heat conducting plate (1011) is an acute angle. Battery according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a thickness X of the rib (1013) is not less than (-0.0005 × F + 0.4738) mm, where F is the tensile strength of the material of the rib (1013). Battery according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the battery cell (20) comprises two first walls (2111) arranged opposite each other in the second direction (y) and two second walls (2112) arranged opposite each other in the first direction (x), wherein in the first direction (x) the second walls (2112) of two adjacent battery cells (20) are arranged opposite each other. Battery according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the battery comprises several rows of multiple battery cells (20) arranged along the first direction (x) and multiple thermal management components (101), wherein the multiple rows of battery cells (20) and the multiple thermal management components (101) are arranged alternately in the second direction (y). Battery according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the thermal management component (101) is bonded to the first wall (2111). Power-consuming device, characterized in that it comprises a battery (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the battery (10) serves to provide power. Device for manufacturing a battery, characterized in that it comprises: a first provisioning module (410) configured to provide several battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction (x);a second provisioning module (420) configured to provide a thermal management component (101), wherein the thermal management component (101) extends along the first direction (x) and is connected to a first wall (2111) of each battery cell (20) of the multiple battery cells (20), wherein the first wall (2111) is the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell (20), wherein the thermal management component (101) comprises a pair of thermally conductive plates (1011) arranged opposite each other in a second direction (y), and a flow channel (1012) arranged between the pair of thermally conductive plates (1011), wherein the flow channel (1012) serves to receive a fluid for temperature control of the battery cells (20), the second direction (y) being perpendicular to the first wall (2111);where in the second direction (y) a thickness D of the heat-conducting plate (1011) and a dimension H of the flow channel (1012) satisfy the following condition: 0.01 ≤ D / H ≤ 25.;

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