Thermal management device, battery, and electric device

Abstract

The present application relates to a thermal management device, a battery, and an electric device. The thermal management device comprises a heat exchange unit, and the heat exchange unit comprises: a heat exchange tube section, the heat exchange tube section being provided with an inlet end, an outlet end, and a heat exchange channel communicated with the inlet end and the outlet end; and collecting tube sections, the inlet end and the outlet end both being connected to the collecting tube sections, wherein the tube width of at least one collecting tube section is less than that of the heat exchange tube section. According to the thermal management device provided in the present application, the risk of thermal runaway of the battery can be reduced, and a space layout requirement of the thermal management device can be met.

Description

Thermal management devices, batteries, and power consumption devices

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410205264.4, filed on February 23, 2024, entitled “Thermal management device, battery and electrical device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry. Electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of the sustainable development of the automotive industry. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a key factor in their development.

[0005] In the development of battery technology, how to improve heat exchange efficiency while ensuring space utilization is a research direction in battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a thermal management device, a battery, and an electrical device. The thermal management device can improve heat exchange efficiency while ensuring space utilization.

[0007] On the one hand, according to an embodiment of the present application, a thermal management device is provided, including a heat exchange unit, the heat exchange unit including: a heat exchange pipe section, the heat exchange pipe section having an inlet end, an outlet end and a heat exchange channel connecting the inlet end and the outlet end; a collecting pipe section, the inlet end and the outlet end are both connected to the collecting pipe section; wherein the pipe width of at least one collecting pipe section is smaller than the pipe width of the heat exchange pipe section.

[0008] The thermal management device provided by one embodiment of the present application includes a heat exchange unit, which includes a heat exchange pipe section and a collecting pipe section. The heat exchange medium can be guided into the heat exchange pipe section through the collecting pipe section connected to the inlet end, and then flow out from the collecting pipe section connected to the outlet end after heat exchange between the heat exchange pipe section and the battery cell waiting heat exchange component. Since the pipe width of at least one collecting pipe section is smaller than the pipe width of the heat exchange pipe section, it can increase the width of the heat exchange pipe section, increase the heat exchange area, improve the heat exchange efficiency, ensure the heat exchange effect, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway of the battery used in the thermal management device. At the same time, it can also ensure that the collecting pipe section is laid out in a smaller space, meet the space layout requirements of the thermal management device, and improve the space utilization of the thermal management device.

[0009] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tube segment along its own extension direction is one of polygonal, elliptical and oval, and the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the collecting tube segment along its own extension direction is one of polygonal, elliptical and oval.

[0010] In the above scheme, the heat exchange tube section and the collecting tube section adopt the above-mentioned structural form, so that the heat exchange tube section and the collecting tube section can be arranged in a flat shape. Under the condition of flowing the same volume of heat exchange medium, this arrangement method is conducive to increasing the contact area between the heat exchange tube section and the battery cell waiting for heat exchange components, thereby increasing the heat exchange area, ensuring the heat exchange effect, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery used in the thermal management device. At the same time, the above arrangement method is conducive to saving the design space of the collecting tube section and is conducive to the spatial arrangement of the collecting tube section.

[0011] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tube segment along its own extension direction is rectangular, and the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the collecting tube segment along its own extension direction is rectangular and / or at least part of the cross-sectional shape is circular.

[0012] In the above scheme, by making the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tube section along its own extension direction rectangular, and the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the collecting pipe section along its own extension direction rectangular and at least part of the cross-sectional shape circular, it is possible to increase the contact area between the heat exchange tube section and the battery cell waiting for heat exchange components, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and ensuring the heat exchange effect. At the same time, the above arrangement is also conducive to the layout of the collecting pipe section and the connection with the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange medium.

[0013] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the collecting pipe section connected to the inlet end and the outlet end is located on the same side of the heat exchange pipe section in the first direction and is spaced apart in the second direction, and the second direction is arranged to intersect with the first direction.

[0014] In the above scheme, the collecting pipe sections connected to the inlet end and the outlet end are located on the same side of the heat exchange pipe section in the first direction and are distributed at intervals in the second direction, which is beneficial to the spatial arrangement of each collecting pipe section. At the same time, the above setting method can make the heat exchange pipe section bend and set, increase the distribution length of the heat exchange pipe section, ensure the contact area between the battery cell and the heat exchange component, ensure the heat exchange effect, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway of the battery used in the thermal management device.

[0015] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange unit also includes a transfer pipe section, which has a first interface and a second interface that are connected to each other, the opening width of the first interface is smaller than the opening width of the second interface, the first interface is connected to the collecting pipe section, and the second interface is connected to one of the inlet end and the outlet end.

[0016] In the above scheme, by making the heat exchange unit also include a transfer pipe section, it is convenient to realize the connection between the heat exchange pipe section and the collecting pipe section with varying width dimensions through the transfer pipe section, thereby ensuring the connectivity requirements between the heat exchange pipe section and the collecting pipe section, and reducing the difficulty of forming the thermal management device. At the same time, the collecting pipe sections and transfer pipe sections of corresponding widths can be matched according to different spatial layout requirements, thereby improving the versatility of the thermal management device.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the present application, the width of the transfer tube section gradually increases from the first interface to the second interface.

[0018] In the above scheme, by gradually increasing the width of the transfer pipe section, the resistance to the flow of the heat exchange medium caused by the sudden change in the width of the heat exchange pipe section and the collecting pipe section can be reduced, thereby ensuring the smooth circulation of the heat exchange medium and the heat exchange effect of the thermal management device.

[0019] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, both the inlet end and the outlet end are connected to the corresponding collecting pipe section through a transfer pipe section.

[0020] In the above scheme, by connecting the inlet end and the outlet end to the corresponding collecting pipe section through the transfer pipe section, it is convenient to realize the connection between the heat exchange pipe section and the collecting pipe section with different width dimensions at different positions through the transfer pipe section, thereby ensuring the connectivity requirements between the heat exchange pipe section and the collecting pipe section.

[0021] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange pipe section and the collecting pipe section are an integrated structure.

[0022] In the above solution, by making the heat exchange tube section and the collecting tube section an integrated structure, the connection strength requirement between the heat exchange tube section and the collecting tube section can be guaranteed, the sealing of the heat exchange unit can be guaranteed, and the molding process can be simplified.

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the present application, the header section is partially inserted into one of the inlet end and the outlet end and connected to the heat exchange tube section.

[0024] In the above scheme, by making the collecting pipe section partially inserted into one of the inlet end and the outlet end and connected to the heat exchange pipe section, it can not only ensure the connection requirements between the collecting pipe section and the heat exchange pipe section, but also make it possible to connect the collecting pipe section and the heat exchange pipe section after being separately formed, which can reduce the difficulty of forming.

[0025] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, at least one collecting pipe segment includes a first portion and a second portion that are intersectingly arranged and connected, and the second portion is connected to one of the inlet end and the outlet end.

[0026] In the above scheme, by making the collecting pipe section include a first part and a second part that are arranged to intersect and communicate with each other, and the second part is connected to one of the inlet end and the outlet end, it can not only ensure the connection requirements between the collecting pipe section and the heat exchange pipe section, but also enable the part of the collecting pipe section that is connected to at least one of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange medium to be reversed relative to the heat exchange pipe section, which is beneficial to reducing the space occupied by the thermal management device at the collecting pipe section, and is beneficial to the spatial layout of the thermal management device on the basis of ensuring the heat exchange requirements.

[0027] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the flow area of ​​the header section is smaller than the flow area of ​​the heat exchange tube section.

[0028] In the above solution, by making the flow area of ​​the header section smaller than the flow area of ​​the heat exchange tube section, it is beneficial to reduce the width of the header section, thereby ensuring the spatial layout requirements of the thermal management device.

[0029] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the number of heat exchange units is more than two, and the more than two heat exchange units are distributed at intervals along the same direction.

[0030] In the above solution, by making the number of heat exchange units included in the thermal management device two or more, the number of heat exchange units can be adjusted according to the heat exchange requirements of equipment such as batteries to ensure the heat exchange effect.

[0031] On the other hand, according to one embodiment of the present application, a battery is provided, comprising the above-mentioned thermal management device.

[0032] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present application, an electrical device includes the above-mentioned battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The features, advantages and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between a thermal management device and a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG5 is a partial enlarged view of point A in FIG4 ;

[0039] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a transfer pipe section according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a header section according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management device according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Among them: 1-vehicle; 10-battery; 101-housing; 101a-first housing portion; 101b-second housing portion; 20-battery module; 21-battery cell; 30-controller; 40-motor; 50-thermal management device; 51-heat exchange unit; 511-heat exchange pipe section; 5111-inlet end; 5112-outlet end; 512-collecting pipe section; 5121-first part; 5122-second part; 513-transfer pipe section; 5131-first interface; 5132-second interface; X-first direction; Y-second direction.

[0044] In the drawings, like parts are given like reference numerals, but the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary-secondary relationship.

[0047] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0049] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components in different embodiments are omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of this application, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0051] The term "plurality" used in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0052] In this application, battery cells may include lithium-ion secondary battery cells, lithium-ion primary battery cells, lithium-sulfur battery cells, sodium-lithium-ion battery cells, sodium-ion battery cells, or magnesium-ion battery cells, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. Battery cells may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0053] The battery referred to in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a casing that encloses one or more battery cells. The casing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0054] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. A battery cell primarily operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The positive electrode sheet comprises a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector. The current collector uncoated with the positive active material layer protrudes from the current collector coated with the positive active material layer. The current collectors uncoated with the positive active material layer, when stacked, serve as the positive electrode tabs. For lithium-ion batteries, for example, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide. The negative electrode sheet comprises a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector. The current collector uncoated with the negative active material layer protrudes from the current collector coated with the negative active material layer. The current collectors uncoated with the negative active material layer, when stacked, serve as the negative electrode tabs. The negative current collector can be made of copper, and the negative active material can be carbon, silicon, or other materials. The material of the isolation film may be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly may be a wound structure or a laminated structure, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0055] The battery cells disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power supply system comprising the battery cells and batteries disclosed in this application can be used to improve the stability of battery performance and battery life.

[0056] Batteries exhibit different electrical cycling performance at different ambient temperatures. When the ambient temperature is too high or too low, the battery's cycling performance degrades, even shortening its service life. To ensure the safety, stable performance, and excellent operation of new energy vehicles, effective battery thermal management is essential to ensure that the battery always operates within the appropriate temperature range.

[0057] The thermal management device can be used to exchange heat with the battery cells of the battery to effectively manage the thermal state of the battery cells. The inventors have found that there is room for further improvement in the overall reliability of the battery. Further research has found that the thermal management devices in related technologies have insufficient heat exchange capacity and cannot ensure that the battery cells operate within the appropriate temperature range. In addition, they are subject to space limitations, which is not conducive to improving the heat exchange capacity of the thermal management devices.

[0058] In order to improve the heat exchange capacity of the thermal management device, the inventors have designed a thermal management device after in-depth research, including a heat exchange unit, the heat exchange unit including a heat exchange pipe section and a collecting pipe section, the heat exchange pipe section having an inlet end, an outlet end and a heat exchange channel connecting the inlet end and the outlet end, and the inlet end and the outlet end are both connected to the collecting pipe section; wherein, the pipe width of at least one collecting pipe section is smaller than the pipe width of the heat exchange pipe section. In the above scheme, the heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange pipe section and a collecting pipe section, and the heat exchange medium can be guided into the heat exchange pipe section through the collecting pipe section connected to the inlet end, and then flow out from the collecting pipe section connected to the outlet end after heat exchange with the battery cell waiting for heat exchange components through the heat exchange pipe section. Since the pipe width of at least one collecting pipe section is smaller than the pipe width of the heat exchange pipe section, it can increase the width of the heat exchange pipe section, increase the heat exchange area, improve the heat exchange efficiency, ensure the heat exchange effect, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway of the battery used in the thermal management device. At the same time, it can also ensure that the collecting pipe sections are laid out in a smaller space, ensure the spatial layout requirements of the thermal management device, and improve the space utilization rate of the thermal management device.

[0059] The thermal management device disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but is not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power supply system comprising the thermal management device disclosed in this application and a battery can be used to improve the stability of battery performance and battery life.

[0060] The present invention provides an electric device that uses a battery as a power source. The electric 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.

[0061] For example, as shown in FIG1 , it is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 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, etc. A motor 40, a controller 30 and a battery 10 may be provided inside the vehicle 1. The controller 30 is used to control the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 40. For example, a battery 10 may be provided at the bottom, front or rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 may be used to power the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 may be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 1, for the circuit system of the vehicle 1, for example, for the working power requirements during the start-up, navigation and operation of the vehicle 1. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 may not only be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 1, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in order to meet different power requirements, the battery 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 21, wherein the plurality of battery cells 21 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in hybrid connection, where hybrid connection refers to a mixture of series and parallel connection. The battery 10 may also be referred to as a battery pack. Optionally, a plurality of battery cells 21 may first be connected in series, in parallel, or in hybrid connection to form a battery module 20, and a plurality of battery modules 20 may then be connected in series, in parallel, or in hybrid connection to form a battery 10. In other words, a plurality of battery cells 21 may directly form a battery 10, or may first form a battery module 20, and the battery module 20 may then form a battery 10.

[0063] The battery cells 21 may include lithium-ion battery cells, sodium-ion battery cells, or magnesium-ion battery cells, and the present embodiment of the present application does not limit this. The battery cells 21 may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shapes, and the present embodiment of the present application does not limit this. Battery cells 21 are generally divided into three types based on the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells, and the present embodiment of the present application does not limit this. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments are all described using cylindrical battery cells 21 as an example.

[0064] The battery 10 may further include a housing 101 (or a cover) and a thermal management device 50 . The interior of the housing 101 is a hollow structure, and a plurality of battery cells 21 are accommodated in the housing 101 .

[0065] The housing 101 may be a simple three-dimensional structure such as a single rectangular parallelepiped, cylinder, or sphere, or a complex three-dimensional structure composed of simple three-dimensional structures such as rectangular parallelepiped, cylinder, or sphere, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The housing 101 may be made of an alloy material such as an aluminum alloy or an iron alloy, or a polymer material such as polycarbonate or polyisocyanurate foam, or a composite material such as glass fiber and epoxy resin, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0066] The housing 101 is used to accommodate the battery cells 21. The housing 101 can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing can include a first housing portion 101a and a second housing portion 101b. The first housing portion 101a and the second housing portion 101b overlap each other, and the first housing portion 101a and the second housing portion 101b together define a storage space for accommodating the battery cells 21. The second housing portion 101b can be a hollow structure with one end open. The first housing portion 101a is a plate-like structure. The first housing portion 101a overlaps the open side of the second housing portion 101b to form the housing 101 with a storage space. The first housing portion 101a and the second housing portion 101b can also be hollow structures with one end open. The open side of the first housing portion 101a overlaps the open side of the second housing portion 101b to form a housing with a storage space. Of course, the first box body portion 101a and the second box body portion 101b can be in various shapes, such as cylinder, cuboid, etc.

[0067] In order to improve the sealing performance after the first box body 101a and the second box body 101b are connected, a sealing member, such as a sealant, a sealing ring, etc., may also be provided between the first box body 101a and the second box body 101b.

[0068] Assuming that the first box portion 101a covers the top of the second box portion 101b, the first box portion 101a can also be called an upper box cover, and the second box portion 101b can also be called a lower box.

[0069] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the thermal management device 50 may include a heat exchange unit 51, which includes a heat exchange pipe section 511 and a collecting pipe section 512. The heat exchange pipe section 511 has an inlet end 5111, an outlet end 5112, and a heat exchange channel connecting the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112; the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 are both connected to the collecting pipe section 512; wherein, the pipe width D2 of at least one collecting pipe section 512 is smaller than the pipe width D1 of the heat exchange pipe section 511.

[0070] The number of heat exchange units 51 included in the thermal management device 50 may be one or more.

[0071] The structures of the collecting pipe section 512 connected to the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 can be the same, of course, there can also be differences. For example, the length of the collecting pipe section 512 connected to one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 can be greater than the length of the collecting pipe section 512 connected to the other.

[0072] When both the manifold section 512 and the heat exchange section 511 are circular tubes, the pipe width of the manifold section 512 can be understood as the outer diameter of the pipe of the manifold section 512, and the pipe width of the heat exchange section 511 can be understood as the outer diameter of the heat exchange section 511. When both the manifold section 512 and the heat exchange section 511 are flat tubes, the manifold section 512 and the heat exchange section 511 have a width direction and a thickness direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction. The pipe width of the manifold section 512 can be understood as the width of the pipe in this direction, and the pipe width of the heat exchange section 511 can be understood as the width of the pipe in this direction.

[0073] The pipe width D2 of the manifold section 512 connected to the inlet end 5111 can be smaller than the pipe width D1 of the heat exchange pipe section 511, and the pipe width D2 of the manifold section 512 connected to the outlet end 5112 can be smaller than the pipe width D1 of the heat exchange pipe section 511. Of course, the pipe width D2 of the manifold section 512 connected to the inlet end 5111 and the pipe width D2 of the manifold section 512 connected to the outlet end 5112 can both be smaller than the pipe width D1 of the heat exchange pipe section 511.

[0074] A thermal management device 50 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes a heat exchange unit 51. The heat exchange unit 51 includes a heat exchange pipe segment 511 and a manifold segment 512. A heat exchange medium, such as water or ethylene glycol, is introduced into the heat exchange pipe segment 511 via the manifold segment 512 connected to an inlet port 5111. The heat exchange medium passes through the heat exchange pipe segment 511 and undergoes heat exchange with the heat exchange components of the battery cells 21 before exiting the manifold segment 512 connected to the outlet port 5112. Because the pipe width D2 of at least one manifold segment 512 is smaller than the pipe width D1 of the heat exchange pipe segment 511, the width of the heat exchange pipe segment 511 can be increased, thereby increasing the heat exchange area, improving heat exchange efficiency, ensuring heat exchange effectiveness, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway in the battery used by the thermal management device 50. Furthermore, the manifold segment 512 can be arranged in a smaller space, meeting the spatial layout requirements of the thermal management device 50 and improving the space utilization of the thermal management device.

[0075] In some optional embodiments, in a thermal management device 50 provided by one embodiment of the present application, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange pipe segment 511 along its own extension direction is one of polygonal, elliptical and oval, and the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the collecting pipe segment 512 along its own extension direction is one of polygonal, elliptical and oval.

[0076] Polygons include quadrilaterals, pentagons, and hexagons, and a quadrilateral can be selected.

[0077] The extending direction of the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the header section 512 can be understood as the direction in which the heat exchange medium flows in the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the header section 512 .

[0078] The cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tube segment 511 in its own extension direction and the cross-sectional shape of the manifold segment 512 in its own extension direction can be the same, but have different sizes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tube segment 511 in its own extension direction and the cross-sectional shape of the manifold segment 512 in its own extension direction can both be polygonal, elliptical, or oval. Of course, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tube segment 511 in its own extension direction and the cross-sectional shape of the manifold segment 512 in its own extension direction can be different. For example, one can be polygonal and the other can be elliptical or oval.

[0079] When the cross-section is elliptical, the pipe width of the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the pipe width of the collecting pipe section 512 can be understood as the major axis size of the ellipse.

[0080] When the cross-section is in the shape of a waist circle, the pipe width of the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the pipe width of the collecting pipe section 512 can be understood as the vertical distance between the two semicircles in the waist circle away from each other.

[0081] When the cross-sectional shape is a polygon, such as a quadrilateral, the pipe width of the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the pipe width of the collecting pipe section 512 can be understood as the size of the quadrilateral in the width direction.

[0082] In the above scheme, the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the collecting pipe section 512 adopt the above-mentioned structural form, so that the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the collecting pipe section 512 can be arranged in a flat shape. Under the condition of flowing the same volume of heat exchange medium, this arrangement method is conducive to increasing the contact area between the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the battery cell 21 waiting for the heat exchange component, thereby increasing the heat exchange area, ensuring the heat exchange effect, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery used in the thermal management device 50. At the same time, the above arrangement method is conducive to saving the design space of the collecting pipe section 512, facilitating the spatial arrangement of the collecting pipe section 512, and improving the space utilization rate of the thermal management device.

[0083] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, in some optional embodiments, in a thermal management device 50 provided by an embodiment of the present application, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange pipe segment 511 along its own extension direction is rectangular, and the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the collecting pipe segment 512 along its own extension direction is rectangular and / or at least part of the cross-sectional shape is circular.

[0084] The cross-sectional shape of the manifold section 512 along its extension direction may be partially rectangular, or the cross-sectional shape may be entirely rectangular. Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the manifold section 512 along its extension direction may also be partially rectangular and partially circular. Of course, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the manifold section 512 along its extension direction may also be entirely circular.

[0085] The collecting pipe section 512 may be connected to the heat exchange pipe section 511 through a portion having a rectangular cross section and connected to an inlet and an outlet of the heat exchange medium through a portion having a circular cross section.

[0086] The portion of the collecting pipe section 512 with a rectangular cross section and the portion with a circular cross section can be connected into one piece through a transition section.

[0087] When the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the collecting pipe section 512 along its own extension direction is rectangular and the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the collecting pipe section 512 is circular, the width of the collecting pipe section 512 can be understood as the width of the rectangular cross-sectional shape and the radial dimension of the circular cross-sectional shape are both smaller than the pipe width D1 of the heat exchange pipe section 511.

[0088] In the above scheme, by making the cross-section of the heat exchange tube segment 511 along its extension direction rectangular, and the cross-section of the manifold segment 512 along its extension direction at least partially rectangular and at least partially circular, this ensures that the contact area between the heat exchange tube segment 511 and the heat exchange components such as the battery cells 21 is increased, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and ensuring the heat exchange effect. Furthermore, this arrangement facilitates the layout of the manifold segment 512 and its connection to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange medium.

[0089] Continuing to refer to Figures 4 to 6, in some optional embodiments, a thermal management device 50 provided by an embodiment of the present application, a collecting pipe section 512 connected to the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 is located on the same side of the heat exchange pipe section 511 in the first direction X and is spaced apart in the second direction Y, and the second direction Y is arranged to intersect with the first direction X.

[0090] The inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 can be located on the same side of the heat exchange channel in the first direction X, so that the collecting pipe section 512 connected to the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 are respectively located on the same side of the heat exchange pipe section 511 in the first direction X.

[0091] The intersection angle between the first direction X and the second direction Y may be 85° to 95°, and may be 90°. That is, the first direction X and the second direction Y may be perpendicular to each other.

[0092] In the above solution, by locating the manifold segments 512 connected to the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 on the same side of the heat exchange tube segments 511 in the first direction X and distributing them at intervals in the second direction Y, the spatial arrangement of the manifold segments 512 is facilitated. Furthermore, this arrangement allows the heat exchange tube segments 511 to be bent, increasing their length and ensuring contact area with the heat exchange components of the battery cells, thereby ensuring effective heat exchange and reducing the risk of thermal runaway in the battery 10 in which the thermal management device 50 is used.

[0093] Continuing to refer to Figures 4 to 7, in some optional embodiments, the thermal management device 50 provided by an embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange unit 51 also includes a transfer pipe section 513, the transfer pipe section 513 has a first interface 5131 and a second interface 5132 that are connected to each other, the opening width M1 of the first interface 5131 is smaller than the opening width M2 of the second interface 5132, the first interface 5131 is connected to the collecting pipe section 512, and the second interface 5132 is connected to one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112.

[0094] The transfer pipe section 513 can adopt a pipeline with varying width dimensions. The first interface 5131 of the transfer pipe section 513 can match the shape of the collecting pipe section 512, and the two can be connected by plugging, welding, etc. The second interface 5132 of the transfer pipe section 513 can match the shape of the collecting pipe section 512, and the two can be connected by plugging, welding, etc.

[0095] In the above scheme, by making the heat exchange unit 51 also include a transfer pipe section 513, it is convenient to realize the connection between the heat exchange pipe section 511 with varying width dimensions and the collecting pipe section 512 through the transfer pipe section 513, thereby ensuring the connectivity requirement between the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the collecting pipe section 512, and reducing the difficulty of forming the thermal management device. At the same time, the collecting pipe section 512 and the transfer pipe section 513 of corresponding width can be matched according to different spatial layout requirements, thereby improving the versatility of the thermal management device 50.

[0096] In some optional embodiments, in the thermal management device 50 provided by one embodiment of the present application, the width of the transfer tube section 513 gradually increases from the first interface 5131 to the second interface 5132 .

[0097] In the direction of the first interface 5131 and the second interface 5132 , the first interface 5131 and the second interface 5132 may be in the form of interfaces with equal width extending to a predetermined length, and the width of the transfer tube section 513 gradually increases in the portion between the first interface 5131 and the second interface 5132 .

[0098] In the above scheme, by gradually increasing the width of the transfer pipe section 513, the resistance to the flow of the heat exchange medium caused by the sudden change in the width size of the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the collecting pipe section 512 can be reduced, thereby ensuring the smooth circulation of the heat exchange medium and the heat exchange effect of the thermal management device 50.

[0099] In some optional embodiments, in a thermal management device 50 provided in one embodiment of the present application, both the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 are connected to the corresponding manifold section 512 through a transfer pipe section 513 .

[0100] The extension directions of the transfer pipe sections 513 connected to the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 can be consistent or intersecting. The extension lengths of the transfer pipe sections 513 connected to the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 in the flow direction of the heat exchange medium can be consistent. Of course, the extension length of one can be greater than the extension length of the other.

[0101] In the above scheme, by connecting the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 to the corresponding collecting pipe section 512 through the transfer pipe section 513, it is convenient to realize the connection between the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the collecting pipe section 512 with different width dimensions at different positions through the transfer pipe section 513, thereby ensuring the connectivity requirements between the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the collecting pipe section 512.

[0102] In some optional embodiments, in a thermal management device 50 provided by one embodiment of the present application, at least one collecting pipe section 512 includes a first part 5121 and a second part 5122 that are arranged to intersect and communicate with each other, and the second part 5122 is connected to one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 through a transfer pipe section 513.

[0103] The angle between the first portion 5121 and the second portion 5122 can be any value between 60° and 150°, and can be optionally 80° to 100°. For example, it can be 90°.

[0104] The first part 5121 and the second part 5122 can both be configured as flat tubes, or the second part 5122 can be configured as a flat tube, and the first part 5121 can be configured as a flat tube or a round tube.

[0105] The second portion 5122 can be connected to the inlet end 5111 or the outlet end 5112 by direct connection. Of course, when the transfer pipe section 513 is included, the second portion 5122 is connected to the inlet end 5111 or the outlet end 5112 via the transfer pipe section 513.

[0106] One of the manifold sections 512 may include a first portion 5121 and a second portion 5122 that are intersecting and connected. Of course, each manifold section 512 may also include a first portion 5121 and a second portion 5122 that are intersecting and connected.

[0107] In the above scheme, by making the collecting pipe section 512 include a first part 5121 and a second part 5122 that are arranged to intersect and communicate with each other, the second part 5122 is connected to one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112, which can not only ensure the connection requirements between the collecting pipe section 512 and the heat exchange pipe section 511, but also enable the part of the collecting pipe section 512 that is connected to at least one of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange medium to be reversed relative to the heat exchange pipe section 511, which is beneficial to reducing the space occupied by the thermal management device 50 at the collecting pipe section 512, and is beneficial to the spatial layout of the thermal management device 50 while ensuring the heat exchange requirements.

[0108] It is understandable that the connection between the collecting pipe section 512 and the heat exchange pipe section 511 is not limited to the transfer pipe section 513. In some embodiments, the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the collecting pipe section 512 can also be connected directly.

[0109] As shown in FIG8 , optionally, the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the header pipe section 512 may be formed into an integrated structure.

[0110] The heat exchange unit 51 can adopt a cold pressing or hot forming process to shrink the heat exchange pipe section 511 in the form of a large-diameter flat tube to the collecting pipe section 512 in the form of a small-diameter tube.

[0111] In the above solution, by making the heat exchange tube section 511 and the collecting tube section 512 an integrated structure, the connection strength requirement between the heat exchange tube section 511 and the collecting tube section 512 can be guaranteed, the sealing of the heat exchange unit 51 can be guaranteed, and the molding process can be simplified.

[0112] It is understandable that when the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the header pipe section 512 are directly connected to each other, it is not limited to that the heat exchange pipe section 511 and the header pipe section 512 adopt an integrated structure.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 9 , in some optional embodiments, the thermal management device 50 provided in one embodiment of the present application can also allow the collecting pipe section 512 to be partially inserted into one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 and connected to the heat exchange pipe section 511 .

[0114] The shape of the portion where the manifold section 512 is connected to one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 can be matched with the shape of the inlet end 5111 or the outlet end 5112. The manifold section 512 can be partially inserted into one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112, and then the relative positions of the manifold section 512 and the heat exchange tube section 511 can be fixed by welding or the like.

[0115] In the above scheme, by making the collecting pipe section 512 partially inserted into one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 and connected to the heat exchange pipe section 511, it can not only ensure the connection requirements between the collecting pipe section 512 and the heat exchange pipe section 511, but also make it possible to make the collecting pipe section 512 and the heat exchange pipe section 511 be separately formed and then connected, which can reduce the difficulty of forming.

[0116] In some optional embodiments, in the thermal management device 50 provided by one embodiment of the present application, the flow area of ​​the collecting pipe section 512 is smaller than the flow area of ​​the heat exchange pipe section 511.

[0117] The flow area can be understood as the area of ​​the heat exchange medium flow section.

[0118] In the above solution, by making the flow area of ​​the manifold section 512 smaller than the flow area of ​​the heat exchange tube section 511 , it is helpful to reduce the width of the manifold section 512 , thereby ensuring the spatial layout requirements of the thermal management device 50 .

[0119] In some optional embodiments, a thermal management device 50 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes more than two heat exchange units 51 , and the more than two heat exchange units 51 are spaced apart and distributed in the same direction.

[0120] The number of heat exchange units 51 included in the thermal management device 50 can be two, three or more. For example, the heat exchange units 51 included in the thermal management device 50 can be arranged in pairs, and the heat exchange units 51 arranged in pairs can be distributed symmetrically with each other.

[0121] In the above solution, by making the number of heat exchange units 51 included in the thermal management device 50 more than two, the number of heat exchange units 51 can be adjusted according to the heat exchange requirements of equipment such as the battery 10 to ensure the heat exchange effect.

[0122] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, according to some embodiments of the present application, the present application provides a thermal management device 50, including heat exchange units 51 arranged in pairs, and the heat exchange units 51 arranged in pairs are symmetrically distributed with each other, each heat exchange unit 51 includes a heat exchange pipe section 511, a collecting pipe section 512 and a transfer pipe section 513, the heat exchange pipe section 511 has an inlet end 5111, an outlet end 5112 and a heat exchange channel connecting the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112, the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 are both connected to the collecting pipe section 512, and the pipeline width D2 of each collecting pipe section 512 is smaller than the pipeline width D1 of the heat exchange pipe section 511. The heat exchange tube segment 511 has a quadrilateral cross-section along its extension direction, while the manifold segment 512 also has a quadrilateral cross-section along its extension direction. The manifold segments 512 connected to the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 are located on the same side of the heat exchange tube segment 511 in the first direction X and are spaced apart in the second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X. The heat exchange channels are bent at the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112. Both the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 are connected to the corresponding manifold segment 512 via a transfer tube segment 513. The transfer tube segment 513 has a first port 5131 and a second port 5132 that communicate with each other. The opening width M1 of the first port 5131 is smaller than the opening width M2 of the second port 5132. The first port 5131 is connected to the manifold segment 512, while the second port 5132 is connected to one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112. The width of the transfer pipe section 513 gradually increases from the first port 5131 to the second port 5132. Of the two manifold sections 512 included in the heat exchange unit 51, one manifold section 512 includes a first portion 5121 and a second portion 5122 that intersect and communicate with each other. The second portion 5122 is connected to one of the inlet end 5111 and the outlet end 5112 via the transfer pipe section 513.

[0123] On the other hand, according to one embodiment of the present application, a battery is provided, comprising the above-mentioned thermal management device 50. The heat exchange effect is good, the battery cells can operate at a suitable temperature, and the reliability is high.

[0124] In yet another aspect, according to the present application, an electrical device includes the above-mentioned battery.

[0125] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and components may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but encompasses all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management device, comprising a heat exchange unit, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises: A heat exchange pipe section, the heat exchange pipe section having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a heat exchange channel communicating with the inlet end and the outlet end; A collecting pipe section, to which the inlet end and the outlet end are both connected; Wherein, the pipeline width of at least one of the collecting pipe sections is smaller than the pipeline width of the heat exchange pipe section.

2. The thermal management device according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tube section along its own extension direction is one of polygonal, elliptical and oval. The cross-sectional shape of at least part of the collecting tube section along its own extension direction is one of polygonal, elliptical and oval.

3. The thermal management device according to claim 2, wherein: The cross-section of the heat exchange tube section along its own extension direction is rectangular, and at least part of the cross-section of the header section along its own extension direction is rectangular and / or at least part of the cross-section is circular.

4. The thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The collecting pipe sections connected to the inlet end and the outlet end are located on the same side of the heat exchange pipe sections in the first direction and are spaced apart in a second direction, and the second direction intersects the first direction.

5. The thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heat exchange unit also includes a transfer pipe section, which has a first interface and a second interface that are connected to each other. The opening width of the first interface is smaller than the opening width of the second interface. The first interface is connected to the collecting pipe section, and the second interface is connected to one of the inlet end and the outlet end.

6. The thermal management device according to claim 5, wherein: The width of the transfer tube section gradually increases from the first interface to the second interface.

7. The thermal management device according to claim 5, wherein: The inlet end and the outlet end are both connected to the corresponding collecting pipe section through the transfer pipe section.

8. The thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heat exchange pipe section and the collecting pipe section are an integrated structure.

9. The thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The header section is partially inserted into one of the inlet end and the outlet end and connected to the heat exchange pipe section.

10. The thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: At least one of the header sections includes a first portion and a second portion that are intersecting and communicating with each other, and the second portion is connected to one of the inlet end and the outlet end.

11. The thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The flow area of ​​the collecting pipe section is smaller than the flow area of ​​the heat exchange pipe section.

12. The thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The number of the heat exchange units is more than two, and the more than two heat exchange units are spaced apart and distributed in the same direction.

13. A battery comprising the thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An electrical device comprising the battery according to claim 13.

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