Battery, electrical device, and method for manufacturing thermal management component

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery (100), an electrical device, and a method for manufacturing a thermal management component, which relate to the technical field of batteries. The battery (100) comprises a battery cell assembly and a thermal management component (30), wherein the battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells (20); the thermal management component (30) comprises a first plate (301) and a second plate (302), which are stacked in a first direction; a flow channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium is formed between the first plate (301) and the second plate (302); in the first direction, the first plate (301) is located on the side of the second plate (302) that faces away from the battery cell assembly; and the first plate (301) comprises a first connecting layer (3011), a first intermediate layer (3013) and a first reinforcing layer (3012) which are stacked in sequence, wherein the first connecting layer (3011) is welded to the second plate (302), the first reinforcing layer (3012) is located on the side of the first connecting layer (3011) that faces away from the second plate (302), and the first intermediate layer (3013) is connected to the first reinforcing layer (3012) and the first connecting layer (3011), respectively. The battery (100) can improve the strength of the thermal management component (30) and reduce impact on the thermal management component (30) when being impacted or scratched.

Description

Battery, electrical device, and method for manufacturing thermal management component

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application CN2024102566934, entitled “Box, Battery and Electrical Device”, filed on March 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a method for manufacturing a battery, an electrical device, and a thermal management component. Background Art

[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry. In this context, electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become a crucial component of the industry's sustainable development. Battery technology, in turn, is a crucial factor in the development of electric vehicles.

[0005] In the development of battery technology, battery reliability is an issue that cannot be ignored. If battery reliability cannot be guaranteed, the battery will be unusable. Therefore, how to enhance battery reliability is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in battery technology.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a method for manufacturing a battery, an electrical device, and a thermal management component, which can improve the reliability of the battery.

[0008] This application is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0009] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery comprising a battery cell assembly and a thermal management component. The battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells, and the thermal management component is used to regulate the temperature of the battery cells. The thermal management component comprises a first plate and a second plate stacked along a first direction, with a flow channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium formed between the first plate and the second plate. The first direction is the thickness direction of the thermal management component. Along the first direction, the first plate is located on the side of the second plate facing away from the battery cell assembly. The first plate comprises a first connecting layer, a first intermediate layer, and a first reinforcing layer stacked in sequence. The first connecting layer is welded to the second plate. The first reinforcing layer is located on the side of the first connecting layer facing away from the second plate. The first intermediate layer is connected to the first reinforcing layer and the first connecting layer, respectively.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the first plate includes a first connecting layer, a first intermediate layer and a first reinforcing layer, and the first reinforcing layer is arranged on the side of the first connecting layer away from the second plate, which can improve the strength of the thermal management component. At the same time, because the first plate is located on the side of the second plate away from the battery cell assembly, and in the first plate, the first reinforcing layer is located on the side of the first connecting layer away from the second plate, so that the first reinforcing layer is located on the outside of the thermal management component, when the thermal management component is hit or scratched by foreign objects, the foreign objects will usually contact the first reinforcing layer first, and the first reinforcing layer can reduce the damage of foreign objects to the thermal management component due to its high strength, thereby reducing the impact when the thermal management component is hit or scratched, thereby improving the reliability of the battery. The provision of the first intermediate layer can block the first connecting layer and the first reinforcing layer, reducing the risk of delamination of the first reinforcing layer and the first connecting layer that may occur when the first connecting layer is welded to the second plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base material of the first reinforcement layer is steel. The first reinforcement layer is located on the side of the first connection layer facing away from the second plate. When the thermal management component is impacted or scratched, it will typically come into direct contact with the first connection layer. When the base material of the first reinforcement layer is steel, it can effectively increase the strength of the thermal management component. When a foreign object collides with or scratches the thermal management component, the foreign object contacts the steel layer, resulting in a stronger steel layer and less impact from the foreign object.

[0012] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first reinforcement layer is d2, and d2 is 0.2 mm to 0.9 mm. When the thickness of this embodiment is adopted, the strength of the thermal management component can meet certain requirements while effectively considering its manufacturing cost.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base material of the first connecting layer is aluminum. The first connecting layer is located inside the flow channel. When the base material of the first connecting layer is aluminum, it has excellent corrosion resistance, can reduce the impact of the heat exchange medium in the flow channel on the first connecting layer, and thus increase the service life of the thermal management component.

[0014] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first connecting layer is d3, and d3 is 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm. When the thickness of this embodiment is adopted, the corrosion resistance of the first plate body meets daily needs while effectively considering its manufacturing cost.

[0015] In some embodiments, the base material of the first intermediate layer is nickel. Nickel has good stability and can reduce the mutual influence between the first connecting layer and the second reinforcing layer during the welding process of the first connecting layer and the second plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first intermediate layer is d1, and d1 is 5 μm-10 μm. When the thickness in this embodiment is adopted, an effective barrier can be formed between the first connecting layer and the first reinforcing layer, and the manufacturing cost of the first plate can be effectively considered.

[0017] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first plate is d0, and d0 is 0.5 mm-2 mm. In this embodiment, the first plate is provided with a first reinforcement layer. Compared with the first plate currently used, when the strength of the first plate and the first plate are the same, the thickness of the first plate in this application can be smaller, thereby reducing the space occupied by the battery in the first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second plate includes a second connecting layer, the base material of the second connecting layer is the same as the base material of the first connecting layer, and the second connecting layer is welded to the first connecting layer. The second connecting layer and the first connecting layer have the same base material to facilitate welding.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base materials of the first connecting layer and the second connecting layer are both made of aluminum, so that the connectivity between the two is better.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second plate further includes a second reinforcement layer, which is positioned between the second connection layer and the battery cell assembly and is connected to the second connection layer. Providing the second reinforcement layer on the second plate can increase the overall strength of the thermal management component and provide better protection for the battery cell assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base material of the second reinforcement layer is steel; the second plate body further includes a second intermediate layer, which is located between the second reinforcement layer and the second connecting layer and is connected to the second reinforcement layer and the second connecting layer, respectively, and the base material of the second intermediate layer is nickel. This arrangement can improve the overall strength of the thermal management component.

[0022] In some embodiments, along a first direction, the first plate is located on a side of the second plate away from the battery cell assembly. A groove is formed on the side of the first plate facing the second plate, and a convex portion corresponding to the groove is formed on the side of the first plate facing away from the second plate. The second plate covers the groove to form a flow channel. The groove of the flow channel can be formed in the first plate by integral stamping, which has high processing efficiency and low processing cost.

[0023] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device comprising the battery of any one of the above embodiments.

[0024] In a third aspect, some embodiments of the present application provide a method for manufacturing a thermal management component, comprising:

[0025] S10. Prepare a first plate. In S10, the first plate includes a first connecting layer, a first intermediate layer, and a first reinforcement layer stacked in sequence, with the first intermediate layer connected to the first reinforcement layer and the first connecting layer, respectively. The base material of the first connecting layer is aluminum, the base material of the first intermediate layer is nickel, and the base material of the first reinforcement layer is steel.

[0026] S20: Provide a second plate. In S20, the base material of the second plate is aluminum.

[0027] S30, stacking the second plate body and the first plate body so that the first reinforcement layer is located on the side of the first plate body facing away from the second plate body, and welding the second plate body and the first connection layer to form a thermal management component.

[0028] In the above embodiment, by preparing a first plate body including a first connecting layer, a first intermediate layer and a first reinforcing layer, the strength of the first plate body can be effectively improved; aluminum has good corrosion resistance, and the base material of the first connecting layer is aluminum, which can improve the stability of the first plate body.

[0029] In some embodiments, S10 includes:

[0030] S101. Provide a first metal plate. In S101, the first metal plate includes a first intermediate layer and a first reinforcement layer stacked together.

[0031] S102 , placing molten aluminum on a side of the first intermediate layer away from the first reinforcement layer, and solidifying the molten aluminum to form a first connecting layer.

[0032] S103 , the first connecting layer, the first intermediate layer and the first reinforcing layer form a first plate body.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first metal plate is a nickel-plated steel plate, molten aluminum is poured onto the nickel-plated steel plate, and rolling is optionally performed to obtain the first plate body.

[0034] In some embodiments, to facilitate rolling to obtain the first plate, the rolling temperature may be maintained at 550°-700°.

[0035] In some embodiments, S10 includes:

[0036] S101-1. Provide a first metal plate and a second metal plate. In S101-1, the first metal plate includes a first intermediate layer and a first reinforcement layer stacked together, and the base material of the second metal plate is aluminum.

[0037] S102-1. Place a second metal plate on a side of the first intermediate layer away from the first reinforcement layer, heat the second metal plate and the first metal plate to a preset temperature, and roll them to form a first plate body.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first metal plate may be a nickel-plated steel plate.

[0039] In some embodiments, the preset temperature may be 400°-600°.

[0040] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0042] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0043] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0044] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of batteries according to other embodiments of the present application;

[0045] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management component according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0046] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management component in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0047] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a method for manufacturing a thermal management component according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0048] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0049] Marking instructions: 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor; 10, housing; 11, first sub-housing; 12, second sub-housing; 20, battery cell; 30, thermal management component; 301, first plate; 3011, first connecting layer; 3012, first reinforcement layer; 3013, first intermediate layer; 3014, groove; 302, second plate; 3021, second connecting layer; 3022, second reinforcement layer; 3023, second intermediate layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] 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 and completely 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.

[0051] 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 only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first", "second", etc. 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.

[0052] 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. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The term "multiple" in this application refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0055] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may include one or more battery cell assemblies for providing voltage and capacity. The battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells, which are connected in series, parallel, or hybrid via a busbar.

[0056] In some embodiments, a battery cell assembly is typically formed by arranging multiple battery cells. For example, the battery cell assembly may be a battery module, which is formed by arranging and securing multiple battery cells to form a single module. For example, a battery module may be formed by bundling multiple battery cells using cable ties.

[0057] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery pack, which includes a case and one or more battery cell assemblies, wherein the battery cell assemblies are housed in the case.

[0058] As an example, the battery cell assembly may be a battery module, and the battery cell assembly may be accommodated in the box by fixing the battery module in the box.

[0059] As an example, the battery cell assembly may also be housed in the box by directly fixing the plurality of battery cells to the box.

[0060] As an example, the housing may include a first sub-housing and a second sub-housing. The first and second sub-housings snap together to form an enclosed space within the housing to house the battery cell assembly. Enclosed here means covered or closed, and can be either sealed or unsealed. The first sub-housing may be a top cover or a bottom plate.

[0061] As an example, the box may include a top cover, a frame, and a bottom plate, wherein the top cover and the bottom plate are respectively connected to the frame to form a closed space inside the box to accommodate the battery cell assembly.

[0062] As an example, the box body can be used as a part of the chassis structure of the vehicle. For example, the top cover of the box body can become at least a part of the floor of the vehicle, or the frame of the box body can become at least a part of the crossbeam and longitudinal beam of the vehicle.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery refers to an energy storage device, which includes a box with a door on at least one side. The energy storage device includes an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, etc.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0065] The battery cells may be, but are not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, and the like.

[0066] A battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly. This assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charge and discharge process of a battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are inserted and removed between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator, placed between the positive and negative electrodes, reduces short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes while allowing the active ions to pass through.

[0067] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode sheet, which may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0068] As an example, the positive electrode current collector has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the positive electrode active material is provided on either or both of the two facing surfaces of the positive electrode current collector.

[0069] As an example, the positive electrode current collector may be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon or titanium with a silver-plated surface may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector may be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0070] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: lithium-containing phosphates, lithium transition metal oxides, and their respective modified compounds. However, the present application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as positive electrode active materials for batteries may also be used.

[0071] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector.

[0072] As an example, the negative electrode current collector may be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, the metal foil may be silver-plated aluminum, silver-plated stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, or titanium.

[0073] In some embodiments, the negative electrode current collector has two opposite surfaces in its thickness direction, and the negative electrode active material is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the negative electrode current collector.

[0074] As an example, the negative electrode active material may be a negative electrode active material for a battery that is well known in the art. As an example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, lithium titanate, etc. The silicon-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxide compounds, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. The tin-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxide compounds, and tin alloys. However, the present application is not limited to these materials, and other traditional materials that can be used as negative electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These negative electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0075] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator. The present application has no particular limitation on the type of separator, and any known separator with a porous structure having good chemical and mechanical reliability can be selected.

[0076] As an example, the primary material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic. The separator can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film, without particular limitation. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer can be the same or different, without particular limitation. The separator can be a separate component positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, or it can be attached to the surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes.

[0077] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and serves to both transport ions and isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0078] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a wound structure, wherein the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are wound into the wound structure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a laminate structure.

[0080] In some embodiments, a battery cell may include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The housing may be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (e.g., polypropylene), a composite metal housing (e.g., a copper-aluminum composite housing), or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0081] In some embodiments, the housing includes an end cap and a shell. The shell has an opening, and the end cap closes the opening to form a sealed space for accommodating the electrode assembly, electrolyte, and other substances. The shell may have one or more openings. One or more end caps may also be provided.

[0082] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with at least one electrode terminal, which is electrically connected to a tab of the electrode assembly. The electrode terminal may be directly connected to the tab or indirectly connected to the tab via an adapter. The electrode terminal may be provided on an end cap or on the housing.

[0083] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with an explosion-proof valve for releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell.

[0084] In some embodiments, the housing can be a sealed structure or a non-sealed structure. For example, when the housing is a sealed structure, the housing can protect the electrode assembly and reduce leakage of electrolytes. When the housing is a non-sealed structure, the housing can also protect the electrode assembly. A sealing bag can be included between the housing and the electrode assembly to encapsulate the electrode assembly and electrolyte. Specifically, the sealing bag can be a bag-shaped insulating member or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0085] As an example, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a soft-pack battery cell or a battery cell of other shapes. The prismatic battery cell includes a square-shell battery cell, a blade-shaped battery cell, and a polygonal battery. The polygonal battery is, for example, a hexagonal battery, etc. There is no special limitation in the embodiments of the present application.

[0086] The thermal management component is a component used to regulate the temperature of the battery cell. Generally speaking, the thicker the thermal management component is, the higher its strength is, but at the same time it will take up more space in the thickness direction and increase the production and manufacturing costs. In order to take into account the impact on the space occupied in the thickness direction and the impact on the production and manufacturing costs, the thermal management components currently used are set to have relatively few application scenarios covered by their strength. In some special scenarios, such as scenarios where the thermal management component may collide with other foreign objects, the thermal management component is prone to deformation, which in turn affects its temperature regulation performance. For example, when the vehicle is driving, the power battery on the vehicle may be hit or scratched. The thermal management component is located on the relatively outside of the power battery and may be deformed due to the impact or scratch. When the thermal management component is deformed, it is easy to block its flow channel, thereby affecting the ability of the thermal management component to regulate the temperature of the battery cell, and even causing the thermal management of the power battery to be out of control.

[0087] The present application provides a method for manufacturing a battery, an electrical device, and a thermal management component, wherein the battery includes a first plate and a second plate, a flow channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium being formed between the first plate and the second plate, the first plate including a first connecting layer, a first intermediate layer, and a first reinforcing layer stacked in sequence, the first connecting layer being connected to the first reinforcing layer and the second plate, the first reinforcing layer being located on a side of the first connecting layer facing away from the second plate, and the first intermediate layer being connected to the first reinforcing layer and the first connecting layer. By configuring the first plate to include the first connecting layer, the first intermediate layer, and the first reinforcing layer, and arranging the first reinforcing layer on a side of the first connecting layer facing away from the second plate, the strength of the thermal management component can be increased, while reducing the impact of the thermal management component upon impact or scratches, thereby improving the reliability of the battery.

[0088] The battery disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be used, but is not limited to, in electrical equipment such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. The battery disclosed in the present application can be used to form a power supply system for the electrical equipment.

[0089] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to various electrical devices that use battery cells and batteries, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric toys, electric tools, vehicles, ships and spacecraft, etc. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles and spacecraft, etc.

[0090] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described by taking a vehicle as an example of an electrical device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The vehicle 1000 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 can be provided at the bottom, head or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 can be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, for the circuit system of the vehicle 1000, such as for the working power requirements during the startup, navigation and operation of the vehicle 1000.

[0092] The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300 . The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300 , for example, to meet the power requirements of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the battery cell 20 being housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 is used to provide a storage space for the battery cell 20, and the housing 10 can adopt various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 can include a first sub-housing 11 and a second sub-housing 12, which cover each other and together define a storage space for accommodating the battery cell 20. The second sub-housing 12 can be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first sub-housing 11 can be a plate-shaped structure, with the first sub-housing 11 covering the open side of the second sub-housing 12, so that the first sub-housing 11 and the second sub-housing 12 jointly define a storage space. The first sub-housing 11 and the second sub-housing 12 can also be hollow structures with one end open, with the open side of the first sub-housing 11 covering the open side of the second sub-housing 12.

[0095] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 20, and the multiple battery cells 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection. A hybrid connection refers to a combination of series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 20. The multiple battery cells 20 may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection, and then the entire battery cell 20 may be housed within the housing 10. Alternatively, the battery 100 may be constructed by first connecting multiple battery cells 20 in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a battery module, which is then connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a complete battery module, and then housed within the housing 10. The battery 100 may also include other structures, such as a busbar assembly for electrically connecting the multiple battery cells 20.

[0096] Some embodiments of the present application provide a battery 100. Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery 100 of this embodiment, and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management component 30 of this embodiment. The battery 100 includes a battery cell assembly and a thermal management component 30. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells 20. The thermal management component 30 is used to regulate the temperature of the battery cells 20. The thermal management component 30 includes a first plate 301 and a second plate 302 stacked in a first direction. A flow channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium is formed between the first plate 301 and the second plate 302. Among them, along the first direction, the first plate body 301 is located on the side of the second plate body 302 away from the battery cell assembly, the first plate body 301 includes a first connecting layer 3011, a first intermediate layer 3013 and a first reinforcing layer 3012 stacked in sequence, the first connecting layer 3011 is welded to the second plate body 302, the first reinforcing layer 3012 is located on the side of the first connecting layer 3011 away from the second plate body 302, and the first intermediate layer 3013 is respectively connected to the first reinforcing layer 3012 and the first connecting layer 3011.

[0097] The first direction is the thickness direction of the thermal management component 30. The thermal management component 30 is used to accommodate fluid to regulate the temperature of multiple battery cells 20. The fluid here can be liquid or gas, and regulating the temperature means heating or cooling multiple battery cells 20. In the case of cooling or lowering the temperature of the battery cells 20, the thermal management component 30 is used to accommodate cooling fluid to lower the temperature of multiple battery cells 20. At this time, the thermal management component 30 can also be called a cooling component, a cooling system or a cooling plate, etc., and the fluid it accommodates can also be called a cooling medium or a cooling fluid, more specifically, it can be called a coolant or a cooling gas. In addition, the thermal management component 30 can also be used for heating to increase the temperature of multiple battery cells 20, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Optionally, the fluid can be circulating to achieve a better temperature regulation effect. Optionally, the fluid can be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or air, etc.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the first plate 301 includes a first connection layer 3011, a first intermediate layer 3013 and a first reinforcement layer 3012, and the first reinforcement layer 3012 is arranged on the side of the first connection layer 3011 away from the second plate 302, which can improve the strength of the thermal management component 30. At the same time, because the first plate 301 is located on the side of the second plate 302 away from the battery cell assembly, and in the first plate 301, the first reinforcement layer 3012 is located on the side of the first connection layer 3011 away from the second plate 302, so that the first reinforcement layer 3012 is located on the outside of the thermal management component 30. When the thermal management component 30 is hit or scratched by foreign objects, the foreign objects will usually contact the first reinforcement layer 3012 first. The first reinforcement layer 3012 has high strength and can reduce the damage of foreign objects to the thermal management component 30, thereby reducing the impact when the thermal management component 30 is hit or scratched, thereby improving the reliability of the battery 100. In scenarios where the first reinforcement layer 3012 and the first connection layer 3011 are made of different base materials, delamination may occur between the first reinforcement layer 3012 and the first connection layer 3011 when the first connection layer 3011 is welded to the second plate 302, affecting the stability of the first plate 301. In severe cases, the first reinforcement layer 3012 and the first connection layer 3011 may even fall off from each other. In this embodiment, the first intermediate layer 3013 is provided to block the first connection layer 3011 and the first reinforcement layer 3012, reducing the risk of delamination between the first reinforcement layer 3012 and the first connection layer 3011 when the first connection layer 3011 is welded to the second plate 302.

[0099] In some embodiments, the base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is steel. The base material is the material with the largest proportion. The base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is steel, which means that the material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is mainly steel, and steel accounts for the largest proportion, but does not necessarily mean that the first reinforcement layer 3012 is entirely steel. In this embodiment, the first reinforcement layer 3012 is located on the side of the first connecting layer 3011 away from the second plate 302. When the thermal management component 30 is collided or scratched, it usually comes into direct contact with the first reinforcement layer 3012. When the base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is steel, it can effectively improve the strength of the thermal management component 30, and when foreign objects collide or scratch the thermal management component 30, the foreign objects can be in contact with the steel layer. The strength of the steel layer is higher, and the foreign objects have less impact on it.

[0100] In other embodiments, the base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 may also be titanium alloy, iron, etc.

[0101] In some embodiments, the base material of the first connection layer 3011 is aluminum. The first connection layer 3011 is located inside the flow channel. When the base material of the first connection layer 3011 is aluminum, the formed first plate 301 has excellent corrosion resistance, which can reduce the impact of the heat exchange medium in the flow channel on the first plate 301, thereby increasing the service life of the thermal management component 30.

[0102] In some other embodiments, the base material of the first connection layer 3011 may also be stainless steel, titanium alloy, iron, etc.

[0103] In some examples, when the base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is steel and the base material of the first connection layer 3011 is aluminum, during the welding process, brittle AlFe compounds may be produced in the contact area between the first connection layer 3011 and the second plate 302. The brittle AlFe compounds may cause delamination between the first connection layer 3011 and the first reinforcement layer 3012. In some embodiments of the present application, a first intermediate layer 3013 is provided between the first connection layer 3011 and the first reinforcement layer 3012 to effectively reduce the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem and improve the overall stability of the first plate 301.

[0104] In some embodiments, the base material of the first intermediate layer 3013 is nickel. Nickel has good stability and can reduce the mutual influence between the first connecting layer 3011 and the second reinforcing layer 3022 during the welding process of the first connecting layer 3011 and the second plate 302.

[0105] In some examples, when the base material of the first connection layer 3011 is aluminum and the base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is steel, the base material of the first intermediate layer 3013 is nickel. This can prevent the steel and aluminum from directly contacting each other during high-temperature brazing, which can quickly produce brittle AlFe compounds. This can further reduce the risk of delamination at the aluminum / nickel / steel composite interface after high-temperature brazing, leading to failure of the water-cooled plate. In other embodiments, the base material of the first intermediate layer 3013 can also be gold, titanium alloy, or the like.

[0106] In some application scenarios, the first reinforcement layer 3012 uses a steel layer to effectively improve the overall strength of the thermal management component 30. The first connection layer 3011 uses an aluminum layer, which can make the first plate body 301 have excellent corrosion resistance and reduce the impact of the heat exchange medium. The first intermediate layer 3013 uses a nickel layer, which can reduce the occurrence of stratification between the first connection layer 3011 and the first reinforcement layer 3012 when the first connection layer 3011 is welded to the second plate body 302, thereby improving the overall stability of the thermal management component 30.

[0107] In some examples, when the base material of the first connecting layer 3011 is aluminum, the base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is steel, and the base material of the first intermediate layer 3013 is nickel, the first plate 301 can be fabricated using metal plate cladding technology to sequentially produce a nickel + steel clad plate and an aluminum + nickel / steel clad plate, ultimately producing an aluminum / nickel / steel clad plate. Specifically, nickel can be plated on a formed steel plate, and then aluminum can be applied using a rolling process.

[0108] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first intermediate layer 3013 is d1, and d1 is 5 μm-10 μm. For manufacturing cost considerations, the thickness of the first intermediate layer 3013 should be as thin as possible. When the thickness in the above embodiment is adopted, it can effectively form a barrier between the first connecting layer 3011 and the first reinforcement layer 3012, and can also effectively take into account the manufacturing cost of the first plate body 301.

[0109] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is d2, and d2 is 0.2 mm to 0.9 mm. A greater thickness of the first reinforcement layer 3012 increases the strength of the thermal management component 30, but also increases its manufacturing cost. When the thickness of the above embodiment is adopted, while ensuring that the strength of the thermal management component 30 meets certain requirements, its manufacturing cost can also be effectively considered.

[0110] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first connecting layer 3011 is d3, and d3 is 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm. The thicker the first connecting layer 3011, the greater the corrosion resistance of the resulting first plate 301, but the manufacturing cost also increases. When the thickness of the above embodiment is adopted, the corrosion resistance of the first plate 301 meets daily needs while also effectively balancing manufacturing costs.

[0111] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first plate 301 is d0, and d0 is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. In this embodiment, the first plate 301 is provided with a first reinforcement layer 3012. Compared to the first plate 301 currently used, when the strength of the first plate 301 and the first plate 301 are the same, the thickness of the first plate 301 in this application can be smaller, thereby reducing the space occupied by the battery 100 in the first direction.

[0112] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management component 30 of this embodiment. The second plate 302 includes a second connection layer 3021. The base material of the second connection layer 3021 is the same as the base material of the first connection layer 3011. The first connection layer 3011 is welded to the first connection layer 3011. In this embodiment, the base material of the second connection layer 3021 and the first connection layer 3011 is the same, which facilitates welding.

[0113] In some embodiments, the base material of the first connection layer 3011 and the second connection layer 3021 are both aluminum. In some examples, the second plate 302 may include only the second connection layer 3021, and the entire plate 302 may be made of aluminum. In other examples, the second plate 302 may include multiple layers, including the second connection layer 3021.

[0114] In some embodiments, still referring to FIG. 5 , the second plate 302 further includes a second reinforcement layer 3022. The second reinforcement layer 3022 is located between the second connection layer 3021 and the battery cell assembly, and the second reinforcement layer 3022 is connected to the second connection layer 3021. In this embodiment, the second reinforcement layer 3022 on the second plate 302 can improve the overall strength of the thermal management component 30 and provide better protection for the battery cell assembly.

[0115] In some embodiments, the base material of the second reinforcement layer 3022 is steel. In other embodiments, the second reinforcement layer 3022 can also be made of titanium alloy, iron, etc.

[0116] Still referring to FIG. 5 , the second plate 302 further includes a second intermediate layer 3023. The second intermediate layer 3023 is located between the second reinforcement layer 3022 and the second connection layer 3021. The second intermediate layer 3023 is respectively connected to the second reinforcement layer 3022 and the second connection layer 3021. The base material of the second intermediate layer 3023 is nickel. In other embodiments, the second intermediate layer 3023 may also be made of gold, titanium alloy, etc.

[0117] In some embodiments, along the first direction, the first plate 301 is located on a side of the second plate 302 facing away from the battery cell assembly. A groove 3014 is formed on the side of the first plate 301 facing the second plate 302. A convex portion corresponding to the groove 3014 is formed on the side of the first plate 301 facing away from the second plate 302. The second plate 302 covers the groove 3014 to form a flow channel. In this embodiment, the groove 3014 of the flow channel can be formed on the first plate 301 by integral stamping, which improves processing efficiency and reduces processing costs.

[0118] In other embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 6 , a method for manufacturing a thermal management component 30 is also provided, including:

[0119] S10: Prepare the first plate 301. In S10, the first plate 301 includes a first connecting layer 3011, a first intermediate layer 3013, and a first reinforcement layer 3012, which are stacked in sequence. The first intermediate layer 3013 is connected to the first reinforcement layer 3012 and the first connecting layer 3011, respectively. The base material of the first connecting layer 3011 is aluminum, the base material of the first intermediate layer 3013 is nickel, and the base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is steel.

[0120] S20: Provide a second plate 302. In S20, the base material of the second plate 302 is aluminum.

[0121] S30 , stacking the second plate 302 and the first plate 301 , with the first reinforcement layer 3012 located on the side of the first plate 301 facing away from the second plate 302 , and welding the second plate 302 and the first connection layer 3011 to form the thermal management component 30 .

[0122] In the above embodiment, by preparing a first plate body 301 including a first connecting layer 3011, a first intermediate layer 3013 and a first reinforcing layer 3012, the strength of the first plate body 301 can be effectively improved; aluminum has good corrosion resistance, and the base material of the first connecting layer 3011 is aluminum, which can improve the stability of the first plate body 301.

[0123] In some embodiments, S10 includes:

[0124] S101 , providing a first metal plate. In S101 , the first metal plate includes a first intermediate layer 3013 and a first reinforcement layer 3012 that are stacked.

[0125] S102 , placing molten aluminum on a side of the first intermediate layer 3013 away from the first reinforcement layer 3012 , and solidifying the molten aluminum to form a first connection layer 3011 .

[0126] S103 , the first connection layer 3011 , the first intermediate layer 3013 and the first reinforcement layer 3012 form the first plate body 301 .

[0127] In some embodiments, the first metal plate is a nickel-plated steel plate. Molten aluminum is poured onto the nickel-plated steel plate, and rolling is optionally performed to obtain the first plate body 301 .

[0128] In some embodiments, to facilitate rolling to obtain the first plate 301 , the rolling temperature may be maintained at 550°-700°.

[0129] In some embodiments, S10 includes:

[0130] S101-1, providing a first metal plate and a second metal plate. In S101-1, the first metal plate includes a first intermediate layer 3013 and a first reinforcement layer 3012 stacked together, and the base material of the second metal plate is aluminum.

[0131] S102 - 1 , placing a second metal plate on a side of the first intermediate layer 3013 away from the first reinforcement layer 3012 , then heating the second metal plate and the first metal plate to a preset temperature, and rolling them to form a first plate body 301 .

[0132] In some embodiments, the first metal plate may be a nickel-plated steel plate.

[0133] In some embodiments, the preset temperature may be 400°-600°.

[0134] According to some embodiments of the present application, a battery 100 is provided, comprising a battery cell assembly and a thermal management component 30. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells 20. The thermal management component 30 is used to regulate the temperature of the battery cells 20. The thermal management component 30 includes a first plate 301 and a second plate 302 stacked along a first direction. A flow channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium is formed between the first plate 301 and the second plate 302. The first direction is the thickness direction of the thermal management component 30. Along the first direction, the first plate 301 is located on a side of the second plate 302 facing away from the battery cell assembly. The first plate 301 includes a first connecting layer 3011 and a first reinforcing layer 3012 connected to each other. The first connecting layer 3011 is welded to the second plate 302. The first reinforcing layer 3012 is located on a side of the first connecting layer 3011 facing away from the second plate 302. The first plate 301 also includes a first intermediate layer 3013, which is located between the first reinforcement layer 3012 and the first connecting layer 3011 and is connected to both the first reinforcement layer 3012 and the first connecting layer 3011. The base material of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is steel, the base material of the first connecting layer 3011 is aluminum, the base material of the first intermediate layer 3013 is nickel, and the base material of the second plate 302 is aluminum. The thickness of the first intermediate layer 3013 is d1, which is 5 μm to 10 μm. The thickness of the first reinforcement layer 3012 is d2, which is 0.2 mm to 0.9 mm. The thickness of the first connecting layer 3011 is d3, which is 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm. The overall thickness of the first plate 301 is d0, which is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The first plate 301 is formed by stamping. A groove 3014 is formed on the side of the first plate 301 facing the second plate 302. A convex portion corresponding to the groove 3014 is formed on the side of the first plate 301 facing away from the second plate 302. The second plate 302 covers the groove 3014 to form a flow channel.

[0135] According to other embodiments of the present application, a method for manufacturing a thermal management component 30 is provided, comprising: preparing a first plate 301, the first plate 301 comprising a first connecting layer 3011 having an aluminum base material, a first reinforcing layer 3012 having a steel base material, and a first connecting layer 3011 having a nickel base material. Providing a second plate 302 having an aluminum base material. Laying the second plate 302 on the first plate 301, with the first reinforcing layer 3012 located on a side of the first plate 301 facing away from the second plate 302, and welding the second plate 302 to the first connecting layer 3011 to form the thermal management component 30.

[0136] In some embodiments, preparing the first plate body 301 includes: providing a first metal plate including a first intermediate layer 3013 and a first reinforcement layer 3012 arranged in a stacked manner, and then setting molten aluminum on the side of the first intermediate layer 3013 facing away from the first reinforcement layer 3012, the molten aluminum solidifies to form a first connecting layer 3011, and the first connecting layer 3011, the first reinforcement layer 3012 and the first intermediate layer 3013 form the first plate body 301.

[0137] In some embodiments, preparing the first plate body 301 includes: providing a first metal plate including a stacked first intermediate layer 3013 and a first reinforcement layer 3012, and a second metal plate whose base material is aluminum, arranging the second metal plate on the side of the first intermediate layer 3013 away from the first reinforcement layer 3012, and then heating the second metal plate and the first metal plate to a preset temperature, and rolling them to form the first plate body 301.

[0138] 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 battery comprising: A battery cell assembly, comprising a plurality of battery cells; a thermal management component for regulating the temperature of the battery cell, the thermal management component comprising a first plate and a second plate stacked along a first direction, a flow channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium being formed between the first plate and the second plate, the first direction being a thickness direction of the thermal management component; The first plate body includes a first connecting layer, a first intermediate layer and a first reinforcing layer stacked in sequence, the first connecting layer is welded to the second plate body, the first reinforcing layer is located on the side of the first connecting layer facing away from the second plate body, and the first intermediate layer is connected to the first reinforcing layer and the first connecting layer respectively.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The base material of the first reinforcement layer is steel.

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The thickness of the first reinforcement layer is 0.2 mm to 0.9 mm.

4. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The base material of the first connection layer is aluminum.

5. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The thickness of the first connecting layer is 0.1 mm-0.8 mm.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The base material of the first intermediate layer is nickel.

7. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The thickness of the first intermediate layer is 5um-10um.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The thickness of the first plate is 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The second plate body includes a second connecting layer. The base material of the second connecting layer is the same as the base material of the first connecting layer. The second connecting layer is welded to the first connecting layer.

10. The battery according to claim 9, wherein The base materials of the first connection layer and the second connection layer are both aluminum.

11. The battery according to claim 9 or 10, wherein The second plate body further includes a second reinforcement layer, the second reinforcement layer is located between the second connection layer and the battery cell assembly, and the second reinforcement layer is connected to the second connection layer.

12. The battery according to claim 11, wherein The base material of the second reinforcement layer is steel; the second plate body also includes a second intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer is located between the second reinforcement layer and the second connecting layer, the second intermediate layer is connected to the second reinforcement layer and the second connecting layer respectively, and the base material of the second intermediate layer is nickel.

13. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein Along the first direction, the first plate is located on the side of the second plate away from the battery cell assembly; a groove is formed on the side of the first plate facing the second plate, and a convex portion corresponding to the groove is formed on the side of the first plate away from the second plate, and the second plate covers the groove to form the flow channel.

14. An electrical device comprising the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for manufacturing a thermal management component, comprising: Prepare a first plate body, the first plate body comprising a first connecting layer, a first intermediate layer, and a first reinforcement layer stacked in sequence, the first intermediate layer being connected to the first reinforcement layer and the first connecting layer, respectively; the first connecting layer having a base material of aluminum, the first intermediate layer having a base material of nickel, and the first reinforcement layer having a base material of steel; Providing a second plate body, wherein the base material of the second plate body is aluminum; The second plate body is stacked on the first plate body so that the first reinforcement layer is located on a side of the first plate body away from the second plate body, and the second plate body is welded to the first connection layer to form the thermal management component.

16. The method for manufacturing a thermal management component according to claim 15, wherein: The step of preparing the first plate body comprises: Providing a first metal plate, the first metal plate including a first intermediate layer and a first reinforcement layer stacked together; placing molten aluminum on a side of the first intermediate layer facing away from the first reinforcement layer, and solidifying the molten aluminum to form a first connecting layer; The first connecting layer, the first intermediate layer and the first reinforcing layer form a first plate body.

17. The method for manufacturing a thermal management component according to claim 15, wherein: The step of preparing the first plate body comprises: Providing a first metal plate and a second metal plate, wherein the first metal plate includes a first intermediate layer and a first reinforcement layer stacked together, and the base material of the second metal plate is aluminum; The second metal plate is arranged on a side of the first intermediate layer away from the first reinforcement layer, the second metal plate and the first metal plate are heated to a preset temperature, and are rolled to form a first plate body.

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