Heat exchange assembly, battery, battery management system, and electrical apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a heat exchange assembly, a battery, a battery management system, and an electrical apparatus. The heat exchange assembly comprises: a heat exchange body, there being a heat exchange medium flowing in the heat exchange body; a flow collector, the flow collector being disposed at at least one end of the heat exchange body, and the flow collector being used for leading heat exchange medium out of, or introducing heat exchange medium into, the heat exchange body; and a sensing apparatus, disposed on the flow collector so as to sense one or more of the pressure, flow velocity, and temperature of the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange assembly, the battery, the battery management system, and the electrical apparatus of the embodiments of the present application, can provide timely feedback when a problem occurs.

Description

Heat exchange components, batteries, battery management systems, and power consumption devices

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2024205894921, filed on March 26, 2024, entitled “Heat exchange component, battery, battery management system and electrical device,” the entire text of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] With the widespread development of new energy technologies, batteries have gained widespread application. Batteries typically generate heat during use, requiring a heat exchange system to maintain a suitable operating temperature, thereby extending battery life and improving charge and discharge efficiency. Currently, using heat exchange components to control battery temperature is becoming a mainstream battery thermal management solution. However, current heat exchange components often lack timely feedback when problems arise, impacting the battery user experience.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a heat exchange component, a battery, a battery management system and an electrical device to address the problem that the current heat exchange component cannot provide timely feedback when a problem occurs.

[0007] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a heat exchange component, comprising: a heat exchange body, inside which a heat exchange medium flows; a fluid collector, which is arranged at at least one end of the heat exchange body and is used to lead the heat exchange medium out of or into the heat exchange body; and a sensing device, which is arranged on the fluid collector to sense one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0008] In this way, the current condition of the heat exchange medium inside each heat exchange body can be sensed by the sensing device, and then used as a basis for determining the working status of the heat exchange component, and timely feedback can be given when a problem occurs in the heat exchange component; when the flow channel inside the heat exchange body is blocked, the heat exchange body is aged and cracked, resulting in leakage of the heat exchange medium, or the heat exchange body is crushed and deformed by the weight of the battery cell, resulting in leakage of the heat exchange medium, the sensing device can effectively sense the current working status through one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium, thereby effectively detecting the temperature change of each heat exchange body and confirming the circulation status of the heat exchange medium; when an abnormality occurs in the heat exchange body, an early warning can be issued to ensure that the battery cell operates at an appropriate operating temperature, extend the service life of the battery cell, and improve the performance of the battery cell; when multiple heat exchange components are stacked and the battery cell is placed between two heat exchange components for heat exchange, if one of the heat exchange components has a problem, the fault can be quickly located through the sensing device corresponding to the heat exchange component, thereby eliminating safety hazards in a timely manner and ensuring safety.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sensing device includes a collection terminal and a connector; the collection terminal at least partially extends into the heat exchange body to sense one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium; the connector is disposed on the side of the current collector facing away from the heat exchange body and connected to the collection terminal; and the connector can be used to connect signals to an external device. Thus, by providing the collection terminal and connector, the current condition of the heat exchange medium within each heat exchange body can be sensed through the corresponding collection terminal. When the flow channel within the heat exchange body is blocked, the heat exchange body ages and cracks, causing the heat exchange medium to leak, or the heat exchange body is crushed and deformed by the weight of the battery cell, causing the heat exchange medium to leak, the temperature, flow rate, or pressure of the heat exchange medium will change significantly. The collection terminal converts the signal into a corresponding electrical signal and transmits it to the connector. The connector then transmits the electrical signal to the external device, thereby serving as a basis for determining the current working status of the heat exchange component and providing timely feedback when problems arise with the heat exchange component.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sensing device and the current collector are integrally injection molded, thereby preventing the heat exchange medium from leaking from the connection between the sensing device and the current collector, thereby ensuring the heat exchange function of the heat exchange assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sensing device is a temperature sensor; or, the sensing device is a pressure sensor; or, the sensing device is a speed sensor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heat exchange body is internally provided with multiple spaced support plates to form a plurality of mutually separated heat exchange channels within the heat exchange body. The sensing device is capable of sensing and detecting at least one of the heat exchange channels. This facilitates the heat exchange medium to enter the different heat exchange channels and flow along a predetermined trajectory, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. The sensing device can provide timely feedback, which serves as a basis for determining the current operating status of the heat exchange component and can provide timely feedback when problems arise.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heat exchange body is a harmonica tube, which has good heat exchange performance.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly includes two sets of current collectors; the two sets of current collectors are respectively covered on the liquid outlet and liquid inlet of the heat exchange body; and the sensing device is provided on the current collector at the liquid outlet of the heat exchange body. In this way, the flow condition of the heat exchange medium inside each heat exchange body can be sensed by the sensing device. When the flow channel inside the heat exchange body is blocked, the heat exchange body is aged and cracked, causing the heat exchange medium to leak, or the heat exchange body is crushed and deformed by the weight of the battery cell, causing the heat exchange medium to leak, the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the heat exchange medium at the liquid inlet of the heat exchange body will not change much. Since the heat exchange medium cannot reach the liquid outlet through the heat exchange flow channel, the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the heat exchange medium sensed by the sensing device at the liquid outlet of the heat exchange body will change greatly, which can be easily sensed by the sensing device and then transmitted to an external device, ultimately serving as a basis for determining the current working status of the heat exchange assembly.

[0015] In one embodiment, the current collector includes a current collecting body, which is formed with a plug-in cavity with an opening on one side; the end of the heat exchange body is plugged into the plug-in cavity; and at least part of the sensing device extends into the plug-in cavity.

[0016] In this way, the sensing device can timely and accurately sense one or more performance indicators of the heat exchange medium, such as pressure, flow rate, and temperature, which can then serve as the basis for the control module to determine the working status of the heat exchange component and provide timely feedback when problems occur in the heat exchange component.

[0017] In one embodiment, the current collector includes multiple fasteners that stand upright within the insertion cavity. A gap is formed between the fasteners and the sidewalls of the insertion cavity, into which the sidewalls of the heat exchanger end can be inserted. This allows the heat exchanger to be more securely inserted into the insertion cavity of the current collector, preventing separation and facilitating subsequent welding and fixing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the current collector includes a connecting tube, which is inserted into the plug-in cavity; the connecting tube is formed into a flow channel on the cavity wall of the plug-in cavity; and the collection terminal is located on the flow channel. In this way, during the operation of the heat exchange component, the collection terminal can more accurately sense one or more performance indicators of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium, and then serve as a basis for the control module to determine the working status of the heat exchange component, and can provide timely feedback when a problem occurs in the heat exchange component. It should be understood that the change in this performance indicator can be determined based on indicators such as temperature, pressure, or flow rate, or it can be determined based on other indicators of the heat exchange medium.

[0019] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a battery, comprising a battery cell and the above-mentioned heat exchange assembly; a side wall of at least one side of the heat exchange body is heat-conductively connected to the battery cell.

[0020] A third aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a battery management system, including a control module and the above-mentioned battery, wherein the control module is signal-connected to a sensing device.

[0021] A fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an electrical device comprising the above-mentioned battery.

[0022] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without inventive work. In the drawings:

[0024] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0025] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0026] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0027] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0028] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the coordination between a battery cell and a heat exchange assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0029] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0030] FIG7 is a partial schematic diagram of the installation of the heat exchange body and the current collector provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0031] FIG8 is a side view of a heat exchange assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0032] FIG9 is an AA cross-sectional view of the heat exchange assembly shown in FIG8 .

[0033] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a current collector provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0034] Figure 1: Vehicle 1000; Battery 100, Housing 110, Battery Module 120, Battery Cell 121, End Cap 122, Housing 123, Electrode Assembly 124, Electrode Terminal 125, Controller 200, Motor 300; Heat Exchange Assembly 400; Heat Exchange Body 10, Heat Exchange Channel 11, Support Plate 12, Current Collector 20, Current Collector Body 21, Plug-in Cavity 22, Connecting Tube 23, Induction Device 24, Collection Terminal 25, Connector 26, Fastener 27, Channel Orifice 28. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only 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.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, if technical terms such as "first", "second", etc. appear, these terms are only used for descriptive purposes to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0038] Reference herein to an "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0040] In the description of the embodiments of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two (including two), for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. Similarly, if the term "multiple groups" appears, "multiple groups" means two or more groups (including two), and if the term "multiple sheets" appears, "multiple sheets" means two or more sheets (including two).

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc. appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the connection may be fixed, detachable, or integrated; it may be mechanical or electrical; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it may be internal communication between two components or an interaction relationship between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if there is a description such as "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0044] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0045] Currently, market developments indicate that power batteries are becoming increasingly widely used. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal, wind, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in aerospace and other fields. As power battery applications continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0046] Batteries typically emit heat during use, requiring a heat exchange system to maintain a suitable operating temperature, thereby extending battery life and improving charge and discharge efficiency. Specifically, a heat exchange solution primarily employs heat exchange components within the battery cells. These components transfer heat from the battery cells to a heat exchange medium, which then removes the heat to cool the battery.

[0047] Batteries often use multiple stacked heat exchange components, with battery cells placed between two heat exchange components. The heat exchange medium inside the heat exchange components is uniformly input through the liquid inlet manifold and uniformly discharged through the liquid outlet manifold. In related technologies, data acquisition sensors, such as temperature sensors, are respectively arranged on the liquid inlet manifold and the liquid outlet manifold. When a problem occurs in one of the heat exchange components (for example, the flow channel is blocked, the heat exchange body itself ages and cracks, causing the heat exchange medium to leak, or it is crushed by the weight of the battery cell, causing the heat exchange medium to leak), since the other heat exchange components are still working normally, the sensor cannot determine the working status of the heat exchange component, which in turn causes the battery cell to operate at an abnormal operating temperature, affecting its service life and performance. In addition, the leaked heat exchange medium flowing into the battery cell may cause a short circuit, resulting in a safety impact.

[0048] In order to alleviate the problem of the current heat exchange assembly not being able to provide timely feedback when problems occur, considering that the end of the heat exchange body is often assembled with the current collector and does not directly contact the battery cell to dissipate heat, a corresponding sensing device can be set on the current collector of the heat exchange assembly to effectively detect the flow of the heat exchange medium in each heat exchange body.

[0049] The embodiments of the present application provide a heat exchange assembly, a battery, a battery management system, and an electrical device. The electrical device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc.

[0050] It should be understood that the technical solutions generally described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the batteries and electrical devices described above, but can also be applied to all batteries including boxes and electrical devices using batteries. However, for the sake of simplicity of description, an electrical device in an embodiment of the present application is taken as an example of vehicle 1000.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic structural diagram 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 serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to power the motor 300, for example, for starting, navigating and driving the vehicle 1000.

[0052] 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.

[0053] FIG2 is an exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application; FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG2 and FIG3, in order to meet different power requirements, the battery 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 121 and a housing 110. The battery cell 121 refers to the smallest unit that constitutes the battery module 120 or the battery pack. A plurality of battery cells 121 can be connected in series and / or in parallel via electrode terminals for use in various applications. The battery 100 mentioned in the present application is a battery pack. A heat exchange body is provided between the two large surfaces of the battery cell 121 to perform heat exchange on the battery cell 121; a heat exchange body may also be provided directly on one of the large surfaces of the battery cell 121 for heat exchange.

[0054] The box 110 is used to accommodate the battery cells 121 or the battery modules 120 to prevent liquid or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells 121 .

[0055] The housing 110 can have various structures. In some possible embodiments, the housing 110 can include a first portion 111 and a second portion 112. The first portion 111 and the second portion 112 overlap each other, and together define a storage space for accommodating the battery cells 121. The second portion 112 can be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first portion 111 can be a plate-like structure. The first portion 111 overlaps the open side of the second portion 112, so that the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 together define the storage space. The first portion 111 and the second portion 112 can also be hollow structures with one end open, with the open side of the first portion 111 overlapping the open side of the second portion 112. Of course, the housing 110 formed by the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 can have various shapes, such as 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 parallelepipeds, cylinders, or spheres. This is not limited in the present embodiments. The material of the box body 110 can be an alloy material such as aluminum alloy, iron alloy, etc., or a polymer material such as polycarbonate, polyisocyanurate foam plastic, or a composite material such as glass fiber and epoxy resin, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0056] In the embodiments of the present application, multiple battery cells 121 can be directly assembled into a battery pack, or they can be first assembled into a battery module 120, which can then be assembled into a battery pack. Specifically, multiple battery cells 121 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner to form a whole, which can then be housed within the housing 110. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 121 can be first connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner to form a battery module 120, which can then be assembled into a whole, which can then be housed within the housing 110.

[0057] The battery 100 may further include other structures. For example, the battery 100 may further include a busbar component for achieving electrical connection between the plurality of battery cells 121 .

[0058] Each battery cell 121 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell 121 can be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes. Battery cells 121 are generally divided into three types based on the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments are all described using a square lithium-ion battery cell 121 as an example.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell 121 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery cell 121 includes an end cap 122, a housing 123, an electrode assembly 124, and other functional components.

[0060] The end cap 122 is a component that covers the opening of the housing 123 to isolate the internal environment of the electrode assembly 124 from the external environment. The shape of the end cap 122 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 123 to fit the housing 123. In some embodiments, the end cap 122 can be made of a material with a certain degree of hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy). This prevents the end cap 122 from deforming when subjected to compression or collision, thereby enhancing the structural strength and safety of the battery cell 121. Functional components such as the electrode terminal 125 can be provided on the end cap 122. The electrode terminal 125 can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly 124 to transmit or receive electrical energy from the battery cell 121. In some embodiments, the end cap 122 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism to release internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 121 reaches a threshold. The end cap 122 can be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this is not particularly limited in the present embodiment. In some embodiments, an insulating member may be provided inside the end cap 122 to isolate the electrical connection components in the housing 123 from the end cap 122 to reduce the risk of short circuit.

[0061] The shell 123 is a component used to cooperate with the end cap 122 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 121, wherein the formed internal environment can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 124, electrolyte and other components. The shell 123 and the end cap 122 can be independent components. An opening can be set on the shell 123, and the internal environment of the battery cell 121 is formed by covering the opening with the end cap 122. Without limitation, the end cap 122 and the shell 123 can also be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 122 and the shell 123 can form a common connection surface before other components are inserted into the shell. When the interior of the shell 123 needs to be encapsulated, the end cap 122 is then covered with the shell 123. The shell 123 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylindrical shape, a hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the shell 123 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 124. The shell 123 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0062] The electrode assembly 124 is a component in the battery cell 121 where electrochemical reactions occur. One or more electrode assemblies 124 may be contained in the housing 123. The electrode assembly 124 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and a separator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets with active materials constitute the main body of the electrode assembly 124, and the parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active materials each constitute a tab (not shown). The positive tab and the negative tab may be located together at one end of the main body or respectively at both ends of the main body. During the charge and discharge process of the battery, the positive active material and the negative active material react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect the electrode terminals 125 to form a current loop.

[0063] A first aspect of the present application provides a heat exchange assembly 400 for carrying a battery cell 121 and providing a heat exchange function to ensure uniform heat exchange of the battery cell 121, thereby extending the service life and charge and discharge efficiency of the battery.

[0064] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the coordination of a battery cell and a heat exchange assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the installation of a heat exchange body and a current collector provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 8 is a side view of a heat exchange assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 9 is an AA cross-sectional view of the heat exchange assembly shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a current collector provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0065] The heat exchange assembly 400 includes a heat exchange body 10 , a current collector 20 and a sensing device 24 .

[0066] The sidewalls of the heat exchange body 10 typically serve as the primary wall structure supporting the battery cells 121. A heat exchange medium flows within the heat exchange body 10 for heat exchange with the battery cells 121. The heat exchange medium can be water, alcohol, or other liquid mixtures. As the heat exchange medium flows within the heat exchange body 10, it can effectively absorb heat transferred from the sidewalls of the heat exchange body 10, achieving heat dissipation and cooling, or it can transfer heat to the sidewalls of the heat exchange body 10, achieving temperature increase.

[0067] A current collector 20 is disposed at at least one end of the heat exchange body 10. It is used to draw heat exchange medium from or into the heat exchange body 10. Specifically, the current collector 20 is disposed at an end of the heat exchange body 10 and is used to connect to external pipelines for inputting or outputting heat exchange medium. The current collector 20 includes a current collector body 21, which is mounted on the heat exchange body 10. Specifically, two groups of current collectors 20 can be provided, which are respectively matched with the two ends of the heat exchange body 10 and connected with the heat exchange flow channel 11 (mentioned below) inside the heat exchange body 10; the area where the current collector body 21 of the current collector 20 is connected to the heat exchange body 10 is usually not used to place the battery cell 121; in this way, the heat exchange medium enters one end of the heat exchange flow channel 11 through the current collector 20 at one end of the heat exchange body 10, and circulates in the heat exchange flow channel 11, so that the heat exchange body 10 can provide heat exchange for the battery cell 121 to ensure that the battery cell 121 operates at a suitable ambient temperature; the heat exchange medium after exchanging heat flows back from the other end of the heat exchange flow channel 11 to the current collector 20 at the other end, realizing the circulation of the heat exchange medium.

[0068] The sensing device 24 is mounted on the current collector 20 to sense one or more of the heat exchange medium's pressure, flow rate, and temperature. Specifically, the sensing device 24 is mounted on the current collector body 21 of the current collector 20. This allows the sensing device 24 to detect the current state of the heat exchange medium within each heat exchange body 10. This serves as a basis for the control module (described below) to determine the operating status of the heat exchange assembly 400, providing timely feedback when any issues arise. When the flow channel inside the heat exchange body 10 is blocked, the heat exchange body 10 is aged and cracked, resulting in leakage of the heat exchange medium, or the heat exchange body 10 is crushed and deformed by the weight of the battery cell, resulting in leakage of the heat exchange medium, the sensing device 24 can effectively sense the current working status through one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium, thereby effectively detecting the temperature changes of each heat exchange body 10 and confirming the circulation status of the heat exchange medium. On the one hand, when an abnormality occurs in the heat exchange body 10, an early warning can be issued to ensure that the battery cell 121 operates at a suitable operating temperature, extend the service life of the battery cell 121, and improve the performance of the battery cell 121; on the other hand, when multiple heat exchange assemblies 400 are stacked and the battery cell 121 is placed between two heat exchange assemblies 400 for heat exchange, if one of the heat exchange assemblies 400 has a problem, the fault can be quickly located through the sensing device 24 corresponding to the heat exchange assembly 400, thereby eliminating safety hazards in time and ensuring safety.

[0069] In some embodiments, the shape of the opening cross section of the current collector 20 should be compatible with the end of the heat exchange body 10 to ensure that the two can be plugged in, for example, by interference fit, welding or bolt connection.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sensing device 24 may be a temperature sensor; the sensing device 24 is disposed on the current collecting body 21 to sense the temperature of the heat exchange medium and provide an early warning when the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange body 10 is too low, too high, or changes too much.

[0071] In some embodiments, the sensing device 24 is a pressure sensor; the sensing device 24 is set on the collecting body 21 to sense the pressure of the heat exchange medium and provide an early warning when the pressure of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange body 10 is too low, too high, or changes too much.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sensing device 24 is a speed sensor; the sensing device 24 is set on the collecting body 21 to sense the flow rate of the heat exchange medium and provide an early warning when the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange body 10 is too low, too high, or changes too much.

[0073] In some possible embodiments, the current collector 20 may include a sensing device 24 for sensing one of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium. In other embodiments, the current collector 20 may include two sensing devices 24, one for sensing one of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0074] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 5 to 10, the current collector 20 includes a connecting tube 23, and the current collector body 21 is formed with a plug-in cavity 22 with an open side; the end of the heat exchange body 10 is plugged into the plug-in cavity 22; and the connecting tube 23 passes through the side wall of the plug-in cavity 22.

[0075] Among them, the collecting body 21 is usually made of plastic or aluminum alloy. The cross-sectional shape of the plug-in cavity 22 should be compatible with the cross-sectional shape of the end of the heat exchange body 10. The opening of the plug-in cavity 22 can be a flat slot, which is convenient for the interference fit of the end of the heat exchange body 10 in the plug-in cavity 22 of the collecting body 21. The connecting pipe 23 is usually a metal pipe joint, and the connecting pipe 23 and the collecting body 21 are sealed by welding or pressure contact. In addition, the connecting pipe 23 can also be a plastic joint cast integrally with the collecting body 21. The connecting pipe 23 passes through the side wall of the plug-in cavity 22, so as to be connected with the heat exchange flow channel 11 through the plug-in cavity 22. The section of the connecting pipe 23 located outside the collecting body 21 is formed as a connecting port, which is used to connect with the pipeline for circulating the heat exchange medium outside, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] When multiple heat exchange assemblies 400 are stacked, the connecting pipes 23 on the collectors 20 of each heat exchange assembly are connected to each other and can be sealed by welding, pressure contact, etc., thereby achieving communication between the multiple heat exchange assemblies 400.

[0077] At least a portion of the sensing device 24 extends into the plug-in cavity 22. This allows the sensing device 24 to promptly and accurately sense one or more of the performance indicators of the heat exchange medium, such as pressure, flow rate, and temperature. This can then serve as a basis for the control module to determine the operating status of the heat exchange assembly 400, and provide timely feedback when problems occur with the heat exchange assembly 400. When an abnormality occurs in the heat exchange body 10, an early warning can be provided to ensure that the battery cells 121 operate at an appropriate operating temperature, extend the service life of the battery cells 121, and improve the performance of the battery cells 121. When a problem occurs with a heat exchange assembly 400, the corresponding sensing device 24 can be used to quickly locate the fault, thereby promptly eliminating safety hazards and ensuring safety.

[0078] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 10 , the connecting pipe 23 is formed as a flow channel 28 on the cavity wall of the inserting cavity 22 to enable the circulation of the heat exchange medium.

[0079] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 5 to 10, the collecting body 21 includes a plurality of fasteners 27, which are erected in the insertion cavity 22. A gap is formed between the fasteners 27 and the side wall of the insertion cavity 22, and the side wall of the end of the heat exchange body 10 can be inserted into the gap.

[0080] The fastener 27 may be a plate, or a convex column, a convex strip or other fastening structures.

[0081] The heat exchanger body 10 is a flat plate structure, formed by two relatively large surfaces (not labeled) and a side surface (not labeled) connecting the two surfaces. The large surfaces and side surfaces constitute the sidewalls of the heat exchanger body 10. The width of the gap between the large surfaces and the side surfaces is typically slightly smaller than the thickness of the sidewalls of the heat exchanger body 10. This allows the fastener 27 to deform slightly when the sidewall at the end of the heat exchanger body 10 is inserted into the gap between the fastener 27 and the sidewall of the insertion cavity 22, thereby ensuring a more secure insertion of the heat exchanger body 10 into the insertion cavity 22 of the manifold body 21, preventing separation and facilitating subsequent welding.

[0082] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 10 , the sensing device 24 includes a collection terminal 25 and a connector 26 .

[0083] A collection terminal 25 at least partially extends into the heat exchange body 10 to sense one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium. Specifically, the collection terminal 25 is located in the insertion cavity 22 and can be a thermistor, piezoresistor, or photoelectric sensor, as needed.

[0084] Connector 26 is located on the side of current collector 20 facing away from heat exchange body 10 and is electrically connected to acquisition terminal 25. Connector 26 can be used to connect signals to external devices. Connector 26 can be a wiring harness plug or socket, or it can be a wire connected to an external control module.

[0085] By providing the collection terminal 25 and the connector 26, the current status of the heat exchange medium inside each heat exchange body 10 can be sensed through the corresponding collection terminal 25. For example, the collection terminal 25 can collect one or more of the flow rate, temperature or pressure of the heat exchange medium. When the flow channel inside the heat exchange body 10 is blocked, the heat exchange body 10 is aged and cracked, resulting in leakage of the heat exchange medium, or the heat exchange body 10 is crushed and deformed by the weight of the battery cell, resulting in leakage of the heat exchange medium, etc., it will cause a large change in the temperature, flow rate or pressure of the heat exchange medium. The collection terminal 25 converts it into a corresponding electrical signal and transmits it to the connector 26. The connector 26 then transmits the electrical signal to an external device (such as a control module), which serves as a basis for determining the current working status of the heat exchange component 400 and can provide timely feedback when problems occur in the heat exchange component 400.

[0086] In some possible embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 to 10 , the sensing device 24 is integrally injection molded with the current collector 20. Specifically, the sensing device 24 is integrally injection molded with the current collector body 21, which can be formed using plastic injection molding. The collection terminal 25 of the sensing device 24 is pre-placed in a mold before the integral injection molding process. This ensures that the collection terminal 25 is positioned within the insertion cavity 22 to sense one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium. The integral injection molding seals the area where the sensing device 24 connects to the current collector body 21, preventing leakage of the heat exchange medium from the connection between the sensing device 24 and the current collector body 21 and ensuring the heat exchange function of the heat exchange assembly 400.

[0087] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 10 , a plurality of support plates 12 are arranged at intervals inside the heat exchange body 10 to form a plurality of heat exchange channels 11 separated from each other in the internal space of the heat exchange body 10 .

[0088] All support plates 12 are spaced apart within the heat exchange body 10 and extend along its length until openings are formed at each end. A manifold 21 is positioned over the ends of the heat exchange body 10, connecting the insertion cavity 22 with the heat exchange channels 11. The support plates 12 form a plurality of mutually separated heat exchange channels 11 within the heat exchange body 10. This facilitates the flow of heat exchange medium into different heat exchange channels 13 and along predetermined paths, improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0089] The sensing device 24 can perform sensing detection on at least one of the heat exchange channels 11; by sensing one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel 11, when the flow channel is blocked inside the heat exchange body 10, the heat exchange body 10 is aged and cracked, resulting in leakage of the heat exchange medium, or the heat exchange body 10 is crushed and deformed by the weight of the battery cell, resulting in leakage of the heat exchange medium, etc., it will cause a large change in the temperature, flow rate or pressure of the heat exchange medium. The sensing device 24 can timely feedback the corresponding information, which can serve as a basis for determining the current working status of the heat exchange component 400.

[0090] In some embodiments, the heat exchange body 10 and the support plate 12 are integrally connected and can be processed in one go by injection molding, stamping, etc., which is simple in process and low in cost.

[0091] In some embodiments, the support plate 12 may be an aluminum alloy plate or a plastic plate.

[0092] In some possible embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 to 10, the heat exchange body 10 is a harmonica tube, which has good heat exchange performance. In addition, the heat exchange body 10 can also be a profile liquid heat exchange plate or a stamping liquid heat exchange plate, which is not limited in the application embodiments.

[0093] In some embodiments, the heat exchange body 10 can be an aluminum alloy tube shell, which has good strength, light weight and good thermal conductivity. In addition, the heat exchange body 10 can also be a plastic tube shell, depending on the design.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the heat exchange body 10 is a flat plate structure. Two relatively large surfaces of the heat exchange body 10 typically serve as heat exchange surfaces, supporting the battery cells 121 while also enabling heat exchange. The heat exchange body 10 also includes side surfaces (not shown) connecting the two large surfaces. The large surfaces of the heat exchange body 10 are typically horizontal or nearly horizontal curved surfaces, while the side surfaces can be curved to increase the overall rigidity of the heat exchange body 10 and prevent it from collapsing due to the weight of the battery cells 121.

[0095] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 5 to 10, when the heat exchange assembly includes two groups of current collectors 20, the current collecting bodies 21 of the two groups of current collectors 20 are respectively covered at both ends of the heat exchange body 10; the state of the heat exchange assembly 400 is sensed by the sensing devices 23 on the two groups of current collectors 20, so that the state signal is transmitted to an external device (such as a control module) in time as a basis for determining the current working state of the heat exchange assembly 400, so as to provide early warning, ensure that the battery cell 121 operates at a suitable operating temperature, extend the service life of the battery cell 121 and improve the performance of the battery cell 121, and can quickly locate the fault through the sensing device 24 corresponding to the heat exchange assembly 400, so as to eliminate safety hazards in time and ensure safety.

[0096] In some possible embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 to 10 , the heat exchange assembly includes two sets of current collectors 20. Along the flow direction of the heat exchange medium, the heat exchange body 10 has two ends, namely, a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet. The two sets of current collectors 20 are respectively mounted on the liquid outlet and liquid inlet of the heat exchange body 10. The sensing device 24 is mounted on the current collector 20 located at the liquid outlet of the heat exchange body 10.

[0097] In this way, the control module of the battery management system can sense the flow conditions of the heat exchange medium inside each heat exchange body 10 through the sensing device 24. When the flow channel inside the heat exchange body 10 is blocked, the heat exchange body 10 is aged and cracked, resulting in heat exchange medium leakage, or the heat exchange body 10 is crushed and deformed by the weight of the battery cell, resulting in heat exchange medium leakage, the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the heat exchange medium at the liquid inlet end of the heat exchange body 10 do not change much. However, since the heat exchange medium cannot pass through the heat exchange flow channel 11 to reach the liquid outlet, the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the heat exchange medium sensed by the sensing device 24 at the liquid outlet end of the heat exchange body 10 change greatly, which is easy to be sensed by the sensing device 24 and can be transmitted to an external device (such as a control module), thereby serving as a basis for determining the current working status of the heat exchange component 400.

[0098] In other words, by disposing the sensing device 24 on the current collecting body 21 of the current collecting body 20 covering the liquid outlet end of the heat exchange body 10 , the sensing of the sensing device 24 can be made more sensitive and accurate.

[0099] It can be understood that the liquid inlet end of the heat exchange body 10 cooperates with another set of collectors 20 to input the heat exchange medium, thereby realizing the circulation heat exchange of the heat exchange medium; the collector 20 located at the liquid inlet end does not need to be installed with the sensing device 24 to save costs and simplify control.

[0100] In some other possible embodiments, the heat exchange assembly includes two sets of current collectors 20 and two sensing devices 24. Along the flow direction of the heat exchange medium, the two ends of the heat exchange body 10 are the liquid outlet and liquid inlet, respectively. The two sets of current collectors 20 are respectively mounted on the liquid outlet and liquid inlet of the heat exchange body 10; and the two sensing devices 24 are respectively mounted on the two sets of current collectors 20.

[0101] The second aspect of the present application provides a battery 100. Referring to Figures 1 to 10, the battery 100 includes a battery cell 121 and the aforementioned heat exchange assembly 400. At least one sidewall of the heat exchange body 10 is thermally connected to the battery cell 121 to achieve uniform heat exchange.

[0102] In some embodiments, the battery 100 includes only one heat exchange assembly 400. The side wall of the heat exchange body 10 is thermally connected to the battery cell 121 to achieve uniform heat exchange.

[0103] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , the battery 100 may include a plurality of stacked heat exchange assemblies 400 , and the battery cell 121 may be placed between two heat exchange assemblies 400 .

[0104] The connecting tubes 23 of the current collectors 20 at one end of the heat exchange body 10 of each heat exchange assembly 400 are connected to each other and can be connected to an external liquid inlet manifold. The connecting tubes 23 of the current collectors 20 at the other end of the heat exchange body 10 of each heat exchange assembly 400 are connected to each other and can be connected to an external liquid outlet manifold. The heat exchange medium is uniformly input through the liquid inlet manifold, distributed to each heat exchange body 10 through the current collector 20 at one end, and after completing the heat exchange with the battery cell 121, it flows out of the current collector 20 at the other end, forming an exchange cycle, thereby cooling or heating the battery cell 121, ensuring that the battery cell 121 operates at an appropriate operating temperature, extending the service life of the battery cell 121, and improving the performance of the battery cell 121.

[0105] A third aspect of the present application provides a battery management system, including a control module and the above-mentioned battery 100 , wherein the control module is signal-connected to the sensing device 24 .

[0106] The collection terminals 25 of the sensing device 24 on the fluid collector body 10, located at the outlet end of the heat exchanger body 10, can be distributed on the flow channel opening 28. Thus, during the operation of the heat exchanger assembly 400, the collection terminals 25 can more accurately sense one or more performance indicators of the heat exchange medium, such as pressure, flow rate, and temperature. This can then serve as a basis for the control module to determine the operating status of the heat exchanger assembly, providing timely feedback when problems arise. It should be understood that changes in these performance indicators can be determined based on indicators such as temperature, pressure, or flow rate, or based on other indicators of the heat exchanger medium.

[0107] When the temperature of the battery cell 121 is too high, the battery 100 uses the heat exchange component 400 to perform a refrigeration cycle. If the heat exchange body 10 is crushed, the heat exchange medium leaks, and there is no heat exchange medium or only a small amount of heat exchange medium in the heat exchange flow channel 11, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end of the heat exchange body 10 will increase. When the temperature exceeds the set range, the acquisition terminal 25 converts the corresponding electrical signal and transmits it to the connector 26. The connector 26 then transmits the electrical signal to the control module connected to the connector 26 to achieve an early warning; that is, to inform the user that there are safety risks in the operation of the vehicle, especially when the vehicle collides or other events cause thermal runaway of the battery pack, making it impossible for the battery pack to effectively prevent heat spread. Timely early warning can effectively ensure the safety of the user.

[0108] Similarly, when the battery is used in winter, the temperature of the battery cell 121 is relatively low, and the battery 100 uses the heat exchange component 400 for a heating cycle. If the heat exchange body 10 is crushed, the heat exchange medium leaks, and there is no heat exchange medium or only a small amount of heat exchange medium in the heat exchange flow channel 11, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end of the heat exchange body 10 will be relatively low. When the temperature exceeds the set range, the acquisition terminal 25 converts the corresponding electrical signal and transmits it to the connector 26. The connector 26 then transmits the electrical signal to the control module connected to the connector 26 to achieve early warning, that is, to inform the user that there is a safety risk in the operation of the vehicle, and can accurately indicate where the heat exchange component 400 has failed, so as to facilitate quick troubleshooting.

[0109] A fourth aspect of the present application provides an electrical device, which includes the above-mentioned battery 100, and the battery 100 is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0110] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0111] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchange assembly comprising: a heat exchange body (10) with a heat exchange medium flowing therein; a current collector (20), the current collector (20) being arranged at at least one end of the heat exchange body (10), the current collector (20) being used to lead a heat exchange medium out of or into the heat exchange body (10); and a sensing device (24), wherein the sensing device (24) is arranged on the current collector (20) to sense one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium.

2. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The sensing device (24) includes a collection terminal (25) and a connector (26); The collecting terminal (25) at least partially extends into the heat exchange body (10) to sense one or more of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the heat exchange medium; The connector (26) is arranged on a side of the current collector (20) facing away from the heat exchange body (10) and is connected to the collection terminal (25); the connector (26) can be used for signal connection with an external device.

3. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensing device (24) and the current collector (20) are integrally injection-molded.

4. The heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The sensing device (24) is a temperature sensor; or, The sensing device (24) is a pressure sensor; or, The sensing device (24) is a speed sensor.

5. The heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heat exchange body (10) has a plurality of support plates (12) arranged at intervals inside, so as to form a plurality of heat exchange channels (11) separated from each other in the internal space of the heat exchange body (10); The sensing device (24) is capable of performing sensing detection on at least one of the heat exchange channels (11).

6. The heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The heat exchange body (10) is a harmonica tube.

7. The heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The heat exchange assembly comprises two groups of current collectors (20); the two groups of current collectors (20) are respectively covered on the liquid outlet and liquid inlet of the heat exchange body (10); and the sensing device (24) is arranged on the current collectors (20) located at the liquid outlet of the heat exchange body (10).

8. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The current collector (20) includes a current collector body (21), and the current collector body (21) is formed with a plug-in cavity (22) with an opening on one side; the end of the heat exchange body (10) is plugged into the plug-in cavity (22); At least a portion of the sensing device (24) extends into the plug-in cavity (22).

9. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The collecting body (21) includes a plurality of fasteners (27), the fasteners (27) being erected in the insertion cavity (22), a gap being formed between the fasteners (27) and the side wall of the insertion cavity (22), and the side wall of the end of the heat exchange body (10) being able to be inserted into the gap.

10. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The current collector (20) includes a connecting tube (23), which is arranged to pass through the plug-in cavity (22); the connecting tube (23) is formed as a flow channel opening (28) on the cavity wall of the plug-in cavity (22); The collecting terminal (25) is located on the flow channel opening (28).

11. A battery, wherein: Comprising a battery cell (121) and a heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The side wall of at least one side of the heat exchange body (10) is heat-conductively connected to the battery cell (121).

12. A battery management system, wherein: It comprises a control module and the battery as claimed in claim 11, wherein the control module is connected to the sensing device (24) by signal.

13. An electrical device, wherein: Comprising the battery of claim 11.

Images