Battery, electric device and manufacturing process for thermal management component

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery, an electric device and a manufacturing process for a thermal management component. The battery comprises a case, battery cells and a thermal management component, wherein the battery cells are disposed in the case; and the thermal management component is disposed in the case and is configured to accommodate a heat exchange medium to regulate the temperatures of the battery cells. The thermal management component comprises: a heat exchange tube, which has a heat exchange flow channel, wherein an end of the heat exchange tube serves as a port of the heat exchange flow channel; a current collector, which is fitted to the end of the heat exchange tube and is in communication with the port; and an adapter, which is connected between the heat exchange tube and the current collector and is configured to connect to the current collector and the heat exchange tube in a sealing manner. In the present application, the adapter is disposed between the heat exchange tube and the current collector, and connection and fixation between the heat exchange tube and the current collector are realized by means of the adapter. The adapter is connected between the current collector and the heat exchange tube in a sealing manner, such that the current collector and the heat exchange tube are fitted more tightly, and the heat exchange tube and the adapter are connected stably, thereby improving the stability of connection between the heat exchange tube and the current collector.

Description

Manufacturing process of batteries, electrical devices and thermal management components Cross-references

[0001] This application incorporates Chinese Patent Application No. 2024105010465, filed on April 24, 2024, entitled “Thermal Management Components and Manufacturing Process Thereof, Battery, Electrical Device”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to the manufacturing process of batteries, electrical devices and thermal management components. Background Technology

[0003] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0004] Temperature has a significant impact on battery performance, so conventional batteries are equipped with thermal management components to cool the battery or heat it up in low-temperature environments to bring it to its normal operating temperature range.

[0005] However, in current thermal management components, the size and surface flatness of the heat exchange tubes are difficult to control, which can easily lead to poor connection when the heat exchange tubes are connected to the collector, affecting the overall performance of the thermal management components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on this, this application provides a manufacturing process for a battery, an electrical device, and a thermal management component.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery, including a housing, a battery cell, and a thermal management component. The battery cell is disposed within the housing, and the thermal management component is disposed within the housing and is used to contain a heat exchange medium to regulate the temperature of the battery cell. The thermal management component includes a heat exchange tube, a current collector, and an adapter. The heat exchange tube has a heat exchange channel, and the end of the heat exchange tube is the port of the heat exchange channel. The current collector is connected to the end of the heat exchange tube and communicates with the port, allowing the heat exchange medium to flow from the current collector into the heat exchange channel or from the heat exchange channel into the current collector. The adapter connects the heat exchange tube and the current collector; wherein the adapter is used for a sealed connection with the current collector and the heat exchange tube.

[0008] Therefore, the sealing connection between the heat exchanger and the heat collector through the adapter makes the two fit more tightly, so as to make the connection between the heat exchanger and the adapter stable and thus improve the connection stability between the heat exchanger and the heat collector.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange tube, the current collector, and the adapter is an insulating structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange tube, the current collector, and the adapter is a plastic structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange tube, the current collector, and the adapter is a mixture of metal and non-metal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adapter is connected to the current collector by welding or adhesive bonding, and the adapter is connected to the heat exchange tube by welding or adhesive bonding.

[0013] The above structure makes the connection between the heat exchange tube and the adapter more stable, thereby improving the overall connection stability between the collector, the adapter and the heat exchange tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the adapter includes an annular body and a connecting wall protruding from the inner wall of the annular body, and the end of the heat exchange tube is connected to the connecting wall.

[0015] With the above structure, when the adapter is connected to the end of the heat exchange tube through the connecting wall, the annular body can be respectively surrounded on the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube and the collector, thereby achieving a stable connection between the collector and the heat exchange tube through the adapter.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connecting wall is a light-transmitting material and the heat exchange tube is a light-absorbing material.

[0017] This allows the laser to penetrate the connecting wall smoothly, thus enabling a successful connection between the connecting wall and the end face of the heat exchange tube via laser welding.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first stepped surface is formed between the connecting wall and the inner wall of the annular body, the first stepped surface being used to surround the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube when connected to the heat exchange tube.

[0019] With the above structure, in addition to achieving a stable connection between the current collector, the adapter, and the heat exchange tube, the annular body can also be fitted around the outer circumference of the heat exchange tube, and the first step surface can be fitted with the outer circumference surface of the heat exchange tube, so as to better protect the connection structure between the adapter and the heat exchange tube.

[0020] In some embodiments, a support member is provided protruding from the side of the connecting wall facing the heat exchange tube. The support member extends into the heat exchange channel and supports the heat exchange tube. Thus, the support member can improve the structural stability of the heat exchange tube.

[0021] In some embodiments, the support members include multiple members, and each support member is arranged at circumferential intervals along the connecting wall. Multiple support members can provide multi-point support for the heat exchange channel, improving support stability.

[0022] In some embodiments, the supports are staggered along the longitudinal direction of the connecting wall. This provides staggered support to the inner wall of the heat exchange tube, further enhancing support stability.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support member is spaced apart from the inner wall of the annular body, and a fixing groove for engaging the heat exchange tube is formed at intervals.

[0024] Therefore, when the support extends into the heat exchange channel of the heat exchange tube, the fixing groove can form a stable snap-fit ​​on the heat exchange tube, making the support and the heat exchange tube more stable.

[0025] In some embodiments, the connecting wall includes a connecting portion and at least two sealing plates, the connecting portion being connected between each sealing plate and the inner wall of the annular body, and a flow passage is formed between each pair of adjacent sealing plates.

[0026] Therefore, when the adapter is connected between the current collector and the heat exchange tube, the heat exchange medium can enter or exit the heat exchange channel through the flow hole, thereby realizing heat exchange with the battery cell in the heat exchange channel.

[0027] In some embodiments, each sealing plate is disposed corresponding to at least one heat exchange channel and is used to seal at least one heat exchange channel.

[0028] In some embodiments, a second stepped surface is formed between the side of the connecting wall facing the collector and the inner wall of the annular body, the second stepped surface being used to surround the outer periphery of the collector when connected to it.

[0029] With the above structure, in addition to achieving a stable connection between the collector, the adapter and the heat exchange tube, the annular body can be fitted around the outer periphery of the collector and the second step surface can be made to fit against the outer periphery of the collector, so as to better protect the connection structure between the collector and the heat exchange tube.

[0030] In some embodiments, the current collector includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being disposed on the second connecting portion and forming a third stepped surface between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the third stepped surface being used to fit against the second stepped surface.

[0031] Therefore, by fitting the third step surface to the second step surface, a quick and stable connection can be achieved between the current collector and the adapter.

[0032] In some embodiments, the annular body is made of a light-transmitting material, and the second connecting part is made of a light-absorbing material. This allows the laser to penetrate the annular body smoothly, enabling a successful connection between the annular body and the second connecting part via laser welding.

[0033] In some embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of thermal management components, the plurality of battery cells being arranged in multiple rows, with each row of battery cells disposed between two adjacent thermal management components.

[0034] Secondly, this application also provides an electrical device, including the battery as described above, which is used to provide electrical energy.

[0035] Thirdly, this application also provides a manufacturing process for a thermal management component, used to manufacture the thermal management component as described above, the manufacturing process including the following steps:

[0036] Laser welding is used to connect the abutting connecting walls and the end faces of the heat exchange tubes, and the laser is emitted in a preset direction;

[0037] The collector is fixed in a preset direction to the end of the corresponding adapter that is away from the heat exchange tube.

[0038] In some embodiments, the step of fixing the current collector along a preset direction to the end of the corresponding adapter away from the heat exchange tube specifically includes the following steps:

[0039] The second step surface is surrounded on the outer periphery of the second connecting part and is in contact with the third step surface;

[0040] Laser welding is used between the second and third step surfaces, and the laser is emitted in a direction intersecting with a preset direction; and / or adhesive bonding or hot-melt welding is used between the end face of the first connection and the end face of the adapter.

[0041] The manufacturing process of the aforementioned battery, electrical device, and thermal management component involves setting an adapter between the heat exchange tube and the current collector. The adapter connects and fixes the heat exchange tube and the current collector. The adapter is sealed between the current collector and the heat exchange tube, making the two fit more tightly and ensuring a stable connection between the heat exchange tube and the adapter, thereby improving the connection stability between the heat exchange tube and the current collector. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments.

[0044] Figure 2 is an exploded structural diagram of a battery according to one or more embodiments.

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0046] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0047] Figure 5 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 4.

[0048] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the adapter side of a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0049] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the current collector in a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0050] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the other side of the adapter in a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0051] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the manufacturing process of a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0052] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the manufacturing process of a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor; 10, housing; 20, battery cell; 30, thermal management component; 11, first part; 12, second part; 31, heat exchange tube; 32, current collector; 33, adapter; 311, heat exchange channel; 312, end face; 321, opening; 322, first connecting part; 323, second connecting part; 324, third stepped surface; 332, annular body; 333, connecting wall; 334, first stepped surface; 335, second stepped surface; 336, support; 337, fixing groove; 338, flow hole; 3331, connecting part; 3332, sealing piece; a, preset direction. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be understood that 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 this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0056] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0057] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0058] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0059] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, 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 possible implementation.

[0060] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also widely applied in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as other fields. With the continuous expansion of the application areas of power batteries, the market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0061] A battery typically consists of individual battery cells and a casing. The battery cells are housed within the casing, which provides space and protection for them. The individual battery cells are the components where the actual electrochemical reactions occur. When these reactions happen inside the cells, heat is generated.

[0062] As batteries are used repeatedly, individual battery cells continuously generate heat, causing the internal temperature of the battery to gradually rise and affecting its performance. Therefore, thermal management components are typically installed inside the battery to cool it down or heat it up in low-temperature environments to bring it back to its normal operating temperature range.

[0063] However, in the structure of thermal management components, the ends of the heat exchange tubes are flat, and their dimensions and surface flatness are difficult to control. When the heat exchange tubes are connected to the collector, poor contact between the connecting surfaces leads to poor connection between the heat exchange tubes and the collector, affecting the overall performance of the thermal management components.

[0064] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem of poor connection that easily occurs when connecting the heat exchanger tube and the current collector, one or more embodiments of this application provide a battery in which an adapter is provided between the heat exchanger tube and the current collector. The adapter is used to fix the connection between the heat exchanger tube and the current collector. The adapter is connected to the end face of the heat exchanger tube through a connecting wall, so that the end face of the heat exchanger tube can abut against the connecting wall, and the two fit more tightly, so as to stabilize the connection between the heat exchanger tube and the adapter, thereby improving the connection stability between the heat exchanger tube and the current collector.

[0065] This application provides an electrical device that uses a battery as a power source. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0066] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Referring to Figure 1, vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A battery 100 is installed inside vehicle 1000, which can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1000. Battery 100 can be used to power vehicle 1000; for example, battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1000. Vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. Controller 200 controls the battery 100 to supply power to motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0069] Referring to Figure 2, the battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the battery cell 20 housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 provides a space for the battery cell 20 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, which overlap each other, jointly defining a space for accommodating the battery cell 20. The second portion 12 may be a hollow structure with one open end, and the first portion 11 may be a plate-like structure, covering the open side of the second portion 12 so that the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 jointly define the space. Alternatively, both the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 may be hollow structures with one open side, with the open side of the first portion 11 covering the open side of the second portion 12. Of course, the housing 10 formed by the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0070] In battery 100, there can be multiple battery cells 20, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 20 is housed within the housing 10. Alternatively, battery 100 can also be composed of multiple battery cells 20 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is also housed within the housing 10. Battery 100 may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar component for electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0071] Each battery cell 20 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 to these. The battery cell 20 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0072] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 5, one embodiment of this application provides a battery 100, including a housing 10, a battery cell 20, and a thermal management component 30. The battery cell 20 is disposed within the housing 10, and the thermal management component 30 is disposed within the housing 10 and is used to contain a heat exchange medium to regulate the temperature of the battery cell 20. The thermal management component 30 includes a heat exchange tube 31, a current collector 32, and an adapter 33. The heat exchange tube 31 has a heat exchange channel 311, and the end of the heat exchange tube 31 is the port of the heat exchange channel 311. The current collector 32 is connected to the end of the heat exchange tube 31 and communicates with the port, allowing the heat exchange medium to flow from the current collector 32 into the heat exchange channel 311 or vice versa. The adapter 33 connects the heat exchange tube 31 and the current collector 32; wherein the adapter 33 is used for a sealed connection with the current collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31.

[0073] The thermal management component 30 is a component disposed within the housing 10 of the battery 100 and used to contain the heat exchange medium to regulate the temperature of the battery cells 20 within the housing 10. During the battery cell cycle, heat is generated, which can be cooled by the thermal management component 30. In this case, the thermal management component 30 can contain the cooling medium; it can also be called a cooling element, cooling system, cooling plate, or liquid cooling plate, etc. Of course, in some other cases, the thermal management component 30 can also be used to heat the battery cells 20, which will not be elaborated here.

[0074] The heat exchange tube 31 has a heat exchange channel 311 inside, which provides a flow path for the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange tube 31 is attached to the surface of the battery cell 20. When the heat exchange medium flows in the heat exchange channel 311, it can carry away the heat generated by the battery cell 20, thereby cooling the battery cell 20.

[0075] Specifically, the heat exchange channel 311 extends along a preset direction a and passes through the heat exchange tube 31 in the preset direction a. In other words, one end of the heat exchange channel 311 along the preset direction a forms an inlet and the other end forms an outlet. The heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange channel 311 from the inlet and flows out from the outlet, thus achieving heat exchange in this process.

[0076] The collector 32 is disposed at opposite ends of the heat exchange tube 31 along a preset direction a. When the collector 32 is disposed on the inlet side of the heat exchange channel 311, the opening 321 on the collector 32 is the inlet of the heat exchange medium. When the collector 32 is disposed on the outlet side of the heat exchange channel 311, the opening 321 on the collector 32 is the outlet of the heat exchange medium.

[0077] When the current collector 32 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, the opening 321 on the current collector 32 is connected to the heat exchange channel 311. Thus, the heat exchange medium can be input into the heat exchange channel 311 through the inlet on the current collector 32, allowing it to flow in the heat exchange channel 311 and carry away the heat of the battery cell 20, and finally flow out from the outlet on the current collector 32.

[0078] It should be noted that the heat generated by the battery cell 20 is usually concentrated on the large surface of the battery cell 20. Therefore, the heat exchange tube 31 is set to be in close contact with the large surface of the battery cell 20 so that the heat exchange medium can better exchange heat with the large surface of the battery cell 20. As a result, the heat exchange tube 31 is usually set to a flat structure so as to match the large surface of the battery cell 20.

[0079] The hollow interior of the heat exchange tube 31 forms a heat exchange flow channel 311, which makes it difficult to control the size and surface flatness of the heat exchange tube 31 port. When the heat exchange tube 31 is connected to the collector 32, the heat exchange tube 31 may not be able to fit completely with the collector 32, which will also lead to unstable connection between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32.

[0080] Based on this, this application provides a connector 33 between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32, and uses the connector 33 to seal the connection between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32.

[0081] When the adapter 33 is connected between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32, the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 can abut against the adapter 33, thus connecting and fixing the adapter 33 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31.

[0082] Therefore, the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 can abut against the adapter 33, and the two fit more tightly, so as to make the connection between the heat exchange tube 31 and the adapter 33 stable, thereby improving the connection stability between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32.

[0083] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange tube 31, the current collector 32, and the adapter 33 is an insulating structure.

[0084] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange tube 31, the current collector 32, and the adapter 33 is a plastic structure.

[0085] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange tube 31, the current collector 32, and the adapter 33 is a mixture of metal and non-metal.

[0086] In some embodiments, the adapter 33 is connected to the current collector 32 by welding or adhesive bonding, and the adapter 33 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31 by welding or adhesive bonding.

[0087] Furthermore, the adapter 33 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 are connected by surface contact.

[0088] Specifically, when the adapter 33 is connected between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32, the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 abuts against the adapter 33 and is in contact with one of the surfaces of the adapter 33.

[0089] This increases the contact area between the adapter 33 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31, making the connection between the heat exchange tube 31 and the adapter 33 more stable, thereby improving the overall connection stability between the collector 32, the adapter 33 and the heat exchange tube 31.

[0090] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, in some embodiments, the adapter 33 includes an annular body 332 and a connecting wall 333 protruding from the inner wall of the annular body 332, and the end of the heat exchange tube 31 is connected to the connecting wall 333.

[0091] Specifically, the connecting wall 333 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the preset direction a. When the adapter 33 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, the end face of the heat exchange tube 31 can abut against the connecting wall 333 and have surface contact with the connecting wall 333.

[0092] With the above structure, when the adapter 33 is connected to the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 through the connecting wall 333, the annular body 332 can be respectively surrounded on the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32, thereby realizing a stable connection between the collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31 through the adapter 33.

[0093] Specifically, when the adapter 33 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32 respectively, the annular body 332 can be sleeved on the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32 respectively, thereby realizing the connection with the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32 respectively.

[0094] By setting the annular body 332, when the adapter 33 is connected to the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 through the connecting wall 333, the connection between the adapter 33 and the collector 32 can be realized through the annular body 332, thereby realizing a stable connection between the collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31 through the adapter 33.

[0095] In some embodiments, the connecting wall 333 is a light-transmitting material, and the heat exchange tube 31 is a light-absorbing material.

[0096] Specifically, the materials of the connecting wall 333 and the heat exchange tube 31 may be, but are not limited to, polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), etc.

[0097] When the adapter 33 and the heat exchange tube 31 are connected by laser welding, the connecting wall 333 is made of a light-transmitting material, and the heat exchange tube 31 is made of a light-absorbing material. In this way, the laser can penetrate the connecting wall 333 and irradiate the connection position between the connecting wall 333 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31, so that the connecting wall 333 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 can melt simultaneously, thereby achieving a smooth connection between the two.

[0098] Therefore, by setting the material of the connecting wall 333 to a light-transmitting material and the material of the heat exchange tube 31 to a light-absorbing material, the laser can smoothly penetrate the connecting wall 333, thereby achieving a smooth connection between the connecting wall 333 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 through laser welding.

[0099] In some embodiments, a first stepped surface 334 is formed between the connecting wall 333 and the inner wall of the annular body 332. The first stepped surface 334 is used to surround the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31 when connected to the heat exchange tube 31.

[0100] Specifically, the connecting wall 333 is perpendicular to the inner wall of the annular body 332 and is located in the middle of the annular body 332. Thus, the annular body 332 is divided into left and right parts by the connecting wall 333 as the dividing line, wherein a first step surface 334 is formed between the connecting wall 333 and the inner wall of the left part of the annular body 332.

[0101] When the adapter 33 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, the first stepped surface 334 can be fitted around the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31 and fit against the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31, so as to facilitate laser welding of the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 to the connecting wall 333. Thus, the first stepped surface 334 fitted around the outer periphery of the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 can provide a certain degree of protection at the connection position between the heat exchange tube 31 and the connecting wall 333.

[0102] With the above structure, in addition to achieving a stable connection between the current collector 32, the adapter 33 and the heat exchange tube 31, the annular body 332 can be respectively fitted onto the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31, and the first step surface 334 can be fitted with the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31, so as to better protect the connection structure between the adapter 33 and the heat exchange tube 31.

[0103] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, in some embodiments, a support member 336 is provided on the side of the connecting wall 333 facing the heat exchange tube 31. The support member 336 is used to extend into the heat exchange channel 311 and support the heat exchange tube 31.

[0104] Specifically, the support member 336 may be, but is not limited to, a support rib. The support rib is protruding from the side surface of the connecting wall 333 facing the heat exchange tube 31. When the adapter 33 is fitted onto the heat exchange tube 31, the outer surface of the heat exchange tube 31 and the inner surface of the annular body 332 are in contact with each other.

[0105] At the same time, the support 336 extends into the heat exchange channel 311 of the heat exchange tube 31, which can support the heat exchange tube 31, thereby improving the stability at the port of the heat exchange tube 31, improving the surface flatness at the port position, and making the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 more stably connected to the connecting wall 333.

[0106] By providing a support member 336, it can extend into the heat exchange channel 311 of the heat exchange tube 31 to support the heat exchange tube 31, improve the stability at the port of the heat exchange tube 31, and improve the surface flatness at the port position, thereby improving the connection stability between the heat exchange tube 31 and the adapter 33.

[0107] In some embodiments, the support members 336 include a plurality of members, and each support member 336 is arranged at circumferential intervals along the connecting wall 333. Thus, the plurality of support members 336 can provide multi-point support for the heat exchange channel 311, thereby improving the stability of the support.

[0108] In some embodiments, the supports 336 are staggered along the longitudinal direction of the connecting wall 333.

[0109] Specifically, the gaps between each support member 336 at the upper end of the connecting wall 333 and each support member 336 at the lower end are respectively set to correspond to each other, that is, the support member 336 at the upper end of the connecting wall 333 is exactly aligned with the gap between two adjacent support members 336 at the lower end.

[0110] Therefore, when the support member 336 extends into the heat exchange channel 311 and supports the end face of the heat exchange tube 31, each support member 336 can provide staggered support to the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 31, which can further improve the stability of the support.

[0111] In some embodiments, the support member 336 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the annular body 332, and a fixing groove 337 for engaging the heat exchange tube 31 is formed at intervals.

[0112] When the adapter 33 is fitted onto the heat exchange tube 31, the outer surface of the heat exchange tube 31 fits against the inner surface of the annular body 332, and the heat exchange tube 31 is inserted into the fixing groove 337 between the support 336 and the annular body 332, thereby fixing the heat exchange tube 31.

[0113] Therefore, when the support member 336 extends into the heat exchange channel 311 of the heat exchange tube 31, the fixing groove 337 can form a stable snap-fit ​​on the heat exchange tube 31, making the support member 336 and the heat exchange tube 31 more stable.

[0114] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, in some embodiments, the connecting wall 333 includes a connecting portion 3331 and at least two sealing pieces 3332. The connecting portion 3331 is connected between each sealing piece 3332 and the inner wall of the annular body 332, and a flow hole 338 is formed between each two adjacent sealing pieces 3332.

[0115] Specifically, the connecting part 3331 is connected to the inner wall of the annular body 332 in a ring shape, so that each sealing piece 3332 can be stably connected to the inner wall of the annular body 332.

[0116] The sealing plate 3332 can be configured as two or more. When two sealing plates 3332 are configured, they are spaced apart and form a flow passage 338. When the adapter 33 is connected between the heat exchange tube 31 and the current collector 32, the heat exchange medium can enter or exit the heat exchange channel 311 through the flow passage 338, thereby realizing heat exchange with the battery cell 20 in the heat exchange channel 311.

[0117] Therefore, when the adapter 33 is connected between the current collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31, the heat exchange medium can enter or exit the heat exchange channel 311 through the flow hole 338, thereby realizing heat exchange with the battery cell 20 in the heat exchange channel 311.

[0118] In some embodiments, each sealing piece 3332 is correspondingly disposed with at least one heat exchange channel 311 and is used to seal at least one heat exchange channel 311.

[0119] Specifically, each pair of adjacent heat exchange channels 311 is separated by a partition, and multiple partitions are spaced apart from each other to form a heat exchange channel 311.

[0120] Therefore, when the adapter 33 is connected between the collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31, the sealing plate 3332 can abut against the end face of the separator, further improving the connection stability between the adapter 33 and the heat exchange tube 31. On the other hand, the sealing plate 3332 can also block part of the heat exchange channel 311, making fuller use of the internal space of the heat exchange channel 311.

[0121] In some embodiments, a second stepped surface 335 is formed between the side of the connecting wall 333 facing the current collector 32 and the inner wall of the annular body 332. The second stepped surface 335 is used to surround the outer periphery of the current collector 32 when connected to it.

[0122] With the above structure, in addition to achieving a stable connection between the collector 32, the adapter 33 and the heat exchange tube 31, the annular body 332 can also be fitted around the outer periphery of the collector 32, and the second step surface 335 can be made to fit against the outer periphery of the collector 32, so as to better protect the connection structure between the collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31.

[0123] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, in some embodiments, the current collector 32 includes a first connecting portion 322 and a second connecting portion 323, and a third step surface 324 is formed between the current collector and the second connecting portion 323. The third step surface 324 is used to fit against the second step surface 335.

[0124] Specifically, the second connecting part 323 is disposed on the first connecting part 322, and a stepped structure is formed between the two, so that the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting part 323 is formed as a third step surface 324.

[0125] The adapter 33 is fitted onto the second connecting part 323 of the current collector 32, and the second step surface 335 and the third step surface 324 are in contact with each other. Then, the adapter 33 is connected to the current collector 32 by bonding, laser welding or hot melt welding.

[0126] Therefore, by fitting the adapter 33 onto the second connecting part 323, the third step surface 324 and the second step surface 335 fit together, which can achieve a fast and stable connection between the current collector 32 and the adapter 33.

[0127] Furthermore, when the adapter 33 is fitted onto the second connecting portion 323, the end face of the adapter 33 can abut against the end face of the first connecting portion 322, thereby forming a limiting fit. Additionally, the outer peripheral surface of the adapter 33 and the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting portion 323 are located in the same plane, enabling a more stable connection between the adapter 33 and the current collector 32.

[0128] In some embodiments, the annular body 332 is a light-transmitting material, and the second connecting part 323 is a light-absorbing material.

[0129] Specifically, the annular body 332 and the second connecting part 323 may be made of materials such as polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyphthalamide (PPA).

[0130] When the adapter 33 is fitted onto the second connecting part 323, the third step surface 324 and the second step surface 335 fit together, and can be connected by laser welding. Thus, by making the annular body 332 a light-transmitting material and the second connecting part 323 a light-absorbing material, the laser can penetrate the adapter 33 and irradiate the connection position between the third step surface 324 and the second step surface 335, allowing both surfaces to melt simultaneously, thereby achieving a smooth connection.

[0131] Therefore, through the above structure, the laser can smoothly penetrate the annular body 332, thereby enabling the annular body 332 and the second connecting part 323 to be smoothly connected by laser welding.

[0132] In some embodiments, the battery 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 and a plurality of thermal management components 30, wherein the plurality of battery cells 20 are arranged in multiple rows, and each row of battery cells 20 is disposed between two adjacent thermal management components 30.

[0133] Understandably, the outer surface shape of the heat exchange tube 31 can be changed according to the shape of the battery cell 20. For example, if the battery cell 20 is a cuboid, the heat exchange tube 31 can be a straight tube with a plane on its outer surface parallel to the outer surface of the battery cell 20, and the outer surface of the heat exchange tube 31 contacts the outer surface of the battery cell 20 to effectively increase the contact area. Alternatively, if the battery cell 20 is cylindrical, the heat exchange tube 31 can be wavy to match the shape of the battery cell 20.

[0134] Of course, the outer surface of the heat exchange tube 31 may not be completely matched and adhered to the outer surface of the battery cell 20.

[0135] Based on the same concept as the battery 100 described above, this application also provides an electrical device, including the battery 100 as described above, the battery 100 being used to provide electrical energy.

[0136] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, based on the same concept as the thermal management component 30 described above, this application also provides a manufacturing process for the thermal management component 30, used to manufacture the thermal management component 30 as described above. The manufacturing process includes the following steps:

[0137] S10: Laser welding is used to connect the abutting connecting wall 333 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31, and the laser is emitted in a preset direction a.

[0138] The preset direction a is the extension direction of the heat exchange channel 311. Two adapters 33 are respectively set at the opposite ends of the heat exchange tube 31 along the preset direction a and connected to the heat exchange channel 311.

[0139] Specifically, one end of the adapter 33 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31, and the first stepped surface 334 is attached to the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31, so that the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 abuts against the connecting wall 333. Then, a laser is emitted towards the adapter 33 and the heat exchange tube 31 along a preset direction a. The laser penetrates the connecting wall 333 and then irradiates the connection position between the connecting wall 333 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31. Under the action of the laser, the connection position between the connecting wall 333 and the end face 312 of the heat exchange tube 31 melts and connects with each other, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the adapter 33 and the heat exchange tube 31.

[0140] S20: Fix the current collector 32 along the preset direction a to the end of the corresponding adapter 33 away from the heat exchange tube 31.

[0141] After the adapter 33 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, two collectors 32 are respectively placed on the two adapters 33 along the preset direction a, and the collectors 32 are connected to the corresponding adapters 33. The opening 321 of the collector 32 is connected to the heat exchange channel 311 of the heat exchange tube 31 through the adapter 33.

[0142] Thus, heat exchange medium is introduced into opening 321, flows into heat exchange channel 311 via adapter 33, and then flows out from opening 321 at the other end, realizing the flow of heat exchange medium in heat exchange channel 311, thereby achieving heat exchange.

[0143] In some embodiments, step S20 specifically includes the following steps:

[0144] S21: The second step surface 335 is arranged around the outer periphery of the second connecting part 323 and is in contact with the third step surface 324.

[0145] During the connection process between the current collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31, one end of the adapter 33 is first sleeved on the second connecting part 323 of the current collector 32. At this time, the second step surface 325 and the third step surface 324 are in contact with each other, and the end face of the adapter 33 abuts against the first connecting part 322, thereby realizing the positioning between the adapter 33 and the current collector 32.

[0146] S22: Laser welding is used between the second step surface 335 and the third step surface 324, and the laser is emitted in a direction intersecting with the preset direction a; and / or, adhesive bonding or hot-melt welding is used between the end face of the first connecting part 322 and the end face of the adapter 33.

[0147] After the adapter 33 and the current collector 32 are positioned, they can be connected by laser welding, adhesive bonding, or hot melt welding.

[0148] When laser welding is used, a laser is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the preset direction a, so that the laser passes through the adapter 33 and irradiates the area between the second step surface 335 and the third step surface 324, causing the connection position between the second step surface 335 and the third step surface 324 to melt and then connect together.

[0149] In addition, when adhesive bonding or hot-melt welding is used, adhesive can be filled between the second step surface 335 and the third step surface 324 for bonding, or hot-melt welding can be performed between the second step surface 335 and the third step surface 324 to achieve the connection.

[0150] Through the above manufacturing process, the thermal management component 30 is finally assembled. During use, the thermal management component 30 is first placed in the housing 10, with the surface of the heat exchange tube 31 in contact with the large surface of the battery cell 20. A heat exchange medium is introduced through the opening 321 of one side of the current collector 32, flowing into the heat exchange channel 311 and then exiting through the opening 321 of the other side of the current collector 32. During this process, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the large surface of the battery cell 20 to regulate the temperature of the battery cell 20.

[0151] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above 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.

[0152] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and 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 those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery, comprising: Box; The battery cell is housed inside the casing; A thermal management component is disposed within the housing and is used to contain a heat exchange medium to regulate the temperature of the battery cells; The thermal management component includes: A heat exchange tube having a heat exchange channel, wherein the end of the heat exchange tube is the port of the heat exchange channel; A collector, fitted to the end of the heat exchange tube and connected to the port, allows the heat exchange medium to flow from the collector into the heat exchange channel or from the heat exchange channel into the collector; and An adapter is used to connect the heat exchange tube and the current collector. The adapter is used for a sealed connection with the current collector and the heat exchange tube.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the heat exchange tube, the current collector, and the adapter is an insulating structure.

3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the heat exchange tube, the current collector, and the adapter is made of plastic.

4. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the heat exchange tube, the current collector, and the adapter is a mixture of metal and non-metal.

5. The battery according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The adapter is connected to the current collector by welding or adhesive bonding, and the adapter is connected to the heat exchange tube by welding or adhesive bonding.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The adapter includes an annular body and a connecting wall protruding from the inner wall of the annular body, and the end of the heat exchange tube is connected to the connecting wall.

7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting wall is made of a light-transmitting material, and the heat exchange tube is made of a light-absorbing material.

8. The battery according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, A first stepped surface is formed between the side of the connecting wall facing the heat exchange tube and the inner wall of the annular body. The first stepped surface is used to surround the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube when connected to it.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein, A support member is provided on the side of the connecting wall facing the heat exchange tube. The support member is used to extend into the heat exchange channel and support the heat exchange tube.

10. The battery according to claim 9, wherein, The support members include multiple members, and each support member is arranged at circumferential intervals along the connecting wall.

11. The battery according to claim 10, wherein, Along the longitudinal direction of the connecting wall, the supporting members are arranged in an alternating manner.

12. The battery according to claim 9, wherein, The support member is spaced apart from the inner wall of the annular body, and a fixing groove is formed at intervals for engaging the heat exchange tube.

13. The battery according to any one of claims 6-12, wherein, The connecting wall includes a connecting portion and at least two sealing plates. The connecting portion is connected between each sealing plate and the inner wall of the annular body, and a flow hole is formed between each two adjacent sealing plates.

14. The battery according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the sealing plates is disposed corresponding to at least one of the heat exchange channels and is used to seal at least one of the heat exchange channels.

15. The battery according to any one of claims 6-14, wherein, A second stepped surface is formed between the side of the connecting wall facing the current collector and the inner wall of the annular body. The second stepped surface is used to surround the outer periphery of the current collector when connected to it.

16. The battery according to claim 15, wherein, The current collector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part is disposed on the second connecting part and forms a third step surface between the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The third step surface is used to fit against the second step surface.

17. The battery according to claim 116, wherein, The annular main body is made of a light-transmitting material, and the second connecting part is made of a light-absorbing material.

18. The battery according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein, The battery includes multiple battery cells and multiple thermal management components. The multiple battery cells are arranged in multiple rows, and each row of battery cells is disposed between two adjacent thermal management components.

19. An electrical device comprising a battery as claimed in any one of claims 1-18, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

20. A manufacturing process for a thermal management component, used to manufacture the thermal management component as described in any one of claims 1-18, the manufacturing process comprising the following steps: Laser welding is used to connect the abutting connecting walls and the end faces of the heat exchange tube, and the laser is emitted in a preset direction; The current collector is fixed along the preset direction to the end of the corresponding adapter that is away from the heat exchange tube.

21. The manufacturing process according to claim 20, wherein, The step of fixing the current collector along the preset direction to the end of the corresponding adapter away from the heat exchange tube specifically includes the following steps: The second step surface is surrounded on the outer periphery of the second connecting part and is in contact with the third step surface; Laser welding is used between the second step surface and the third step surface, and the laser is emitted in a direction intersecting with the preset direction; and / or, adhesive bonding or hot-melt welding is used between the end face of the first connection and the end face of the adapter.

Images