Battery and electrical apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery and an electrical apparatus. The battery comprises a case body, a battery cell and a thermal management component, the battery cell being arranged in the case body, and the thermal management component being arranged in the case body and used for accommodating a heat exchange medium so as to adjust the temperature of the battery cell. The thermal management component comprises: a heat exchange tube, having a heat exchange flow channel, end portions of the heat exchange tube being ports of the heat exchange flow channel; and current collectors, fitted to the end portions of the heat exchange tube and communicated with the ports, wherein the heat exchange medium can flow into the heat exchange flow channel from the current collectors or flow into the current collectors from the heat exchange flow channel, and at least one of the current collectors and the heat exchange tube is a plastic structure. In the present application, the current collectors are fitted to the end portions of the heat exchange tube, and connection between the current collectors and the heat exchange tube is achieved by means of connection members, such that the heat exchange tube and the current collectors can be well attached via the surfaces of the end portions, and the connection between the heat exchange tube and the current collectors is achieved by means of the connection members, thus improving the connection stability between the heat exchange tube and the current collectors.

Description

Batteries and electrical devices Cross-references

[0001] This application incorporates Chinese Patent Application No. 2024208691331, filed on April 24, 2024, entitled “Thermal Management Components, Batteries and Electrical Devices”, 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 batteries and electrical devices. 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 battery and an electrical device.

[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 and a current collector. 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. The heat exchange medium can flow from the current collector into the heat exchange channel or from the heat exchange channel into the current collector. At least one of the current collector and the heat exchange tube is of plastic structure.

[0008] In some embodiments, the thermal management component further includes a connector that connects the heat exchange tube and the collector and is connected to the sidewall or outer peripheral wall of the collector and the heat exchange tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, the connector is a plastic structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connector has an annular structure and is disposed around the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube and the current collector.

[0011] With the above structure, on the one hand, the connector can cover the connection position between the heat exchange tube and the collector, providing a certain degree of protection for the connection position. On the other hand, the connector can also realize the fixed connection between the collector and the heat exchange tube, realizing the assembly of the two.

[0012] In some embodiments, the current collector includes a main body and a plurality of support members, the main body being connected to a heat exchange tube, and the support members being spaced apart circumferentially along the main body.

[0013] By incorporating support components, the heat exchange tubes are stabilized, fixing their port dimensions and improving flatness. This ensures a good fit between the heat exchange tubes and the collector. Connectors then connect the heat exchange tubes and the collector, enhancing the connection stability. Furthermore, multiple spaced support components provide multi-point support for the heat exchange channel, further improving stability.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the main body is mated with the heat exchange tube, at least one support extends into the heat exchange channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the main body is connected to the heat exchange tube, two support members extend into the heat exchange channel. This allows the support members to provide more stable support to the heat exchange channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, each support member has a support surface that abuts against the inner wall of the heat exchange tube. The support surface enables a more stable abutment between the support member and the inner wall of the heat exchange tube, thereby improving the support stability of the support member for the heat exchange channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the main body includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion formed on the surface of the first connecting portion, a stepped surface is formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, one end of the connector is covered on the stepped surface, and the other end is covered on the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube.

[0018] With the above structure, when the connector is connected between the heat exchange tube and the collector, the connector can cover the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube and the stepped surface respectively, thereby improving the connection stability between the collector and the heat exchange tube.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion has a first end face, the second connecting portion is disposed on the first end face, and the first end face intersects with the stepped surface; wherein, the first end face is used to abut and limit the connection with the end face of the connector.

[0020] By setting a first end face to form a stepped structure with the second connecting part, the connector can form a limiting fit with the first end face when it is fitted onto the second connecting part, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion has a second end face at one end away from the first connecting portion, and the second end face abuts against the end face of the heat exchange tube; each support member protrudes from the second end face, and the support surface of each support member is offset from the end face of the heat exchange tube so as to fit against the inner wall of the heat exchange tube.

[0022] This allows the support to more stably support the inner wall of the heat exchange tube, making the connection between the heat exchange tube and the collector more stable.

[0023] In some embodiments, the current collector further includes a wrapping portion disposed on the first connecting portion, the wrapping portion surrounding the outer periphery of the second connecting portion and forming a limiting groove between the wrapping portion and the second connecting portion, the limiting groove being used to engage the heat exchange tube.

[0024] Therefore, by surrounding the connector on the outer periphery of the encapsulation part, when the connector is fixed by the overmolding injection process, the encapsulation part can prevent the overflow of glue into the heat exchange tube or the inside of the collector during the injection process, thus providing a certain degree of protection.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Secondly, this application also provides an electrical device, including the battery as described above, which is used to provide electrical energy.

[0027] In the aforementioned battery and electrical device, the current collector is connected to the end of the heat exchange tube, and the connection between the current collector and the heat exchange tube is achieved through a connector. Thus, the heat exchange tube and the current collector can be well bonded by the surface of their ends, and the connection between the heat exchange tube and the current collector is achieved through the connector, which can improve the connection stability between the heat exchange tube and the current collector. Attached Figure Description

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments.

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded structural diagram of a battery according to one or more embodiments.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0032] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] Figure 5 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 4.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the current collector in a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the current collector in a thermal management component according to one or more embodiments.

[0036] 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, connector; 311, heat exchange channel; 321, opening; 322, support; 323, main body; 324, first connecting part; 325, second connecting part; 326, stepped surface; 327, first end face; 328, second end face; 329, wrapping part; 330, limiting groove; a, preset direction. Detailed Implementation

[0037] 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.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0039] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem of poor connection that easily occurs when connecting heat exchange tubes and current collectors, one or more embodiments of this application provide a battery in which the current collector and the end of the heat exchange tube are mated when the heat exchange tube is connected, and the connection between the current collector and the heat exchange tube is realized by a connector. Thus, the heat exchange tube and the current collector can be well attached by the surface of the end, and then the connection between the heat exchange tube and the current collector is realized by the connector, which can improve the connection stability between the heat exchange tube and the current collector.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 and a current collector 32. 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. At least one of the current collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31 is of a plastic structure.

[0056] In some embodiments, the thermal management component 30 further includes a connector 33, which is connected between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32, and is connected to the sidewall or outer peripheral wall of the collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31.

[0057] Furthermore, connector 33 is made of plastic.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The heat exchange tube 31 has a heat exchange channel 311 inside. The heat exchange channel 311 can extend along a preset direction a and can provide 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 achieving cooling of the battery cell 20.

[0060] Furthermore, the current collector 32 is disposed at opposite ends of the heat exchange tube 31 along a preset direction a, and an opening 321 is provided on the current collector 32 to communicate with the port of the heat exchange channel 311.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Based on this, the present application connects the current collector 32 to the end of the heat exchange tube 31, and then connects the current collector 32 and the side wall or outer peripheral wall of the heat exchange tube 31 through the connector 33, so that the heat exchange tube 31 and the current collector 32 can be well fitted by the surface of the end, and then the connection between the heat exchange tube 31 and the current collector 32 is achieved by injection molding the connector 33. In this way, the connection stability between the heat exchange tube 31 and the current collector 32 can be improved.

[0067] In some embodiments, the connector 33 has an annular structure and is disposed around the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31 and the current collector 32.

[0068] Specifically, the connector 33 is configured as a ring structure. After the collector 32 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, the connector 33 is arranged around the outer periphery of the connection position between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32. On the one hand, the connector 33 can cover the connection position between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32, providing a certain degree of protection. On the other hand, the connector 33 can also achieve a fixed connection between the collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31, realizing the assembly of the two.

[0069] In some embodiments, the connector 33 is configured as an injection-molded ring.

[0070] After the collector 32 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, the injection ring can be injection molded onto the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32 through a rubber-coating injection molding process, thereby realizing the connection between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32.

[0071] The materials used for the current collector 32, heat exchange tube 31, and connector 33 can be materials with similar melting points and good compatibility. This allows the connector 33 to be injection molded between the current collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31. Firstly, the connector 33 connects the current collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31. Secondly, after melting, the connector 33 fills the gap at the connection point between the current collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31, further improving the tightness of the connection and making it more stable.

[0072] In some embodiments, the current collector 32 includes a main body 323 and a plurality of support members 322. The main body 323 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, and the support members 322 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the main body 323.

[0073] When the current collector 32 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, the support member 322 extends into the heat exchange channel 311 along a preset direction a, thereby supporting the heat exchange channel 311 at the port of the heat exchange tube 31, making the structure at the port of the heat exchange tube 31 more stable and the surface smoother. In this way, the heat exchange tube 31 can fit well with the current collector 32, improving the connection stability between the two.

[0074] In addition, the multiple support members 322 arranged at intervals can provide multi-point support for the heat exchange channel 311, thereby improving the stability of the support.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the main body 323 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, at least one support member 322 extends into the heat exchange channel 311.

[0076] Furthermore, when the main body 323 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, two support members 322 extend into the heat exchange channel 311. The support members 322 can support the heat exchange channel 311. Therefore, in practical applications, the specific number of support members 322 extending into the heat exchange channel 311 can be set according to the actual size of the heat exchange channel 311 and the actual situation, which will not be elaborated here.

[0077] With the above structure, the support member 322 extends into the heat exchange channel 311 and can provide more stable support for the heat exchange channel 311.

[0078] In some embodiments, each support member 322 has a support surface that abuts against the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 31.

[0079] Specifically, each support member 322 can be configured as a sheet structure. When the heat exchange tube 31 is connected to the connecting part 324, each support member 322 with a sheet structure extends into the heat exchange channel 311, and the supporting surface is the surface of each support member 322 facing the inner wall of the heat exchange channel 311, so that the supporting surface can fit against the inner wall of the heat exchange channel 311 and can better play a supporting role.

[0080] Therefore, the support surface enables the support member 322 to abut against the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 31 more stably, thereby improving the support stability of the support member 322 for the heat exchange channel 311.

[0081] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6 together. In some embodiments, the main body 323 includes a first connecting portion 324 and a second connecting portion 325 formed on the surface of the first connecting portion 324. A stepped surface 326 is formed between the first connecting portion 324 and the second connecting portion 325. One end of the connector 33 covers the stepped surface 326, and the other end covers the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31.

[0082] Specifically, the end face of the heat exchange tube 31 is abutted against the first connecting part 324, so that the support member 322 extends into the heat exchange channel 311, thereby providing support for the heat exchange channel 311.

[0083] Thus, the first connecting part 324 can realize the connection between the current collector 32 and the heat exchange tube 31, and the support member 322 protrudes from the second connecting part 325, which can provide support for the heat exchange channel 311 of the heat exchange tube 31.

[0084] With the above structure, when the connector 33 is connected between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32, the connector 33 can cover the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube 31 and the stepped surface 326 respectively, thereby improving the connection stability between the collector 32 and the connector 33 and the heat exchange tube 31.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 324 has a first end face 327, and the second connecting portion 325 is disposed on the first end face 327, and the first end face 327 intersects with the stepped surface 326; wherein, the first end face 327 is used to abut and limit the connection with the end face of the connector 33.

[0086] Specifically, the first end face 327 and the step face 326 are arranged perpendicular to each other, and the step face 326 is parallel to the preset direction a, while the first end face 327 is perpendicular to the preset direction a.

[0087] When the current collector 32 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, the end face of the heat exchange tube 31 abuts against the end face of the second connecting part 325, so that the support member 322 can extend into the heat exchange channel 311, thereby providing support for the heat exchange channel 311. At the same time, an injection ring is wrapped around the outer periphery of the stepped surface 326 and the heat exchange tube 31, wherein the outer surfaces of the stepped surface 326 and the heat exchange tube 31 are both fitted against the inner wall of the injection ring.

[0088] The above structure allows the stepped surface 326 to fit snugly against the inner wall of the connector 33, improving the connection stability between the current collector 32 and the connector 33.

[0089] By setting the first end face 327 to form a stepped structure between it and the second connecting part 325, the connector 33 can form a limiting fit with the first end face 327 when it is fitted onto the second connecting part 325, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 325 has a second end face 328 at one end away from the first connecting portion 324, and the second end face 328 abuts against the end face of the heat exchange tube 31; each support member 322 protrudes from the second end face 328, and the support surface of each support member 322 is offset from the end face of the heat exchange tube 31 so as to fit against the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 31.

[0091] Therefore, the support surface of the support member 322 can fit against the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 31, thereby providing more stable support for the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 31 and making the connection between the heat exchange tube 31 and the collector 32 more stable.

[0092] As shown in FIG7, in some embodiments, the current collector 32 further includes a wrapping portion 329 disposed on the first connecting portion 324. The wrapping portion 329 is disposed around the outer periphery of the second connecting portion 325 and forms a limiting groove 330 between it and the second connecting portion 325. The limiting groove 330 is used to snap the heat exchange tube 31.

[0093] Specifically, the wrapping part 329 is configured as a collar structure, which surrounds the outer periphery of the second connecting part 325 and is spaced apart from the second connecting part 325 to form a limiting groove 330. The width of the limiting groove 330 matches the wall thickness of the heat exchange tube 31.

[0094] Therefore, when the current collector 32 is connected to the heat exchange tube 31, the port of the heat exchange tube 31 can be snapped into the limiting groove 330, thereby fixing the port. At the same time, the wrapping part 329 wraps around the outer periphery of the port of the heat exchange tube 31.

[0095] Furthermore, the connector 33 is arranged around the outer periphery of the wrapping portion 329. When the connector 33 is fixed by the overmolding injection process, the wrapping portion 329 can prevent the overflow of glue during the injection process from entering the interior of the heat exchange tube 31 or the collector 32, thus providing a certain degree of protection.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] According to one or more embodiments, two current collectors 32 are first disposed at opposite ends of a heat exchange tube 31 along a predetermined direction a. The end face of the heat exchange tube 31 abuts against the end face of the second connecting portion 325, and a support member 322 extends into the heat exchange channel 311, thereby providing support for the heat exchange channel 311. Simultaneously, the end face of the heat exchange tube 31 abuts against the end face of the second connecting portion 325.

[0101] Furthermore, the connector 33 is arranged around the outer periphery of the second connecting part 325 and the heat exchange tube 31. The connector 33 is injection molded to the connection position between the second connecting part 325 and the heat exchange tube 31 by a rubber injection molding process. While connecting the second connecting part 325 and the heat exchange tube 31, it can also seal the connection gap between the second connecting part 325 and the heat exchange tube 31.

[0102] At this point, the thermal management component 30 is assembled. During use, the thermal management component 30 is first placed inside 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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 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; wherein at least one of the current collector and the heat exchange tube is of plastic structure.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal management component also includes: A connector is used to connect the heat exchange tube and the current collector, and is connected to the side wall or outer peripheral wall of the current collector and the heat exchange tube.

3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein, The connector is made of plastic.

4. The battery according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The connector has a ring-shaped structure and is arranged around the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube and the current collector.

5. The battery according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The current collector includes a main body and multiple supporting members. The main body is connected to the heat exchange tube, and each of the supporting members is arranged at intervals along the circumference of the main body.

6. The battery according to claim 5, wherein, When the main body is connected to the heat exchange tube, at least one of the support members extends into the heat exchange channel.

7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein, When the main body is connected to the heat exchange tube, the two support members extend into the heat exchange channel.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein, Each of the aforementioned support members has a support surface, which abuts against the inner wall of the heat exchange tube.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein, The main body includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion formed on the surface of the first connecting portion. A stepped surface is formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. One end of the connector covers the stepped surface, and the other end covers the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube.

10. The battery according to claim 9, wherein, The first connecting portion has a first end face, the second connecting portion is disposed on the first end face, and the first end face intersects with the stepped surface; The first end face is used to abut and limit the connection with the end face of the connector.

11. The battery according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The second connecting part has a second end face at one end away from the first connecting part, and the second end face abuts against the end face of the heat exchange tube; each of the supporting members protrudes from the second end face, and the supporting surface of each of the supporting members is offset from the end face of the heat exchange tube so as to fit against the inner wall of the heat exchange tube.

12. The battery according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The current collector also includes a wrapping portion disposed on the first connecting portion. The wrapping portion is disposed around the outer periphery of the second connecting portion and forms a limiting groove between it and the second connecting portion. The limiting groove is used to engage the heat exchange tube.

13. The battery according to any one of claims 1-12, 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.

14. An electrical device comprising a battery as described in any one of claims 1-13, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

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