Battery thermal management integrated device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of battery thermal management integrated systems, in particular to a battery thermal management integrated device. The battery thermal management integrated device comprises a flow channel plate, a heat exchanger and a valve assembly; the flow channel plate comprises a connecting pipeline; the heat exchanger is located outside the flow channel plate and is connected with the flow channel plate, and the heat exchanger is provided with a channel which is in communication with the inside of the connecting pipeline; one end of the valve assembly is accommodated in the channel and is connected with the inner wall of the channel to be integrated in the heat exchanger; the other end of the valve assembly is located in the connecting pipeline; the valve assembly can communicate or cut off the channel and the connecting pipeline. The valve assembly can be accommodated in the heat exchanger, so that the structure is more compact, the space occupied by the connecting pipeline is reduced, the height of the connecting pipeline is reduced, the use of the flow channel plate material is reduced, the weight and cost are reduced, the risk points of leakage are reduced, and the service life is longer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery thermal management integrated system technology, and in particular to a battery thermal management integrated device. Background Technology

[0002] To save space and cost, battery thermal management integrated devices typically employ a flow channel plate design. Different thermal management components are centrally deployed on the flow channel plate, saving layout space and wiring, thus creating a low-cost, lightweight, and space-efficient thermal management integrated module. Thermal management components include heat exchangers. In battery thermal management integrated devices, there is often a structure where the medium exits the heat exchanger and then flows through a one-way valve.

[0003] In existing systems, battery thermal management integrated devices include a flow channel plate, a heat exchanger, a connecting unit, and a one-way valve. The flow channel plate includes a connecting pipe, and the one-way valve is installed inside the connecting pipe. The connecting unit is installed inside the connecting pipe, with one end of the connecting unit connected to the heat exchanger and the other end of the connecting unit sealed to the one-way valve to achieve unidirectional flow of the medium through the heat exchanger.

[0004] However, with the above structure, there are too many potential leakage points. The one-way valve needs to be sealed not only with the connecting pipe but also with the connecting unit. At the same time, the assembly process is complicated, it occupies a lot of space, and the excessive use of flow channel plate material leads to high costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, and to address the aforementioned technical problems, it is necessary to provide a battery thermal management integrated device with a more compact structure, reduced weight, and lower cost. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] A battery thermal management integrated device, comprising:

[0007] A flow channel plate, the flow channel plate including connecting pipes;

[0008] A heat exchanger is located outside the flow channel plate and connected to the flow channel plate, and the heat exchanger has a channel that communicates with the interior of the connecting pipe.

[0009] A valve assembly, one end of which is housed within the channel and connected to the inner wall of the channel for integration into the heat exchanger; the other end of which is located within the connecting pipe; the valve assembly is capable of connecting or disconnecting the channel from the connecting pipe.

[0010] In this application, the existing connection unit for connecting the heat exchanger and the check valve is eliminated. The heat exchanger and check valve are integrated into a single unit, allowing the check valve portion to be housed within the heat exchanger, resulting in a more compact structure and reduced space occupation in the connecting pipes. This reduces the height of the connecting pipes, decreases the use of flow channel plate material, and lowers weight and cost. Furthermore, it reduces potential leakage points, avoids the need for sealing between the valve assembly and the connection unit as in existing systems, and extends service life. Simultaneously, it simplifies the assembly process; after connecting the valve assembly to the heat exchanger, the valve assembly is then installed within the connecting pipes, significantly saving assembly time.

[0011] In one embodiment, the channel includes a heat exchange channel and a connecting channel, and the heat exchanger includes:

[0012] The heat exchanger body, wherein the heat exchange channel is formed on the heat exchanger body;

[0013] A connecting plate, which is connected to the heat exchanger body and the flow channel plate respectively, and the connecting channel is opened on the connecting plate;

[0014] The heat exchange channel is connected to the communication channel, and one end of the valve assembly extends into the communication channel and is connected to the communication channel.

[0015] This design allows the connecting plate to securely mount the heat exchanger onto the flow channel plate. Because the connecting plate is easily machined with connection holes, external fasteners can pass through these holes and the flow channel plate, thus firmly securing the heat exchanger and increasing the overall structural stability. Furthermore, it provides mounting points for the valve assembly and the heat exchanger. The valve assembly extends into the connecting channel and connects to the connecting plate, securely linking the valve assembly to the heat exchanger body without affecting the heat exchanger's efficiency.

[0016] In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes:

[0017] A valve body, one end of which is housed within the channel and connected to the inner wall of the channel, and the valve body includes a valve cavity;

[0018] A valve core, which is movably mounted within the valve cavity;

[0019] A stop member is installed inside the valve cavity and located at the end of the valve core away from the heat exchanger;

[0020] The valve core can abut against the inner wall of the valve body to isolate the channel from the connecting pipe, or the valve core can abut against the stop to connect the channel, the valve cavity and the connecting pipe.

[0021] In one embodiment, the valve body includes:

[0022] A connecting part that extends into and connects to the communicating channel;

[0023] The main body is connected to the end of the connecting portion away from the heat exchanger body;

[0024] The connecting part and the main body form a stop step, and as the valve body extends into the communication channel, the stop step can abut against the connecting plate.

[0025] This design allows the stop step to facilitate the installation of the valve body and the connecting plate, and also increases the connection area between the valve body and the connecting plate, thereby enhancing the connection strength between the two.

[0026] In one embodiment, a first mounting groove is provided on the periphery of the valve core near the heat exchanger, the height of the connecting part is H1, the thickness of the connecting plate is H2, and the vertical distance from the side of the first mounting groove away from the heat exchanger to the end of the valve core near the heat exchanger is H3, wherein H3≤H1≤H2.

[0027] This design ensures that the depth of the valve body extending into the connecting plate is within a reasonable range. If the height of the connecting part is too small, it will affect the connection area and mating area between the connecting plate and the connecting part, resulting in insufficient connection strength. If the height of the connecting part is too large, the valve body will extend excessively into the heat exchanger body, affecting the heat exchange efficiency.

[0028] In one embodiment, a first mounting groove is formed on the circumferential side of the valve core near one end of the heat exchanger, and the valve assembly further includes:

[0029] A first sealing element is installed in the first mounting groove;

[0030] When the valve core moves toward the heat exchanger, the first seal can abut against the stop step to disconnect the channel from the connecting pipe.

[0031] This design makes it easy to install the first seal in the first mounting slot.

[0032] In one embodiment, the stop step has a mating surface on the side near the valve core, and as the valve core moves toward the heat exchanger, the first seal can be pressed between the mating surface and the first mounting groove.

[0033] This design allows for a closer fit between the first seal and the stop step, increasing the contact area. It prevents the first seal from directly contacting the edges of the stop step, which could lead to damage due to the smaller contact area and higher pressure, thus extending its service life.

[0034] In one embodiment, the stop includes a retaining ring.

[0035] This design results in a simple, robust, and low-cost snap ring structure.

[0036] In one embodiment, a second mounting groove is provided circumferentially on the inner wall of the valve body, and the stop member is installed in the second mounting groove.

[0037] In one embodiment, a third mounting groove is provided circumferentially on the outer side of the valve body, and the valve assembly further includes:

[0038] A second seal is installed in the third mounting groove to seal the flow channel plate and the valve body.

[0039] With this configuration, the second seal can further improve the sealing performance of the battery thermal management integrated device.

[0040] Compared to existing technologies, the battery thermal management integrated device provided by this invention eliminates the need for a connection unit to connect the heat exchanger and the one-way valve. This application integrates the heat exchanger and valve assembly together, allowing part of the valve assembly to be housed within the heat exchanger, resulting in a more compact structure, reduced space occupation by connecting pipes, and consequently, reduced material usage in the flow channel plate, lower weight, and lower cost. Furthermore, it reduces leakage risks and extends service life. Simultaneously, it simplifies the assembly process and saves assembly time. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery thermal management integrated device provided by the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery thermal management integrated device provided by the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 An exploded view of the valve assembly provided by the present invention.

[0044] In the figure, 100 is the battery thermal management integrated device; 10 is the flow channel plate; 11 is the connecting pipe; 20 is the heat exchanger; 21 is the channel; 211 is the heat exchange channel; 212 is the connecting channel; 22 is the heat exchanger body; 23 is the connecting plate; 30 is the valve assembly; 31 is the valve body; 311 is the connecting part; 312 is the body part; 313 is the stop step; 314 is the mating surface; 315 is the second mounting groove; 316 is the stop; 317 is the third mounting groove; 318 is the second seal; 32 is the valve cavity; 34 is the valve core; 341 is the first mounting groove; and 342 is the first seal. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "mounted on" another component, it can be directly mounted on the other component or may be interspersed with a component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may be interspersed with a component. When a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly fixed to the other component or may be interspersed with a component.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a battery thermal management integrated device 100, applied to the vehicle battery thermal management system. Typically, to save space and cost, the battery thermal management integrated device 100 is designed with a flow channel plate 10, centrally deploying different thermal management components on the flow channel plate 10, saving layout space and wiring, thus forming a low-cost, lightweight, and space-efficient thermal management integrated module. Of course, the flow channel plate 10 can also be applied to other applications requiring the transport of working media.

[0049] In existing battery thermal management integrated devices, a flow channel plate, a heat exchanger, a connecting unit, and a one-way valve are included. The flow channel plate includes a connecting pipe, and the one-way valve is installed inside the connecting pipe. The connecting unit is installed inside the connecting pipe, with one end connected to the heat exchanger and the other end sealed to the one-way valve to achieve unidirectional flow of the medium through the heat exchanger. However, with this structure, there are too many potential leakage points. The one-way valve needs to seal not only with the connecting pipe but also with the connecting unit. Furthermore, the assembly process is complex, it occupies a large space, and excessive material is used in the flow channel plate, resulting in high costs.

[0050] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a battery thermal management integrated device 100, which includes a flow channel plate 10, a heat exchanger 20, and a valve assembly 30. The flow channel plate 10 includes a connecting pipe 11. The heat exchanger 20 is located outside the flow channel plate 10 and connected to it. The heat exchanger 20 has a channel 21 that communicates with the interior of the connecting pipe 11. The medium in the heat exchanger 20 can flow through the channel 21 into the interior of the connecting pipe 11. One end of the valve assembly 30 is housed within the channel 21 and connected to the inner wall of the channel 21 to be integrated into the heat exchanger 20; the other end of the valve assembly 30 is located within the connecting pipe 11; the valve assembly 30 can connect or disconnect the channel 21 from the connecting pipe 11.

[0051] This application eliminates the need for a connecting unit to connect the heat exchanger and the check valve. Instead, it integrates the heat exchanger 20 and the valve assembly 30, allowing a portion of the valve assembly 30 to be housed within the heat exchanger 20. This results in a more compact structure and reduces the space occupied by the connecting pipe 11. Consequently, the height of the connecting pipe 11 is reduced, the material used in the flow channel plate 10 is decreased, and weight and cost are lowered. Furthermore, it reduces leakage risk points, avoids the need for sealing between the valve assembly and the connecting unit as in existing systems, and extends service life. Simultaneously, it simplifies the assembly process; after connecting the valve assembly 30 to the heat exchanger 20, the valve assembly 30 is then installed within the connecting pipe 11, significantly saving assembly time.

[0052] It should be noted that the valve assembly 30 mentioned in this embodiment is a one-way valve. Of course, in other embodiments, the valve assembly 30 may also be other types of valves that need to work in conjunction with the heat exchanger.

[0053] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2Channel 21 includes a heat exchange channel 211 and a connecting channel 212. Heat exchanger 20 includes a heat exchanger body 22 and a connecting plate 23. The heat exchange channel 211 is formed on the heat exchanger body 22; the connecting plate 23 is connected to both the heat exchanger body 22 and the flow channel plate 10, and the connecting channel 212 is formed on the connecting plate 23. The heat exchange channel 211 and the connecting channel 212 are connected, and one end of the valve assembly 30 extends into and connects to the connecting channel 212.

[0054] When valve assembly 30 is open, the medium in heat exchanger 20 can flow into connecting channel 212 through heat exchange channel 211, then into valve assembly 30 from connecting channel 212, and then into connecting pipe 11 from valve assembly 30. When valve assembly 30 is closed, valve assembly 30 can disconnect the connection between channel 21 and the inside of connecting pipe 11.

[0055] The connecting plate 23 serves two purposes: firstly, it securely mounts the heat exchanger 20 onto the flow channel plate 10; secondly, it facilitates the machining of connecting holes on the connecting plate 23, allowing external fasteners to pass through these holes and onto the flow channel plate 10, thereby securing the heat exchanger 20 onto the flow channel plate 10 and increasing the overall structural stability.

[0056] On the other hand, it can provide an installation point for the valve assembly 30 and the heat exchanger 20. The valve assembly 30 extends into the communication channel 212 and is connected to the connecting plate 23, thereby firmly connecting the valve assembly 30 and the heat exchanger body 22 without affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger body 22.

[0057] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The valve assembly 30 includes a valve body 31 and a valve core 34. One end of the valve body 31 is housed within the channel 21 and connected to the inner wall of the channel 21 for fixed connection of the entire valve assembly 30.

[0058] The valve body 31 includes a valve cavity 32, and the valve core 34 is movably installed in the valve cavity 32. When the valve assembly 30 is closed, the valve core 34 can abut against the inner wall of the valve body 31 to isolate the connection between the channel 21 and the connecting pipe 11.

[0059] The valve assembly 30 also includes a stop 316, which is installed in the valve cavity 32 and located at the end of the valve core 34 away from the heat exchanger 20. When the valve assembly 30 is open, the valve core 34 can abut against the stop 316 to connect the passage 21, the valve cavity 32 and the interior of the connecting pipe 11.

[0060] A second mounting groove 315 is provided circumferentially on the inner wall of the valve body 31, and the stop member 316 is installed in the second mounting groove 315, so that the fit between the stop member 316 and the valve body 31 is more stable and firm, and it is not easy to fall off the valve body 31.

[0061] In this embodiment, the stop member 316 includes a retaining ring, which is installed in the second mounting groove 315. The retaining ring has a simple structure and low cost. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the stop member 316 can also be directly formed by providing a circumferential protrusion on the inner wall of the valve body 31. The stop member 316 is not limited to the retaining ring described in this embodiment, as long as it can play a role in abutting and limiting the valve core 34.

[0062] The valve body 31 also includes a connecting part 311 and a body part 312. The connecting part 311 extends into the communication channel 212 and is connected to the communication channel 212. The body part 312 is connected to the end of the connecting part 311 away from the heat exchanger body 22.

[0063] Specifically, the outer diameter of the connecting part 311 is smaller than the outer diameter of the body part 312 near the end of the connecting part 311, so that the connecting part 311 and the body part 312 form a stop step 313. As the valve body 31 extends into the communication channel 212, the stop step 313 can abut against the connecting plate 23, thereby facilitating the installation and positioning of the valve body 31 and increasing the connection area and connection strength between the valve body 31 and the connecting plate 23.

[0064] A third mounting groove 317 is provided circumferentially on the outer side of the valve body 31. A second sealing element 318 is installed in the third mounting groove 317. The second sealing element 318 is used to seal between the flow channel plate 10 and the valve body 31, thereby improving the overall sealing performance of the device.

[0065] In addition, a first mounting groove 341 is provided on the periphery of the end of the valve core 34 near the heat exchanger 20. A first sealing element 342 is installed in the first mounting groove 341. When the valve core 34 moves toward the heat exchanger 20, the first sealing element 342 can abut against the stop step 313 to isolate the connection between the channel 21 and the connecting pipe 11.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first sealing element 342 is a rubber ring. Rubber is a soft material with stable properties and good durability. When the first sealing element 342 abuts against the stop step 313, the rubber ring will deform due to compression, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the device.

[0067] The stop step 313 has a contact surface 314 on the side near the valve core 34. As the valve core 34 moves toward the heat exchanger 20, the first seal 342 can be pressed between the contact surface 314 and the first mounting groove 341. The contact surface 314 allows for a closer fit between the first seal 342 and the stop step 313, increasing the contact area. This prevents the first seal 342 from directly contacting the edges of the stop step 313, which could lead to breakage due to the small contact area and high pressure, thus improving the overall service life of the device.

[0068] Please see Figure 1 The height of the connecting part 311 is H1, the thickness of the connecting plate 23 is H2, and the vertical distance from the side of the first mounting groove 341 away from the heat exchanger 20 to the end of the valve core 34 near the heat exchanger 20 is H3, where H3≤H1≤H2. This arrangement ensures that the depth to which the valve body 31 extends into the connecting plate 23 is within a reasonable range. If the height of the connecting part 311 is too small, it will affect the connection area and mating area between the connecting plate 23 and the connecting part 311, resulting in insufficient connection strength. Furthermore, if the height of the connecting part 311 is less than H3, when the valve core 34 abuts against the stop step 313, most of the valve core 34 will protrude from the valve body 31, affecting heat exchange efficiency and sealing effect. If the height of the connecting part 311 is too large, the valve body 31 will excessively extend into the heat exchanger body 22, affecting heat exchange efficiency.

[0069] Compared to existing technologies, this application eliminates the need for a connection unit to connect the heat exchanger and the check valve. Instead, it integrates the heat exchanger 20 and the valve assembly 30, allowing part of the valve assembly 30 to be housed within the heat exchanger 20, resulting in a more compact structure and reduced space occupation in the connecting pipe 11. This reduces the height of the connecting pipe 11, decreases the material used in the flow channel plate 10, and lowers weight and cost. Furthermore, it reduces leakage risk points, avoids the need for sealing between the valve assembly and the connection unit as in existing technologies, and extends service life. Simultaneously, it simplifies the assembly process; after connecting the valve assembly 30 to the heat exchanger 20, the valve assembly 30 is then installed within the connecting pipe 11, significantly saving assembly time.

[0070] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the essential spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery thermal management integrated device, characterized in that, include: Flow channel plate (10), the flow channel plate (10) includes connecting pipe (11); A heat exchanger (20) is located outside the flow channel plate (10) and connected to the flow channel plate (10). The heat exchanger (20) has a channel (21) which is connected to the inside of the connecting pipe (11). A valve assembly (30) is provided, one end of which is housed within the channel (21) and connected to the inner wall of the channel (21) to be integrated into the heat exchanger (20); the other end of the valve assembly (30) is located within the connecting pipe (11); the valve assembly (30) is capable of connecting or disconnecting the channel (21) from the connecting pipe (11); the valve assembly (30) is a one-way valve, allowing the medium in the heat exchanger (20) to flow into the valve assembly (30) through the channel (21) and then flow from the valve assembly (30) into the connecting pipe (11); The valve assembly (30) includes a valve body (31) and a valve core (34). One end of the valve body (31) is housed in the channel (21) and connected to the inner wall of the channel (21). The other end of the valve body (31) protrudes out of the channel (21) and is inserted into the connecting pipe (11) to connect the flow channel plate (10) to the heat exchanger (20). The valve body (31) includes a valve cavity (32), and the valve core (34) is movably installed in the valve cavity (32).

2. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel (21) includes a heat exchange channel (211) and a connecting channel (212), and the heat exchanger (20) includes: The heat exchanger body (22) has the heat exchange channel (211) formed on it; A connecting plate (23) is connected to the heat exchanger body (22) and the flow channel plate (10) respectively, and the connecting channel (212) is opened on the connecting plate (23); The heat exchange channel (211) is connected to the communication channel (212), and one end of the valve assembly (30) extends into the communication channel (212) and is connected to the communication channel (212).

3. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve assembly (30) includes: A stop (316) is installed in the valve cavity (32) and located at the end of the valve core (34) away from the heat exchanger (20); The valve core (34) can abut against the inner wall of the valve body (31) to disconnect the channel (21) from the connecting pipe (11), or the valve core (34) can abut against the stop (316) to connect the inside of the channel (21), the valve cavity (32) and the connecting pipe (11).

4. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve body (31) includes: A connecting part (311) extends into the communicating channel (212) and is connected to the communicating channel (212); The main body (312) is connected to the end of the connecting part (311) away from the heat exchanger body (22); The connecting part (311) and the main body part (312) form a stop step (313), which extends into the communication channel (212) along with the valve body (31), and the stop step (313) can abut against the connecting plate (23).

5. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve core (34) has a first mounting groove (341) on its periphery near the end of the heat exchanger (20). The height of the connecting part (311) is H1, the thickness of the connecting plate (23) is H2, and the vertical distance from the side of the first mounting groove (341) away from the heat exchanger (20) to the end of the valve core (34) near the heat exchanger (20) is H3, wherein H3≤H1≤H2.

6. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve core (34) has a first mounting groove (341) on its circumferential side near one end of the heat exchanger (20), and the valve assembly (30) further includes: The first seal (342) is installed in the first mounting groove (341); When the valve core (34) moves toward the heat exchanger (20), the first seal (342) can abut against the stop step (313) to disconnect the channel (21) from the connecting pipe (11).

7. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stop step (313) has a mating surface (314) on the side near the valve core (34). As the valve core (34) moves toward the heat exchanger (20), the first seal (342) can be pressed between the mating surface (314) and the first mounting groove (341).

8. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The stop (316) includes a retaining ring.

9. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve body (31) has a second mounting groove (315) circumferentially opened on the inner wall, and the stop (316) is installed in the second mounting groove (315).

10. The battery thermal management integrated device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve body (31) has a third mounting groove (317) circumferentially formed on its outer side, and the valve assembly (30) further includes: The second seal (318) is installed in the third mounting groove (317) to seal between the flow channel plate (10) and the valve body (31).

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