LECU component cooling structure, battery box cooling structure, and electric vehicles

Abstract

This invention provides a cooling structure for an LECU (Low-Engine Module) component, a cooling structure for a battery pack, and an electric vehicle. The LECU component cooling structure includes a built-in coolant and the LECU component is located in the coolant flow path. The LECU component cooling structure of this invention improves the heat dissipation performance of the LECU component and avoids affecting the battery cell performance.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority to the Chinese utility model patent filed on May 19, 2022, with application number "202221204244.8" and invention title "LECU component cooling structure, battery box cooling structure and electric vehicle". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of new energy vehicle technology, and more specifically, to an LECU component cooling structure, a battery box cooling structure, and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] New energy vehicles are increasingly popular in the market due to their advantages such as zero emissions, no pollution, low noise, smooth operation, and low operating costs. The battery pack, composed of lithium-ion batteries, is the main energy storage component of new energy vehicles. During the charging and discharging process of the power battery, a large amount of heat is generated, which adversely affects the battery's safety and lifespan. Therefore, it is necessary to cool the power battery in a timely manner to reduce its temperature and ensure it operates at a suitable temperature. Additionally, in cold winter environments, it is necessary to heat the battery in a timely manner to maintain a suitable operating temperature.

[0004] Battery packs typically include LECU components. Conventional liquid cooling plates only cool the battery cells. The heat generated by the electrical components on the LECU and the copper / aluminum busbars used in series inside the battery pack can only be dissipated through natural heat dissipation or transferred to the battery cells, which then transfer the heat to the coolant. This increases the temperature difference between different parts of the battery pack and affects the performance of the battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a cooling structure for an LECU module, a cooling structure for a battery box, and an electric vehicle, which can improve the heat dissipation performance of the LECU module and avoid affecting the performance of the battery cells. To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the invention, an LECU module cooling structure is provided, cooled by a coolant, and includes an LECU module located in the flow path of the coolant.

[0006] In one embodiment, the LECU assembly includes a substrate with at least one substrate cooling channel for coolant flow, such that the substrate is located in the coolant flow path.

[0007] In one embodiment, the LECU assembly also includes a sampling terminal that is electrically connected to the substrate. The sampling terminal has a through hole through which coolant flows, so that the sampling terminal is located in the flow path of the coolant.

[0008] In one implementation, the sampling terminal is Z-shaped and includes an upper plate, a middle plate, and a lower plate. The middle plate is connected between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the upper plate or the lower plate is electrically connected to the substrate or other components.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery box cooling structure is provided, comprising a battery box body and an internal cooling system located within the battery box; the internal cooling system includes the LECU component cooling structure described above; coolant enters the internal cooling system from one side of the battery box body and flows out from the other side of the battery box body; a flow path of coolant within the battery box body is formed by the path from the coolant entering the battery box body to the coolant flowing out of the battery box body; the internal cooling system is located on the flow path.

[0010] In one implementation, the internal cooling system also includes a cell cooling structure, which includes a cell; the cell is located in the flow path of the coolant.

[0011] In one implementation, there are multiple battery cells, and at least one battery cell cooling channel is formed between the multiple battery cells to allow coolant to flow, so that the battery cells are located in the flow path of the coolant.

[0012] In one embodiment, the internal cooling system further includes an insulating component cooling structure; the insulating component cooling structure includes an insulating component; when the LECU assembly includes a substrate and a substrate cooling channel is provided on the substrate, the insulating component is disposed between the substrate and the battery cell; the insulating component is located in the flow path of the coolant.

[0013] In one implementation, the insulating component is provided with an insulating cooling channel so that the insulating component is located in the flow path of the coolant.

[0014] In one embodiment, the internal cooling system further includes the battery housing and a battery housing cooling system located on the battery housing; the battery housing cooling system includes a base and a top cover; both the base and the top cover are provided with channels for coolant flow, the base is provided with a coolant inlet and the top cover is provided with a coolant outlet; or the base is provided with a coolant outlet and the top cover is provided with a coolant inlet; coolant flows in from the coolant inlet and flows out from the coolant outlet.

[0015] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a coolant inlet and the top cover is provided with a coolant outlet; the base is provided with an inlet hole; the top cover is provided with a return channel; after the coolant flows into the base, it enters the internal cooling system through the inlet hole; after passing through the internal cooling system, it flows out of the battery box through the return channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the base is a cuboid with a bottom wall and side walls. The bottom wall has a horizontal channel, and the side walls have a vertical channel. The vertical channel is located at both ends of the horizontal channel and connects to at least one horizontal channel to form a base channel. Several inflow holes are provided on the horizontal channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the base also includes an inflow pipe assembly, which includes a main inflow pipe and left and right inflow branch pipes. The main inflow pipe is connected to the coolant inlet, and the left and right inflow branch pipes are respectively connected to the vertical channels on both sides.

[0018] In one implementation, the connection point between the left and right inflow branches and the vertical channel is located in the middle region of the vertical channel in the vertical direction; and / or, the main inflow branch is connected to the middle part of the left and right inflow branches.

[0019] In one embodiment, the top cover also includes a top channel located inside the top cover and connected to the return channel, and an outflow pipe assembly connecting the top channel and the coolant outlet; and / or, the top cover is provided with a strip-shaped protrusion extending along the width direction, the strip-shaped protrusion protruding from the bottom of the top cover toward the interior of the battery housing.

[0020] As one implementation, the outflow pipe assembly includes:

[0021] At least two outflow branches with a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the top channel;

[0022] The first main pipe and the second end are connected together to the first main pipe; and the second main pipe is connected to the coolant outlet and the first main pipe.

[0023] In one implementation, the first main pipe is a straight pipe, and the second main pipe is a bent pipe.

[0024] In one implementation, the battery box cooling structure includes an external cooling system that starts from the coolant outlet, reaches the external cooling device, and then reaches the coolant inlet after being replenished with kinetic energy.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electric vehicle is provided, including the LECU component cooling structure described above or the battery box cooling structure described above.

[0026] According to the technical solution of the present invention, the LECU component cooling structure includes an LECU component, which is cooled by a coolant. The LECU component is located in the flow path of the coolant, allowing the coolant to directly contact the LECU component and carry away the heat generated by the LECU component. This improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the LECU component, reduces the temperature difference between different parts of the battery pack, reduces the adverse effects of the LECU component's heat generation on the battery cell, and avoids affecting the battery cell performance. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery box according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery box body according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery box base according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 4-1 and 4-2 A side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the battery box base according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 5-1 and 5-2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery box top cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A partial structural schematic diagram of the battery box top cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the bus structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the insulating component of the battery cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 9 A partially enlarged view of the substrate and insulating component after mounting and fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a box body with the AA section marked on it, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown;

[0038] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A structural schematic diagram of the AA section of the box body;

[0039] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the diagram; and

[0040] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the sampling terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0042] 10. Battery housing; 20. Base; 21. Bottom wall; 211. Inner wall of bottom wall; 2111. Inlet hole; 212. Outer wall of bottom wall; 213. Horizontal channel; 22. Coolant inlet; 23. Outlet pipe; 24. First side wall; 25. Second side wall; 251. Inner wall of side wall; 252. Outer wall of side wall; 253. Vertical channel; 254. Partition; 26. Main inlet pipe; 27. Left and right inlet branch pipes; 28. Insulating component; 281. Insulated cooling channel; 282. Long support; 283. Connecting block; 284. Reinforcing strip; 2821. Second positioning hole; 2831 1. Positioning post; 2841. Anti-foolproof protrusion; 2832. Filling groove; 30. Top cover; 31. Outer wall of top cover; 32. Inner wall of top cover; 33. Top channel; 34. Return channel; 35. Strip protrusion; 40. Outflow branch pipe; 50. First main pipe; 60. Second main pipe; 70. Battery cell; 71. Battery cell cooling channel; 80. Substrate; 801. Substrate cooling channel; 802. Mounting hole; 90. Sampling terminal; 901. Upper plate; 902. Middle plate; 903. Lower plate; 904. Through hole; 100. Busbar; 1001. Anti-foolproof groove; 1002. First positioning hole. Detailed Implementation

[0043] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. (See also...) Figures 1 to 13 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the LECU component cooling structure includes an LECU component, the LECU component cooling structure is cooled by a coolant, and the LECU component is located in the flow path of the coolant.

[0044] The LECU component is located in the coolant flow path, allowing direct contact between the coolant and the LECU component to remove the heat generated by the LECU. Compared to existing technologies where the heat generated by the electrical components and series-connected copper / aluminum busbars on the LECU inside the battery pack is dissipated through natural heat dissipation, or the heat is transferred to the battery cells and then transferred to the coolant, this technology effectively improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the LECU component, reduces the temperature difference between different parts of the battery pack, reduces the adverse effects of the LECU component's heat generation on the battery cells, and avoids affecting the performance of the battery cells.

[0045] The LECU assembly includes a substrate 80, on which at least one substrate cooling channel 801 is provided for the flow of coolant, positioning the substrate 80 in the coolant flow path. During coolant flow, if the substrate 80 obstructs the flow, preventing the coolant from reaching its upper surface and making sufficient contact, the cooling effect on the LECU assembly will be affected. By providing the substrate cooling channel 801 on the substrate 80, the coolant can flow through the cooling channel 801 to the upper surface of the substrate 80, completely surrounding it and effectively improving the cooling effect. The substrate cooling channels 801 are regularly distributed on the substrate 80, such as uniformly or in a hexagonal pattern, providing multiple coolant flow channels. This facilitates rapid and comprehensive cooling of the substrate 80, enhancing its overall cooling performance.

[0046] The LECU assembly also includes a sampling terminal 90 that is electrically connected to the substrate 80. In one embodiment, the sampling terminal 90 has a through hole 904 and is located in the flow path of the coolant. In another embodiment, the sampling terminal 90 is welded to the substrate 80 by laser welding, and the sampling terminal 90 using this welding method does not have a through hole 904.

[0047] See also Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment, the sampling terminal 90 is Z-shaped and includes an upper plate 901, a middle plate 902 and a lower plate 903. The middle plate 902 is connected between the upper plate 901 and the lower plate 903. The upper plate 901 or the lower plate 903 is electrically connected to the substrate 80 or other components.

[0048] In one embodiment, a preset gap for containing coolant is formed between the top of the substrate 80 and the top cover 30; the first end of the sampling terminal 90 is connected to the substrate 80, and a plurality of sampling terminals 90 are arranged at intervals on the substrate 80; the second end of the sampling terminal 90 is connected to the busbar 100, and the sampling terminal 90 is connected to the battery cell 70 through the busbar 100.

[0049] In the above technical solution, the first end of the sampling terminal 90 is connected to the substrate 80 to connect the first end of the sampling terminal 90 to the circuit of the substrate 80, and the second end of the sampling terminal 90 is connected to the bus 100. In this way, the connection distance between the substrate 80 and the bus 100 is shortened, so that the substrate 80 can be directly set to connect the sampling terminal 90 to the bus 100. The sampling terminal 90 can be connected to the cell 70 through the bus 100. Multiple sampling terminals 90 are arranged at intervals on the substrate 80. At this time, multiple sampling terminals 90 are connected to the substrate 80 and the bus 100, which facilitates the LECU module to sample the temperature and voltage of each series and / or parallel cell 70, which is convenient for the battery pack to be expanded and also facilitates sampling after expansion.

[0050] See also Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating member 28 is disposed on the base 20. The insulating member 28 is fixed by snapping onto the base 20 or by bolting onto the base 20. The LECU assembly is disposed on the insulating member 28. The substrate 80 is provided with a substrate cooling channel 801, and the insulating member 28 is provided with an insulating cooling channel 281. Adjacent cells 70 form a cell cooling channel 71, which is connected to the insulating cooling channel 281. The coolant enters the top channel 33 through the cell cooling channel 71, the insulating cooling channel 281, and the return channel 34.

[0051] With the above settings, the coolant flows out through the coolant outlet, which can carry away the heat generated by the LECU components and the battery cell 70, thereby cooling the battery cell 70. The coolant flowing out from the coolant outlet flows back to the coolant inlet 22 after passing through the external cooling system, forming a cooling cycle.

[0052] See also Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating member 28 includes a long strip support 282 and a connecting block 283 disposed between adjacent long strip supports. The connecting block 283 protrudes from the long strip support 282 on the side facing the substrate 80. At least a portion of the connecting block 283 is connected to a reinforcing strip 284, which is disposed on the side of the long strip support 282 facing the substrate 80. The reinforcing strip 284, the long strip support 282 and the connecting block 283 form a variety of slot regions. A busbar 100 is disposed in each slot region, and the structure of the busbar 100 is adapted to the slot region in which the busbar 100 is disposed.

[0053] With the above configuration, the reinforcing strip 284, the long strip bracket 282, and the connecting block 283 can cooperate to form a variety of slot areas, providing installation space for the busbar 100 and enabling the slot areas to be adapted to the structures of various busbars 100. At least some slot areas can be configured with different shapes, so that after the structure of the busbar 100 in these slot areas is matched with the slot area, it is easy to pre-fix it, making it less likely to have incorrect installation problems and improving assembly efficiency.

[0054] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the busbar 100 is provided with a foolproof groove 1001, the reinforcing strip 284 is provided with a foolproof protrusion 2841, and the foolproof protrusion 2841 is embedded in the foolproof groove 1001.

[0055] In the above technical solution, by embedding and cooperating the anti-foolproof protrusion 2841 on the reinforcing strip 284 with the anti-foolproof groove 1001 on the busbar 100, the busbar 100 can be accurately and quickly installed onto the insulating component 28, improving assembly efficiency, achieving error-free pre-fixing, reducing the risk of assembly errors, and facilitating subsequent welding with the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell.

[0056] See also Figures 1 to 12 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a positioning post 2831 is provided on the connecting block 283, and a mounting hole 802 is provided on the substrate 80. The substrate 80 is mounted on the positioning post 2831 through the mounting hole 802 and supported on the connecting block 283. The positioning post 2831 includes a hollow cylindrical hole that passes through the insulating member 28 and forms an insulating cooling channel 281.

[0057] In the above technical solution, the substrate 80 can be mounted on the positioning post 2831 through the mounting hole 802, so that the substrate 80 is supported on the connecting block 283. Through the above setting, the substrate 80 and the insulating component 28 can be quickly installed and positioned, avoiding errors during pre-installation, improving assembly efficiency, and reducing the risk of assembly errors. In addition, the insulating cooling channel 281 with cylindrical hole allows the coolant to directly enter the gap between the substrate 80 and the top cover 30, so that the coolant completely submerges the LECU component. Afterwards, the coolant continues to rise, enters the top channel 33 through the return channel 34, and then flows out through the coolant outlet to remove the heat generated by the LECU component and the battery cell 70, thereby cooling the battery cell 70.

[0058] See also Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting block 283 has a plurality of filling grooves 2832 on the side facing the substrate 80. The filling grooves 2832 are filled with adhesive, and the connecting block 283 is bonded and fixed to the substrate 80 by the adhesive in the filling grooves 2832.

[0059] In the above technical solution, the connecting block 283 can be bonded and fixed to the substrate 80 by the adhesive in the filling groove 2832, so as to realize the installation connection between the substrate 80 and the insulating component 28.

[0060] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the substrate 80 can be fixed to the insulating member 28 not only by adhesive but also by snap-fit ​​or riveting.

[0061] The busbar 100 is provided with a first positioning hole 1002, and the insulating component 28 includes a long bracket 282, which is provided with a second positioning hole 2821. After the first positioning hole 1002 on the busbar 100 is aligned with the second positioning hole 2821 on the long bracket 282, they are riveted together with hot melt adhesive rivets to fix the busbar 100 and the insulating component 28.

[0062] In this embodiment, the coolant rises from the cell cooling channel 71. When it reaches the location of the insulator 28, it flows through the insulating cooling channel 281 into the gap between the busbar 100 and the substrate 80. After filling the gap between the busbar 100 and the substrate 80, it enters the gap between the substrate 80 and the top cover 30 through the substrate cooling channel 801 on the substrate 80, so that the coolant completely submerges the LECU component. Then the coolant continues to rise, enters the top channel 33 through the return channel 34, and flows out through the coolant outlet to remove the heat generated by the LECU component and the cell 70, thereby cooling the cell 70.

[0063] With the above structure, the coolant has two flow paths. One path is from the cell cooling channel 71 to the position of the insulating component 28, and then directly flows through the insulating cooling channel 281 of the positioning post 2831 to the top of the substrate 80. Therefore, it can more effectively ensure that the coolant flows through the LECU component more fully and effectively cools the LECU component.

[0064] See also Figures 1 to 12 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base 20 is a cuboid with a bottom wall 21 and side walls, the side walls including a first side wall 24 and a second side wall 25. An insulating film or an insulating material is applied to the top surface of the bottom wall 21, and the battery cell 70 is mounted on top of the insulating film.

[0065] The aforementioned cell 70 is, for example, a cylindrical cell.

[0066] See also Figures 1 to 12As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery box cooling structure includes a battery box 10 and an internal cooling system located within the battery box 10; the internal cooling system includes the LECU component cooling structure described above; coolant enters the internal cooling system from one side of the battery box 10 and flows out from the other side of the battery box 10; the path from the coolant entering the battery box 10 to the coolant flowing out of the battery box 10 forms a flow path for the coolant within the battery box 10; the internal cooling system is located on the flow path.

[0067] In some embodiments, the battery box cooling structure includes a battery box 10 and an internal cooling system located within the battery box 10. The internal cooling system is an independent cooling structure that does not include the LECU component cooling structure described above. The battery box cooling structure may not include the LECU component cooling structure described above and can be a battery box cooling structure that exists independently of the LECU component cooling structure. It can be used independently to cool components such as battery cells located inside the battery box 10, or it can be used as an independent cooling structure in conjunction with the LECU component cooling structure.

[0068] In this embodiment, the coolant can enter the internal cooling system through the battery housing 10, cool the LECU components, flow out of the battery housing 10, release heat externally, and then flow back to form a cooling circuit.

[0069] The internal cooling system also includes a cell cooling structure, which includes a cell 70 located in the coolant flow path. Because the cell 70 is located in the coolant flow path, it can also be cooled by the internal cooling system, thus utilizing the coolant in the internal cooling system to cool both the cell 70 and the LECU components.

[0070] There are multiple battery cells 70, and at least one battery cell cooling channel 71 is formed between the multiple battery cells 70 to allow coolant to flow, so that the battery cells 70 are located in the flow path of the coolant. Since the battery cell cooling channel 71 is located between the multiple battery cells 70, when the coolant flows through the battery cell cooling channel 71, it can simultaneously come into contact with the surrounding battery cells 70, directly cooling the battery cells 70 and improving the cooling effect of the battery cells 70. At the same time, since both the LECU cooling structure and the battery cell cooling structure are internal cooling systems, the arrangement of each cooling structure can be convenient. The LECU cooling structure and the battery cell cooling structure can be connected in series in one space, or they can be in independent spaces, so that a more suitable cooling method can be selected to ensure better cooling effect for the LECU component and the battery cells 70.

[0071] The internal cooling system also includes an insulating cooling structure; the insulating cooling structure includes an insulating element 28, which in this embodiment forms an integral part with the bus 100 and the substrate 80; so when the LECU assembly includes the substrate 80, the insulating element 28 is disposed between the substrate 80 and the battery cell.

[0072] An insulating cooling channel 281 is provided on the insulating component 28, which is located in the flow path of the coolant. When the coolant flows through the insulating component 28, its structure affects the flow distribution of the coolant. By providing the insulating cooling channel 281 on the insulating component 28, the flow path of the coolant can be increased, allowing for better contact between the coolant and the insulating component 28, more efficient heat exchange, and improved heat exchange effect.

[0073] The battery housing 10 has a battery housing cooling system; the battery housing cooling system includes a base 20 and a top cover 30; both the base 20 and the top cover 30 are provided with channels for coolant flow, the base 20 is provided with a coolant inlet 22 and the top cover 30 is provided with a coolant outlet; or the base 20 is provided with a coolant outlet and the top cover 30 is provided with a coolant inlet 22; coolant flows in from the coolant inlet 22 and flows out from the coolant outlet.

[0074] To achieve the effect of coolant immersion in the battery case, this application typically arranges the coolant to flow in from one side of the battery case and out from the other. For example, the base 20 may have a coolant inlet 22 and the top cover 30 may have a coolant outlet; or the base 20 may have a coolant outlet and the top cover 30 may have a coolant inlet 22. The coolant flows in from the coolant inlet 22 and out from the coolant outlet. This allows for cooling of every location within the battery case. Furthermore, to facilitate the connection of external cooling equipment, battery case installation, and design, the coolant inlet and outlet ports are usually located on the same side as the battery case. Therefore, this application also adds an outlet pipe 23. An outlet pipe 23 is added to the same side of the battery case as the coolant inlet 22. By connecting the coolant outlet to the outlet pipe 23, the actual coolant outflow point is directed to the same side of the battery case as the coolant inlet 22.

[0075] In one embodiment, to facilitate the connection of an external cooling device, an outlet pipe 23 can also be provided on the base 20. In one embodiment, when the coolant outlet is located on the top cover 30, one end of the outlet pipe 23 is connected to the coolant outlet, and the other end can be connected to an external cooling device. Subsequently, the electrolyte coolant flowing out of the outlet pipe 23 can be cooled by the external cooling device before being introduced into the coolant inlet 22, thereby realizing the recycling of the coolant.

[0076] In one embodiment, the base 20 includes an inner cavity and a bottom wall 21. The inner cavity is configured to contain coolant. A coolant inlet 22 is provided on the base 20, and the coolant inlet 22 communicates with the inner cavity. The top cover 30 includes an outer wall 31 and an inner wall 32, and a top channel 33 is formed between the outer wall 31 and the inner wall 32. A return channel 34 is provided on the inner wall 32, which communicates the inner cavity with the top channel 33. The base 20 or the top cover 30 is also provided with a coolant outlet that communicates with the inner cavity. The coolant enters the inner cavity through the coolant inlet 22, overflows into the top channel 33 through the return channel 34 after filling the inner cavity, and flows back to the coolant inlet 22 through the coolant outlet, forming a cooling cycle. In this embodiment, the coolant outlet is connected to the outlet of the top channel 33, or the outlet of the top channel 33 is directly used as the coolant outlet. The coolant outlet is directly connected to the outlet connector 23 through a pipeline, so that after the coolant flows out of the top channel 33, it will not enter the inner cavity, but will directly enter the outlet connector 23 through the pipeline or through the coolant outlet and the pipeline. After heat exchange at the external cooling equipment, it will flow back to the coolant inlet 22.

[0077] In the above technical solution, the battery box structure includes a battery box body 10, a base 20, and a top cover 30. The battery box body 10 has a coolant outlet communicating with a top channel 33; the base 20 has a coolant inlet 22 communicating with the inner cavity; the inner wall of the top cover 30 has a return channel 34 that connects the inner cavity to the top channel 33. When coolant enters the inner cavity through the coolant inlet 22 and fills the inner cavity, the coolant can overflow through the return channel 34 to the top channel 33, and then flow back to the coolant inlet 22 through the coolant outlet, forming a cooling cycle. Since the coolant needs to fill the inner cavity of the battery box body 10 before entering the top channel 33, the battery cell 70 can be completely immersed in the coolant. By setting up the above battery box structure, the battery cell 70 can be prevented from contacting air, effectively avoiding the battery from catching fire after thermal runaway, thereby improving battery reliability. The immersion cooling structure also ensures that the battery cell 70 is in full contact with the coolant, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell 70.

[0078] In one embodiment, the base 20 is provided with a coolant inlet 22 and the top cover 30 is provided with a coolant outlet; the base 20 is provided with an inlet hole 2111; the top cover 30 is provided with a return channel 34; after the coolant flows into the base 20, it enters the internal cooling system through the inlet hole 2111; after passing through the internal cooling system, it flows out of the battery box 10 through the return channel 34.

[0079] The base 20 has a bottom wall 21 and side walls. The side walls include a first side wall 24 and a second side wall 25. The two first side walls 24 are arranged opposite each other, and the two second side walls 25 are arranged opposite each other. The first side walls 24 and the second side walls 25 form a rectangular frame, making the base 20 a cuboid. The bottom wall 21 is located at the bottom of the rectangular frame, and the top cover 30 is located at the top of the rectangular frame. The coolant inlet 22 is located on one of the first side walls 24. The bottom wall 21 includes an inner wall 211 and an outer wall 212. A transverse channel 213 is formed between the inner wall 211 and the outer wall 212. An inflow hole 2111 is provided on the inner wall 211 to connect the inner cavity and the transverse channel 213. The coolant inlet 22 is connected to the transverse channel 213.

[0080] In the above technical solution, the rectangular frame formed by the first sidewall 24 and the second sidewall 25, the bottom wall 21, and the top cover 30 together constitute a sealed battery box 10, and the battery box 10 has an inner cavity that can hold coolant. The coolant is filled before the battery is put into operation, and then the coolant begins to flow when the battery is put into operation.

[0081] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the base 20 and the top cover 30 are integrally formed by extrusion of aluminum alloy profiles, and the connection is sealed by welding.

[0082] The base 20 is a cuboid with a horizontal channel 213 on its bottom wall 21 and a vertical channel 253 on its side wall. The vertical channel 253 is located at both ends of the horizontal channel 213 and connects to at least one horizontal channel 213 to form a base channel. Several inflow holes 2111 are provided on the horizontal channel 213.

[0083] See also Figures 1 to 5-2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second sidewall 25 includes an inner sidewall 251 and an outer sidewall 252, a vertical channel 253 is formed between the inner sidewall 251 and the outer sidewall 252, the coolant inlet 22 is connected to the vertical channels 253 on both sides, and the vertical channels 253 are connected to the transverse channel 213 at the bottom.

[0084] With the above configuration, after the coolant enters from the coolant inlet 22, it flows through the vertical channel 253 to the horizontal channel 213 of the base 20, thereby allowing the coolant located at the bottom of the battery box 10 to flow into the inner cavity of the battery box 10 through the inflow hole 2111 on the inner wall 211 of the bottom wall.

[0085] In this embodiment, the coolant simultaneously enters the transverse channel 213 from the vertical channels 253 on the two second sidewalls 25, which is equivalent to shortening the flow of the coolant in the transverse channel 213. This allows the coolant to fill the transverse channel 213 more quickly and then enter the inner cavity through the inlet hole 2111 via the transverse channel 213. This improves the flow efficiency of the coolant, makes the flow distribution of the coolant more uniform, and makes the cooling effect more uniform, ensuring that the cooling effect of each cell 70 is consistent and reducing the temperature difference between the cells 70.

[0086] In this embodiment, the vertical channel 253 on the second sidewall 25 has a large flow area, so that before the coolant fills the vertical channel 253, only a small portion will enter the horizontal channel 213. The amount of coolant entering the horizontal channel 213 is negligible compared to the amount of coolant entering the vertical channel 253, and it cannot enter the inner cavity through the inlet hole 2111. Only after the vertical channel 253 is filled with coolant will the coolant fully enter the horizontal channel 213 through the vertical channel 253, and then enter the inner cavity through the horizontal channel 213 and the inlet hole 2111, thereby achieving uniform cooling of the battery cell 70.

[0087] See also Figures 1 to 4-2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical channel 253 extends from the first end to the second end along the length direction of the second sidewall 25, and the horizontal channel 213 extends along the length direction of the first sidewall 24. Multiple horizontal channels 213 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the second sidewall 25, and each horizontal channel 213 is provided with multiple inflow holes 2111 at intervals along its length direction. In one embodiment, the length of the second sidewall 25 is greater than the length of the first sidewall 24. Therefore, the length of the vertical channel 253 on the second sidewall 25 is also greater than the length of the horizontal channel 213. This further shortens the time for the coolant to distribute evenly within the vertical channel 253 and the horizontal channel 213, more effectively eliminating the temperature unevenness caused by premature heat exchange during coolant flow and improving the uniform cooling effect of the coolant.

[0088] With the above configuration, the coolant can flow from the first end to the second end along the length of the second sidewall 25 through the vertical channels 253 on both sides of the base 20. The coolant also flows into the horizontal channel 213 along the length of the first sidewall 24 through the two vertical channels 253, and then enters the inner cavity of the battery box 10 through the inflow hole 2111 on the inner wall 211 of the bottom wall. This can improve the liquid inlet efficiency and thus improve the cooling effect of the battery box structure.

[0089] See also Figure 3 , Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base 20 further includes an inflow pipe assembly, which includes an inflow main pipe 26 and inflow left and right branch pipes 27. The inflow main pipe 26 is connected to the coolant inlet 22, and the inflow left and right branch pipes 27 are respectively connected to the vertical channels 253 on both sides.

[0090] In one embodiment, the connection between the inflow left and right branch pipes 27 and the vertical channels 253 on both sides is located in the middle region of the vertical channel 253 in the vertical direction; and / or, the inflow main pipe 26 is connected to the middle part of the inflow left and right branch pipes 27.

[0091] The above structure allows the coolant to flow in from the middle of the battery housing 10, and after entering the internal cooling system, the coolant entering from the vertical channel 253 will be more evenly distributed as it flows to the horizontal channel 213, thus achieving a better cooling effect.

[0092] In one embodiment, the left and right inflow pipes 27 are connected to the side wall of the battery housing 10 along its length and to the end of the side wall near the coolant inlet 22. A baffle 254 is provided inside the vertical channel 253 of the side wall. The baffle 254 is located below the connection point between the left and right inflow pipes 27 and the side wall and extends along the length of the side wall. An overflow channel is formed at the end away from the coolant inlet 22. The overflow channel can connect the vertical channels 253 on the upper and lower sides of the baffle 254. After the coolant enters the vertical channel 253 through the left and right inflow pipes 27, it flows along the baffle 254 on the upper side and flows to the vertical channel 253 below the baffle 254 at the overflow channel, thereby forming an S-shaped flow path, improving the flow of coolant, thereby improving the heat exchange effect between the coolant and the battery cell 70 and the LECU assembly, and improving the overall heat exchange effect.

[0093] With the above configuration, after the coolant enters the main inlet pipe 26, it can simultaneously flow into the vertical channel 253 via the left and right branch pipes 27, ensuring that the coolant inflow speed of the two vertical channels 253 is consistent, thereby improving the inlet efficiency and thus improving the cooling effect of the battery box structure.

[0094] See also Figure 3 , Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the base 20 is provided with multiple rows and columns of inflow holes 2111, along the direction from the second side wall 25 to the middle of the inner cavity.

[0095] The top cover 30 also includes a top channel 33 located within the top cover 30 and connected to the return channel 34, and an outflow pipe assembly connecting the top channel 33 and the outlet pipe 23. The cross-sectional area of ​​the return channel 34 is smaller near the first sidewall 24 and the second sidewall 25, and gradually increases towards the central axis.

[0096] The bottom wall of the top cover 30 is provided with a strip-shaped protrusion 35 extending along the width direction. The strip-shaped protrusion 35 protrudes from the bottom of the top cover 30 into the interior of the battery box 10, which can effectively enhance the bottom strength of the top cover 30.

[0097] The outflow tube assembly includes:

[0098] At least two outflow branches 40 having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the top channel 33;

[0099] The first main pipe 50, the second end of which is connected to the first main pipe 50; and the second main pipe 60, which is connected to the outlet pipe 23 and the first main pipe 50.

[0100] With the above configuration, the coolant in the top channel 33 can flow into the first main pipe 50 through the two outflow branch pipes 40, and then flow into the second main pipe 60 through the first main pipe 50. Finally, the coolant flows out of the battery box 10 through the coolant outlet and the outlet pipe 23, which can improve the drainage efficiency of the battery box 10.

[0101] The first main pipe 50 is a straight pipe, and the second main pipe 60 is a bent pipe. In the above technical solution, the first main pipe 50 is set as a straight pipe to facilitate connection to the outflow branch pipe 40, while the second main pipe 60 is set as a bent pipe to facilitate the optimization of the structure of the second main pipe 60, so that the second main pipe 60 can be matched and connected to the outlet pipe 23 set on the first side wall 24 of the base 20.

[0102] The battery box cooling structure also includes an external cooling system, which starts from the coolant outlet, reaches the external cooling device, and then, after replenishing its kinetic energy, reaches the coolant inlet 22. The external cooling device can be, for example, a finned heat exchanger or a water-cooled heat exchanger.

[0103] With the above settings, the coolant flowing out of the coolant outlet can be circulated through external cooling equipment and then back into the coolant inlet 22, which can more effectively improve the cooling effect of the coolant.

[0104] In one embodiment of the present invention, after the coolant flows out of the coolant inlet 22, a pump can be added between the coolant outlet and the coolant inlet 22 to drive circulation; or a pump can be added between the coolant outlet and the external cooling equipment to drive circulation.

[0105] In one embodiment, a support plate may also be provided between the inner wall 251 and the outer wall 252 of the side wall to overcome the problem of poor structural strength caused by the hollowness of the second side wall 25.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electric vehicle includes the LECU component cooling structure described above or the battery box cooling structure described above.

[0107] As can be seen from the above description, the above embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects:

[0108] 1. This application directly immerses the LECU component cooling structure in the coolant to achieve overall cooling; it avoids the problem in the prior art where the LECU electrical components inside the battery pack can only dissipate heat through natural heat dissipation, or transfer heat to the cells and then transfer heat to the coolant through the cells, which increases the temperature difference in various parts of the battery pack and affects the performance of the cells.

[0109] 2. The coolant flows into the battery pack from multiple points at the bottom and then flows back to the cover. The coolant directly exchanges heat with the battery cells, resulting in high heat exchange efficiency. In addition, by designing the aperture to gradually increase from the outside to the inside, the battery pack and LECU substrate are cooled uniformly as a whole, resulting in a uniform internal temperature of the battery pack.

[0110] 3. The coolant fills the entire battery box, and the heat generated by each component can be carried away by the circulating coolant. In addition, the design can prevent the battery cells from coming into contact with air, effectively avoiding the battery from catching fire after thermal runaway, thereby improving battery reliability.

[0111] 4. If coolant is filled in areas of the battery pack where there are no components, the flammable gases produced by the decomposition of the electrolyte inside the battery cell after thermal runaway cannot come into contact with air and may cause a fire.

[0112] Obviously, the embodiments described above are merely some, not all, embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0113] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0114] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooling structure for an LECU component, cooled by a coolant, characterized in that, The device includes an LECU assembly located in the flow path of the coolant; the LECU assembly includes a substrate (80) and a sampling terminal (90) electrically connected to the substrate (80). The sampling terminal (90) has a through hole (904) through which the coolant flows, so that the sampling terminal (90) is located in the flow path of the coolant.

2. The LECU component cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate (80) is provided with at least one substrate cooling channel (801) for the flow of the coolant, so that the substrate (80) is located in the flow path of the coolant.

3. The LECU component cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling terminal (90) is Z-shaped and includes an upper plate (901), a middle plate (902) and a lower plate (903). The middle plate (902) is connected between the upper plate (901) and the lower plate (903). The upper plate (901) or the lower plate (903) is electrically connected to the substrate (80) or other components.

4. A battery box cooling structure, comprising a battery box body (10) and an internal cooling system located within the battery box body (10); the internal cooling system comprising the LECU component cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3; the coolant entering the internal cooling system from one side of the battery box body (10) and flowing out from the other side of the battery box body (10); the path from the coolant entering the battery box body (10) to the coolant flowing out of the battery box body (10) forms a flow path for the coolant within the battery box body (10); the LECU component is located on the flow path.

5. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The internal cooling system also includes a cell cooling structure, which includes a cell (70); the cell (70) is located on the flow path of the coolant.

6. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, There are multiple battery cells (70), and at least one battery cell cooling channel (71) is formed between the multiple battery cells (70) to allow the coolant to flow, so that the battery cell (70) is located on the flow path of the coolant.

7. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The internal cooling system further includes an insulating cooling structure; the insulating cooling structure includes an insulating element (28); when the LECU assembly includes a substrate (80), the insulating element (28) is disposed between the substrate (80) and the battery cell (70); the insulating element (28) is located in the flow path of the coolant.

8. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The insulating component (28) is provided with an insulating cooling channel (281) so that the insulating component (28) is located in the flow path of the coolant.

9. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The internal cooling system also includes a battery housing cooling system located on the battery housing (10); the battery housing cooling system includes a base (20) and a top cover (30); both the base (20) and the top cover (30) are provided with channels for the flow of the coolant, the base (20) is provided with a coolant inlet (22) and the top cover (30) is provided with a coolant outlet; or the base (20) is provided with a coolant outlet and the top cover (30) is provided with a coolant inlet (22); the coolant flows in from the coolant inlet (22) and flows out from the coolant outlet.

10. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The base (20) is provided with the coolant inlet (22) and the top cover (30) is provided with the coolant outlet; the base (20) is provided with an inlet hole (2111); the top cover (30) is provided with a return channel (34); the coolant flows into the base (20) and then enters the internal cooling system through the inlet hole (2111); after passing through the internal cooling system, it flows out of the battery box through the return channel (34).

11. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The base (20) is a cuboid with a bottom wall (21) and a side wall. The bottom wall (21) has a horizontal channel (213) and the side wall has a vertical channel (253). The vertical channel (253) is located at both ends of the horizontal channel (213) and connects to at least one of the horizontal channels (213) to form a base channel. The horizontal channel (213) has a plurality of inflow holes (2111).

12. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The base (20) also includes an inflow pipe assembly, which includes an inflow main pipe (26) and inflow left and right branch pipes (27). The inflow main pipe (26) is connected to the coolant inlet (22), and the inflow left and right branch pipes (27) are respectively connected to the vertical channels (253) on both sides.

13. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, The connection between the left and right inflow branch pipes (27) and the vertical channel (253) is located in the middle region of the vertical channel (253) in the vertical direction; and / or, the main inflow pipe (26) is connected to the middle part of the left and right inflow branch pipes (27).

14. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The top cover (30) further includes a top channel (33) located inside the top cover (30) and connected to the return channel (34), and an outflow pipe assembly connecting the top channel (33) and the coolant outlet; and / or, the top cover is provided with a strip-shaped protrusion extending along the width direction, the strip-shaped protrusion protruding from the bottom surface of the top cover (30) into the interior of the battery housing (10).

15. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 14, characterized in that, The outflow pipe assembly includes: At least two outflow branches (40) having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the top channel (33); A first main pipe (50), the second end of which is connected to the first main pipe (50); and a second main pipe (60), the two ends of which are respectively connected to the coolant outlet and the first main pipe (50).

16. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first main pipe (50) is a straight pipe, and the second main pipe (60) is a bent pipe.

17. The battery box cooling structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery box cooling structure also includes an external cooling system, which starts from the coolant outlet, reaches the external cooling device, and then reaches the coolant inlet (22) after replenishing kinetic energy.

18. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the LECU component cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or the battery box cooling structure according to any one of claims 4 to 17.

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