Liquid cooling plate assembly and battery pack

Abstract

This application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly and a battery pack. The liquid cooling plate assembly includes: a hollow frame with a refrigerant inlet on its outer surface and a liquid inlet channel communicating with the refrigerant inlet inside the frame; and a liquid cooling plate disposed in the hollow portion of the frame and sealed to the bottom of the frame. An annular sealing surface extending circumferentially along the frame is formed at the connection between the liquid cooling plate and the frame. The cavity in the hollow portion of the frame serves as a battery storage space, and the liquid cooling plate forms the bottom of the battery storage space. The liquid cooling plate has a cooling channel communicating with the liquid inlet channel, with the communication point located outside the annular sealing surface. This application can reduce the risk of refrigerant leakage into the battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery equipment technology, and more specifically, to a liquid cooling plate assembly and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the country's vigorous promotion of the new energy industry, the development of new energy vehicles is ushering in unprecedented opportunities.

[0003] The development of new energy vehicles is inseparable from the development of battery pack technology. Among these advancements, improving battery pack safety performance is a key indicator that is receiving increasing attention. Suitable operating temperature is a crucial factor in enhancing battery pack performance and safety. Excessive battery temperature reduces performance and poses a risk of explosion. Furthermore, prolonged operation at high temperatures significantly shortens battery life. Therefore, implementing a proper cooling system is of paramount importance.

[0004] Traditional cooling systems often have water pipe joints located inside the battery pack, which can easily lead to the risk of refrigerant leaking into the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly and a battery pack, which can reduce the risk of refrigerant leakage into the battery pack.

[0006] This application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly, comprising: a hollow frame with a refrigerant inlet on its outer surface and a liquid inlet channel communicating with the refrigerant inlet inside the frame; and a liquid cooling plate disposed in the hollow portion of the frame and sealed to the bottom of the frame, wherein an annular sealing surface extending circumferentially along the frame is formed at the connection between the liquid cooling plate and the frame, the cavity in the hollow portion of the frame serves as a battery storage space, the liquid cooling plate forms the bottom of the battery storage space, and the liquid cooling plate has a cooling channel communicating with the liquid inlet channel, the communication position being located outside the annular sealing surface.

[0007] Optionally, the liquid cooling plate is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole extending along its own thickness direction. The first through hole is located on the outer side of the annular sealing surface, and the second through hole is located on the inner side of the annular sealing surface. The liquid cooling plate assembly also includes a connecting member located outside the battery storage space. The connecting member seals and connects the first through hole and the second through hole. The location of the first through hole forms the connecting position, and the second through hole communicates with the cooling channel.

[0008] Optionally, the connecting member is a plate-shaped structure that is sealed to the liquid cooling plate. The surface of the connecting member facing the liquid cooling plate is provided with a groove. The groove is surrounded by the sealing joint surface between the connecting member and the liquid cooling plate. One end of the groove is connected to the first through hole, and the other end of the groove is connected to the second through hole.

[0009] Optionally, the liquid cooling plate includes an annular connector that surrounds the first through hole and protrudes along the thickness direction of the liquid cooling plate, and the annular connector is inserted into the liquid inlet channel.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid cooling plate has a protrusion that is coplanar with the liquid cooling plate at the part opposite to the liquid inlet channel. The protrusion is located outside the annular sealing surface and protrudes from a local position on the side of the liquid cooling plate. The first through hole is provided in the protrusion.

[0011] Optionally, the outer surface of the frame is further provided with a refrigerant outlet, and the interior of the frame is provided with a liquid outlet channel communicating with the refrigerant outlet. The liquid outlet channel is connected to the cooling channel, and the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant inlet are located on the same side surface of the frame.

[0012] Optionally, the liquid cooling plate further includes a third through hole and a fourth through hole extending along its own thickness direction. The third through hole is located on the outer side of the annular sealing surface, and the fourth through hole is located on the inner side of the annular sealing surface. The liquid cooling plate assembly also includes a second connecting member located outside the battery storage space. The second connecting member seals and connects the third through hole and the fourth through hole. The fourth through hole is connected to the cooling channel, and the third through hole is used to connect to the refrigerant outlet.

[0013] Optionally, the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are concentrated on the same side of the liquid cooling plate.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom of the frame is provided with an annular flange protruding into the hollow area, and the liquid cooling plate is sealed to the annular flange to form the annular sealing surface. In the orthographic projection along the direction perpendicular to the liquid cooling plate, the projection area of ​​the annular sealing surface is located within the projection area of ​​the battery storage space.

[0015] Another aspect of this application provides a battery pack, including: the liquid cooling plate assembly described in any of the preceding claims; and a battery module disposed within the battery storage space.

[0016] This application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly in which an annular sealing surface extending circumferentially along the frame is formed at the connection between the liquid cooling plate and the frame. The cooling channel and the liquid inlet channel are connected, with the connection point located outside the annular sealing surface. When the connection between the liquid inlet channel and the cooling channel is damaged and refrigerant leaks from the connection point, the path of the refrigerant to the battery storage space is blocked by the annular sealing surface because the connection point is located outside the annular sealing surface. This effectively reduces the risk of refrigerant flowing into the battery storage space from the connection between the cooling channel and the liquid inlet channel. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection structure between the liquid cooling plate and the frame in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate assembly shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the border shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of the frame shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling plate shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate assembly shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate assembly shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling plate shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Frame; 11. Liquid inlet channel; 12. Refrigerant inlet; 13. Refrigerant outlet; 14. Front frame; 15. Annular flange; 20. Liquid cooling plate; 21. First through hole; 22. Second through hole; 23. Third through hole; 24. Fourth through hole; 25. Annular connector; 26. Protrusion; 30. Annular sealing surface; 40. Battery storage space; 50. Connecting component; 60. Second connecting component. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments of the present invention; rather, they are merely examples presenting some of the apparatuses and methods of the present invention.

[0020] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "a" or "one" and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one, and will be separately stated if only "a" is referred to. "A plurality" or "several" means two or more. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "front," "rear," "lower," and / or "upper," "top," "bottom," and similar terms are for ease of description only and are not limited to a location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalent elements or objects, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The word “connection” or “link” is not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can also include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0021] The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application specification and appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a battery pack, including a liquid cooling plate 20 assembly and a battery module. The liquid cooling plate 20 assembly includes a hollow frame 10 and a liquid cooling plate 20. The liquid cooling plate 20 is disposed in the hollow part of the frame 10 and is sealed to the bottom of the frame 10. The cavity in the hollow part of the frame 10 is a battery storage space 40, and the liquid cooling plate 20 is the bottom of the battery storage space 40. The battery module is installed in the battery storage space 40, and the liquid cooling plate 20 can cool the battery module.

[0023] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outer surface of the frame 10 is provided with a refrigerant inlet 12 and a refrigerant outlet 13. The interior of the frame 10 is provided with a liquid inlet channel 11 communicating with the refrigerant inlet 12 and a liquid outlet channel communicating with the refrigerant outlet 13. An annular sealing surface 30 extending circumferentially along the frame 10 is formed at the connection between the liquid cooling plate 20 and the frame 10. The liquid cooling plate 20 is provided with a cooling channel, which is connected to the liquid inlet channel 11, with the connection point located outside the annular sealing surface 30. When the connection between the liquid inlet channel 11 and the cooling channel is damaged and refrigerant leaks from the connection point, because the connection point is located outside the annular sealing surface 30, the path of the refrigerant to the battery storage space 40 is blocked by the annular sealing surface 30, preventing it from flowing into the battery storage space 40. This effectively reduces the risk of refrigerant flowing into the battery storage space 40 from the connection between the cooling channel and the liquid inlet channel 11. The refrigerant can be water, but is not limited to water. It should be noted that the outer side or external side refers to the side away from the battery storage space 40, and the inner side or internal side refers to the side close to the battery storage space 40. In subsequent embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the explanation in this embodiment can be referred to.

[0024] In one embodiment, the bottom of the frame 10 is provided with an annular flange 15 protruding into the hollow portion. The liquid cooling plate 20 is sealed to the annular flange 15 to form an annular sealing surface 30. In the orthographic projection line along the direction perpendicular to the liquid cooling plate 20, the projection area of ​​the annular sealing surface 30 is located within the projection area of ​​the battery storage space 40. That is, the annular sealing surface 30 is located within the hollow area of ​​the frame 10. By providing the annular flange 15, on the one hand, it facilitates the sealed connection between the frame 10 and the liquid cooling plate 20. On the other hand, since the frame 10 also has a liquid inlet channel 11 inside, if the liquid cooling plate 20 is sealed to the inside of the frame 10, that is, the annular sealing surface 30 is formed inside the frame 10, the structural strength of the liquid inlet channel 11 may be damaged during the processing of the annular sealing surface 30, increasing the risk of leakage of the liquid inlet channel 11. Furthermore, if both the annular sealing surface 30 and the liquid inlet channel 11 are located inside the frame 10, the structural dimensions inside the frame 10, especially the lateral dimensions, are required to be larger, leading to an increase in the cost of the frame 10.

[0025] There are several ways to connect the liquid cooling plate 20 and the annular flange 15. For example, the liquid cooling plate 20 and the annular flange 15 can be fixed by friction stir welding, with the weld extending circumferentially along the annular flange 15 to form an annular sealing surface 30. Fixing the liquid cooling plate 20 and the frame 10 by friction stir welding can save costs. Of course, in other embodiments, the liquid cooling plate 20 and the annular flange 15 can also be sealed and connected by bonding, bolting, or other methods.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5In one embodiment, the frame 10 includes a front frame 14, on which the refrigerant inlet 12, liquid inlet channel 11, refrigerant outlet 13, and liquid outlet channel can all be located. Thus, refrigerant entry and exit can be achieved on a single frame 10, facilitating connection to refrigerant equipment. Furthermore, the refrigerant inlet 12, liquid inlet channel 11, refrigerant outlet 13, and liquid outlet channel can be integrally die-cast onto the front frame 14 to improve manufacturing efficiency.

[0027] In one embodiment, the frame 10 includes a water inlet connector that communicates with the liquid inlet channel 11 and protrudes outward from the frame 10, and a water outlet connector that communicates with the liquid outlet channel and protrudes outward from the frame 10. The water inlet connector is the refrigerant inlet 12, and the water outlet connector is the refrigerant outlet 13. The water inlet connector and the water outlet connector are arranged to protrude outward from the frame 10 to facilitate connection with the pipeline of external refrigerant equipment.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9 In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 20 is provided with a first through hole 21 and a second through hole 22 extending along its thickness direction. The first through hole 21 is located on the outer side of the annular sealing surface 30, and the second through hole 22 is located on the inner side of the annular sealing surface 30. The liquid cooling plate 20 assembly also includes a connecting member 50 located outside the battery storage space 40, which seals and connects the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 22. The first through hole 21 is located at the connection point between the liquid inlet channel 11 and the cooling channel, and the second through hole 22 is connected to the cooling channel. In this way, the refrigerant can bypass the annular sealing surface 30 and flow into the cooling channel inside the liquid cooling plate 20 from the refrigerant inlet 12 through the connecting member 50 on the outer side of the battery storage space 40. Even if the refrigerant leaks in the above-mentioned flow path, most of it will flow into the bottom surface of the liquid cooling plate 20 and will not enter the battery storage space 40, thereby reducing the risk of refrigerant flowing into the battery storage space 40 and causing liquid ingress into the battery module.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the connecting member 50 is a plate-like structure. The connecting member 50 is sealed to the liquid cooling plate 20. A groove is provided on the surface of the connecting member 50 facing the liquid cooling plate 20, and the groove is surrounded by the sealing mating surfaces of the connecting member 50 and the liquid cooling plate 20. That is, the circumferential direction of the connecting member 50 is in close contact with the liquid cooling plate 20, the groove is located at the bottom of the liquid cooling plate 20 and inside the connecting member 50, and one end of the groove communicates with the first through hole 21, and the other end of the groove communicates with the second through hole 22, thereby achieving the communication function. By making the connecting member 50 a plate-like structure, it is convenient to seal the first through hole 21, the second through hole 22, and the groove; it is also convenient to process the connecting member 50, and the plate-like connecting member 50 is also easy to seal to the liquid cooling plate 20.

[0030] The connecting component 50 and the liquid cooling plate 20 can be fixedly connected by means of arc welding, laser welding, bonding, bolt connection, etc. For example, in order to save costs, the connecting component 50 is fixedly welded to the liquid cooling plate 20 by arc welding or laser welding.

[0031] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 6 to 9 In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 20 further includes a third through hole 23 and a fourth through hole 24 extending along its thickness direction. The third through hole 23 is located on the outer side of the annular sealing surface 30, and the fourth through hole 24 is located on the inner side of the annular sealing surface 30. The liquid cooling plate 20 assembly also includes a second connecting member 60 located outside the battery storage space 40, which seals and connects the third through hole 23 and the fourth through hole 24. The third through hole 23 communicates with the refrigerant outlet 13, and the fourth through hole 24 communicates with the cooling channel. In this way, when the refrigerant flows out from the cooling channel inside the liquid cooling plate 20, it can bypass the annular sealing surface 30 and flow out from the cooling channel to the refrigerant outlet 13 through the second connecting member 60 on the outer side of the battery storage space 40. Similarly, even if the refrigerant leaks in the above-mentioned flow path, most of it will flow into the bottom surface of the liquid cooling plate 20 and will not enter the battery storage space 40, thereby reducing the risk of refrigerant flowing into the battery storage space 40 and causing liquid ingress into the battery module. In addition, the specific structure and arrangement of the third through hole 23, the fourth through hole 24 and the second connecting member 60 can be referred to the first through hole 21, the second through hole 22 and the connecting member 50 mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the first through hole 21, the second through hole 22, the third through hole 23 and the fourth through hole 24 can be concentrated on the same side of the liquid cooling plate 20. On the one hand, this facilitates communication with the refrigerant inlet 12 and refrigerant outlet 13 on the same side surface of the frame 10. On the other hand, by concentrating the above four through holes on the same side of the liquid cooling plate 20, only one side of the liquid cooling plate 20 needs to be considered when setting the annular sealing surface 30. The annular sealing surface 30 on the other side can be adjusted as needed, which facilitates the fixing of the liquid cooling plate 20 and the frame 10.

[0033] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the described embodiment, the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 22 are spaced apart and arranged in the same row, and the third through hole 23 is also spaced apart and arranged in the same row, and is parallel to the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 22. In addition, the spacing between the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 22 is the same as the spacing between the third through hole 23 and the fourth through hole 24. On the plane along the orthographic projection of the vertical liquid cooling plate 20, the above four through holes are rectangularly distributed, which makes it easier to set the annular sealing surface 30 and process the liquid cooling plate 20.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 20 includes an annular connector 25 that surrounds the first through hole 21 and protrudes along the thickness direction of the liquid cooling plate 20. The annular connector 25 is inserted into the refrigerant channel. Thus, when the liquid cooling plate 20 is installed at the bottom of the frame 10, inserting the annular connector 25 into the liquid inlet channel 11 allows for the positioning and installation of the liquid cooling plate 20. Furthermore, the annular connector 25 also connects the refrigerant channel and the first through hole 21, guiding the flow of refrigerant and preventing it from flowing randomly. In a further embodiment, the annular connector 25 can be interference-fitted into the liquid inlet channel 11 to enhance the sealing effect of the annular connector 25 within the refrigerant channel; however, this is not a limitation. For example, a sealing ring can also be provided at the connection point to achieve a seal. Additionally, it should be noted that the shape and structure of the annular connector 25 are adapted to the structure of the liquid inlet channel 11. For example, if the cross-section of the liquid inlet channel 11 is circular, then the cross-section of the annular connector 25 is also circular; or, if the cross-section of the liquid inlet channel 11 is rectangular, then the cross-section of the annular connector 25 is also rectangular.

[0035] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 20 may also include a second annular connector that surrounds the third through hole 23 and protrudes along the thickness direction of the liquid cooling plate 20. The second annular connector may refer to the annular connector 25 described above, and will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0036] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 20 has a protrusion 26 coplanar with the liquid inlet channel 11 at the position opposite to the liquid cooling plate 20. The protrusion 26 is located outside the annular sealing surface 30 and protrudes from a local position on the side of the liquid cooling plate 20. The first through hole 21 is provided in the protrusion 26. By making a local position on the side of the liquid cooling plate 20 protrude, rather than the entire side of the liquid cooling plate 20 extending outward, the material used for the liquid cooling plate 20 can be reduced, making it more environmentally friendly. In addition, the third through hole 23 can be set with reference to the first through hole 21, which will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled plate assembly, characterized in that, include: The frame is hollow, and the outer surface of the frame is provided with a refrigerant inlet, and the inside of the frame is provided with a liquid inlet channel communicating with the refrigerant inlet; as well as A liquid cooling plate is disposed in the hollow part of the frame and is sealed to the bottom of the frame. The connection between the liquid cooling plate and the frame forms an annular sealing surface extending circumferentially along the frame. The cavity in the hollow part of the frame is a battery storage space. The liquid cooling plate forms the bottom of the battery storage space. The liquid cooling plate is provided with a cooling channel, which is connected to the liquid inlet channel. The connection position is located outside the annular sealing surface. The liquid cooling plate has a first through hole and a second through hole that extend along its own thickness direction. The first through hole is located on the outer side of the annular sealing surface, and the second through hole is located on the inner side of the annular sealing surface. The liquid cooling plate assembly also includes a connecting member located outside the battery storage space. The connecting member seals and connects the first through hole and the second through hole. The location of the first through hole forms the connecting position, and the second through hole is connected to the cooling channel.

2. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting member is a plate-shaped structure that is sealed to the liquid cooling plate. The surface of the connecting member facing the liquid cooling plate has a groove. The groove is surrounded by the sealing joint surface between the connecting member and the liquid cooling plate. One end of the groove is connected to the first through hole, and the other end of the groove is connected to the second through hole.

3. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid cooling plate includes an annular connector that surrounds the first through hole and protrudes along the thickness direction of the liquid cooling plate, and the annular connector is inserted into the liquid inlet channel.

4. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid cooling plate has a protrusion that is coplanar with the liquid cooling plate at the part opposite to the liquid inlet channel. The protrusion is located outside the annular sealing surface and protrudes from a local position on the side of the liquid cooling plate. The first through hole is provided in the protrusion.

5. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the frame is also provided with a refrigerant outlet, and the interior of the frame is provided with a liquid outlet channel communicating with the refrigerant outlet. The liquid outlet channel is connected to the cooling channel, and the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant inlet are located on the same side surface of the frame.

6. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid cooling plate also includes a third through hole and a fourth through hole extending along its own thickness direction. The third through hole is located on the outer side of the annular sealing surface, and the fourth through hole is located on the inner side of the annular sealing surface. The liquid cooling plate assembly also includes a second connecting member located outside the battery storage space. The second connecting member seals and connects the third through hole and the fourth through hole. The fourth through hole is connected to the cooling channel, and the third through hole is used to connect to the refrigerant outlet.

7. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are concentrated on the same side of the liquid cooling plate.

8. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the frame is provided with an annular flange protruding into the hollow part. The liquid cooling plate is sealed to the annular flange to form the annular sealing surface. In the orthographic projection along the direction perpendicular to the liquid cooling plate, the projection area of ​​the annular sealing surface is located within the projection area of ​​the battery storage space.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The liquid cooling plate assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; as well as A battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed within the battery storage space.

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