Liquid cooling plate welding device and welding method

Abstract

According to the liquid cooling plate welding device and method, under the condition that a brazing furnace is not used, welding of a collecting pipe and a runner plate is achieved, heat needed during welding is reduced through local welding, and energy is saved; the liquid cooling plate welding device comprises a welding unit, the welding unit comprises a plurality of heating modules arranged at intervals in the first direction, each heating module is provided with a containing groove opened in the second direction, the two ends, in the first direction, of each containing groove are open ends, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; belongs to the technical field of liquid cooling plate processing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of liquid cooling plate processing, and more particularly relates to a liquid cooling plate welding device and a welding method. BACKGROUND

[0002] New energy vehicles generally use liquid cooling plates for battery thermal management. The liquid cooling plate includes a flow channel plate and a liquid collecting pipe. The flow channel plate and the liquid collecting pipe are generally fixed together by brazing to ensure sealing. One liquid collecting pipe inputs liquid into the flow channel pipe, and the other liquid collecting pipe receives liquid from the flow channel pipe.

[0003] Since it is used on new energy vehicles, the size of the liquid cooling plate is relatively large, and the entire liquid cooling plate is placed in a brazing furnace for heating to complete brazing. This method requires large brazing furnace equipment and has high site requirements. In addition to the brazing position, other positions do not need to be heated, and this overall heating method wastes a lot of heat. SUMMARY

[0004] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a liquid cooling plate welding device and a welding method, which realizes the welding of the liquid collecting pipe and the flow channel plate without using a brazing furnace, and reduces the heat required during welding by using local welding to save energy.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, a liquid cooling plate welding device is provided, which includes a welding unit, the welding unit includes a plurality of heating modules arranged at intervals along a first direction, the heating module has a containing groove open along a second direction, both ends of the containing groove in the first direction are open ends, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0006] In the above-mentioned liquid cooling plate welding device, the welding unit is two and is arranged at intervals along a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0007] In the above-mentioned liquid cooling plate welding device, the heating module includes two graphite blocks arranged symmetrically, the graphite block has a recessed notch thereon, and the recessed notches on the two graphite blocks cooperate to form the containing groove.

[0008] A plurality of heating elements are arranged in the graphite block.

[0009] In the above-mentioned liquid cooling plate welding device, the two graphite blocks of the heating module have a gap in the third direction.

[0010] In the above-mentioned liquid cooling plate welding device, the width of the gap is adjustable.

[0011] In the liquid cooling plate welding device, the graphite block is provided with at least one heating area along the first direction, and the heating element is arranged in each heating area.

[0012] According to the second aspect of the present application, a welding method based on the liquid cooling plate welding device of the first aspect is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0013] Step 1: Assemble the manifold and the flow channel plate, fill the filler metal, and let the weld be downward;

[0014] Step 2: Arrange the heating module on the manifold so that the manifold passes through the accommodating groove and the weld is in the accommodating groove;

[0015] Step 3: Heat the heating module, heat at the first temperature for a predetermined time, and then stop heating the heating module;

[0016] Step 4: When the temperature of the manifold is lower than the solidification temperature of the filler metal, remove the heating module.

[0017] In the liquid cooling plate welding method, the heating module is preheated to a second temperature before being arranged on the manifold, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

[0018] In the liquid cooling plate welding method, in step 3, the heating module is heated in an atmosphere-protected environment.

[0019] One of the technical solutions in the above technical solution of the present application has at least one of the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0020] In the present application, a plurality of heating modules are used for welding, and the accommodating groove on the heating module can be arranged on the manifold, and the weld of the manifold and the flow channel plate is in the accommodating groove. The filler metal in the weld can be melted by heating the heating module to realize brazing. According to this structure, welding can be realized without a large brazing furnace, and local heating can be used to complete welding without heating the whole liquid cooling plate, thereby reducing the heat required for welding and saving energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The present application will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and examples.

[0022] Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of the liquid cooling plate welding device of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 is a structural schematic view of the heating module of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 is a structural schematic view of the driving module of the present application;

[0025] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate of the present application;

[0026] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate welding device cooperating with a liquid cooling plate of the present application;

[0027] Figure 6 is a structural sectional view of a heating module cooperating with a liquid cooling plate of the present application.

[0028] In each figure, the reference signs are:

[0029] 1, heating module; 11, accommodating groove; 12, graphite block; 12, recessed notch; 13, heating element; 2, driving module; 21, bracket; 22, air cylinder; 23, guide column; 24, pressing block; 100, header; 200, flow channel plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference signs represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0031] In the present application, the liquid cooling plate includes two headers 100 and a plurality of flow channel plates 200, the flow channel plates 200 are located between the two headers 100, the length direction of the header 100 is a first direction, the plurality of flow channel plates 200 are arranged at intervals along the first direction, the flow channel plate 200 has a flow channel, and after the subsequent header 100 and the flow channel plate 200 are brazed, the flow channel will be connected between the two headers 100.

[0032] According to a first aspect of the present application, with reference to Figures 1 to 6 shown, a liquid cooling plate welding device includes a welding unit, the welding unit includes a plurality of heating modules 1 arranged at intervals along a first direction, the heating module 1 has an accommodating groove 11 open along a second direction, both ends of the accommodating groove 11 in the first direction are open ends, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction;

[0033] A plurality of heating modules 1 are used for welding, the accommodating groove 11 on the heating module 1 can be arranged on the header 100, and the welding seam of the header 100 and the flow channel plate 200 is located in the accommodating groove 11, the solder in the welding seam can be melted by heating of the heating module 1 to realize brazing, relying on this structure, welding can be realized without a large brazing furnace, and the liquid cooling plate as a whole does not need to be heated, and welding can be completed by relying on local heating, reducing the heat required for welding and saving energy.

[0034] In the embodiment, the manifold 100 is made of a composite material of 3003 and 4343.

[0035] In the embodiment, two welding units are arranged along a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0036] One welding unit corresponds to one manifold 100, and two welding units are arranged to simultaneously weld two manifolds 100, so that the two manifolds 100 are simultaneously welded and fixed to the runner plate 200.

[0037] In the embodiment, the heating module 1 includes two graphite blocks 12 arranged symmetrically, and the graphite blocks 12 are provided with recessed notches 12, and the recessed notches 12 on the two graphite blocks 12 cooperate to form the accommodation groove 11.

[0038] The graphite block 12 is provided with a plurality of heating elements 13, and the heating element 13 is an electric heating device, such as a heating rod, a heating wire or a heating sheet.

[0039] The heating element 13 generates heat when powered on, and the heat is transmitted to the manifold 100 through the graphite block 12, and then the solder is heated. The two graphite blocks 12 not only function as clamps, but also have the function of heating, have good heat conduction, are resistant to oxidation, and will not adhere to the aluminum alloy manifold 100.

[0040] In the embodiment, each heating module 1 is provided with a driving module 2, and the driving module 2 includes a bracket 21 and a cylinder 22 arranged on the bracket 21. The bracket 21 is connected to an external rack, and the bracket 21 is provided with a guide column 23 extending along a third direction. The guide column 23 is slidably connected with two pressing blocks 24, and the two pressing blocks 24 are connected with the two graphite blocks 12, respectively. The cylinder 21 drives the two pressing blocks 24 to move close to or away from each other. When the two pressing blocks 24 move close to each other, the two pressing blocks 24 can form the accommodation groove 11, and the two graphite blocks 12 can be clamped on the manifold 100.

[0041] The output end of the cylinder 21 is provided with a movable block, and the cylinder 21 drives the movable block to move along a second direction. The movable block and the pressing block 24 are connected through a connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the movable block, and the other end of the connecting rod is hinged to the pressing block 24. In addition, the pressing block can only slide along the third direction. Therefore, when the movable block moves along the second direction, the two pressing blocks 24 can move close to or away from each other.

[0042] In some other embodiments, a pneumatic clamping jaw power source can also be used to drive the two pressing blocks 24 to move.

[0043] In the embodiment, the plurality of heating modules 1 of one welding unit are arranged at intervals, so that local heating can be achieved according to the position of the flow channel plate 200, and the gaps between the heating modules 1 can avoid friction between the heat pipe 100 and the graphite blocks 12 caused by thermal expansion and contraction.

[0044] In the embodiment, the two graphite blocks 12 of the heating module 1 have gaps in the third direction, so as to reduce the influence of thermal expansion and contraction.

[0045] Meanwhile, the width of the gap can be adjusted, and the two graphite blocks 12 of the heating module 1 can be clamped on the heat pipe 100 by adjusting the gap.

[0046] In the embodiment, the graphite block 12 is provided with at least one heating area along the first direction, and the heating element 13 is arranged in each heating area, so that the temperature of each heating area can be independently controlled, and each heating area corresponds to a corresponding welding position. By independently controlling the temperature of each heating area, the heating temperature of each welding position is relatively uniform, and the welding effect is stable.

[0047] In the embodiment, the sensor is fixed in the heating area, which is used to control the temperature of the graphite block, shorten the welding time, and prevent the aluminum material from melting due to excessive temperature.

[0048] According to a second aspect of the present application, a liquid cooling plate welding method comprises the following steps:

[0049] Step 1: Assemble the heat pipe 100 and the flow channel plate 200, fill the filler metal, and let the weld be downward, so as to facilitate the molten composite material to flow to the weld, so that the weld is filled more fully.

[0050] Step 2: The heating module 1 first heats the heating area to a second temperature, and then arranges the heating module 1 on the heat pipe 100, so that the heat pipe 100 passes through the accommodation groove 11, and the weld is located in the accommodation groove 11.

[0051] Step 3: The heating module 1 is heated, and after being heated at a first temperature for a predetermined time, the heating module 1 stops heating; the first temperature is lower than the second temperature, so that the heating module 1 is arranged on the heat pipe 100 at a relatively high temperature, so as to heat the heat pipe 100 more quickly and shorten the heating time.

[0052] The first temperature is the welding temperature, which is generally 585-595 degrees, and the second temperature is higher than the welding temperature, which is generally 620 degrees.

[0053] In addition, the heating process is carried out in an atmosphere-protected environment to reduce oxidation and ensure the welding quality. For example, a reducing flame can be used to heat the welding position, which can burn off the oxygen near the welding position to prevent oxidation and assist in processing heat. In addition, inert gas can be sprayed to the welding position to form a local protective layer during heating.

[0054] Step 4: When the temperature of the header 100 is lower than the solidification temperature of the filler metal, the heating module 1 is removed, and the brazing is completed.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the principles and spirit of the application, and the scope of the application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid cold plate welding apparatus, characterized by, The welding unit comprises a plurality of heating modules arranged in a first direction, each heating module having a receiving slot open in a second direction, both ends of the receiving slot being open ends in the first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The liquid cold plate welding device of claim 1, wherein, The welding unit comprises two heating modules arranged in a third direction, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction being perpendicular to each other.

3. The liquid cold plate welding device of claim 2, wherein, The heating module comprises two graphite blocks arranged symmetrically, each graphite block having a recessed notch, the recessed notches of the two graphite blocks cooperating to form the receiving slot. The graphite block is provided with a plurality of heating elements.

4. The liquid cold plate welding device of claim 3, wherein, The two graphite blocks of the heating module have a gap in the third direction.

5. The liquid cold plate welding device of claim 4, wherein, The width of the gap is adjustable.

6. The liquid cold plate welding device of claim 3, wherein, The graphite block is provided with at least one heating zone in the first direction, each heating zone being provided with the heating elements.

7. A welding method based on the welding apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: Step 1: Assemble the manifold with the runner plate, fill the brazing filler metal, and let the weld be downward; Step 2: Arrange the heating module on the manifold so that the manifold passes through the receiving slot and the weld is in the receiving slot; Step 3: Heat the heating module, heat at a first temperature for a predetermined time, and then stop heating the heating module; Step 4: When the temperature of the manifold is lower than the solidification temperature of the brazing filler metal, remove the heating module.

8. The liquid cold plate welding method of claim 7, wherein, The heating module is preheated to a second temperature before being arranged on the manifold, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

9. The liquid cold plate welding method of claim 7, wherein, In step 3, the heating module is heated in an atmosphere-protected environment. In step 3, the heating module is heated in an atmosphere-protected environment.

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