Thermal management system and battery device

Abstract

The invention discloses a thermal management system and a battery device, the thermal management system comprises a liquid cooling assembly and a current collecting component, the liquid cooling assembly comprises at least one liquid cooling plate, a heat exchange flow channel is formed in the liquid cooling plate, and at least one end of the liquid cooling plate along a first direction is provided with a first pipe joint; a first communicating channel communicating with the heat exchange runner is arranged in the first pipe joint, the flow collecting component is located on at least one side of the liquid cooling plate in the first direction and comprises a flow collecting piece and a second pipe joint, a flow collecting cavity is formed in the flow collecting piece, a second communicating channel is arranged in the second pipe joint, and the second communicating channel communicates with the first communicating channel and the flow collecting cavity; and a floating gap is formed between the second pipe joint and the flow collecting piece, so that the second pipe joint can move relative to the flow collecting piece. According to the thermal management system provided by the embodiment of the invention, the position deviation during connection of the liquid cooling plate and the current collecting component can be absorbed and compensated, the condition that the liquid cooling plate and the current collecting component are assembled in a misplaced manner or even cannot be assembled can be reduced or avoided, and the assembling difficulty is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, a thermal management system is often installed inside the battery pack to exchange heat with the individual battery cells. The thermal management system includes a liquid cooling assembly and a current collector. The heat exchange medium in the liquid cooling assembly is used to exchange heat with the individual battery cells, while the current collector is used to collect and distribute the heat exchange medium. For example, it can facilitate the flow of the heat exchange medium into the liquid cooling assembly to exchange heat with the individual battery cells, and it can also collect the heat exchange medium after heat exchange in the liquid cooling assembly and discharge it to the outside of the pack.

[0003] However, when assembling the current collector and liquid cooling assembly in related technologies, manufacturing errors or assembly tolerances can easily lead to misalignment between the two components during docking. This misalignment results in positional deviations, causing assembly difficulties, misalignment, or even complete failure to assemble, severely impacting assembly efficiency and reliability. Therefore, improving the assembly efficiency and reducing the assembly difficulty of the liquid cooling assembly and current collector has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of this invention is to provide a thermal management system in which the manifold is configured to include a manifold element and a second pipe connector. By creating a floating gap between the second pipe connector and the manifold element, during the assembly of the liquid cooling plate and the manifold, the floating gap can absorb and compensate for positional deviations during the connection of the liquid cooling plate and the manifold element. This reduces or avoids misalignment or even assembly failure between the liquid cooling plate and the manifold element, reduces assembly difficulty, improves assembly efficiency, and enhances the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a battery device including the above-described thermal management system.

[0006] A thermal management system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a liquid cooling assembly, the liquid cooling assembly including at least one liquid cooling plate, a heat exchange channel formed therein, a first pipe joint provided at least one end of the liquid cooling plate along a first direction, the first pipe joint having a first communicating channel communicating with the heat exchange channel; a flow collecting component, the flow collecting component being located on at least one side of the liquid cooling plate along the first direction and including a flow collecting element and a second pipe joint, a flow collecting cavity formed therein, one end of the second pipe joint being connected to the flow collecting element, the other end of the second pipe joint being connected to the first pipe joint, the second pipe joint having a second communicating channel communicating with the first communicating channel and the flow collecting cavity, and a floating gap being formed between the second pipe joint and the flow collecting element to allow the second pipe joint to be movable relative to the flow collecting element.

[0007] According to the thermal management system of the present invention, by providing a first pipe joint at at least one end of the liquid cooling plate along a first direction, the first pipe joint having a first communication channel communicating with the heat exchange channel, and the flow collection component being configured to include a flow collector and a second pipe joint, the flow collector having a flow collection cavity, and the second pipe joint having a second communication channel communicating with the first communication channel and the flow collection cavity, the communication between the heat exchange channel in the liquid cooling plate and the flow collection cavity of the flow collector can be realized; furthermore, by configuring the flow collection component in the thermal management system to include a flow collector and a second pipe joint, and by forming a floating gap between the second pipe joint and the flow collector, when the liquid cooling plate and the flow collection component are connected and assembled, the floating gap formed between the second pipe joint and the flow collector can absorb and compensate for the positional deviation when the liquid cooling plate and the flow collection component are connected, thereby reducing or avoiding the situation where the liquid cooling plate and the flow collection component are misaligned or even unable to be assembled, reducing the assembly difficulty, improving the assembly efficiency, and enhancing the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the maximum movable displacement of the second pipe joint relative to the manifold is a, and the value of a ranges from 1mm to 20mm.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the current collector includes a current collector body and a connecting connector. The current collector body has the current collecting cavity. The connecting connector is disposed in the current collector body and forms a connecting slot. One end of the second pipe connector is a current collecting connection end, and the other end of the second pipe connector is a cold plate connection end. The current collecting connection end is inserted into the connecting slot. At least a portion of the floating gap is formed between the current collecting connection end and the inner wall of the connecting slot. The cold plate connection end is connected to the first pipe connector.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the floating gap is located between the outer peripheral wall of the current collection connection end and the inner peripheral wall of the connection slot and is disposed around the current collection connection end.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the portion of the inner wall of the connecting slot opposite to the opening of the connecting slot is the slot bottom wall, a first sealing member is provided between the side of the current collection connection end near the slot bottom wall and the slot bottom wall, the slot bottom wall forms a communication hole communicating with the current collection cavity, the second communication channel is opposite to and communicates with the communication hole, and the first sealing member is located on the outer periphery of the communication hole and on the outer periphery of the second communication channel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first seal is an elastomer.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the maximum angle at which the second pipe fitting can swing relative to the connecting joint is α, and the value of α ranges from 2° to 8°.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first sealing member is fixed to the current collection connection end and abuts against the bottom wall of the slot; the current collection component further includes a limiting pressure plate, a limiting step surface is formed on the side of the current collection connection end near the cold plate connection end, the limiting pressure plate is located on the side of the limiting step surface near the cold plate connection end and is connected to or abuts against the limiting step surface, and the limiting pressure plate is fixed to the connection joint.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting pressure plate is welded to the connecting joint and / or connected by fasteners.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting pressure plate is annular and sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the second pipe joint, and there is a fitting gap between the inner peripheral wall of the limiting pressure plate and the outer peripheral wall of the second pipe joint, the fitting gap constituting part of the floating gap.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting pressure plate is annular, the part of the second pipe joint that mates with the limiting pressure plate is a mating section, the outer diameter of the mating section is D3, the inner diameter of the limiting pressure plate is D4, and 1mm≤D4-D3≤20mm.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the current collector is a one-piece molded part.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the other end of the second pipe joint is a cold plate connection end, which is inserted into the first pipe joint.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer peripheral wall of the cold plate connecting end is formed with a receiving groove, the receiving groove is arranged around the cold plate connecting end, and a second sealing member is provided in the receiving groove, the second sealing member being located between the cold plate connecting end and the first pipe joint.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first pipe joint is detachably connected to the cold plate connection end.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first pipe fitting is connected to the cold plate connection end by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buckle structure includes a limiting buckle, and a plurality of the limiting buckles are provided on the outer peripheral side of the connecting joint. The plurality of limiting buckles are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the connecting joint. A limiting flange is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first pipe joint. The limiting buckle includes a pressing part and an elastic arm. One end of the elastic arm is connected to the connecting joint, and the other end of the elastic arm is connected to the pressing part. The axial end face of the first pipe joint includes a first axial end face, which abuts against the connecting joint. The pressing part is located on the side of the limiting flange away from the first axial end face and abuts against the limiting flange.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the snap fastener includes a snap fastening surface and a guide surface. The snap fastening surface abuts against the limiting flange, and the guide surface is located on the side of the snap fastening surface away from the limiting flange. In a direction along the axial direction of the first pipe joint and close to the limiting flange, the guide surface extends obliquely toward the central axis of the first pipe joint.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a single first pipe fitting corresponds to two of the limiting buckles, and the two limiting buckles are located on opposite sides of the limiting flange.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buckle structure further includes a limiting rib, the limiting rib being formed on the outer periphery of the connecting joint, the limiting rib surrounding the outer periphery of the limiting flange, the limiting rib including two oppositely arranged first rib segments and two oppositely arranged second rib segments, the adjacent ends of the two first rib segments being connected by the second rib segments, the spacing between the two first rib segments gradually increasing in the direction from the end of the first rib segment to the middle of the first rib segment, and the limiting buckle being disposed on the first rib segment and located in the middle of the first rib segment.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple liquid cooling plates, and the current collection component includes multiple second pipe joints. The number of second pipe joints on a single current collection component is the same as the number of liquid cooling plates and they correspond one-to-one.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the manifold includes a first pipe and a second pipe connected and communicating with each other, the central axis of the first pipe and the central axis of the second pipe are arranged at an angle, a portion of the second pipe connector is connected to the first pipe, a portion of the second pipe connector is connected to the second pipe, and at least one of the first pipe and the second pipe has an inlet or an outlet.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of liquid cooling plates are spaced apart along a second direction, and a receiving space for accommodating a battery cell is defined between two adjacent liquid cooling plates. Each liquid cooling plate is provided with a first pipe joint at both ends along the first direction. There are two current collecting components, which are located on both sides of the liquid cooling assembly along the first direction. The current collecting components located on the same side in the first direction are connected to the corresponding first pipe joint. One current collecting component forms a liquid inlet and the other current collecting component forms a liquid outlet.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a battery device includes: a housing; a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing; and a thermal management system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the thermal management system is disposed within the housing, and the battery cells are thermally connected to the liquid cooling plate.

[0031] According to the battery device of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned thermal management system, and by providing a first pipe joint at at least one end of the liquid cooling plate in the thermal management system along a first direction, the first pipe joint having a first communication channel communicating with the heat exchange flow channel, and the current collection component being configured to include a current collector and a second pipe joint, the current collector having a current collection cavity formed therein, and the second pipe joint having a second communication channel communicating with the first communication channel and the current collection cavity, the communication between the heat exchange flow channel in the liquid cooling plate and the current collection cavity of the current collector can be realized; furthermore, the current collection component in the thermal management system is configured to include a current collector and a second pipe joint, and by forming a floating gap between the second pipe joint and the current collector, when the liquid cooling plate and the current collection component are connected and assembled, the floating gap formed between the second pipe joint and the current collector can absorb and compensate for the positional deviation when the liquid cooling plate and the current collection component are connected, thereby reducing or avoiding the situation where the liquid cooling plate and the current collection component are misaligned or even unable to be assembled, reducing the assembly difficulty, improving the assembly efficiency, and improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0032] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of a thermal management system and a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another angle of the assembly diagram of the thermal management system and battery cells;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another assembly diagram of the thermal management system and battery cells;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another angle of the assembly diagram of the thermal management system and battery cells;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the thermal management system and the battery cell, wherein a schematic diagram of the separation of the current collector on one side along the first direction is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly of some structures and the first pipe joint in the thermal management system;

[0040] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the assembly of some structures and the first pipe joint in the thermal management system;

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the manifold and the first pipe joint in the thermal management system.

[0043] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0044] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the manifold and the first pipe joint in the thermal management system from another angle;

[0045] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing the separation of the current collection component from the first pipe joint;

[0046] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the current collection component;

[0047] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the current collection component from another angle;

[0048] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the current collection component in the middle;

[0049] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the current collection component from another angle;

[0050] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 Exploded view of part of the current collection component in the diagram;

[0051] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the current collection component.

[0052] Figure label:

[0053] 10. Thermal management system;

[0054] 1. Liquid cooling assembly; 11. Liquid cooling plate; 111. Accommodation space; 12. First pipe connector; 121. First connecting channel; 122. Limiting flange; 123. First axial end face;

[0055] 2. Collector component; 21. Collector element; 211. Collector element body; 2111. Collector cavity; 212. Connecting joint; 213. Connecting slot; 2131. Slot bottom wall; 2132. Connecting hole; 214. Limiting rib; 2141. First rib section; 2142. Second rib section; 22. Second pipe joint; 221. Second connecting channel; 222. Collector connection end; 2221. Limiting step surface; 223. Cold plate connection end; 2231. Receiving groove; 224. Mating section; 23. Limiting pressure plate; 24. First pipe body; 25. Second pipe body; 26. Liquid inlet; 27. Liquid outlet;

[0056] 3. Floating clearance; 31. Fitting clearance; 41. First seal; 42. Second seal; 43. Limiting buckle; 431. Press-fit part; 4311. Press-fit surface; 4312. Guide surface; 432. Elastic arm;

[0057] 50. Battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0059] The following is for reference. Figures 1-18 A thermal management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 According to a first aspect of the present invention, a thermal management system 10 includes a liquid cooling assembly 1 and a collector 2. The liquid cooling assembly 1 includes at least one liquid cooling plate 11, in which a heat exchange channel is formed. At least one end of the liquid cooling plate 11 along a first direction (e.g., referring to direction e1 in the figures) is provided with a first pipe joint 12. The first pipe joint 12 has a first connecting channel 121 communicating with the heat exchange channel. The collector 2 is located on at least one side of the liquid cooling plate 11 along the first direction and includes a collector 21 and a second pipe joint 22. The collector 21 has a collector cavity 2111. One end of the second pipe joint 22 is connected to the collector 21, and the other end of the second pipe joint 22 is connected to the first pipe joint 12. The second pipe joint 22 has a second connecting channel 221 communicating with the first connecting channel 121 and the collector cavity 2111. A floating gap 3 is formed between the second pipe joint 22 and the collector 21 to allow the second pipe joint 22 to be movable relative to the collector 21.

[0061] A first pipe joint 12 is provided at least one end of the liquid cooling plate 11 along the first direction. The first pipe joint 12 has a first connecting channel 121 that communicates with the heat exchange channel. The flow collecting component 2 includes a flow collecting element 21 and a second pipe joint 22. A flow collecting cavity 2111 is formed in the flow collecting element 21. The second pipe joint 22 has a second connecting channel 221 that connects the first connecting channel 121 and the flow collecting cavity 2111. This allows communication between the heat exchange channel in the liquid cooling plate 11 and the flow collecting cavity 2111 of the flow collecting element 21. This allows the heat exchange medium in the flow collecting cavity 2111 to enter the heat exchange channel for heat exchange through the second connecting channel 221 and the first connecting channel 121. It also allows the heat exchange medium after heat exchange in the heat exchange channel to flow into the flow collecting cavity 2111 through the first connecting channel 121 and the second connecting channel 221 for subsequent discharge.

[0062] For example, the thermal management system 10 can be located inside the battery device to exchange heat with the battery cells 50. The heat exchange medium can be an insulating material, a conductive material (e.g., water), or an insulating liquid. The heat exchange medium can also be a liquid with weak conductivity.

[0063] Furthermore, the floating gap 3 formed between the second pipe connector 22 and the collector 21 allows the second pipe connector 22 to move relative to the collector 21. For example, the second pipe connector 22 can move radially relative to the collector 21, or it can swing relative to the collector 21. This can absorb and compensate for the mating deviation between the first pipe connector 12 and the collector 21 to a certain extent, allowing the first pipe connector 12 to be smoothly assembled onto the collector 21 via the second pipe connector 22. It can also absorb and compensate for the positional deviation when the liquid cooling plate 11 is connected to the collector 2, reducing or avoiding the mating deviation between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the collector 2. In cases of misalignment or even inability to assemble, this can reduce or avoid assembly jamming caused by the docking deviation between the first pipe connector 12 and the manifold 21, reduce assembly difficulty, and improve the assembly efficiency of the first pipe connector 12 and the manifold 21. It can also make the assembly between the first pipe connector 12 and the manifold 21 more stable, which is conducive to improving the reliability of the thermal management system 10. This floating gap 3 between the second pipe connector 22 and the manifold 21 can also reduce the requirements for the assembly alignment accuracy of the first pipe connector 12 and the manifold 21, and the docking between the first pipe connector 12 and the manifold 21 can be completed without high-precision calibration operations.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system 10, by providing a first pipe joint 12 at at least one end of the liquid cooling plate 11 along a first direction, the first pipe joint 12 having a first communication channel 121 communicating with the heat exchange channel, and the flow collecting component 2 being configured to include a flow collecting element 21 and a second pipe joint 22, the flow collecting element 21 having a flow collecting cavity 2111, and the second pipe joint 22 having a second communication channel 221 communicating with the first communication channel 121 and the flow collecting cavity 2111, can realize the communication between the heat exchange channel in the liquid cooling plate 11 and the flow collecting cavity 2111 of the flow collecting element 21; and, the thermal... The current collection component 2 in the management system 10 is configured to include a current collection element 21 and a second pipe connector 22. By forming a floating gap 3 between the second pipe connector 22 and the current collection element 21, when the liquid cooling plate 11 is connected and assembled with the current collection component 2, the floating gap 3 formed between the second pipe connector 22 and the current collection element 21 can absorb and compensate for the positional deviation when the liquid cooling plate 11 and the current collection component 2 are connected. This can reduce or avoid the situation where the liquid cooling plate 11 and the current collection component 2 are misaligned or even unable to be assembled, reduce the assembly difficulty, improve the assembly efficiency, and improve the reliability of the thermal management system 10.

[0065] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the maximum movable displacement of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the manifold 21 is 'a', and the value of 'a' ranges from 1mm to 20mm. For example, the maximum movable displacement 'a' of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the manifold 21 can be 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, etc. For example, the value of 'a' can range from 2mm to 6mm.

[0066] By ensuring that the maximum movable displacement 'a' of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the current collector 21 is not less than 1 mm, this movable displacement of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the current collector 21 can effectively compensate for the docking deviation between the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21 caused by manufacturing errors, allowing the first pipe connector 12 to be connected to the current collector 21 more smoothly via the second pipe connector 22. By ensuring that the maximum movable displacement 'a' of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the current collector 21 is not greater than 20 mm, the connection strength between the second pipe connector 22 and the current collector 21 is higher, thereby ensuring a stronger connection reliability between the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21. This avoids reducing the connection strength between the second pipe connector 22 and the connecting connector 212 due to an excessively large maximum movable displacement of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the current collector 21.

[0067] By setting the maximum movable displacement 'a' of the second pipe joint 22 relative to the current collector 21 to a range of 1mm-20mm, the compensation effect of the second pipe joint 22 on the docking deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the current collector 21 and the connection reliability between the second pipe joint 22 and the current collector 21 can be better balanced.

[0068] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the maximum angle at which the second pipe connector 22 can swing relative to the current collector 21 is α, and the value of α ranges from 2° to 8°. For example, the maximum angle α at which the second pipe connector 22 can swing relative to the current collector 21 can be 2°, 4°, 6°, 7°, 8°, etc.

[0069] By ensuring that the maximum swing angle α of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the current collector 21 is not less than 2°, the displacement of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the current collector 21 can effectively compensate for the docking angle deviation between the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21 caused by manufacturing errors, allowing the first pipe connector 12 to dock with the second pipe connector 22 more smoothly. By ensuring that the maximum swing angle α of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the current collector 21 is not greater than 8°, the second pipe connector 22 and the current collector 21 can have a certain connection strength, thereby ensuring that the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21 have strong connection reliability and avoiding a decrease in the connection strength between the second pipe connector 22 and the connecting connector 212 due to excessive swing.

[0070] The maximum swing angle α of the second pipe joint 22 relative to the current collector 21 is in the range of 2°-8°, which can better balance the compensation effect of the second pipe joint 22 on the docking angle deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the current collector 21, as well as the connection reliability between the second pipe joint 22 and the current collector 21.

[0071] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the current collector 21 includes a current collector body 211 and a connecting connector 212. The current collector body 211 has a current collecting cavity 2111. The connecting connector 212 is disposed in the current collector body 211 and has a connecting slot 213. One end of the second pipe connector 22 is a current collecting connection end 222, and the other end of the second pipe connector 22 is a cold plate connection end 223, which is connected to the first pipe connector 12. The current collecting connection end 222 is inserted into the connecting slot 213, and at least a portion of a floating gap 3 is formed between the current collecting connection end 222 and the inner wall of the connecting slot 213. The floating gap 3 formed between the current collector connection 222 and the inner wall of the connection slot 213 may include at least the following: for example, it may be the portion of the floating gap 3 formed between the current collector connection 222 and the inner wall of the connection slot 213; or for example, it may be the entirety of the floating gap 3 formed between the current collector connection 222 and the inner wall of the connection slot 213.

[0072] By inserting the current collection connection end 222 of the second pipe connector 22 into the connection slot 213, the connection between the second pipe connector 22 and the connection connector 212 is a plug-in connection. This makes the connection between the second pipe connector 22 and the connection connector 212 simpler. The connection connector 212 can serve as the mounting carrier for the second pipe connector 22, providing support and fixation for the second pipe connector 22. It can also enable communication between the second communication channel 221 inside the second pipe connector 22 and the current collection cavity 2111.

[0073] Furthermore, at least a portion of the floating gap 3 is formed between the current collection connection end 222 and the inner wall of the connection slot 213. For example, the current collection connection end 222 and the connection slot 213 are in clearance fit. This portion of the gap between the current collection connection end 222 and the inner wall of the connection slot 213 can form at least a portion of the floating gap 3, so as to realize the design that the second pipe connector 22 is movable relative to the current collector 21. The inner wall of the connection slot 213 can constrain the range of motion of the second pipe connector 22 relative to the connection connector 212, so that the second pipe connector 22 is movable relative to the connection connector 212 according to a preset trajectory and direction. For example, the second pipe connector 22 can move radially relative to the connection connector 212, or the second pipe connector 22 can swing relative to the connection connector 212. This can effectively compensate for the docking deviation between the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21, and can also make the connection between the second pipe connector 22 and the current collector 21 more reliable.

[0074] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the floating gap 3 is located between the outer peripheral wall of the current collection connection end 222 and the inner peripheral wall of the connection slot 213, and at least a portion of the floating gap 3 is disposed around the current collection connection end 222. Wherein, the at least portion of the floating gap 3 being located between the outer peripheral wall of the current collection connection end 222 and the inner peripheral wall of the connection slot 213 and disposed around the current collection connection end 222 may include the following situations: for example, a portion of the floating gap 3 may be located between the outer peripheral wall of the current collection connection end 222 and the inner peripheral wall of the connection slot 213 and disposed around the current collection connection end 222; as another example, the entire floating gap 3 may be located between the outer peripheral wall of the current collection connection end 222 and the inner peripheral wall of the connection slot 213 and disposed around the current collection connection end 222.

[0075] With at least a portion of the floating gap 3 located between the outer peripheral wall of the collector connection end 222 and the inner peripheral wall of the connecting slot 213, and with at least a portion of the floating gap 3 surrounding the collector connection end 222, the floating gap 3 can surround the circumference of the collector connection end 222. This allows the movement of the collector connection end 222 relative to the connecting slot 213 in multiple radial directions or at multiple angles to absorb the mating deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the collector 21. For example, when there is a certain mating angle deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the collector 21, the angular deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the collector 21 can be compensated by the swinging of the collector connection end 222 relative to the connecting slot 213. As another example, when there is a mating deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the collector 21 in a certain radial direction, the mating deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the collector 21 in the radial direction can be compensated by the radial movement of the collector connection end 222 relative to the connecting slot 213, thereby achieving effective mating between the first pipe joint 12 and the collector 21 and reducing or avoiding the possibility of assembly jamming.

[0076] Reference Figures 15-17 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer contour of the cross-section of the current collector connection 222 is circular, the cross-section of the connection slot 213 is circular, the outer diameter of the current collector connection 222 is D1, and the diameter of the connection slot 213 is D2, where 1mm ≤ D2 - D1 ≤ 20mm. For example, the values ​​of D2 - D1 can be 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, etc. For example, the range of D2 - D1 can be 4mm-12mm.

[0077] By ensuring that D2-D1≥1mm, the floating gap 3 between the current collector connection end 222 and the inner peripheral wall of the connection slot 213 can be larger. This allows the displacement of the current collector connection end 222 relative to the connection slot 213 to effectively compensate for the docking deviation between the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21 caused by manufacturing errors, so that the first pipe connector 12 can be connected to the current collector 21 more smoothly through the current collector connection end 222. By ensuring that D2-D1≤20mm, the current collector connection end 222 and the connection slot 213 can have a certain connection strength, thereby making the connection reliability between the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21 stronger and avoiding the reduction of the connection strength between the second pipe connector 22 and the connection connector 212 due to the excessive gap between the current collector connection end 222 and the connection slot 213.

[0078] By ensuring that the outer diameter D1 of the current collector connection 222 and the diameter D2 of the connection slot 213 satisfy 1mm≤D2-D1≤20mm, the compensation effect of the current collector connection 222 on the docking angle deviation between the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21 and the connection reliability between the second pipe connector 22 and the connection connector 212 can be better balanced.

[0079] Reference Figures 15-17 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the portion of the inner wall of the connecting slot 213 opposite to the opening of the connecting slot 213 is the slot bottom wall 2131. A first sealing member 41 is provided between the side of the current collection connection end 222 near the slot bottom wall 2131 and the slot bottom wall 2131. The slot bottom wall 2131 forms a connecting hole 2132 communicating with the current collection cavity 2111. The second connecting channel 221 is opposite to the connecting hole 2132 and communicates with the connecting hole 2132. The first sealing member 41 is located on the outer periphery of the connecting hole 2132 and on the outer periphery of the second connecting channel 221.

[0080] The portion of the inner wall of the connecting slot 213 opposite to the opening of the connecting slot 213 forms the slot bottom wall 2131. The slot bottom wall 2131 axially limits the assembly of the collector connection end 222 on the connecting joint 212, preventing the collector connection end 222 from being over-inserted into the collector component 21. A connecting hole 2132 communicating with the collector cavity 2111 is formed through the slot bottom wall 2131. The second connecting channel 221 is opposite to and communicates with the connecting hole 2132, allowing communication between the second connecting channel 221 and the collector cavity 2111 through the connecting hole 2132, so that the heat exchange medium can flow between the second connecting channel 221 and the collector cavity 2111.

[0081] Furthermore, by providing a first seal 41 between the side of the collector connection end 222 near the bottom wall 2131 of the slot and the bottom wall 2131 of the slot, the first seal 41 can seal the gap between the connecting hole 2132 and the second connecting channel 221, effectively reducing the possibility of heat exchange medium leakage from the mating gap between the connecting hole 2132 and the second connecting channel 221. Moreover, by placing the first seal 41 on the outer periphery of the connecting hole 2132 and the outer periphery of the second connecting channel 221, the first seal 41 can form an annular sealing surface, which can more comprehensively block the leakage of heat exchange medium from the mating gap between the connecting hole 2132 and the second connecting channel 221, effectively improving the sealing effect of the first seal 41 on the gap between the collector connection end 222 and the connecting slot 213.

[0082] Reference Figures 15-17According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first seal 41 is an elastic body. By making the first seal 41 an elastic body, the first seal 41 can have better elastic deformation force, reducing the resistance when the collector connection end 222 moves relative to the connecting joint 212. For example, when the collector connection end 222 moves relative to the connecting slot 213 in the radial direction to compensate for the radial misalignment between the first pipe joint 12 and the collector 21, the first seal 41 can follow the second pipe joint 22 in the radial movement along the connecting slot 213. Or, when the collector connection end 222 swings relative to the connecting slot 213 to compensate for the misalignment angle between the first pipe joint 12 and the collector 21, the first seal 41 can use its own elastic deformation to make the collector connection end 222 swing relatively smoothly relative to the connecting slot 213, reducing the resistance during the swinging process of the collector connection end 222 relative to the connecting slot 213.

[0083] For example, the first seal 41 can be a polymer elastomer, such as a rubber component. For example, the first seal 41 can be a fluororubber component or an ethylene propylene rubber component.

[0084] By making the first seal 41 a polymer elastomer, the flexibility of the polymer elastomer can reduce the friction and wear caused by direct hard contact between the manifold connection end 222 and the connection joint 212.

[0085] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the maximum angle at which the second pipe joint 22 can swing relative to the connecting joint 212 is α, and the value of α ranges from 2° to 8°. For example, the maximum angle α at which the second pipe joint 22 can swing relative to the connecting joint 212 can be 2°, 4°, 6°, 7°, 8°, etc.

[0086] By ensuring that the maximum swing angle α of the second pipe joint 22 relative to the connecting joint 212 is not less than 2°, the displacement of the second pipe joint 22 relative to the connecting joint 212 can effectively compensate for the deviation in the mating angle between the first pipe joint 12 and the connecting joint 212 caused by manufacturing errors, allowing the first pipe joint 12 to smoothly mate with the second pipe joint 22. By ensuring that the maximum swing angle α of the second pipe joint 22 relative to the connecting joint 212 is not greater than 8°, the second pipe joint 22 and the connecting joint 212 can have a certain connection strength, thereby ensuring that the first pipe joint 12 and the connecting joint 212 have strong connection reliability and avoiding a decrease in the connection strength between the second pipe joint 22 and the connecting joint 212 due to excessive swing.

[0087] The maximum swing angle α of the second pipe joint 22 relative to the connecting joint 212 is in the range of 2°-8°, which can better balance the compensation effect of the second pipe joint 22 on the docking angle deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the current collector 21, as well as the connection reliability between the second pipe joint 22 and the current collector 21.

[0088] Reference Figures 15-17 In some embodiments of the present invention, the first sealing member 41 is fixed to the current collection connection end 222 and the first sealing member 41 abuts against the bottom wall 2131 of the slot. The current collection component 2 also includes a limiting pressure plate 23. A limiting step surface 2221 is formed on the side of the current collection connection end 222 near the cold plate connection end 223. The limiting pressure plate 23 is located on the side of the limiting step surface 2221 near the cold plate connection end 223 and the limiting pressure plate 23 is connected to or abuts against the limiting step surface 2221. The limiting pressure plate 23 is fixed to the connecting joint 212.

[0089] By fixing the first seal 41 to the collector connection end 222 and abutting against the bottom wall 2131 of the slot, and with the axial constraint of the limiting pressure plate 23, the first seal 41 can be pressed tightly against the bottom wall 2131 of the slot. In this way, when the collector connection end 222 of the second pipe joint 22 moves radially or swings relative to the connecting slot 213, the first seal 41 can also provide a good sealing effect on the gap between the collector connection end 222 and the bottom wall 2131 of the slot, effectively reducing the possibility of heat exchange medium leakage from the joint gap between the collector connection end 222 and the bottom wall 2131 of the slot.

[0090] For example, the flow connection end 222 of the first seal 41 and the second pipe joint 22 can be formed by a secondary vulcanization process. This can make the connection strength between the first seal 41 and the second pipe joint 22 higher, reduce the possibility of the first seal 41 falling off the second pipe joint 22, and also make the manufacturing cost of the first seal 41 and the second pipe joint 22 lower.

[0091] A limiting step surface 2221 is formed on the side of the current collector 2 near the cold plate connection end 223. The limiting pressure plate 23 is located on the side of the limiting step surface 2221 near the cold plate connection end 223 and is connected to or abuts against the limiting step surface 2221. The limiting pressure plate 23 is fixed to the connecting joint 212. The connecting joint 212 can serve as the mounting carrier for the limiting pressure plate 23, providing support and fixation for the limiting pressure plate 23. The limiting pressure plate 23 can limit the second pipe joint 22 along the axial direction of the connecting joint 212, effectively preventing the possibility of the second pipe joint 22 falling out of the connecting slot 213.

[0092] Reference Figures 9-11According to some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting pressure plate 23 is welded to the connecting joint 212 and / or connected by fasteners. By welding the limiting pressure plate 23 to the connecting joint 212, the connection between the limiting pressure plate 23 and the connecting joint 212 can be simplified and has strong stability.

[0093] By connecting the limiting pressure plate 23 and the connecting joint 212 with fasteners, the connection between the limiting pressure plate 23 and the connecting joint 212 can be simplified and has strong stability. It also allows for a detachable connection between the limiting pressure plate 23 and the connecting joint 212, making the maintenance or replacement of the limiting pressure plate 23 or the current collector 21 more convenient. For example, when it is necessary to maintain or replace the limiting pressure plate 23 or the connecting joint 212, the maintenance or replacement operation can be carried out by releasing the fastener connection between the limiting pressure plate 23 and the connecting joint 212. Compared with replacing the entire structure of the limiting pressure plate 23 and the connecting joint 212, this reduces the difficulty of maintaining or replacing the limiting pressure plate 23 or the connecting joint 212 and improves the convenience of operation.

[0094] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting pressure plate 23 is annular and is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second pipe joint 22. A fitting gap 31 exists between the inner peripheral wall of the limiting pressure plate 23 and the outer peripheral wall of the second pipe joint 22, forming part of the floating gap 3. By making the limiting pressure plate 23 annular and sleeved on the outer periphery of the second pipe joint 22, the limiting pressure plate 23 can limit the second pipe joint 22 along its circumference, resulting in a more uniform force distribution between the limiting pressure plate 23 and the second pipe joint 22, thus enhancing the limiting effect of the limiting pressure plate 23 on the second pipe joint 22.

[0095] Furthermore, a fitting gap 31 is formed between the inner peripheral wall of the limiting pressure plate 23 and the outer peripheral wall of the second pipe joint 22. In this way, the limiting pressure plate 23 limits the second pipe joint 22 along the axial direction of the connecting joint 212, so as to effectively prevent the second pipe joint 22 from falling out of the connecting slot 213. At the same time, the second pipe joint 22 can move relative to the connecting joint 212 to compensate for the docking deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the manifold 21, so that the first pipe joint 12 can be smoothly assembled onto the manifold 21 via the second pipe joint 22.

[0096] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting pressure plate 23 is annular, and the part of the second pipe joint 22 that mates with the limiting pressure plate 23 is the mating section 224. The outer diameter of the mating section 224 is D3, and the inner diameter of the limiting pressure plate 23 is D4, where 1mm≤D4-D3≤20mm.

[0097] For example, the values ​​of D4-D3 can be 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, etc. For example, the range of D4-D3 values ​​can be 4mm-12mm.

[0098] By ensuring that D4-D3≥1mm, the fit clearance 31 between the second pipe connector 22 and the inner circumferential wall of the limiting pressure plate 23 can be larger. This allows the movable displacement of the second pipe connector 22 and the limiting pressure plate 23 to effectively compensate for the docking deviation between the first pipe connector 12 and the current collector 21 caused by manufacturing errors, thus enabling the first pipe connector 12 to connect to the current collector 21 more smoothly. By ensuring that D4-D3≤20mm, the current collector connection end 222 and the connection slot 213 can have a certain connection strength. This, in turn, can make the connection between the second pipe connector 22 and the connection connector 212 more reliable, avoiding the reduction in the connection strength between the second pipe connector 22 and the connection connector 212 due to an excessively large gap between the second pipe connector 22 and the limiting pressure plate 23.

[0099] By ensuring that the outer diameter D3 of the mating section 224 of the second pipe joint 222 and the inner diameter D4 of the limiting pressure plate 23 satisfy 1mm≤D4-D3≤20mm, the compensation effect on the docking angle deviation between the first pipe joint 12 and the manifold 21 and the connection reliability between the second pipe joint 22 and the connecting joint 212 can be better balanced.

[0100] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the current collector 21 is an integrally formed part. For example, the current collector 21 includes a current collector body 211 and a connecting joint 212. The current collector body 211 has a current collecting cavity 2111. The connecting joint 212 is disposed in the current collector body 211 and has a connecting slot 213. One end of the second pipe joint 22 is a current collecting connection end 222, and the other end of the second pipe joint 22 is a cold plate connection end 223. The current collecting connection end 222 is inserted into the connecting slot 213. By making the current collector body 211 and the connecting joint 212 integrally formed, the current collector 21 can have a strong structural strength, and the assembly process between the current collector body 211 and the connecting joint 212 can be eliminated.

[0101] Reference Figures 9-12According to some embodiments of the present invention, the other end of the second pipe connector 22 is a cold plate connection end 223, which is inserted into the first pipe connector 12. Inserting the cold plate connection end 223 into the first pipe connector 12 simplifies the connection between the second pipe connector 22 and the first pipe connector 12 and provides greater stability. Furthermore, inserting the cold plate connection end 223 into the first pipe connector 12 facilitates communication between the first connecting channel 121 and the second connecting channel 221, and to some extent enhances the sealing performance between the first pipe connector 12 and the second pipe connector 22. For example, compared to the end face of the cold plate connection end 223 abutting against the end face of the first pipe connector 12 to connect the first connecting channel 121 and the second connecting channel 221, inserting the cold plate connection end 223 into the first pipe connector 12 reduces the possibility of direct leakage of the heat exchange medium through the gap between the end face of the cold plate connection end 223 and the end face of the first pipe connector 12.

[0102] In addition, by inserting the cold plate connection end 223 into the first pipe joint 12, the contact area between the first pipe joint 12 and the second pipe joint 22 can be increased, thereby improving the connection strength between the first pipe joint 12 and the second pipe joint 22.

[0103] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a receiving groove 2231 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the cold plate connecting end 223. The receiving groove 2231 is arranged around the cold plate connecting end 223, and a second sealing member 42 is provided in the receiving groove 2231. The second sealing member 42 is located between the cold plate connecting end 223 and the first pipe joint 12. By forming a receiving groove 2231 on the outer peripheral wall of the cold plate connecting end 223 and providing a second sealing member 42 in the receiving groove 2231, the receiving groove 2231 can facilitate the assembly of the second sealing member 42 on the second pipe joint 22, and can make the overall structure of the second sealing member 42 and the second pipe joint 22 more compact. Furthermore, by being located between the cold plate connecting end 223 and the first pipe joint 12, the second sealing member 42 can seal the gap between the cold plate connecting end 223 and the first pipe joint 12, thereby reducing the possibility of heat exchange medium leakage through the gap between the cold plate connecting end 223 and the first pipe joint 12.

[0104] For example, the second seal 42 and the first pipe joint 12 are interference fit, which can make the gap between the second seal 42 and the first pipe joint 12 as small as possible, thereby making the gap between the cold plate connection end 223 and the first pipe joint 12 smaller, so as to effectively reduce the possibility of hot medium leakage through the gap between the cold plate connection end 223 and the first pipe joint 12.

[0105] In addition, by providing a receiving groove 2231 around the cold plate connection end 223, for example, the second seal 42 is annular and is accommodated in the receiving groove 2231, a relatively complete sealing structure can be formed along the circumference of the cold plate connection end 223, so as to effectively enhance the sealing effect of the second seal 42 on the gap between the cold plate connection end 223 and the first pipe joint 12, and reduce or avoid the possibility of partial leakage of heat exchange medium through the part where the second seal 42 is not provided due to the lack of local sealing.

[0106] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first pipe joint 12 is detachably connected to the cold plate connection end 223, which makes it easier to maintain or replace the liquid cooling plate 11 or the manifold 2.

[0107] For example, compared to the method of welding or bonding the first pipe joint 12 to the cold plate connection end 223, by making the first pipe joint 12 to the cold plate connection end 223 detachable, the first pipe joint 12 to the cold plate connection end 223 can be disassembled multiple times, which makes the maintenance or replacement of the liquid cooling plate 11 or the manifold 2 more convenient.

[0108] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 18 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first pipe joint 12 and the cold plate connection end 223 are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure, which can realize the detachable connection between the first pipe joint 12 and the cold plate connection end 223, thereby facilitating the maintenance or replacement of the liquid cooling plate 11 or the manifold 2.

[0109] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 18 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buckle structure includes a limiting buckle 43. A plurality of limiting buckles 43 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the connecting joint 212. The plurality of limiting buckles 43 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connecting joint 212. A limiting flange 122 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first pipe joint 12. The limiting buckle 43 includes a pressing part 431 and an elastic arm 432. One end of the elastic arm 432 is connected to the connecting joint 212, and the other end of the elastic arm 432 is connected to the pressing part 431. The axial end face of the first pipe joint 12 includes a first axial end face 123. The first axial end face 123 abuts against the connecting joint 212. The pressing part 431 is located on the side of the limiting flange 122 away from the first axial end face 123 and abuts against the limiting flange 122.

[0110] The snap-fit ​​structure includes a limiting snap-fit ​​43, which includes a pressing part 431 and an elastic arm 432. One end of the elastic arm 432 is connected to the connecting joint 212 and the other end of the elastic arm 432 is connected to the pressing part 431. This allows the connection between the pressing part 431 and the connecting joint 212 to be realized. In other words, the connecting joint 212 can serve as the mounting carrier for the limiting snap-fit ​​43, providing support and fixation for the limiting snap-fit ​​43.

[0111] By forming a limiting flange 122 in the first pipe joint 12, the first axial end face 123 abuts against the connecting joint 212, and the snap fastener 431 is located on the side of the limiting flange 122 away from the first axial end face 123 and abuts against the limiting flange 122, a snap-fit ​​connection can be realized between the first pipe joint 12 and the cold plate connecting end 223. The limiting snap fastener 43 can limit the first pipe joint 12 along the axial direction of the first pipe joint 12, reducing the possibility of relative movement of the first pipe joint 12 along the axial direction of the first pipe joint 12.

[0112] Furthermore, by connecting the snap fastener 431 and the connecting joint 212 through the elastic arm 432, the elastic deformation of the elastic arm 432 itself can make the assembly of the first pipe joint 12 on the connecting joint 212 smoother.

[0113] For example, when the first pipe connector 12 is assembled to the connecting connector 212, the elastic deformation of the elastic arm 432 itself can be used to deform the elastic arm 432 radially outward along the middle of the connecting connector 212, thereby expanding the spacing between the snap-fit ​​portions 431 of the multiple limiting buckles 43 in the radial direction of the connecting connector 212. In this way, the first pipe connector 12 can be inserted between the multiple limiting buckles 43 with a relatively small force. When the first axial end face 123 of the first pipe connector 12 abuts against the connecting connector 212, the elastic restoring force of the elastic arm 432 itself can be used to reset the snap-fit ​​portion 431 from the radial outward toward the middle of the connecting connector 212, so that the snap-fit ​​portion 431 is located on the side of the limiting flange 122 away from the first axial end face 123 and the snap-fit ​​portion 431 abuts against the limiting flange 122, thereby completing the assembly process of the first pipe connector 12 on the connecting connector 212.

[0114] Accordingly, when the first pipe connector 12 is removed from the connecting connector 212, the elastic deformation of the elastic arm 432 itself can be used to deform the elastic arm 432 radially outward along the middle of the connecting connector 212, thereby increasing the spacing between the buckle portions 431 of the multiple limiting buckles 43 in the radial direction of the connecting connector 212, so that the buckle portions 431 and the limiting flange 122 are released from contact, so that the first pipe connector 12 can be released more smoothly from the multiple limiting buckles 43, thereby completing the disassembly process of the first pipe connector 12 on the connecting connector 212.

[0115] In addition, the connection joint 212 is provided with multiple limiting buckles 43 on its outer periphery, and the multiple limiting buckles 43 are spaced apart along the circumference of the connection joint 212. This can limit the first pipe joint 12 at multiple points along the circumference of the connection joint 212, effectively reducing the possibility of the first pipe joint 12 moving relative to the connection joint 212. It can also make the force distribution between the connection joint 212 and the first pipe joint 12 more uniform, avoiding the possibility of loosening of the connection caused by local stress concentration. This is conducive to enhancing the connection strength and connection stability between the connection joint 212 and the first pipe joint 12.

[0116] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0117] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 18 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the snap fastener 431 includes a snap fastener surface 4311 and a guide surface 4312. The snap fastener surface 4311 abuts against the limiting flange 122, and the guide surface 4312 is located on the side of the snap fastener surface 4311 away from the limiting flange 122. In the direction along the axial direction of the first pipe joint 12 and close to the limiting flange 122, the guide surface 4312 extends obliquely toward the direction close to the central axis of the first pipe joint 12. The snap-fit ​​part 431 includes a snap-fit ​​surface 4311 and a guide surface 4312. The snap-fit ​​surface 4311 abuts against the limiting flange 122. In the direction along the axial direction of the first pipe joint 12 and close to the limiting flange 122, the guide surface 4312 extends obliquely toward the direction close to the central axis of the first pipe joint 12. The guide surface 4312 can guide the assembly of the first pipe joint 12 on the connecting joint 212. For example, the inclined surface of the guide surface 4312 can guide the insertion of the first pipe joint 12 into the connecting joint 212. In this way, the first pipe joint 12 can be inserted into the connecting joint 212 with less force, making the assembly of the first pipe joint 12 on the connecting joint 212 smoother.

[0118] In addition, when the first pipe joint 12 is inserted into the limiting buckle, the guide surface 4312 of the inclined structure can also convert part of the insertion force of the first pipe joint 12 in the axial direction into a lateral force that drives the elastic arm 432 to move in the radial direction of the first pipe joint 12 and toward the radially outward. In this way, the assembly of the first pipe joint 12 on the connecting joint 212 can be completed without the need to apply an additional expansion force to drive the elastic arm 432 to elastically deform, thus reducing the assembly difficulty.

[0119] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a single first pipe connector 12 corresponds to two limiting buckles 43. The two limiting buckles 43 are located on opposite sides of the limiting flange 122, and can play a bidirectional limiting role on the first pipe connector 12 along the radial direction of the limiting flange 122. This can further enhance the connection stability between the first pipe connector 12 and the connecting connector 212, and reduce the possibility of the first pipe connector 12 moving relative to the connecting connector 212 along the axial direction of the connecting connector 212 or even falling off the connecting connector 212.

[0120] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the snap-fit ​​structure further includes a limiting rib 214. A limiting rib 214 is formed on the outer periphery of the connecting joint 212, surrounding the outer periphery of the limiting flange 122. The limiting rib 214 includes two opposing first rib segments 2141 and two opposing second rib segments 2142. Adjacent ends of the two first rib segments 2141 are connected by the second rib segments 2142. The distance between the two first rib segments 2141 gradually increases from the end of the first rib segment 2141 to the middle of the first rib segment 2141. A limiting snap-fit ​​43 is disposed on the first rib segment 2141 and is located at the middle of the first rib segment 2141. By forming a limiting rib 214 on the outer periphery of the connecting joint 212, the limiting rib 214 can enhance the overall structural strength of the connecting joint 212 to a certain extent.

[0121] By having the limiting rib 214 surround the outer periphery of the limiting flange 122, the limiting rib 214 can limit the assembly of the first pipe joint 12 on the connecting joint 212, reduce or avoid the possibility of the first pipe joint 12 moving relative to the connecting joint 212 in the radial direction of the first pipe joint 12, and make the first pipe joint 12 more stably fixed to the connecting joint 212.

[0122] The limiting rib 214 includes two oppositely arranged first rib segments 2141 and two oppositely arranged second rib segments 2142. The adjacent ends of the two first rib segments 2141 are connected by the second rib segments 2142. The limiting buckle 43 is provided on the first rib segment 2141, which can realize the installation and fixation of the two limiting buckles 43 on the connecting joint 212 and can realize that the two limiting buckles 43 are located on opposite sides of the limiting flange 122, so that the limiting buckle 43 abuts against the limiting flange 122 along the axial direction of the first pipe joint 12, thereby playing a limiting role in the first pipe joint 12 along the axial direction of the first pipe joint 12.

[0123] Furthermore, by gradually increasing the distance between two adjacent first rib segments 2141 from the end of the first rib segment 2141 to the middle of the first rib segment 2141, the distance between the middle of the two first rib segments 2141 can be maximized. By placing the limiting buckle 43 in the middle of the first rib segment 2141, the distance between the two limiting buckles 43 can be larger. This allows for a larger space to be reserved for the first pipe connector 12, which helps to reduce the resistance when the first pipe connector 12 is assembled to the connecting connector 212, so that the first pipe connector 12 can be assembled more smoothly between the two limiting buckles 43.

[0124] Furthermore, by gradually increasing the distance between two adjacent first rib segments 2141 in the direction from the end of the first rib segment 2141 to the middle of the first rib segment 2141, and with the limiting buckle 43 located in the middle of the first rib segment 2141, the distance between the two first rib segments 2141 can be greater than the distance between the two second rib segments 2142, and the distance between the two first rib segments 2141 gradually increases in the direction from the end of the first rib segment 2141 to the middle of the first rib segment 2141. This allows... By concentrating the force on the first rib section 2141, especially the middle part of the first rib section 2141, the limiting buckle 43 located in the middle of the first rib section 2141 is subjected to greater force. Thus, when the first pipe joint 12 is assembled to the connecting joint 212, only a small force is needed to deform the elastic arm 432 of the limiting buckle 43 from the middle of the connecting joint 212 toward the radially outward side. This allows the first pipe joint 12 to be inserted more smoothly between the two limiting buckles 43, which helps to reduce the assembly difficulty.

[0125] For example, compared to the two limiting ribs 214 forming a circular structure, since the circle is a circumferentially closed structure, the force on the circular structure is more uniform, and the force on the limiting buckle 43 is less likely to drive the elastic arm 432 to deform. By gradually increasing the distance between the two adjacent first rib segments 2141 from the end of the first rib segment 2141 to the middle of the first rib segment 2141, the force on the middle of the first rib segment 2141 can be more concentrated, so that the force on the limiting buckle 43 located in the middle of the first rib segment 2141 is more concentrated, so that the elastic arm 432 can deform from the middle of the connecting joint 212 toward the radially outward, thereby allowing the first pipe joint 12 to be inserted more smoothly between the two limiting buckles 43.

[0126] Reference Figures 4-7 According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple liquid cooling plates 11, and the flow collector 2 includes multiple second pipe joints 22. The number of second pipe joints 22 on a single flow collector 2 is the same as the number of liquid cooling plates 11 and they correspond one-to-one. By making there multiple liquid cooling plates 11, and the number of second pipe joints 22 on a single flow collector 2 being the same as the number of liquid cooling plates and corresponding one-to-one, for example, multiple liquid cooling plates 11 can be connected in parallel. This can make the heat exchange medium flow path of each liquid cooling plate 11 more consistent, and can also make the flow distribution of the heat exchange medium in multiple liquid cooling plates 11 more uniform, avoiding the situation of poor local heat exchange effect due to uneven flow distribution caused by shared channels; and by arranging multiple liquid cooling plates 11 in parallel, the flow resistance of the heat exchange medium inside the multiple liquid cooling plates 11 can be reduced, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange medium in the hot liquid cooling plates 11.

[0127] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the manifold 21 includes a first pipe body 24 and a second pipe body 25 connected and communicating with each other. The central axis of the first pipe body 24 and the central axis of the second pipe body 25 are arranged at an angle. A portion of the second pipe connector 22 is connected to the first pipe body 24 and a portion of the second pipe connector 22 is connected to the second pipe body 25. At least one of the first pipe body 24 and the second pipe body 25 is formed with an inlet 26 or an outlet 27.

[0128] By making the manifold 21 include a first pipe body 24 and a second pipe body 25 that are connected and communicate with each other, and by connecting a portion of the second pipe joint 22 to the first pipe body 24 and a portion of the second pipe joint 22 to the second pipe body 25, the communication between the multiple second pipe joints 22 and the manifold 21 can be realized. This allows the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channels of the multiple liquid cooling plates 11 to flow into the manifold 2111 through the first pipe joint 12 and the second pipe joint 22, or the heat exchange medium in the manifold 2111 to flow into the multiple heat exchange channels, so that the heat exchange medium in each heat exchange channel is distributed more evenly.

[0129] Furthermore, by arranging the first tube 24 and the second tube 25 at an angle, this space can be fully utilized, and as many second tube joints 22 as possible can be set within a given space. This also reduces the possibility of interference when two adjacent second tube joints 22 are connected to the corresponding liquid cooling plate 11, which is beneficial for the layout optimization and miniaturization of the thermal management system 10.

[0130] For example, when the thermal management system 10 is in a relatively narrow space, by arranging the first tube 24 and the second tube 25 at an angle, the requirements for operating space can be reduced. In this way, multiple second tube joints 22 can be assembled with the corresponding liquid cooling plates 11 even in a narrow space, which is beneficial to improving assembly efficiency.

[0131] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of liquid cooling plates 11 are spaced apart along a second direction (e.g., refer to direction e2 in the figures), and a receiving space 111 for accommodating a battery cell 50 is defined between two adjacent liquid cooling plates 11. Each liquid cooling plate 11 is provided with a first pipe joint 12 at both ends along a first direction. There are two current collectors 2, which are located on both sides of the liquid cooling assembly 1 along the first direction. The current collectors 2 located on the same side in the first direction are connected to the corresponding first pipe joint 12. One current collector 2 forms a liquid inlet 26 and the other current collector 2 forms a liquid outlet 27.

[0132] The two adjacent liquid cooling plates 11 define a space 111 for accommodating the battery cell 50, so that the battery cell 50 can be placed between the two adjacent liquid cooling plates 11 to exchange heat with the battery cell 50 and improve the heat exchange effect of the battery cell 50; and it can also make the heat exchange area between the battery cell 50 and the liquid cooling plate 11 larger, which is conducive to further improving the heat exchange effect of the battery cell 50.

[0133] Furthermore, each liquid cooling plate 11 has a first pipe connector 12 at both ends along the first direction. There are two flow collectors 2, located on both sides of the liquid cooling assembly 1 along the first direction. The flow collectors 2 located on the same side along the first direction are connected to the corresponding first pipe connectors 12. One flow collector 2 has a liquid inlet 26 and the other flow collector 2 has a liquid outlet 27.

[0134] By connecting the current collector 2 located on the same side in the first direction with the corresponding first pipe joint 12, the liquid cooling plate 11 can be connected with the liquid inlet 26 and the liquid outlet 27. The heat exchange medium can exchange heat with the battery cell 50 in the liquid cooling plate 11. The heat exchange medium after heat exchange can flow out from the liquid outlet 27 to carry away the heat of the battery cell 50 or to raise the temperature of the battery cell 50, thereby achieving rapid heat exchange of the battery cell 50.

[0135] For example, during the operation of the battery cell 50, the battery cell 50 generates heat. The heat exchange medium in the liquid cooling plate 11 can absorb the heat generated by the battery cell 50 or heat up or keep the battery cell 50 warm by housing the battery cell 50 in the space 111 between two adjacent liquid cooling plates 11, thereby completing the rapid heat exchange of the battery cell 50.

[0136] By having two current collectors 2 located on opposite sides of the battery cell 50 along the first direction, the heat exchange medium can more comprehensively cover the entire battery cell 50 after entering the liquid cooling plate 11, so that the heat exchange medium can more fully exchange heat with the battery cell 50, which helps to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the thermal management system 10.

[0137] For example, when the battery cell 50 is working, the heat exchange medium can flow from the inlet 26 into one of the collector components 2. The heat exchange medium flowing into the collector cavity 2111 of the collector component 2 can be diverted to the corresponding first connecting channel 121 through multiple second connecting channels 221, and then flow into the heat exchange channel of the corresponding liquid cooling plate 11. The heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel can exchange heat with the battery cell 50. After the heat exchange medium flowing through multiple liquid cooling plates 11 exchanges heat with the battery cell 50, it flows to the corresponding first connecting channel 121 on the other side of the first direction, and is collected into another collector component 2 through the corresponding second connecting channel 221 on the same side of the first direction, and then flows out from the outlet 27, completing the heat exchange process between the heat exchange medium and the battery cell 50.

[0138] Reference Figures 1-5 According to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention, a battery device includes a housing, a plurality of battery cells 50 and a thermal management system 10 according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention. The battery cells 50 are disposed in the housing, the thermal management system 10 is disposed in the housing, and the battery cells 50 are thermally connected to a liquid cooling plate 11.

[0139] The housing can support and protect the battery cells 50 and the thermal management system 10, reducing or avoiding wear and tear on the battery cells 50 or the thermal management system 10 due to external impacts, thus helping to extend the overall service life of the battery device.

[0140] The battery cell 50 is thermally connected to the liquid cooling plate 11, which facilitates heat transfer within the battery cell 50. The heat generated by the battery cell 50 is transferred to the liquid cooling plate 11, and the heat exchange medium within the liquid cooling plate 11 exchanges heat with the battery cell 50. For example, the heat exchange medium can be a liquid such as water or ethylene glycol. The temperature of the heat exchange medium is adjustable. When the temperature of the battery cell 50 is too high, the heat exchange medium can cool the battery cell 50; when the temperature of the battery cell 50 is too low, the heat exchange medium can keep the battery cell 50 warm, thus improving the service life of the battery cell 50.

[0141] For example, the battery cell 50 can be a cylindrical battery, and the liquid cooling plate 11 can extend in a serpentine shape in the first direction. This can increase the heat exchange area between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the cylindrical battery, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange efficiency of the battery cell 50.

[0142] According to an embodiment of the battery device of the present invention, by providing the above-described thermal management system 10, and by providing a first pipe joint 12 at at least one end of the liquid cooling plate 11 in the thermal management system 10 along a first direction, the first pipe joint 12 having a first connecting channel 121 communicating with the heat exchange channel, and the current collecting component 2 being configured to include a current collecting element 21 and a second pipe joint 22, the current collecting element 21 having a current collecting cavity 2111 formed therein, and the second pipe joint 22 having a second connecting channel 221 communicating with the first connecting channel 121 and the current collecting cavity 2111, the heat exchange channel in the liquid cooling plate 11 and the current collecting cavity 2111 of the current collecting element 21 can be connected. The connection between them; and the flow collection component 2 in the thermal management system 10 is configured to include a flow collection element 21 and a second pipe joint 22. By forming a floating gap 3 between the second pipe joint 22 and the flow collection element 21, when the liquid cooling plate 11 is connected and assembled with the flow collection component 2, the floating gap 3 formed between the second pipe joint 22 and the flow collection element 21 can absorb and compensate for the positional deviation when the liquid cooling plate 11 and the flow collection component 2 are connected. This can reduce or avoid the situation where the liquid cooling plate 11 and the flow collection component 2 are misaligned or even cannot be assembled, reduce the assembly difficulty, improve the assembly efficiency, and improve the reliability of the thermal management system 10.

[0143] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0144] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0145] In the description of this invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0146] In the description of this invention, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0147] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0148] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, include: A liquid cooling assembly, the liquid cooling assembly including at least one liquid cooling plate, a heat exchange channel formed in the liquid cooling plate, and a first pipe joint provided at least one end of the liquid cooling plate along a first direction, the first pipe joint having a first communication channel communicating with the heat exchange channel. A current collection component is located on at least one side of the liquid cooling plate along the first direction and includes a current collection element and a second pipe connector. A current collection cavity is formed inside the current collection element. One end of the second pipe connector is connected to the current collection element, and the other end of the second pipe connector is connected to the first pipe connector. The second pipe connector has a second connecting channel that connects the first connecting channel and the current collection cavity. A floating gap is formed between the second pipe connector and the current collection element to allow the second pipe connector to move relative to the current collection element.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum movable displacement of the second pipe joint relative to the manifold is 'a', and the value of 'a' ranges from 1mm to 20mm.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current collector includes a current collector body and a connecting connector. The current collector body has the current collecting cavity. The connecting connector is disposed in the current collector body and forms a connecting slot. One end of the second pipe connector is a current collecting connection end, and the other end of the second pipe connector is a cold plate connection end. The current collecting connection end is inserted into the connecting slot. At least a portion of the floating gap is formed between the current collecting connection end and the inner wall of the connecting slot. The cold plate connection end is connected to the first pipe connector.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the floating gap is located between the outer peripheral wall of the current collection connection end and the inner peripheral wall of the connection slot and is disposed around the current collection connection end.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The portion of the inner wall of the connecting slot opposite to the opening of the connecting slot is the bottom wall of the slot. A first sealing element is provided between the side of the current collection connection end near the bottom wall of the slot and the bottom wall of the slot. The bottom wall of the slot forms a connecting hole that communicates with the current collection cavity. The second connecting channel is opposite to and communicates with the connecting hole. The first sealing element is located on the outer periphery of the connecting hole and on the outer periphery of the second connecting channel.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sealing element is an elastomer.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The maximum angle at which the second pipe fitting can swing relative to the connecting joint is α, and the value of α ranges from 2° to 8°.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sealing element is fixed to the current collection connection end and abuts against the bottom wall of the slot; the current collection component also includes a limiting pressure plate, a limiting step surface is formed on the side of the current collection connection end near the cold plate connection end, the limiting pressure plate is located on the side of the limiting step surface near the cold plate connection end and is connected to or abuts against the limiting step surface, and the limiting pressure plate is fixed to the connection joint.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The limiting pressure plate is welded to the connecting joint and / or connected by fasteners.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The limiting pressure plate is annular and sleeved on the outer periphery of the second pipe joint. There is a fitting gap between the inner peripheral wall of the limiting pressure plate and the outer peripheral wall of the second pipe joint. The fitting gap constitutes part of the floating gap.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The limiting pressure plate is circular, and the part of the second pipe joint that mates with the limiting pressure plate is the mating section. The outer diameter of the mating section is D3, and the inner diameter of the limiting pressure plate is D4. 1mm≤D4-D3≤20mm.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The manifold is a one-piece molded part.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the second pipe joint is a cold plate connection end, which is inserted into the first pipe joint.

14. The thermal management system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the cold plate connection end is formed with a receiving groove, the receiving groove is arranged around the cold plate connection end, and a second sealing element is provided in the receiving groove, the second sealing element being located between the cold plate connection end and the first pipe joint.

15. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The first pipe fitting is detachably connected to the cold plate connection end.

16. The thermal management system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first pipe fitting is connected to the cold plate by a snap-fit ​​structure.

17. The thermal management system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The buckle structure includes a limiting buckle. Multiple limiting buckles are provided on the outer periphery of the connecting joint. The multiple limiting buckles are spaced apart along the circumference of the connecting joint. A limiting flange is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first pipe joint. The limiting buckle includes a pressing part and an elastic arm. One end of the elastic arm is connected to the connecting joint, and the other end of the elastic arm is connected to the pressing part. The axial end face of the first pipe joint includes a first axial end face. The first axial end face abuts against the connecting joint. The pressing part is located on the side of the limiting flange away from the first axial end face and abuts against the limiting flange.

18. The thermal management system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The snap fastening part includes a snap fastening surface and a guide surface. The snap fastening surface abuts against the limiting flange. The guide surface is located on the side of the snap fastening surface away from the limiting flange. In the direction along the axial direction of the first pipe joint and close to the limiting flange, the guide surface extends obliquely toward the central axis of the first pipe joint.

19. The thermal management system according to claim 17, characterized in that, Each first pipe fitting corresponds to two limiting buckles, and the two limiting buckles are located on opposite sides of the limiting flange.

20. The thermal management system according to claim 19, characterized in that, The buckle structure further includes a limiting rib, which is formed on the outer periphery of the connecting joint. The limiting rib surrounds the outer periphery of the limiting flange. The limiting rib includes two oppositely arranged first rib segments and two oppositely arranged second rib segments. The adjacent ends of the two first rib segments are connected by the second rib segments. The distance between the two first rib segments gradually increases in the direction from the end of the first rib segment to the middle of the first rib segment. The limiting buckle is provided on the first rib segment and located in the middle of the first rib segment.

21. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, There are multiple liquid cooling plates, and the current collection component includes multiple second pipe joints. The number of second pipe joints on a single current collection component is the same as the number of liquid cooling plates and they correspond one-to-one.

22. The thermal management system according to claim 21, characterized in that, The manifold includes a first pipe and a second pipe connected and communicating with each other. The central axis of the first pipe and the central axis of the second pipe are set at an angle. Part of the second pipe connector is connected to the first pipe and part of the second pipe connector is connected to the second pipe. At least one of the first pipe and the second pipe has a liquid inlet or a liquid outlet.

23. The thermal management system according to claim 21, characterized in that, Multiple liquid cooling plates are spaced apart along a second direction, and a space for accommodating a battery cell is defined between two adjacent liquid cooling plates. Each liquid cooling plate is provided with a first pipe joint at both ends along the first direction. There are two current collectors, which are located on both sides of the liquid cooling assembly along the first direction. The current collectors located on the same side in the first direction are connected to the corresponding first pipe joint. One of the flow collecting components has a liquid inlet and the other flow collecting component has a liquid outlet.

24. A battery device, characterized in that, include: Box; Multiple battery cells, wherein the battery cells are disposed within the housing; The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-23 is disposed inside the housing, and the battery cell is thermally connected to the liquid cooling plate.

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