Confluence split type self-positioning cold plate joint and self-positioning method

Abstract

The invention discloses a confluence split type self-positioning cold plate connector and a self-positioning method, and belongs to the technical field of passenger car battery thermal management, the confluence split type self-positioning cold plate connector comprises a cold plate composed of a flat plate and a cooling runner, one end of the cold plate is provided with a connector structure, and the connector structure is located on the end face of the side, away from the cooling runner, of the flat plate; the connector structure comprises a first connector and a second connector, and the first connector and the second connector are connected in a sealed mode after being fastened and brazed through threaded holes and bolts. The problem that an existing cold plate connector is not airtight after being fastened and brazed through a threaded hole and a bolt is solved. The cold plate connector is designed in a standardized mode, the cold plate connector is supported to be firmly brazed on the cold plate, the internal structure of the standardized cold plate connector is designed, the occupied space of a connecting pipe is reduced, the heat exchange efficiency capacity is improved, the requirements of pressure-resistant and temperature-resistant scenes are met, the single body manufacturing cost is reduced through modular production and large-scale manufacturing, and the installation, operation and maintenance process is simplified; labor and time investment is reduced, and economical efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal management technology for passenger vehicle batteries, and in particular to a split-type self-positioning cold plate connector and its self-positioning method. Background Technology

[0002] The core context for passenger vehicle battery thermal management is the explosive growth of the new energy vehicle industry, battery technology upgrades, increasingly stringent policy and safety requirements, and rising user demands for extended range and fast charging. This has driven the technology to evolve from an auxiliary technology to a core technology, addressing key pain points such as battery thermal runaway and low-temperature range degradation. Among these advancements, the split-type self-positioning cold plate connector has emerged as a key technological direction for improving cold plate quality.

[0003] The split-type self-positioning cold plate joint, as a typical example of modular and integrated thermal management technology in passenger vehicles, is reshaping the way passenger vehicles manage thermal performance. In the future, with continuous breakthroughs in materials science, intelligent control, and manufacturing processes, it will play a more central role in the energy transition, helping to achieve zero thermal management runaway and no low-temperature range reduction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a split-type self-positioning cold plate joint and a self-positioning method. By standardizing the design of the cold plate joint, it supports the brazing of the cold plate joint firmly onto the cold plate. The standardized internal structure of the cold plate joint reduces the space occupied by the connecting pipe, improves the heat exchange efficiency, meets the requirements of pressure and temperature resistance scenarios, reduces the unit manufacturing cost through modular production and large-scale manufacturing, simplifies the installation and maintenance process, reduces labor and time input, and improves economic efficiency, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint includes a cold plate composed of a flat plate and cooling channels. The cooling channels are disposed on the surface of the flat plate. One end of the cold plate is provided with a joint structure. The joint structure is located on the end face of the flat plate away from the cooling channels. The joint structure includes a first joint and a second joint. The first joint and the second joint are connected by threaded holes and bolts for fastening and brazing, and then sealed.

[0007] Specifically, the first and second joints are connected by threaded holes and bolts, and then brazed to seal the connection. This allows the joint structure to be matched and used as a whole, avoiding the difficulty of machining a whole machine.

[0008] Preferably, the first connector includes a first connecting support, a second connecting support, a first drainage channel, a second drainage channel, and a first connecting plate. The first connecting plate is provided with a first drainage channel and a second drainage channel. The first drainage channel and the second drainage channel are both integrally connected to the first connecting plate, and the first drainage channel and the second drainage channel are both in communication with the first connecting plate.

[0009] Specifically, the first connecting support, the second connecting support, the first drainage channel, the second drainage channel, and the first connecting plate are interconnected to facilitate the flow of coolant.

[0010] Preferably, the end of the first drainage channel away from the first connecting plate is connected to the first connecting support, and the first drainage channel communicates with the first connecting support; the end of the second drainage channel away from the first connecting plate is connected to the second connecting support, and the second drainage channel communicates with the second connecting support; both the first connecting support and the second connecting support are embedded in the plate.

[0011] Specifically, the coolant flows into the first channel through the first connecting plate and into the first connecting support, thus entering the cold plate; after cooling, the coolant flows into the second channel through the second connecting support and into the first connecting plate to discharge the cooled coolant.

[0012] Preferably, both ends of the second connecting support are provided with positioning protrusions, and the second connecting support is positioned and connected to the plate through the positioning protrusions. The plate is provided with positioning grooves that match the positioning protrusions.

[0013] Specifically, by installing positioning protrusions in positioning grooves, the joint structure is self-positioned on the cold plate.

[0014] Preferably, the second connector includes a second connecting plate, a third drainage channel, a fourth drainage channel, and a port seat. The second connecting plate is sealed to the first connecting plate after being brazed with threaded holes and bolts. The second connecting plate is provided with a third drainage channel and a fourth drainage channel. The third drainage channel and the fourth drainage channel are integrally connected to the second connecting plate, and the third drainage channel and the fourth drainage channel are in communication with the second connecting plate.

[0015] Specifically, the second connecting plate, the third drainage channel, the fourth drainage channel, and the port seat are interconnected to facilitate the flow of coolant.

[0016] Preferably, the ends of the third and fourth drainage channels away from the second connecting plate are both connected to the port seat, and the third and fourth drainage channels are both in communication with the port seat. The port seat is provided with a first inlet / outlet port and a second inlet / outlet port, which are used for coolant to enter and exit to cool the passenger vehicle battery.

[0017] Specifically, the coolant enters the port seat through the first inlet / outlet port, flows to the second connecting plate through the third guide channel, and after cooling, flows into the third guide channel through the second connecting plate, flows to the port seat through the third guide channel, and is discharged through the second inlet / outlet port.

[0018] Preferably, the end face of the second connecting plate is provided with a plug rod, the plug rod is a hollow structure and communicates with the second connecting plate, and a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring are provided in the groove opened on the surface of the plug rod. The second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are connected by inserting the plug rod into the first connecting plate and using the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring.

[0019] Specifically, the second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are connected by inserting a rod into the first connecting plate and using a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring, which can effectively achieve a seal.

[0020] Preferably, the end face of the first connecting plate is provided with a slot for inserting a rod, and the rod matches the slot.

[0021] Preferably, both the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are provided with threaded holes, and the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are connected by bolts inserted into the threaded holes for fastening and brazing to form a sealed connection.

[0022] Specifically, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are connected by bolts inserted into threaded holes and then brazed to form a sealed connection, which allows the joint structure to be matched and used as a whole, avoiding the difficulty of machining a whole machine.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a self-positioning method for a split-type manifold cold plate joint is provided for self-positioning the above-mentioned split-type cold plate joint on a cold plate, comprising the following steps:

[0024] S1: Machining positioning protrusions at both ends of the second connecting support, and opening positioning grooves that match the positioning protrusions on the side end face of the cold plate.

[0025] S2: Install the positioning protrusions machined on the second connecting support into the positioning groove opened on the cold plate, and make the second connecting support and the first connecting support embedded in the cold plate for connection and fixation, so as to realize the self-positioning of the joint structure on the cold plate.

[0026] Specifically, by machining positioning protrusions at both ends of the second connecting support and opening positioning grooves that match the positioning protrusions on the side end face of the cold plate, the self-positioning of the joint structure on the cold plate can be achieved by installing the positioning protrusions in the positioning grooves.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0028] This invention features a standardized cold plate joint design, enabling secure brazing of the joint onto the cold plate. The standardized internal structure of the cold plate joint reduces the space occupied by connecting pipes, improves heat exchange efficiency, and meets the requirements of pressure and temperature resistant scenarios. Modular production and large-scale manufacturing reduce unit manufacturing costs while simplifying installation and maintenance processes, reducing labor and time investment, and improving economic efficiency. It also meets structural requirements for earthquake resistance, impact resistance, fire and explosion protection. Combined with efficient thermal management and sealing protection, it ensures safe operation in extreme environments. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the cold plate of the present invention, which has a joint structure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a front view of the cold plate of the present invention having a joint structure;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the back side of the cold plate of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the image;

[0033] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the image;

[0034] Figure 6 This is an overall structural diagram of the connector structure of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a frontal schematic diagram of the first connector of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the first connector of the present invention from the back.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a frontal schematic diagram of the second connector of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second connector of the present invention from the back.

[0039] In the diagram: 1. Cold plate; 11. Flat plate; 111. Positioning groove; 12. Cooling channel; 2. Joint structure; 21. First joint; 211. First connecting support; 212. Second connecting support; 2121. Positioning protrusion; 213. First drainage channel; 214. Second drainage channel; 215. First connecting plate; 2151. Slot; 22. Second joint; 221. Second connecting plate; 2211. Insert rod; 2212. First sealing ring; 2213. Second sealing ring; 222. Third drainage channel; 223. Fourth drainage channel; 224. Port seat; 2241. First inlet / outlet port; 2242. Second inlet / outlet port; 3. Bolt; 31. Threaded hole. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] To address the issue of lack of airtightness after brazing using threaded holes and bolts for securing existing cold-rolled steel plate joints, this embodiment provides the following technical solution:

[0042] See Figures 1-4 A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint includes a cold plate 1 composed of a flat plate 11 and a cooling channel 12. The cooling channel 12 is disposed on the surface of the flat plate 11. A joint structure 2 is provided at one end of the cold plate 1. The joint structure 2 is located on the side end face of the flat plate 11 away from the cooling channel 12.

[0043] See Figure 6 The joint structure 2 includes a first joint 21 and a second joint 22. The first joint 21 and the second joint 22 are connected by brazing with threaded holes 31 and bolts 3 for sealing.

[0044] It should be noted that the side of the second connector 22 is sealed by brazing with threaded holes 31 and bolts 3, so that the connector structure 2 can be used as a whole, avoiding the difficulty of machining a whole machine.

[0045] See Figures 7-8 The first connector 21 includes a first connecting support 211, a second connecting support 212, a first drainage channel 213, a second drainage channel 214, and a first connecting plate 215. The first connecting plate 215 is provided with the first drainage channel 213 and the second drainage channel 214. The first drainage channel 213 and the second drainage channel 214 are both integrally connected to the first connecting plate 215, and the first drainage channel 213 and the second drainage channel 214 are both connected to the first connecting plate 215.

[0046] In this embodiment, the end of the first drainage channel 213 away from the first connecting plate 215 is connected to the first connecting support 211, and the first drainage channel 213 communicates with the first connecting support 211. The end of the second drainage channel 214 away from the first connecting plate 215 is connected to the second connecting support 212, and the second drainage channel 214 communicates with the second connecting support 212. The first connecting support 211 and the second connecting support 212 are both embedded in the flat plate 11.

[0047] See Figure 5 The second connecting support 212 has positioning protrusions 2121 at both ends. The second connecting support 212 is positioned and connected to the plate 11 through the positioning protrusions 2121. The plate 11 has positioning grooves 111 that match the positioning protrusions 2121.

[0048] It should be noted that the positioning protrusions 2121 used for positioning the connector structure 2 and the positioning grooves 111 provided on the plate 11 are all independently machined by CNC to ensure the relative position accuracy of the holes.

[0049] See Figures 9-10 The second connector 22 includes a second connecting plate 221, a third drainage channel 222, a fourth drainage channel 223, and a port seat 224. The second connecting plate 221 is sealed to the first connecting plate 215 after being fastened and brazed with threaded holes 31 and bolts 3. The second connecting plate 221 is provided with a third drainage channel 222 and a fourth drainage channel 223. Both the third drainage channel 222 and the fourth drainage channel 223 are integrally connected to the second connecting plate 221, and both the third drainage channel 222 and the fourth drainage channel 223 are connected to the second connecting plate 221.

[0050] In this embodiment, the ends of the third drainage channel 222 and the fourth drainage channel 223 away from the second connecting plate 221 are both connected to the port seat 224. The third drainage channel 222 and the fourth drainage channel 223 are both connected to the port seat 224. The port seat 224 is provided with a first inlet / outlet port 2241 and a second inlet / outlet port 2242. The first inlet / outlet port 2241 and the second inlet / outlet port 2242 are used for the inlet / outlet of coolant to cool the passenger vehicle battery.

[0051] In this embodiment, the end face of the second connecting plate 221 is provided with a plug rod 2211. The plug rod 2211 has a hollow structure and is connected to the second connecting plate 221. A first sealing ring 2212 and a second sealing ring 2213 are provided in the groove opened on the surface of the plug rod 2211. The second connecting plate 221 and the first connecting plate 215 are connected by inserting the plug rod 2211 into the first connecting plate 215 and using the first sealing ring 2212 and the second sealing ring 2213.

[0052] Specifically, for cold plate joints that are not airtight after being brazed with threaded holes and bolts, the first sealing ring 2212 and the second sealing ring 2213 are used to seal and solve the airtightness problem. The split brazing with the combination function and self-positioning function makes the joint convenient to produce, has qualified strength, and is easy to use and install.

[0053] In this embodiment, the end face of the first connecting plate 215 is provided with a slot 2151 for inserting the rod 2211, and the rod 2211 matches the slot 2151.

[0054] In this embodiment, both the first connecting plate 215 and the second connecting plate 221 are provided with threaded holes 31. The first connecting plate 215 and the second connecting plate 221 are connected by bolts 3 inserted into the threaded holes 31 for fastening and brazing, and then sealed.

[0055] It should be noted that the designed cold plate joint is integrated and sealed with the first sealing ring 2212 and the second sealing ring 2213 by brazing, and is further tightened by three bolts 3 to complete the integration of the cold plate joint. This design meets the airtightness requirements while also taking into account the design strength. The connection between the two separate first joint 21 and second joint 22 is completed by using threaded holes 31 and bolts 3, which solves the difficulties of integrated machining. The cold plate system of the joint serves as the inlet and outlet, which greatly improves the space utilization. Unlike the traditional joint sealing design, this design uses the self-weight of the structure and the tightening of the bolts 3 to compress the sealing gasket of the structure.

[0056] To better illustrate the self-positioning process of the split-type cold plate joint, this embodiment provides a self-positioning method for the split-type cold plate joint, used to self-position the aforementioned split-type cold plate joint onto the cold plate 1, including the following steps.

[0057] S1: Machining positioning protrusions 2121 at both ends of the second connecting support 212, and opening positioning grooves 111 that match the positioning protrusions 2121 on the side end face of the cold plate 1;

[0058] S2: The positioning protrusion 2121 machined on the second connecting support 212 is installed in the positioning groove 111 opened on the cold plate 1, and the second connecting support 212 and the first connecting support 211 are embedded in the cold plate 1 for connection and fixation, so as to realize the self-positioning of the joint structure 2 on the cold plate 1. The positioning protrusion 2121 used to position the joint structure 2 and the positioning groove 111 provided on the plate 11 are both machined independently by CNC to ensure the relative position of the hole.

[0059] In summary, this invention, through standardized design of cold plate joints, supports secure brazing of the cold plate joints onto the cold plate. The standardized internal structure of the cold plate joints reduces the space occupied by connecting pipes, improves heat exchange efficiency, and meets the requirements of pressure and temperature resistant scenarios. Modular production and large-scale manufacturing reduce unit manufacturing costs while simplifying installation and maintenance processes, reducing labor and time investment, and improving economic efficiency. It also meets structural requirements for earthquake resistance, impact resistance, fire and explosion protection. Combined with efficient thermal management and sealing protection, it ensures safe operation in extreme environments.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint, comprising a cold plate (1) composed of a flat plate (11) and cooling channels (12), wherein the cooling channels (12) are disposed on the surface of the flat plate (11), characterized in that, One end of the cold plate (1) is provided with a joint structure (2). The joint structure (2) is located on the side end face of the plate (11) away from the cooling channel (12). The joint structure (2) includes a first joint (21) and a second joint (22). The first joint (21) and the second joint (22) are connected by threaded holes (31) and bolts (3) for fastening and brazing and sealing.

2. The manifold split-type self-positioning cold plate joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector (21) includes a first connecting support (211), a second connecting support (212), a first drainage channel (213), a second drainage channel (214), and a first connecting plate (215). The first connecting plate (215) is provided with a first drainage channel (213) and a second drainage channel (214). The first drainage channel (213) and the second drainage channel (214) are both integrally connected to the first connecting plate (215), and the first drainage channel (213) and the second drainage channel (214) are both connected to the first connecting plate (215).

3. A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first drainage channel (213) is connected to the first connecting support (211) at one end away from the first connecting plate (215), and the first drainage channel (213) is connected to the first connecting support (211). The second drainage channel (214) is connected to the second connecting support (212) at one end away from the first connecting plate (215), and the second drainage channel (214) is connected to the second connecting support (212). The first connecting support (211) and the second connecting support (212) are both embedded in the plate (11).

4. A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connecting support (212) has positioning protrusions (2121) at both ends. The second connecting support (212) is positioned and connected to the plate (11) through the positioning protrusions (2121). The plate (11) has positioning grooves (111) that match the positioning protrusions (2121).

5. A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second connector (22) includes a second connecting plate (221), a third drainage channel (222), a fourth drainage channel (223), and a port seat (224). The second connecting plate (221) is sealed to the first connecting plate (215) after being fastened and brazed by threaded holes (31) and bolts (3). The second connecting plate (221) is provided with a third drainage channel (222) and a fourth drainage channel (223). The third drainage channel (222) and the fourth drainage channel (223) are both integrally connected to the second connecting plate (221), and the third drainage channel (222) and the fourth drainage channel (223) are both connected to the second connecting plate (221).

6. A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ends of the third drainage channel (222) and the fourth drainage channel (223) away from the second connecting plate (221) are both connected to the port seat (224). The third drainage channel (222) and the fourth drainage channel (223) are both connected to the port seat (224). The port seat (224) is provided with a first inlet / outlet port (2241) and a second inlet / outlet port (2242). The first inlet / outlet port (2241) and the second inlet / outlet port (2242) are used for the inlet / outlet of coolant to cool the passenger vehicle battery.

7. A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end face of the second connecting plate (221) is provided with a plug rod (2211). The plug rod (2211) is a hollow structure and is connected to the second connecting plate (221). A first sealing ring (2212) and a second sealing ring (2213) are provided in the groove opened on the surface of the plug rod (2211). The second connecting plate (221) and the first connecting plate (215) are connected by inserting the plug rod (2211) into the first connecting plate (215) and using the first sealing ring (2212) and the second sealing ring (2213).

8. A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end face of the first connecting plate (215) is provided with a slot (2151) for inserting a rod (2211), and the rod (2211) matches the slot (2151).

9. A split-type self-positioning cold plate joint according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both the first connecting plate (215) and the second connecting plate (221) are provided with threaded holes (31). The first connecting plate (215) and the second connecting plate (221) are connected by bolts (3) inserted into the threaded holes (31) for fastening and brazing, and then sealed.

10. A self-positioning method for a split-type self-positioning cold plate joint, used to self-position the split-type self-positioning cold plate joint as described in claim 9 on a cold plate (1), characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Machining positioning protrusions (2121) at both ends of the second connecting support (212), and opening positioning grooves (111) that match the positioning protrusions (2121) on the side end face of the cold plate (1). S2: Install the positioning protrusion (2121) machined on the second connecting support (212) into the positioning groove (111) opened on the cold plate (1), and make the second connecting support (212) and the first connecting support (211) embedded in the cold plate (1) for connection and fixation, so as to realize the self-positioning of the joint structure (2) on the cold plate (1).

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