Connecting device, heat exchange tube, battery pack, vehicle and method for assembling battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connecting device, a heat exchange tube, a battery pack, a vehicle and a method of assembling a battery pack, the connecting device being suitable for connecting a heat exchange tube of a flat structure and at least one conduit, which may be a liquid coolant supply tube and / or a liquid coolant return tube. The connection device is particularly suitable for heat exchange tubes for heat exchange with battery cells, wherein the free space left by the battery pack is filled with foam. A blocking device arranged between the outer portion of the connecting device and a sealing device arranged at the joint of the heat exchange pipe is used in the connecting device. The barrier device can prevent or at least prevent the entry of foam used in the manufacturing process of a battery pack, and at the same time, it is convenient to check whether leakage exists in the process of quality verification testing and the like. The heat exchange tube comprises the connecting device, the battery pack comprises the heat exchange tube, the vehicle comprises the battery pack, and the method for assembling the battery pack comprises a sealing test.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery pack and electric vehicle technology, and more particularly to connection devices, heat exchange tubes, battery packs, vehicles, and methods for assembling battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] One of the most widely developing technology fields today is the automotive sector, particularly those involving technologies that use electric power to eliminate pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0003] The most researched component in electric vehicles is the battery pack, which is usually composed of high-density battery cells. Therefore, it is necessary to control the temperature of the battery pack to prevent damage or to prevent it from being too cold, so as not to lose its energy storage capacity and to maintain a certain voltage.

[0004] To achieve this, the battery cells are arranged as compactly as possible within the battery pack, typically by inserting flat heat exchange tubes between the cells. When the battery cells have a cylindrical structure, the most common approach is to use flat and corrugated heat exchange tubes. In this case, the most common structure for the heat exchange tubes is flat and corrugated, which allows the shape of the tube to match the largest possible outer surface area of ​​each battery cell it contacts, thus facilitating heat conduction between the battery cells and the heat exchange tubes. These tubes extend and contact a row of battery cells while leaving some gaps.

[0005] Similarly, multiple pipes must be interconnected so that all pipes can deliver liquid coolant, and the returning liquid is recovered after flowing through the internal channels of the pipes, thus completing a loop. This loop can dissipate heat from the battery pack when cooling is needed, and can provide heat to the battery pack when heating is needed.

[0006] These connections are located at the ends of the conduit, either at one end, at both ends, or in the middle. In the latter case, it is best to connect the conduit perpendicular to the battery pack to avoid taking up space and reducing the number of battery cells in the battery pack.

[0007] Regardless, the gaps left by the battery pack and heat exchange pipes will be filled with foam. This foam, applied in liquid form, expands through a chemical reaction, filling the aforementioned cavities. This foam is a protective foam with multiple functions, including:

[0008] - Thermal insulation: It helps maintain a uniform temperature inside the battery pack, which is crucial for the performance and safety of the battery cells.

[0009] -Physical protection: Provides a protective layer against impacts and vibrations, ensuring that the battery cells remain in place and are not damaged.

[0010] - Noise reduction: It acts as a buffer, reducing the noise and vibration generated during vehicle operation.

[0011] While this foam provides protection, its expansion is not always controlled during the expansion process, until it reaches the solidification stage of rigid foam. During the expansion phase, it can seep into fluid connections, thereby damaging the fluid heat exchange system. This is the case with fluid connection devices used to connect the inlet and outlet of heat exchange tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem this invention aims to solve is how to protect the sealing structure between the fluid connection device and the heat exchange tube to prevent the effect of foam, while ensuring that the structure preventing the effect of foam does not hinder the sealing test, which refers to the sealing test between the connector and the pipe required before the pipe is installed into the battery pack.

[0013] According to the embodiments to be described, the solution of this application solves the above-mentioned problems in an effective and feasible manner.

[0014] The present invention relates to a connection device, which, by a preferred configuration, is suitable for connecting a flat heat exchange tube to at least one conduit, the at least one conduit being a liquid coolant supply tube, a liquid coolant return tube, or both.

[0015] This connection device is particularly suitable for heat exchange tubes for heat exchange of battery cells, where the free space inside the battery pack is filled with foam.

[0016] A barrier device is used in the connection assembly, located between the connector exterior and the sealing device, which is connected to the heat exchange pipe. The barrier device prevents, or at least blocks, the ingress of foam used during battery pack manufacturing, while facilitating leakage verification during processes such as quality verification testing. During quality verification testing, the barrier device's ability to allow leaking fluid to flow out can be used to identify leaks. The fluid used in the quality verification test does not need to be the same as the fluid used for heat exchange in the operating mode.

[0017] This invention facilitates the use of electric vehicles to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, thereby achieving environmental protection goals.

[0018] A first aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus suitable for fluid connection between a heat exchange tube and a conduit for supplying or removing liquid coolant, the heat exchange tube preferably having a flat structure.

[0019] To protect the sealed area between the conduit and the heat exchange tube, a device is needed to prevent foam from entering during the expansion phase. Complete blockage also has other negative effects, as it prevents fluid from flowing out of the sealing device. When conducting quality verification tests to check for leaks in the sealing device, it is essential to be able to observe any potential leaks. If any fluid passage is blocked, testing cannot be performed because it is impossible to know if there is a leak. The connection device of the first aspect of this invention solves this problem.

[0020] As described above, the connecting device is suitable for connecting a heat exchange tube having an integrally flat structure and at least one conduit for a liquid coolant, the conduit being a supply conduit or a return conduit or both, the heat exchange tube having one or more communication ports, and comprising:

[0021] The shell, which includes

[0022] - At least one connection port located outside the housing for establishing a fluid connection with at least one conduit;

[0023] - At least one fluid connection structure adapted to establish a fluid connection with a communication port of a heat exchange tube, wherein the fluid connection structure is also in fluid communication with the at least one connection port, and wherein the fluid connection structure includes a sealing device for establishing a seal between the fluid connection structure and the communication port into the heat exchange tube;

[0024] It also includes a barrier device to at least partially prevent foam material from reaching the sealing device from the outside of the housing, wherein the barrier device allows fluid to flow out if the sealing device leaks.

[0025] The housing should be interpreted as a structural element, not necessarily forming an enclosed space. Therefore, foam may intrude into its interior areas and affect the sealing mechanism, as the housing does not have a structure to prevent such occurrences.

[0026] The housing includes two fluidly interconnected structures: a connection port for connecting to a conduit for supplying or returning liquid coolant, and a fluid connection structure for establishing a fluid interface with the heat exchange tube to ensure that the liquid coolant enters and leaves without leakage.

[0027] Fluid connection to the heat exchange tube is achieved through a port, which can be a single channel running through the tube side or through an intermediate fluid communication element (e.g., a manifold) that facilitates connection to the heat exchange tube. In a preferred embodiment, the port of the heat exchange tube is located on one or more of its sidewalls, or, if an intermediate manifold is used, on one or more sidewalls of the intermediate manifold.

[0028] In all cases, the connection device has a sealing device to ensure a leak-free connection between the connection device and the heat exchange tube.

[0029] Furthermore, the connection device includes a barrier located between the sealing device and the exterior of the housing, which prevents foam from contacting the sealing device, especially during its expansion phase. In other words, tests have shown that the barrier remains functional even when foam is introduced in liquid form, ensuring protection of the sealing device.

[0030] They are called barrier devices because when foam expands, when the foam reaches the barrier device, they either completely block its passage or restrict its passage, allowing the foam to break through the barrier device to a minimum in some cases, but in these cases, even if the foam may come into contact with the sealing device, it will not affect the function of the sealing device.

[0031] Conversely, these barrier devices allow fluid to flow out in the opposite direction. That is, in quality verification tests to verify whether a sealing device is functional, the fluid used will leak if the sealing device is defective, and the leak must be able to overcome the barrier device in order to detect the defect in the sealing device and to take measures, such as removing these connecting devices and connected heat exchange tubes, to prevent these defective components from being installed in the product.

[0032] Some embodiments of the sealing device consist of an O-ring or gasket made of elastic material, which is pressed against the connection port of the heat exchange tube. According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing device is a gasket made of elastic material that withstands the pressure between the housing support and the heat exchange tube wall. This pressure requires a support structure capable of absorbing the reaction force. The support structure required to maintain the pressure can be located away from the sealing device.

[0033] In all cases, the barrier device forms a surface that defines an enclosed space, within which the seal is held. That is, any external fluid flowing from the outside to the seal must pass through the barrier device.

[0034] According to one specific embodiment applicable to all the foregoing embodiments, the fluid connection structure is an internal connection structure located inside the housing.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the housing defines an internal space, thus the fluid connection structure is an internal connection structure. When this connection structure is an internal connection structure, there is an isolation wall between its interior and exterior; for example, the wall of the housing encloses the fluid connection structure and its internal sealing device. The isolation wall does not need to be sealed, and any opening (e.g., the opening between the housing and the heat exchange tube) is a channel that allows foam to intrude into the internal space and affect the sealing device.

[0036] In these cases, as more specific embodiments, the barrier device may be located inside the housing, or even at one or more openings leading to the external space.

[0037] According to a specific embodiment applicable to all the foregoing embodiments, the barrier device is a circumferential washer including an elastically deformable lip configured to support the surface constituting the channel barrier, the lip being arranged in an oblique manner to allow fluid to flow out easily and to impede the entry of foam material.

[0038] In this specific embodiment, the barrier device uses a circumferential washer configured to have an elastically deformable lip in its cross-section, the lip being designed to support itself on a surface. This elastically deformable lip deforms according to the force applied to it. Specifically, its design allows fluid to flow out easily but impedes the entry of fluids (especially foam materials).

[0039] One configuration that has proven very effective is to support the lip edge on a surface, but at an angle, with the lip edge tip facing outwards. Increased external pressure (e.g., due to the action of foam during the expansion phase) generates a force that tends to press the lip edge (especially its tip) against the supporting surface with greater force; the greater the pressure, the better the closure.

[0040] Conversely, when the pressure comes from the inside, such as during a leak test, the pressure acts on the inner surface of the lip, and due to the tilt of the gasket lip, the resulting force tends to separate the lip from the support surface, causing the fluid passage to open.

[0041] With this structure, the barrier device can very effectively prevent foam expansion because the closing force further wedges the lip, but allows the test fluid to flow out at very low pressure to observe whether the seal has failed.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment of the foregoing embodiment based on an elastically deformable lip, the barrier device is a circumferential washer comprising a porous material, wherein the pores are interconnected.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the barrier device is a circumferential washer comprising a porous material.

[0044] This description applies to all the foregoing embodiments, wherein the barrier device forms a surface defining a sealing device, thereby retaining the sealing device therein. That is, any external fluid traveling from the outside to the sealing device must pass through the barrier device.

[0045] If the barrier device is made of a porous material with interconnected pores, then during quality verification testing, if fluid leaks from the seal, the fluid will flow out through the porous material. The interconnected pores, combined with the high pressure of the test, facilitate fluid outflow.

[0046] In contrast, research has found that porous materials are an effective foam barrier. Commonly used foams have high viscosity in the liquid phase, making it virtually impossible for them to penetrate porous materials. When the foam begins to solidify, the possibility of penetration is zero or close to zero. In other words, this low liquid-phase permeability does not completely prevent penetration. In practice, it has been observed that foam can penetrate porous materials to some extent; even in the worst case, foam will only penetrate a very small amount of the porous material, intruding into only a tiny portion of the internal space of the barrier formed by the porous material, without affecting the function of the sealing device.

[0047] According to this specific embodiment applicable to all the foregoing embodiments, the barrier device is formed of a porous material that is elastically deformable.

[0048] It has been found that, under these specific conditions, the surface defined by a porous material can be slightly compressed due to its elastic deformation properties. If separation occurs between the material of the barrier and the tube wall it supports, the foam, in its expansion phase, exerts pressure on the barrier, potentially overcoming the barrier effect. The elastic deformation properties of the material allow it to adapt to the shape of the tube wall, thus creating a channel barrier for the foam with no openings or free space, and also establishing a preferred path for the foam.

[0049] In this embodiment, the elastic deformation properties establish a pre-stress that tends to close any openings that may be created by external forces, such as the pressure exerted by the foam as it moves forward, at which point the foam attempts to occupy all available cavities.

[0050] According to a specific embodiment applicable to the above embodiments, the connecting device includes:

[0051] - Two connection ports: one liquid supply port and one return port;

[0052] - Two fluid connection structures, one reflux fluid connection structure and one supply fluid connection structure;

[0053] - The supply connection port is in fluid communication with the supply fluid connection structure, and the return connection port is in fluid communication with the return fluid connection structure; and...

[0054] - The supply fluid connection structure is adapted to connect to one port of the heat exchange tube to allow liquid coolant to enter, and the return fluid connection structure is adapted to connect to the other port of the heat exchange tube to allow liquid coolant to flow out or return.

[0055] This embodiment allows the introduction of liquid coolant into the heat exchange tube and the reception of return liquid coolant flowing out of the same heat exchange tube in the same connection device.

[0056] The connection device has two connection ports: one for connecting to a conduit supplying the fluid, and the other for connecting to a conduit receiving the return flow. Each port is in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid connection structure, which is in turn connected to a heat exchange tube via a sealing device to prevent leakage from the fluid connection structure.

[0057] These two sealed fluid connection structures can be tested in quality verification tests. According to a preferred embodiment, each sealed fluid connection structure has its own barrier device, which protects each sealing device; the multiple barrier devices may be different.

[0058] Similarly, the barrier device can be universal, because if one of the seals fails, the connection is considered to have failed. Likewise, a single barrier device can protect the seal from external foam injection.

[0059] According to the specific embodiments described above, the housing includes two connectable components, namely a first component and a second component, wherein:

[0060] - Once the two components are connected, the heat exchange tube is inserted between the two components;

[0061] - The first component, in the operating mode, is used to introduce fluid into the heat exchange tube, wherein the first component includes a liquid supply connection port and a liquid supply fluid connection structure;

[0062] - The second component is used in the operating mode to recover reflux fluid from the heat exchange tube, wherein the second component includes a reflux connection port and a reflux fluid connection structure.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the heat exchange tube is located between the two parts constituting the connecting device. That is, from a structural point of view, the parts of the connecting device are arranged on both sides of the heat exchange tube, forming a sandwich structure. Although in these embodiments, the two parts may also be in contact or even coupled.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the embodiment consists of two components, the connection between which ensures a robust structure that serves as a support structure for the sealing device, thereby ensuring pressure is applied to the connection port of the heat exchange tube. This pressure can be the pressure exerted on a sealing gasket or an elastic gasket to ensure a seal between the pressure-applied surfaces.

[0065] This structure eliminates the need for specialized devices on the heat exchange tubes to secure such accessories. This reduces the design requirements for the heat exchange tubes, thereby lowering manufacturing and installation costs and procedures.

[0066] A concrete example of coupling between two components is through a plug-in structure between the two components.

[0067] Another specific embodiment of coupling between the two components is via a threaded connection. A more specific embodiment is to connect the two components by using a screw that passes through an area of ​​the heat exchanger (or, if using a manifold), without affecting its seal.

[0068] From a fluid dynamics perspective, the heat exchange fluid enters through the supply connection port and is guided to a fluid connection structure located within the same component. The fluid connection structure receives the fluid through one of its ports. This configuration is particularly suitable for U-shaped structures, where the fluid has an outflow section and an inflow section. The fluid returns to the fluid connection structure of another component and is guided to the return connection port.

[0069] In one embodiment, the liquid supply connection port and the return connection port are located on the same side of the heat exchange tube, while in an alternative embodiment, the liquid supply connection port is located on the opposite side of the return connection port.

[0070] According to a specific embodiment applicable to all the foregoing embodiments, the barrier device has a first support surface supported on the housing, and a second support surface is provided on the heat exchange tube (or, if the connection to the heat exchange tube is achieved through the mediation of a manifold), on the manifold. Furthermore, in the operating mode, the barrier device is coupled to the heat exchange tube, and the sealing device is housed within the space enclosed by the barrier device.

[0071] In any of the above embodiments, particularly those including circumferential washers with elastically deformable lips, or those including circumferential washers made of porous material (where the pores of the porous material are interconnected), these barrier devices are located between two support surfaces, one of which is located on the housing and the other of which is formed by heat exchange tubes.

[0072] In this structure, the distance between these surfaces is set such that the barrier device contacts both, and the barrier device defines an internal space in which the sealing device is located. That is, if a liquid leak occurs during a seal test, the leaking liquid will inevitably break through the barrier device, making seal failure observable. In the operating mode, the sealing device has no outward openings and is therefore not directly affected by foam, especially during the expansion phase. Direct foam effect refers to foam reaching the sealing device directly through a specific path without passing through any element of the barrier device. This will not occur because any path connecting an external location to the sealing device of the connecting device must pass through the barrier device.

[0073] A second aspect of the invention relates to a heat exchange tube comprising at least one connection device according to any of the above embodiments.

[0074] In one embodiment of the heat exchange tube and connecting device combination, the connecting device includes a first component and a second component. The first component is used to introduce fluid into the heat exchange tube in operating mode, and the second component is used to recover return fluid from the heat exchange tube in operating mode. In this embodiment, the heat exchange tube includes a first set of internal channels for fluid supply and a second set of internal channels for return, these channels being connected at one or both ends of the heat exchange tube.

[0075] When one end of a heat exchange tube has two sets of communicating internal channels, one embodiment involves arranging two components longitudinally at opposite ends of the tube. A first component supplies fluid to the first set of internal channels, and a second component receives fluid from the second set of internal channels. According to this embodiment, the fluid flows in a U-shape.

[0076] When a heat exchange tube has two sets of interconnected internal channels at both ends, a preferred embodiment involves arranging two components longitudinally along the middle of the heat exchange tube. The first component supplies liquid to the first set of internal channels, and the second component receives fluid from the second set of internal channels. The fluid introduced through the first component is distributed to both ends and flows through the first set of internal channels, then transfers to both ends of the heat exchange tube and flows towards the second set of internal channels, ultimately converging at the second component as a return flow. In this configuration, the fluid flows in a U-shape at both ends of the heat exchange tube.

[0077] In these combinations, the first group of internal channels should be interpreted as one or more internal channels, and the same applies to the second group of internal channels.

[0078] A third aspect of the invention relates to a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells and a heat exchange tube for regulating the temperature of the battery cells, wherein the heat exchange tube is connected to a heat exchange liquid supply and recovery device via a connection device of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0079] The fourth aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0080] The fifth aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a battery pack, comprising assembling a plurality of battery cells and at least one heat exchange tube for regulating the temperature of the battery cells, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0081] - Couple at least one of the connecting devices described in any of the foregoing embodiments to the heat exchange tube or the liquid inlet manifold of the heat exchange tube (when the heat exchange tube has said manifold);

[0082] - Perform a sealing test using the following sub-steps:

[0083] By pressurizing the verification fluid, the connection structure between the connecting device and the heat exchange tube or the manifold of the heat exchange tube (when a manifold is provided) is subjected to pressure.

[0084] Verify whether there is any fluid leakage at the barrier of the connection device.

[0085] - If the verification fluid does not leak through the barrier, empty the heat exchange tube and the verification fluid connection, and combine the heat exchange tube with the connection to make it in thermal contact with one or more battery cells of the battery pack housed in the casing. Alternatively, if the verification fluid leaks, dispose of the heat exchange tube and connection assembly and try using a new heat exchange tube with the connection.

[0086] Foam material is introduced into a housing having the battery cell and at least one heat exchange tube connected by a connecting device, allowing the foam to expand therein. Attached Figure Description

[0087] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example only.

[0088] Figure 1 A schematic front view of one embodiment of a heat exchange tube is shown.

[0089] Figure 2 A front view of another embodiment of the heat exchange tube is shown schematically.

[0090] Figure 3 A front view of another embodiment of the heat exchange tube is shown schematically.

[0091] Figure 4 A first embodiment of the connecting device is schematically shown, wherein the heat exchange tube is shown in cross-section, and wherein the sectional view also cuts open the connecting device to visually observe its internal structure.

[0092] Figure 5 A second embodiment of the connecting device is schematically shown, its housing consisting of two parts, wherein a heat exchange tube is shown in cross-section, and a sectional view further cuts open the connecting device to visually demonstrate its internal structure.

[0093] Figure 6 The barrier device, consisting of a circumferential washer with an elastically deformable lip, is schematically shown, along with its supporting surface and a partial cross-section through which its configuration can be observed. Detailed Implementation

[0094] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a connection device. Specifically, the device is configured to connect one or more heat exchange pipes arranged between liquid coolant inlet and return conduits and vehicle battery cells to ensure that these battery cells are at a suitable operating temperature.

[0095] refer to Figure 1 The figure schematically shows a front view of an embodiment of the heat exchange tube 1.

[0096] The heat exchange tube 1 in the diagram has a generally flat structure. This means that its shape primarily extends in two-dimensional space, but its longitudinal extension path can be designed with curves. Most commonly, this path is corrugated to establish the largest possible contact area with the cylindrical battery cell. Therefore, Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram and should be interpreted in a general way. The key is to understand its structure and how this corrugated shape can be used as a specific implementation method.

[0097] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the internal structure of the heat exchange tube 1 consists of a plurality of parallel and longitudinally extending internal channels 1.3. This channel structure can guide the flow along the entire length of the heat exchange tube 1, for example, it can make the flow velocity approximately the same across the entire cross-section of the heat exchange tube 1.

[0098] For example, this type of pipe is made by extrusion, for example, from aluminum, and the corrugated shape is made by stamping the extruded heat exchange tube 1.

[0099] The circle on the left side of the diagram represents a non-through connection that leads through one of the surfaces of heat exchange tube 1 to all the internal channels of heat exchange tube 1. For example, milling one of the surfaces of heat exchange tube 1 can remove the disc-shaped portion of material that makes up the tube wall. Further milling can remove the material of the partition walls between the internal channels 1 and 3 in that area, thereby forming a chamber that can act as a manifold for the entry and exit of liquid coolant.

[0100] In other equivalent forms, a through hole may be formed and sealed on one of its surfaces by a sealing component, so that all fluid entering or flowing out through the connection port 1.1 enters or flows out of the internal channel 1.3 of the heat exchange tube 1.

[0101] Figure 2A heat exchange tube 1 is schematically shown, in which two sets of internal channels 1.3 are distinguished. The first set of internal channels 1.3 is shown at the top, and the second set of internal channels 1.3 is shown at the bottom, separated from the first set of internal channels 1.3 by a partition wall separating the two adjacent channels 1.3. This partition wall is schematically represented by a dashed line. This dashed line, as well as the dashed line defining the partition wall of the internal channels 1.3, indicates that they are located inside and therefore cannot be seen from the outside.

[0102] In this embodiment, one of the connecting ports 1.1, namely the upper connecting port 1.1, is located on the visible side, while the other connecting port 1.2 is located on the other side of the heat exchange tube 1, and is therefore also depicted with a dashed line.

[0103] This structure allows the entire space to be determined by the height of the heat exchange tube 1. The height in the diagram refers to the direction, and therefore to the width direction of the flat heat exchange tube 1. The third dimension, besides the length and width of the heat exchange tube 1, will be considered as the "thickness" of the heat exchange tube 1.

[0104] according to Figure 1 The structure of the heat exchange tube 1 shown allows for either outflow or inflow of fluid, but not both simultaneously. That is, fluid can enter from the connection port 1.1 and then exit from another location on the heat exchange tube 1 through another connection port 1.2, and vice versa.

[0105] according to Figure 2 The heat exchange tube 1 structure shown allows the same heat exchange tube 1 to transmit the supply flow in one set of internal channels 1.3 and the return flow in another set of internal channels 1.3. In this case, one end of the heat exchange tube 1 is provided with a manifold for transmitting fluid from the first set of internal channels 1.3 to the second set of internal channels 1.3, forming a U-shaped flow.

[0106] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the heat exchange tube 1 is illustrated schematically, wherein the supply or return of liquid coolant is achieved through two manifolds A, which are connected to the internal channel 1.3 through the ends of the heat exchange tube 1. The advantage of this configuration is that no machining of the extruded tube is required; the manifolds A can be constructed simply by adding additional components (such as two stamped metal plates).

[0107] although Figures 1 to 3 Not shown in the text, but this particular way of using a mediator manifold is applicable to, for example Figure 1 The diagram shows only the pipes that allow outflow or return.

[0108] Figure 3 It is also shown that, to the left of manifold A, heat exchange tube 1 extends in the same manner as on the right. Throughout this text, the terms right, left, up, and down are used to refer to the orientations shown in the figures.

[0109] Thus, manifold A can be located not only at the end of heat exchange tube 1, but also in the middle of the heat exchange tube. For example, it can be located in the longitudinal center. This allows the liquid coolant to enter and exit from the middle position. The liquid coolant is delivered to the two opposite ends of heat exchange tube 1 through a set of internal channels 1.3, and returns to the same middle position through another set of internal channels 1.3. Nevertheless, the liquid coolant inlet and the liquid coolant return outlet can also be located at different positions in the longitudinal direction.

[0110] It needs to be clarified that, based on Figures 1 to 3 In all the cases described, the vertical direction is displayed as a horizontal direction.

[0111] All described heat exchange tubes 1 are applicable to the heat exchange tubes 1 of the connection devices described herein.

[0112] Figure 4 A first embodiment of the connecting device is schematically shown.

[0113] The shaded rectangle on the right represents the flat cross-section of heat exchange tube 1, which can be connected through the connecting port 1.1. According to the orientation in the figure, this connecting port is located on the left side surface of heat exchange tube 1. In this embodiment, heat exchange tube 1 is supplied with liquid through this connecting port 1.1.

[0114] The liquid supply comes from conduit C, and the thick black arrow in the figure indicates the inlet of the liquid coolant. Conduit C is connected to a connection port 2.1.1, which is a plug or tube body, and in this embodiment, the plug or tube body is inserted into conduit C.

[0115] Connection port 2.1.1 extends from housing 2. In this embodiment, housing 2 is formed by component 2.1 and has a fluid connection structure 2.1.2 for connection with communication port 1.1 of heat exchange tube 1.

[0116] The fluid connection structure 2.1.2 has a sealing device 4 to prevent leakage of fluid transmission between the internal channel of the housing 2 and the interior of the heat exchange tube 1.

[0117] The internal passage of housing 2 is schematically shown by dashed arrows. This internal passage is responsible for fluidly connecting connection port 2.1.1 and fluid connection structure 2.1.2. In this way, fluid from pipe C can be transferred to heat exchange tube 1 without leakage.

[0118] Figure 4 The housing 2 is shown. In this embodiment, a support is provided in the outer region of the internal channel of the housing 2, and the blocking device 3 is supported on the support. In this embodiment, the blocking device 3 is composed of annular components made of porous material and is supported on both the support of the housing 2 and the outer surface of the heat exchange tube 1, thereby accommodating the sealing device therein.

[0119] If the component 2.1 constituting the housing 2 is not sealed, and foam is allowed to enter during battery assembly to protect its battery pack, then the foam will not be able to directly contact the sealing device 4 due to the insertion of the barrier device 3.

[0120] Conversely, if the sealing device fails to guarantee the seal between the fluid connection structure 2.1.2 and the heat exchange tube 1 during the quality verification test, the leaking fluid will encounter the barrier device 3 from the inside and will be able to flow out through the porous material, thus demonstrating a seal failure.

[0121] The same situation occurs when the blocking device 3 is composed of a circumferential washer including an elastically deformable lip, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the following will describe it.

[0122] Figure 5 Another embodiment suitable for heat exchange tube 1 is schematically shown, wherein, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 One or more internal channels 1.3 are used for liquid supply flow, and one or more internal channels 1.3 are used for return flow.

[0123] In this embodiment, the housing 2 consists of two parts: the first part 2.1 is located on one side of the heat exchange tube 1, for example, the left side shown in the figure, and the second part 2.2 is located on the other side of the heat exchange tube 1, for example, the right side shown in the figure.

[0124] In this embodiment, the connector 1.1 for introducing liquid coolant is located at the top, pressed... Figure 5 As shown, it can be connected from the left, and the liquid coolant flows out through another connection port 1.2, which is located at the bottom and can be connected from the right.

[0125] Thus, the first component 2.1 of the housing 2 is located on one side of the heat exchange tube 1 to supply liquid coolant to the heat exchange tube 1, and the second component 2.2 of the housing 2 is located on the other side of the heat exchange tube 1 to remove the return liquid coolant, as shown by the thick black arrow in the supply and return conduit C.

[0126] First component 2.1 as Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment is shown with the housing 2 now appearing larger to match the size of the second component 2.2 located on the right and positioned lower. Now, depending on the thickness direction of the heat exchange tube 1 or the horizontal direction in the figure, the return port 1.2 is located on the other side.

[0127] The second component 2.2 is also equipped with a connection port 2.2.1 and a fluid connection structure 2.2.2 for sealing the connection to the second communication port 1.2. The connection port 2.2.1 and the fluid connection structure 2.2.2 are fluidly connected via an internal conduit, which is now slightly longer than the internal conduit of the first component 2.1. The configuration of the sealing device 4 and the blocking device 3 is the same as described in the first component 2.1, and therefore these descriptions also apply to the second component 2.2.

[0128] This relative structure, with the first component 2.1 located on one side of the flat heat exchange tube 1 and the second component 2.2 located on the other side of the heat exchange tube 1, allows the two components to be mechanically connected together, with the heat exchange tube 1 situated between them. This mechanical connection... Figure 5 It is not shown in the text that it can be formed by snap-fit ​​or threaded connection, and these connection methods are only used as examples of establishing mechanical connections.

[0129] In this structure, two components 2.1 and 2.2 are interconnected, with the heat exchange tube 1 located between them, allowing the sealing device 4 and the barrier device 3 to control the heat exchange tube 1 or the intermediate manifold (using a method such as...). Figure 3 When the manifold shown is subjected to force, it is used to achieve its corresponding function, because the components 2.1 and 2.2 of the housing 2 provide support by connecting with the opposite components.

[0130] This structure does not require a special connection device in the heat exchange tube 1, because the two components 2.1 and 2.2 are designed to be connected to each other, and the heat exchange tube 1 is placed between them.

[0131] Figure 5 An embodiment is described in which the connection ports 2.1.1 and 2.2.1 of the two components 2.1 and 2.2 are located on the same side of the thickness direction of the heat exchange tube 1, i.e. Figure 5 The horizontal direction of the heat exchange tube 1. However, in an alternative embodiment, one connection port 2.1.1 may be provided facing one side of the thickness direction of the heat exchange tube 1, while another connection port 2.2.1 faces the opposite direction, also along the thickness direction of the heat exchange tube 1.

[0132] These embodiments correspond to Figure 2 The heat exchange tube 1 shown in Figure 3 has its liquid supply port and return port 1.1 and 1.2 located at the same position along the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange tube 1.

[0133] Each of the embodiments has two connection ports, namely a liquid supply connection port 1.1 and a return connection port 1.2. When the two connection ports 1.1 and 1.2 are located in different positions and are spaced apart longitudinally, it also constitutes an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

[0134] exist Figure 5In this configuration, the two components 2.1 and 2.2 are located on different surfaces of the heat exchange tube 1, namely, on the left and right sides respectively. Alternatively, the supply port and the return port 1.1 and 1.2 are located on the same side or the same surface of the heat exchange tube 1, for example, in... Figure 5 In the directions shown, they are located to the left or right of heat exchange tube 1. In this case, the connecting ports 1.1 and 1.2 are preferably located at different positions and spaced apart according to the longitudinal direction described in the previous paragraph.

[0135] Figure 6 The structure of the barrier device, formed by a circumferential washer comprising an elastically deformable lip, is schematically shown. In this example, the circumferential washer extends along a circular path, but it can also extend along other paths, for example, adjusted according to the actual condition of the housing protected by the barrier device 3, and keeping its extension path closed.

[0136] Figure 6 The left side shows half of the circumferential washer without being cut, and the right side shows the half after being cut along a plane parallel to the paper plane.

[0137] The right-hand section shows only a portion of housing 2, which provides a support base—in this case, a stepped support base, i.e., the first striped section—and a circumferential washer section showing a sloping lip that rests on point T, or a contact area. As shown in this section, this point is located on the surface that establishes the channel barrier; in this case, this surface is the outer surface of heat exchange tube 1.

[0138] The sloping lip is tilted so that its root faces inward toward the internal structure to be protected, and its end edge (supported on the surface where the closure is located, i.e., on the heat exchange tube 1) is located on the outermost side.

[0139] With this configuration, in situations such as the foam expansion stage, the external pressure P2 applied from the outside will often exert force on the supporting surface, which is beneficial for applying force to the same surface, thereby increasing the degree of barrier and even achieving a seal.

[0140] Conversely, the pressure P1 applied from the inside (an overpressure situation caused by fluid leakage during a seal test) will generate another force that tends to bend the lip and separate it from the surface it supports, thus allowing fluid to flow out.

Claims

1. A connecting device suitable for connecting a heat exchange tube (1) of integral flat structure to at least one conduit (C), said conduit being a supply conduit and / or return conduit for a liquid coolant, said heat exchange tube (1) having one or more connecting ports (1.1, 1.2), wherein The connecting device includes a housing (2), the housing comprising - At least one connection port (2.1.1, 2.2.1) located outside the housing (2) for establishing a fluid connection with the at least one conduit (C); - At least one fluid connection structure (2.1.2, 2.2.2) adapted to establish a fluid connection with the communication port (1.1, 1.2) of the heat exchange tube (1), wherein, The fluid connection structure (2.1.2, 2.2.2) is also in fluid communication with at least one connection port (2.1.1, 2.2.1), and The fluid connection structure (2.1.2, 2.2.2) includes a sealing device (4) to establish a seal between the fluid connection structure (2.1.2, 2.2.2) and the communication port (1.1, 1.2) for communicating with the heat exchange tube (1); Its features are, Includes a barrier device (3) for at least partially preventing foam material from reaching the sealing device (4) from the outside of the housing (2), and the barrier device (3) allows fluid to flow out if the sealing device (4) leaks.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid connection structure (2.1.2, 2.2.2) is an internal connection structure located inside the housing (2).

3. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The barrier device (3) is a circumferential gasket including an elastically deformable lip, the lip being configured to support the surface constituting the channel barrier, the lip being arranged in an oblique manner to allow fluid to flow out easily and to impede the entry of foam material.

4. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The barrier device (3) is a circumferential washer comprising a porous material, wherein the pores of the porous material are interconnected.

5. The connecting device according to claim 4, wherein, The porous material is elastically deformable.

6. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, wherein, It includes: - Two connection ports (2.1.1, 2.2.1), one of which is a liquid supply connection port (2.1.1) and the other is a return connection port (2.2.1); - Two fluid connection structures (2.1.2, 2.2.2), one of which is a return fluid connection structure (2.2.2) and the other is a supply fluid connection structure (2.1.2); Wherein, the liquid supply connection port (2.1.1) is in fluid communication with the liquid supply fluid connection structure (2.1.2), and the return flow connection port (2.2.1) is in fluid communication with the return flow fluid connection structure (2.2.2); and The liquid supply fluid connection structure (2.1.2) is adapted to be connected to one of the ports (1.1) of the heat exchange tube (1) so that liquid coolant can enter, and the return fluid connection structure (2.2.2) is adapted to be connected to the other port (1.2) so as to connect the heat exchange tube (1) so that liquid coolant can flow out or return.

7. The connecting device according to claim 6, wherein, The housing (2) includes two connectable components (2.1, 2.2): a first component (2.1) and a second component (2.2), wherein: - Once the two components (2.1, 2.2) are connected together, the heat exchange tube (1) is inserted between the two components (2.1, 2.2); - The first component (2.1) is used in the working mode to introduce fluid into the heat exchange tube (1), wherein the first component (2.1) includes the liquid supply connection port (2.1.1) and the liquid supply fluid connection structure (2.1.2); - The second component (2.2) is used in the working mode to recover the reflux fluid from the heat exchange tube (1), wherein the second component (2.2) includes the reflux connection port (2.2.1) and the reflux fluid connection structure (2.2.2).

8. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 and 7, wherein, The barrier device (3) has a first support region supported on the housing (2) and a second support region, the second support region being configured to support the heat exchange tube (1), or, when connected to the heat exchange tube (1) via a manifold (A), to support the manifold (A), and the second support region being coupled to the heat exchange tube (1) in the operating mode, the sealing device (4) being housed in the space enclosed by the barrier device (3).

9. A heat exchange tube (1), characterized in that, It includes at least one connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The heat exchange tube (1) according to claim 9, comprising the connecting device according to claim 7, wherein... - The first component (2.1) of the connecting device is in fluid communication with one or more internal channels (1.3) of the heat exchange tube (1) for supplying liquid; - The second component (2.2) of the connecting device is in fluid communication with one or more internal channels of the heat exchange tube (1) for receiving return flow; - The first component (2.1) and the second component (2.2) of the connecting device are located longitudinally at one end of the heat exchange tube (1), while at the other end of the heat exchange tube (1), one or more internal channels for supplying liquid are in fluid communication with one or more internal channels for receiving return flow to form a U-shaped flow.

11. The heat exchange tube (1) according to claim 9, comprising the connecting device according to claim 7, wherein... - The first component (2.1) of the connecting device is in fluid communication with one or more internal channels (1.3) of the heat exchange tube (1) for supplying liquid; - The second component (2.2) of the connecting device is in fluid communication with one or more internal channels of the heat exchange tube (1) for receiving return flow; - The first component (2.1) and the second component (2.2) of the connecting device are located longitudinally in the middle of the heat exchange tube (1), and at each of the two ends of the heat exchange tube (1), one or more internal channels for liquid supply are in fluid communication with one or more channels for return flow to configure two U-shaped flows.

12. The heat exchange tube according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The liquid supply fluid connection structure (2.1.2) and the return fluid connection structure (2.2.2) are oriented on the same side in the thickness direction of the heat exchange tube (1), making them parallel to the thickness direction of the heat exchange tube (1).

13. A battery pack, characterized in that, It includes multiple battery cells and a heat exchange tube (1) for adjusting the temperature of the battery cells according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the heat exchange tube (1) is connected to a heat exchange liquid supply and recovery device via a connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes at least one battery pack as claimed in claim 13.

15. A method for assembling a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells and at least one heat exchange tube (1) for regulating the temperature of the battery cells, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: - At least one connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is coupled to the communication port (1.1, 1.2) of the heat exchange tube (1), or coupled to the manifold (A) when the heat exchange tube (1) has a liquid supply manifold (A); - Perform a sealing test using the following sub-steps: Pressure is applied to the connection structure between the connecting device and the heat exchange tube (1) using a verification fluid, or pressure is applied to the connection structure between the connecting device and the manifold (A) when the heat exchange tube (1) has a manifold (A). Verify whether there is any leakage of verification fluid at the blocking device (3) of the connecting device. - If the verification fluid does not leak through the barrier device (3), empty the heat exchange tube (1) and the verification fluid connection device, and combine the heat exchange tube (1) with the connection device to make it in thermal contact with one or more battery cells of the battery pack housed in the casing; or, if the verification fluid leaks, discard the heat exchange tube (1) and the connection device, and try a new heat exchange tube (1) with the connection device. - Introduce foam material into the housing containing the battery cell and connect the at least one heat exchange tube (1) via a connecting device, allowing the foam to expand therein.

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