Connection device, thermal management circuit and vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510168293.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-14
AI Technical Summary
如果内部温差较大，会导致每个电芯的充放电速率不同，从而降低电池组性能
Smart Images
Figure CN122566039A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to a connection device and a thermal management circuit. Background Technology
[0002] Batteries operate on the principle of voltage difference. At high temperatures, internal electrons are excited, reducing the voltage difference across the battery. Since batteries can only operate within a specific temperature range, the heat exchange system needs to maintain the battery pack within a stable temperature range while keeping the internal temperature difference within the pack to a minimum (e.g., no more than 5 degrees Celsius). Large internal temperature differences can lead to different charge / discharge rates for each cell, thus reducing battery pack performance. Overheating or uneven temperature distribution within the battery pack can potentially cause thermal stability issues such as capacity decay, thermal runaway, and fire / explosion.
[0003] Therefore, a high-performance thermal management circuit that can reduce battery temperature differences is needed. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to at least address the shortcomings of the prior art. This disclosure proposes a connection device for connecting an expansion valve and a cooling device, comprising: an inlet pipe fluidly connected to the outlet of the expansion valve; and a first outlet pipe including a first inlet end connected to the inlet pipe and a first outlet end. The inlet pipe includes an injection section having a blocking portion extending in the cross-section of the inlet pipe and an injection port divided by the blocking portion.
[0005] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the connecting device further includes a second outlet pipe, the second outlet pipe including a second inlet end connected to the inlet pipe and a second outlet end.
[0006] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe, and the second outlet pipe are arranged in a Y-shape.
[0007] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the connecting device includes a first component and a second component that are assembled and fixed to each other, the inlet pipe is disposed in the first component, the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are integrally formed in the second component, the second component also includes a receiving hole, and one end of the first component is inserted into the receiving hole such that the inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are distributed in a Y shape.
[0008] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the injection portion further includes an outer peripheral portion located radially outside the blocking portion, the blocking portion including a central portion connected to the outer peripheral portion.
[0009] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the blocking portion further includes a cantilever, the central portion being connected to the outer periphery of the injection portion via the cantilever, the outer periphery, the central portion, and the cantilever defining a plurality of injection ports.
[0010] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the injection portion includes two cantilever arms, and two injection ports are formed by the outer peripheral portion, the central portion, and the two cantilever arms.
[0011] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the injection section has a symmetrical structure, and the two injection ports are respectively aligned with the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.
[0012] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the central portion further includes an injection port at its center.
[0013] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the injection section is located near the interface between the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.
[0014] This disclosure also proposes a thermal management circuit including an expansion valve having an expansion valve outlet; a cooling device including a first cooling flow path; and a connecting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The inlet pipe of the connecting device is fluidly connected to the expansion valve outlet, and the first outlet end of the first outlet pipe of the connecting device is connected to the first cooling flow path.
[0015] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting device further includes a second outlet pipe, the second outlet pipe including a second inlet end connected to the inlet pipe and a second outlet end, the second outlet end of the second outlet pipe of the connecting device being connected to the second cooling flow path.
[0016] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the cooling device is in the shape of a flat plate, and the first cooling flow path and the second cooling flow path each extend in a tortuous manner within the cooling plate and / or include multiple sub-flow paths.
[0017] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the expansion valve is configured to deliver a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant from the outlet of the expansion valve.
[0018] This disclosure proposes a vehicle including a battery and a thermal management circuit according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein a cooling device of the thermal management circuit is attached to the battery to cool the battery. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;
[0020] Figure 2An enlarged perspective view of some components of a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;
[0021] Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of some components of a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown from a first-person perspective.
[0022] Figure 4 A cross-sectional perspective view of some components of a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown from a second perspective.
[0023] Figure 5 A perspective view of the injection section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0024] Figure Labels
[0025] 1. Expansion valve
[0026] 11. Expansion valve inlet,
[0027] 12 Expansion valve outlet,
[0028] 2. Cooling device
[0029] 21 first cooling flow path,
[0030] 22 second cooling flow path,
[0031] 3. Connecting device
[0032] 31 First component,
[0033] 311 Inlet Pipe
[0034] 312 Fixing part,
[0035] 313 pipe end,
[0036] 314 seals,
[0037] 32 Second component,
[0038] 321 First Exit Pipeline,
[0039] 3211 First Entry Point
[0040] 3212 First Exit End
[0041] 322 Second Outlet Pipeline,
[0042] 3221 Second Entry Point
[0043] 3222 Second Exit End
[0044] 323 receiving hole,
[0045] 33. Injection Section
[0046] 331 blocking section,
[0047] 3311 Central Department
[0048] 3312 cantilever,
[0049] 332 injection port,
[0050] 333 peripheral part,
[0051] 41 First reflux tube,
[0052] 42 Second reflux pipe, Detailed Implementation
[0053] To make the objectives, solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the terms used herein have their ordinary meanings in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same parts.
[0054] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.
[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management circuit according to this disclosure may include an expansion valve 1, a cooling device 2, and a compressor (not shown). The cooling pipe 2 may, for example, be attached to the battery body (not shown) to dissipate heat from the battery body. The compressor may pressurize the refrigerant after heat exchange, and the expansion valve 1 may reduce the pressure by throttling to promote the cooling effect of the refrigerant. To connect the expansion valve 1, the cooling device 2, and the compressor, the thermal management circuit of this disclosure may also include a connecting device 3, a first return pipe 41, and a second return pipe 42 to achieve a complete circuit cycle.
[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cooling device 2 according to this disclosure can be configured as a flat plate, and a cooling flow path is provided within the cooling device 2 for refrigerant flow to achieve heat exchange with the battery body. In particular, the cooling device 2 may include two independent first cooling flow paths 21 and second cooling flow paths 22, or may include more cooling flow paths. The first cooling flow path 21 and the second cooling flow path 22 include their respective inlets and outlets, specifically, as shown... Figure 1As shown, the inlet of the first cooling flow path 21 is fluidly connected to the connecting device 3 (particularly to the first outlet pipe connected to the connecting device 3, described later), and the inlet of the second cooling flow path 22 is fluidly connected to the connecting device 3 (particularly to the second outlet pipe 322 connected to the connecting device 3, described later), thereby allowing the refrigerant flowing out of the expansion valve 1 to flow into the cooling device 2. The outlets of the first cooling flow path 21 and the second cooling flow path 22 are fluidly connected to the compressor, respectively, so that the refrigerant that has completed heat exchange after flowing through the first cooling flow path 21 and the second cooling flow path 22 flows back to the compressor, is pressurized, and then flows into the expansion valve, thereby forming two complete loops.
[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the first cooling flow path 21 and the second cooling flow path 22 may each include multiple sub-flow paths, which may extend in a tortuous manner so that the first cooling flow path 21 and the second cooling flow path 22 cover as much area as possible within the plate plane of the cooling device 2, thereby increasing the heat exchange capacity of the cooling device 2.
[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the expansion valve 1 may include an expansion valve inlet 11 and an expansion valve outlet 12, particularly including two expansion valve inlets 11 to correspond to two cooling flow paths. The two expansion valve inlets 11 are respectively fluidly connected to the outlets of the first cooling flow path 21 and the second cooling flow path 22 of the cooling device 2 via a first return pipe 41 and a second return pipe 42 to recover refrigerant. For example, the expansion valve inlet 11 of the expansion valve 1 may be directly connected to the compressor, that is, the refrigerant flowing into the expansion valve inlet 11 does not flow directly out of the expansion valve outlet 12, but is sent to the compressor for pressurization, and then the pressurized refrigerant is sent back to the expansion valve 1 for further discharge from the expansion valve outlet 12. Alternatively, the outlets of the first cooling flow path 21 and the second cooling flow path 22 of the cooling device 2 may be directly connected to the compressor via a first return pipe 41 and a second return pipe 42, respectively.
[0059] The expansion valve 1 can be configured, for example, to deliver a two-phase refrigerant (gas and liquid) from the expansion valve outlet 12 to achieve throttling and pressure reduction, which helps to improve the cooling effect.
[0060] The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing from the expansion valve outlet 12 flows into the connecting device 3, particularly into the inlet pipe 311 which is fluidly connected to the expansion valve outlet 12. Specifically, as... Figure 2 He Ru Figure 3 As shown, the connecting device may include an inlet pipe 311 and a first outlet pipe 321 and a second outlet pipe 322 branching from the inlet pipe 311. The refrigerant flows in the connecting device 3 as follows: Figure 4As indicated by the black arrows in the diagram. The first outlet pipe 321 may include a first inlet end 3211 and a first outlet end 3212, and the second outlet pipe 322 may include a second inlet end 3221 and a second outlet end 3222. The first inlet end 3211 and the second inlet end 3221 are connected to the inlet pipe 311, and the first outlet pipe 321 and the second outlet pipe 322 are respectively connected to the inlet of the first cooling flow path 21 and the second cooling flow path 22 of the cooling device 2 through the first outlet end 3212 and the second outlet end 3222. By dividing the flow into the first outlet pipe 321 and the second outlet pipe 322, better flow distribution can be achieved, which is beneficial to reduce pressure drop, improve flow distribution, and make the refrigerant more evenly distributed in the entire plate plane of the cooling device 2.
[0061] Since the refrigerant flowing out of the expansion valve outlet 12 is a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, and these two phases tend to stratify, this affects the subsequent heat exchange of the refrigerant in the cooling device 2, reducing heat exchange efficiency. Therefore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the thermal management circuit according to this disclosure includes an injection section 33 in the inlet pipe 311. The injection section 33 may include a blocking section 331 extending into the cross-section of the inlet pipe 311 and an injection port 332 divided by the blocking section 331. Here, the blocking section 331 refers to the portion extending into the cross-section of the inlet pipe 311, which serves to disperse and agitate the refrigerant flow. Therefore, a narrowing that merely uniformly reduces the cross-sectional area of the inlet pipe 311 is not considered a blocking section in this disclosure. Thus, by using the blocking section 331 extending into the middle of the cross-section of the inlet pipe 311, the stratified flow can be dispersed, allowing the two phases of refrigerant to mix thoroughly, which helps to increase the heat exchange effect of the refrigerant in the cooling device 2.
[0062] In particular, such as Figure 5 As shown, the injection section 33 may further include an outer peripheral portion 333, which is the outer peripheral edge of the injection section 33. The inner contour of the outer peripheral portion 333 may, for example, be flush with the inner contour of the inlet pipe 311. The blocking portion 331 may include a central portion 3311 connected to the outer peripheral portion 333. The central portion may, for example, be directly connected to the outer peripheral portion 333 or connected to the outer peripheral portion 333 via a cantilever 3312. For example, the central portion 3311 may be located at the center of the cross-section of the inlet pipe 311 and connected to the outer peripheral portion 333 of the injection section 33 via multiple cantilever 3312. The outer peripheral portion 333, the central portion 3311, and the multiple cantilever 3312 surround to form a plurality of injection ports 332. For example, as Figure 5As shown, the injection section 33 may include two cantilever arms 3312 and two arc-shaped injection ports 332 formed by the outer peripheral portion 333, the central portion 3311, and the two cantilever arms 3312. The two injection ports 332 can be aligned with the first outlet pipe 321 and the second outlet pipe 322, respectively, and the entire injection section 33 can be a symmetrical structure, which facilitates the uniform flow of the mixed refrigerant into the first outlet pipe 321 and the second outlet pipe 322.
[0063] Furthermore, the central portion 3311 may also include an additional injection port 332, for example, the injection port 332 may be circular, the added injection port 332 may further promote the dispersion of stratified flow, which is beneficial to the mixing of the two phases of refrigerant.
[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inlet pipe 311, the first outlet pipe 321, and the second outlet pipe 322 are arranged in a Y-shape, and in particular, the first outlet pipe 321 and the second outlet pipe 322 are arranged symmetrically. This further promotes better flow distribution, further reduces pressure drop, improves flow distribution, and makes the refrigerant more evenly distributed throughout the entire plate plane of the cooling device 2.
[0065] For example, the first outlet pipe 321 and the second outlet pipe 322 can be manufactured as a single piece. Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connecting device 3 may include a first component 31 and a second component 32 that are assembled and fixed to each other. An inlet pipe 311 may be disposed in the first component 31, which may include, for example, a fixing portion 312 and a pipe end 313 protruding from the fixing portion 312. The fixing portion 312 is used for fixed engagement with the second component 32, for example, by fixing the two together with screws. The pipe end 313 of the first component 31 may extend into a receiving hole of the second component to achieve fluid communication between the inlet pipe 311, the first outlet pipe 321, and the second outlet pipe 322. In particular, a sealing element 314 may also be provided at the pipe end 313, which can be used to engage with the wall of the receiving hole to achieve a seal and prevent refrigerant leakage.
[0066] The injection unit 33 can be fixed to the first component 31 or integrally formed with the first component 32, as long as the injection unit 33 is disposed in the inlet pipe 311. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the injection section 33 is located near the interface between the first outlet pipe 321 and the second outlet pipe 322, especially at the end of the inlet pipe 311, which facilitates the more uniform flow of the mixed refrigerant into the two outlet pipes.
[0067] The second component 32 also includes a receiving hole 323. The receiving hole 323, the first outlet pipe 321, and the second outlet pipe 322 can be integrally formed in the second component 32, forming a Y-shaped structure. The aforementioned pipe ends 313 of the first component 31 are inserted into the receiving hole 323 for orientation, such that the inlet pipe 311, the first outlet pipe 321, and the second outlet pipe 322 are distributed in a Y-shape. By integrally setting the first outlet pipe 321 and the second outlet pipe 322 inside the second component 32, the sealing performance of the thermal management circuit can be increased, it can withstand greater pressure without damage, and it is more conducive to flow diversion, reducing pressure drop and improving flow distribution.
[0068] Furthermore, this disclosure also proposes a vehicle (not shown), such as a sedan, sports car, SUV, bus, truck, trailer, special vehicle, motorcycle, etc. The vehicle may include a battery (not shown) and a thermal management circuit according to this disclosure; in particular, the battery may serve as a power source for the vehicle. A cooling device 2 of the thermal management circuit is attached to the battery to cool the battery body.
[0069] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The functions or performance of the various elements or modules described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are by no means limiting, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.
[0070] In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as simple English equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “in which”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as notations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Claims
1. A connecting device (3) for connecting an expansion valve (1) and a cooling device (2), comprising: The inlet pipe (311) is connected to the expansion valve outlet (12) for fluid flow. The first outlet pipe (321) includes a first inlet end (3211) and a first outlet end (3212) connected to the inlet pipe (311). The inlet pipe (311) is provided with an injection section (33), which has a blocking section (331) extending in the cross-section of the inlet pipe (311) and an injection port (332) divided by the blocking section (331).
2. The connecting device (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting device (3) further includes a second outlet pipe (322). It includes a second inlet end (3221) and a second outlet end (3222) connected to the inlet pipe (311).
3. The connecting device (3) according to claim 2, wherein, The inlet pipe (311), the first outlet pipe (321), and the second outlet pipe (322) are arranged in a Y-shape.
4. The connecting device (3) according to claim 3, wherein, The connecting device (3) includes a first component (31) and a second component (32) that are assembled and fixed to each other. The inlet pipe (311) is disposed in the first component (31). The first outlet pipe (321) and the second outlet pipe (322) are integrally formed in the second component (32). The second component (32) also includes a receiving hole (323). One end of the first component (31) is inserted into the receiving hole (323) so that the inlet pipe (311), the first outlet pipe (321) and the second outlet pipe (322) are distributed in a Y shape.
5. The connecting device (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The injection section (33) also includes an outer peripheral section (333) located radially outside the blocking section (331). The blocking portion (331) includes a central portion (3311) connected to the outer peripheral portion (333).
6. The connecting device (3) according to claim 5, wherein, The blocking portion (331) further includes a cantilever (3312), the central portion (3311) being connected to the outer periphery (333) of the injection portion (33) via the cantilever (3312), the outer periphery (333), the central portion (3311) and the cantilever (3312) defining a plurality of injection ports (332).
7. The connecting device (3) according to claim 6, wherein, The injection section includes two cantilever arms (3312) and two injection ports (332) formed by the outer peripheral section (333), the central section (3311) and the two cantilever arms (3312).
8. The connecting device (3) according to claim 7, wherein, The injection section (33) has a symmetrical structure, and the two injection ports (332) are aligned with the first outlet pipe (321) and the second outlet pipe (322), respectively.
9. The connecting device (3) according to claim 7, wherein, The central part (3311) also includes an injection port (332) at its center.
10. The connecting device (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The injection section (33) is located near the interface between the first outlet pipe (321) and the second outlet pipe (322).
11. A thermal management circuit, comprising: Expansion valve (1), including expansion valve outlet (11), Cooling device (2), including a first cooling flow path (21), The connecting device (3) according to any one of claims 1-10, in, The inlet pipe (311) of the connecting device (3) is fluidly connected to the outlet (11) of the expansion valve, and the first outlet end (3212) of the first outlet pipe (321) of the connecting device is connected to the first cooling flow path (21).
12. The thermal management circuit according to claim 11, wherein, The connecting device (3) further includes a second outlet pipe (322), which includes a second inlet end (3221) and a second outlet end (3222) connected to the inlet pipe. The second outlet end (3222) of the second outlet pipe (322) of the connecting device (3) is connected to the second cooling flow path (22).
13. The thermal management circuit according to claim 12, wherein, The cooling device (2) is in the shape of a flat plate, and the first cooling flow path (21) and the second cooling flow path (22) each extend in a tortuous manner within the cooling plate and / or include multiple sub-flow paths.
14. The thermal management circuit according to claim 11, wherein, The expansion valve (1) is configured to deliver a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant from the expansion valve outlet (11).
15. A vehicle, comprising Battery, According to any one of claims 11-14, the cooling device (2) of the thermal management circuit is attached to the battery to cool the battery.