Liquid cooling plate assembly and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model provides a liquid cooling plate assembly and a battery pack, and belongs to the technical field of power batteries. The liquid cooling plate assembly comprises a bottom cooling plate and a plurality of side cooling plates, a first flowing cavity is formed in the bottom cooling plate, and a second flowing cavity is formed in each side cooling plate. The side cooling plates are arranged on the bottom cooling plate at intervals in the first direction, and the second flowing cavities communicate with the first flowing cavity. According to the liquid cooling plate assembly, the bottom cooling plate and the side cooling plate are directly connected, and the second flowing cavity is directly communicated with the first flowing cavity without additional pipeline connecting fittings, so that the connecting structure of the liquid cooling plate assembly is simplified, the mounting space required by the liquid cooling plate assembly is reduced, and the space utilization rate of the battery pack is improved. The cold measuring plates arranged on the bottom cold plate at intervals in the first direction can enable the two sides and the bottom of the battery module to obtain a good heat exchange effect on one hand, so that the temperature of the battery module and even the temperature of a battery pack after heat exchange are more uniform, and on the other hand, the battery module can be conveniently installed and positioned, so that installation and heat management of the battery pack are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of power batteries, and specifically to a liquid cooling plate assembly and a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of new energy technologies, power batteries, as a common energy storage device, are widely used in electrical appliances including electric vehicles. Since a large amount of heat is generated during the operation of power batteries, excessive temperature will affect the normal operation of power batteries. Therefore, the battery packs of power batteries are equipped with corresponding thermal management systems.

[0003] Most of the existing thermal management systems include liquid cooling systems, and the liquid cooling systems can achieve good heat dissipation effects on battery packs. Most of the existing liquid cooling systems are assembled by multiple liquid cooling plates and multiple pipeline connection fittings. The complex connection structure and numerous fittings occupy a lot of installation space, resulting in the problem of low space utilization rate of the existing liquid cooling systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly and a battery pack, which can simplify the connection structure of the liquid cooling plate system and improve the space utilization rate of the liquid cooling plate system.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly, including a bottom cooling plate and multiple side cooling plates. A first flow cavity is formed in the bottom cooling plate, and a second flow cavity is formed in the side cooling plates. The multiple side cooling plates are arranged at intervals along a first direction on the bottom cooling plate, and the multiple second flow cavities are respectively communicated with the first flow cavity.

[0006] Through the above solution, a direct connection is provided between the bottom cooling plate and the side cooling plates, and the second flow cavity is directly communicated with the first flow cavity, without additional pipeline connection fittings. Thus, the connection structure of the liquid cooling plate assembly is simplified, and the installation space required for the liquid cooling plate assembly is reduced, so as to improve the space utilization rate of the battery pack. Moreover, after the second flow cavity is directly communicated with the first flow cavity, the overall liquid cooling plate assembly can realize the flow of the coolant between the bottom cooling plate and the side cooling plates by only setting one liquid inlet and one liquid outlet, further simplifying the structure of the liquid cooling plate assembly and providing the possibility for further reducing the number of components of the liquid cooling plate assembly. In addition, the side cooling plates arranged at intervals along the first direction on the bottom cooling plate can, on the one hand, enable both sides and the bottom of the battery module to obtain good heat exchange effects, so that the temperature after heat exchange of the battery module and even the battery pack is more uniform, and on the other hand, can facilitate the installation and positioning of the battery module, thus facilitating the installation and thermal management of the battery pack.

[0007] In a possible design, the side cooling plate includes a heat exchange tube arranged in a first plane. The two ends of the heat exchange tube are respectively communicated with the first flow cavity. The first plane is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the plane where the bottom cooling plate is located.

[0008] Through the above solution, the arrangement form in which both ends of the heat exchange tube are respectively connected to the first flow cavity enables the cavity inside the heat exchange tube to be connected to the first flow cavity, that is, the second flow cavity is connected to the first flow cavity, so that the coolant can circulate between the bottom cold plate and the heat exchange tube, thereby forming a good heat exchange effect in the area where the battery pack contacts the heat exchange tube, and further making the temperature in the area where the battery pack contacts the heat exchange tube relatively uniform, so as to facilitate the thermal management of the battery pack.

[0009] In a possible design, after the heat exchange tube is bent multiple times, both ends of it are respectively connected to the first flow cavity.

[0010] Through the above solution, on the one hand, the processing method and processing structure of the heat exchange tube made in this form are relatively simple, and the production and processing efficiency is relatively high. On the other hand, due to the integral structure of the heat exchange tube being complete, the manufactured heat exchange tube has good structural strength, enabling the side cold plate to have strong impact resistance, so that the side cold plate and even the liquid cooling plate assembly can reduce the risk of damage caused by external force impact, thereby improving the safety performance of the side cold plate and even the liquid cooling plate assembly. In addition, while the heat exchange tube bent multiple times forms multiple bent flow channels, it can also reduce the space size occupied by the heat exchange tube in the first partial plane, so as to further reduce the installation space required for the liquid cooling plate assembly.

[0011] In a possible design, the heat exchange tube includes a connecting pipe and an intermediate pipe. Both ends of the intermediate pipe are respectively connected to the connecting pipe. The connecting pipe is connected to the bottom cold plate and is connected to the first flow cavity.

[0012] Through the above solution, the connecting pipe and the intermediate pipe together form the heat exchange tube. The mutually connected connecting pipe and intermediate pipe together form the second flow cavity, and the second flow cavity is connected to the first flow cavity through the connecting pipe, so that the coolant can circulate between the heat exchange tube and the bottom cold plate to realize heat exchange in different areas of the battery pack.

[0013] In a possible design, there are two connecting pipes and multiple intermediate pipes. The two connecting pipes are arranged at intervals on the bottom cold plate and are connected to the first flow cavity. The multiple intermediate pipes are arranged at intervals between the two connecting pipes, and both ends of each intermediate pipe are respectively connected to the two connecting pipes.

[0014] Through the above solution, setting the number of intermediate pipes to be multiple can increase the contact area between the intermediate pipes and the battery module, enabling more areas of the battery module to exchange heat with the coolant, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the coolant and the battery module and enhancing the heat exchange effect of the battery pack.

[0015] In a possible design, the heat exchange tube is a flat tube.

[0016] Through the above solution, the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube mostly presents a flat rectangular cross-section or an oval cross-section. Compared with the conventional circular cross-section pipe, the flat tube has a larger surface area. The flat tube can form a larger contact area with the battery module, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the coolant flowing through the flat tube. In addition, due to the flattened design of the flat tube, compared with the conventional circular cross-section pipe, the flat tube can reduce the installation space occupied by the side cold plate in the first direction, thereby reducing the installation space occupied by the liquid cooling plate assembly and improving the space utilization rate of the liquid cooling plate assembly.

[0017] In a possible design, let the width of the inner cavity of the heat exchange tube be m, the width of the outer contour of the heat exchange tube be y, and the wall thickness of the heat exchange tube be n. m = y - 2×n, where y ≥ 3mm and n ≥ 0.3mm. The width direction is the short side direction of the cross-section formed by the heat exchange tube and the first plane.

[0018] Through the above solution, it can be deduced from the above formula that the width m of the inner cavity of the heat exchange tube is mainly closely related to the width y of the outer contour of the heat exchange tube and the wall thickness n of the heat exchange tube. Subject to the processing technology of the heat exchange tube and the flow requirements of the coolant, the width y of the outer contour of the heat exchange tube needs to be greater than or equal to 3mm, and the wall thickness n of the heat exchange tube needs to be greater than or equal to 0.3mm. The larger the value of the width m of the inner cavity of the heat exchange tube, the smaller the flow resistance of the coolant flowing in the heat exchange tube, and the more conducive to the rapid circulation of the coolant. The larger the value of the wall thickness n of the heat exchange tube, the better the structural strength of the heat exchange tube, the smaller the probability of deformation and damage of the heat exchange tube under the influence of the external environment, and the more capable of improving the safety performance and working stability of the heat exchange tube.

[0019] In a possible design, the bottom cold plate includes a substrate and a flow channel plate connected to each other. A first flow cavity is formed between the flow channel plate and the substrate. The side of the substrate facing away from the flow channel plate is connected to the side cold plate. The substrate is provided with a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet. The first flow cavity includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged side by side. The first flow channel is respectively communicated with the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet, and the second flow channel is respectively communicated with the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet.

[0020] Through the above solution, compared with a single flow channel, setting the first flow channel and the second flow channel can shorten the length of the first flow channel or the second flow channel, thereby shortening the flow distance and flow time of the coolant in the first flow channel or the second flow channel, accelerating the circulation speed of the coolant in the first flow cavity, and improving the heat exchange effect of the coolant. The above setting can strengthen the heat exchange effect of the bottom cold plate on the one hand, and on the other hand, it can more easily adjust the heat exchange effect of the bottom cold plate by controlling the flow of the coolant, which is beneficial to the thermal management of the battery pack.

[0021] In a possible design, the substrate is provided with circulation holes, and the side cold plate is communicated with the first flow cavity through the circulation holes. The liquid cooling plate assembly further includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate. Both the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are arranged on the substrate. A first cross-flow channel is formed between the first connecting plate and the substrate, and a second cross-flow channel is formed between the second connecting plate and the substrate.

[0022] The first cross-flow channel and the first shortest path form a spatial cross structure. The first shortest path is the shortest flow path from the liquid inlet to one of the circulation holes. The first cross-flow channel communicates the first flow channel and the liquid outlet, and the connection position of the first cross-flow channel and the first flow channel is located on one side of the first shortest path, and the connection position of the first cross-flow channel and the liquid outlet is located on the other side of the first shortest path.

[0023] The second cross-flow channel and the second shortest path form a spatial cross structure. The second shortest path is the shortest flow path from the liquid inlet to the other circulation hole. The second cross-flow channel communicates the second flow channel and the liquid outlet, and the connection position of the second cross-flow channel and the second flow channel is located on one side of the second shortest path, and the connection position of the second cross-flow channel and the liquid outlet is located on the other side of the second shortest path.

[0024] Through the above solution, the circulation holes are used to connect the first flow cavity and the second flow cavity in the side cold plate, so that the coolant in the first flow cavity can flow into or out of the second flow cavity, so that the coolant can circulate in the cavity jointly formed by the first flow cavity and the second flow cavity, so that the coolant can circulate in the liquid cooling plate assembly, and further realize the heat exchange effect on the battery pack. The first cross-flow channel formed by the first connecting plate will form an avoidance structure for the first shortest path, so that the liquid outlet will not affect the flow of the coolant in the first shortest path. Similarly, the second cross-flow channel formed by the second connecting plate will form an avoidance structure for the second shortest path, so that the liquid outlet will not affect the flow of the coolant in the second shortest path. Thus, the coolant can flow normally between the first flow cavity and the side cold plate to carry out a normal heat exchange process, and further enable the battery pack to work normally at an appropriate temperature.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a battery pack, including a plurality of battery modules and the liquid cooling plate assembly of the first aspect. The plurality of battery modules are arranged on the bottom cold plate, and the battery modules are located between two adjacent side cold plates.

[0026] For what is provided in the above second aspect and each possible design of the above second aspect, the beneficial effects can refer to the beneficial effects brought by the above first aspect and each possible implementation manner of the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a liquid cooling plate assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of another liquid cooling plate assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of a bottom cooling plate provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 5 For Figure 4 Partial enlarged schematic view at position A in

[0032] Figure 6 For Figure 4 Partial enlarged schematic view at position B in

[0033] Figure 7 Schematic cross-sectional view of a heat exchange tube provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange tube provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a connecting tube and an intermediate tube provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 10 Explosion schematic view of a bottom cooling plate provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Reference numerals in the drawings: 1, liquid cooling plate assembly; 11, bottom cooling plate; 111, first flow cavity; 1111, first flow channel; 1112, second flow channel; 112, substrate; 1121, liquid inlet; 1122, liquid outlet; 1123, circulation hole; 113, flow channel plate; 12, side cooling plate; 121, second flow cavity; 122, heat exchange tube; 1221, connecting tube; 1222, intermediate tube; 13, first connecting plate; 14, second connecting plate; 15, first cross flow channel; 16, second cross flow channel; 2, battery pack; 21, battery module. Detailed implementation manners

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0040] Reference to "embodiment" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase "embodiment" appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0041] The term "and / or" herein is merely a description of the associated relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: the existence of A, the simultaneous existence of A and B, and the existence of B. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0042] The orientation terms appearing in the following description are all the directions shown in the figures and do not limit the specific structure of the current limiting module of this application. For example, in the description of this application, the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation to this application.

[0043] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims or the above drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to describe a specific order, and may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0044] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more (including two). Similarly, "a plurality of groups" means two or more groups (including two groups).

[0045] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installation", "connection", and "coupling" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the "connection" or "coupling" of mechanical structures can refer to physical connection. For example, physical connection can be a fixed connection, such as a fixed connection through a spacer, such as a fixed connection through screws, bolts, or other spacers; physical connection can also be a detachable connection, such as snap connection or snap-fit connection; physical connection can also be an integral connection, such as welding, bonding, or forming a connection by integral molding. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances. The "connection" or "coupling" of circuit structures can refer to not only physical connection but also electrical connection or signal connection. For example, it can be a direct connection, that is, a physical connection, or it can be indirectly connected through at least one intermediate element, as long as the circuit is connected, and it can also be the communication inside two elements; signal connection can refer to not only signal connection through a circuit but also signal connection through a media medium, such as radio waves. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0046] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] As Figure 1 shown, the present application provides a battery pack 2, which includes a plurality of battery modules 21 and a liquid cooling plate assembly 1. The liquid cooling plate assembly 1 includes a bottom cooling plate and a plurality of side cooling plates. The side cooling plates are disposed on the bottom cooling plate and are in communication with the bottom cooling plate. The plurality of battery modules 21 are disposed on the bottom cooling plate, and the battery modules 21 are located between two adjacent side cooling plates.

[0048] The battery pack 2 is an energy storage device integrating a plurality of battery modules 21 and a thermal management system, and is used to provide power support for various electrical devices. The thermal management system includes a liquid cooling plate assembly 1, and the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 is mainly used to control the operating temperature of the battery pack 2.

[0049] The battery module 21 is formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series or in parallel to form a unit with a certain voltage and capacity.

[0050] The liquid cooling plate assembly 1 realizes heat transfer and dissipation through the coolant flowing inside. The coolant has a high specific heat capacity and good heat conduction performance, so that there is a good heat exchange effect between the coolant and the battery module 21, and thus the battery pack 2 using the liquid cooling plate assembly has a good heat exchange effect.

[0051] Since the side of the battery module 21 where the terminal post is provided is provided with a relatively complex circuit connection structure, the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 needs to be arranged on the side of the battery module 21 away from the terminal post to prevent the arrangement of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 from affecting and interfering with the electrical connection relationship between the battery modules 21 inside the battery pack 2.

[0052] Specifically, the bottom cooling plate is arranged on the side of the battery module 21 facing away from the terminal post, and the side cooling plates are arranged on the two opposite sides of the battery module 21 away from the terminal post, which can form an effective contact between the bottom cooling plate and the bottom of the battery module 21, and an effective contact between the side cooling plates and the two opposite side surfaces of the battery module 21, so that heat exchange can be carried out between multiple sides of the battery pack 2 and the liquid cooling plate assembly, so that the battery pack 2 can obtain a better heat exchange effect.

[0053] The connection between the battery module 21 and the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 can be realized by setting a thermally conductive structural adhesive, and the thermally conductive structural adhesive is mainly composed of a resin matrix and thermally conductive insulating fillers. The thermally conductive structural adhesive can not only form a firm connection relationship between the battery module 21 and the liquid cooling plate assembly, but also form good thermal conductivity and insulation performance between the battery module 21 and the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, so that a better heat exchange effect can be formed between the battery pack 2 and the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, so that the battery pack 2 can work normally at an appropriate temperature.

[0054] In addition, two adjacent battery modules 21 can share a side cooling plate to reduce the number of side cooling plates provided, so as to reduce the space occupied by the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 in the first direction, and further make the liquid cooling plate assembly more compact and have a higher space utilization rate.

[0055] The following makes a detailed introduction to the specific structure of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1.

[0056] Figure 2 It is a schematic assembly structure diagram of a liquid cooling plate assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 It is another schematic assembly structure diagram of a liquid cooling plate assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bottom cooling plate provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 It is Figure 4 a partial enlarged schematic diagram at position A in Figure 6 It is Figure 4 a partial enlarged schematic diagram at position B in Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat exchange tube provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Refer to Figures 2 to 7, this application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly 1, including a bottom cooling plate 11 and a plurality of side cooling plates 12. A first flow cavity 111 is formed in the bottom cooling plate 11, and a second flow cavity 121 is formed in the side cooling plate 12. The plurality of side cooling plates 12 are arranged at intervals along a first direction on the bottom cooling plate 11, and the plurality of second flow cavities 121 are respectively communicated with the first flow cavity 111.

[0058] The bottom cooling plate 11 and the side cooling plates 12 are directly connected, and the second flow cavity 121 is directly communicated with the first flow cavity 111 without additional pipeline connection fittings, thus simplifying the connection structure of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, reducing the installation space required for the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, and improving the space utilization rate of the battery pack 2. Moreover, after the second flow cavity 121 is directly communicated with the first flow cavity 111, the whole liquid cooling plate assembly 1 can realize the flow of the coolant between the bottom cooling plate 11 and the side cooling plates 12 by only setting one liquid inlet and one liquid outlet, further simplifying the structure of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 and providing the possibility for further reducing the number of components of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1.

[0059] The connection between the bottom cooling plate 11 and the side cooling plates 12 can be realized by welding, gluing and other methods. Specifically, the welding method can be brazing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0060] The form that the plurality of side cooling plates 12 are arranged at intervals along the first direction on the bottom cooling plate 11 can make the side cooling plates 12 and the bottom cooling plate 11 enclose an installation area for the battery module 21. On the one hand, it can enable better heat exchange effects on both sides and the bottom of the battery module 21, so that the temperature after heat exchange of the battery module 21 and even the battery pack 2 is more uniform. On the other hand, it can facilitate the installation and positioning of the battery module 21, thus facilitating the installation and thermal management of the battery pack 2.

[0061] The setting distance between two adjacent side cooling plates 12 depends on the size of the battery module 21 in the first direction and the design form of the first flow cavity 111 of the bottom cooling plate 11.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, a direct connection is provided between the bottom cold plate 11 and the side cold plate 12, and the second flow cavity 121 is directly communicated with the first flow cavity 111, without the need for additional pipeline connection fittings, thereby simplifying the connection structure of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, reducing the installation space required for the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, and improving the space utilization rate of the battery pack 2. Moreover, after the second flow cavity 121 is directly communicated with the first flow cavity 111, the overall liquid cooling plate assembly 1 can realize the flow of the coolant between the bottom cold plate 11 and the side cold plate 12 by only setting one liquid inlet and one liquid outlet, further simplifying the structure of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 and providing the possibility for further reducing the number of components of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1. In addition, the side cold plates arranged at intervals along the first direction on the bottom cold plate 11 can, on the one hand, enable better heat exchange effects on both sides and the bottom of the battery module 21, making the temperature after heat exchange of the battery module 21 and even the battery pack 2 more uniform, and on the other hand, can facilitate the installation and positioning of the battery module 21, thus facilitating the installation and thermal management of the battery pack 2.

[0063] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the side cold plate 12 includes a heat exchange tube 122 arranged in the first plane, and both ends of the heat exchange tube 122 are respectively communicated with the first flow cavity 111. The first plane is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the plane where the bottom cold plate 11 is located.

[0064] The heat exchange tube 122 mainly realizes the transfer and dissipation of heat through the circulation of the coolant in the pipeline.

[0065] The connection manner between the heat exchange tube 122 and the bottom cold plate 11 can be welding or bonding. Specifically, the connection manner between the heat exchange tube 122 and the bottom cold plate 11 can be welding, such as brazing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0066] The arrangement form in which both ends of the heat exchange tube 122 are respectively communicated with the first flow cavity 111 enables the cavity inside the heat exchange tube 122 to be communicated with the first flow cavity 111, that is, the second flow cavity 121 is communicated with the first flow cavity 111, so that the coolant can circulate between the bottom cold plate 11 and the heat exchange tube 122, thereby forming a good heat exchange effect in the area where the battery pack 2 contacts the heat exchange tube 122, and further making the temperature in the area where the battery pack 2 contacts the heat exchange tube 122 more uniform, to facilitate the thermal management of the battery pack 2.

[0067] Refer to Figure 7 , the heat exchange tube 122 can be a flat tube.

[0068] The cross-sectional shape of the flat tube mostly presents as a flat rectangular cross-section or an oval cross-section. Compared with the conventional circular cross-section pipe, the flat tube has a larger surface area, and the flat tube can form a larger contact area with the battery module 21, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the coolant flowing through the flat tube. In addition, due to the flattened design of the flat tube, compared with the conventional circular cross-section pipe, the flat tube can reduce the installation space occupied by the side cold plate 12 in the first direction, thereby reducing the installation space occupied by the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 and improving the space utilization rate of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1.

[0069] Combined with Figure 7 As shown, let the width of the inner cavity of the heat exchange tube 122 be m, let the width of the outer contour of the heat exchange tube 122 be y, and let the wall thickness of the heat exchange tube 122 be n. m = y - 2×n, where y≥3mm and n≥0.3mm. The width direction is the short side direction of the cross-section formed by the heat exchange tube 122 and the first plane.

[0070] It can be deduced from the above formula that the width m of the inner cavity of the heat exchange tube 122 is mainly closely related to the width y of the outer contour of the heat exchange tube 122 and the wall thickness n of the heat exchange tube 122. Subject to the processing technology of the heat exchange tube 122 and the flow requirements of the coolant, the width y of the outer contour of the heat exchange tube 122 needs to be greater than or equal to 3mm, and the wall thickness n of the heat exchange tube 122 needs to be greater than or equal to 0.3mm. The larger the value of the width m of the inner cavity of the heat exchange tube 122, the smaller the flow resistance of the coolant flowing in the heat exchange tube 122, which is more conducive to the rapid circulation of the coolant. The larger the value of the wall thickness n of the heat exchange tube 122, the better the structural strength of the heat exchange tube 122, the smaller the probability of deformation and damage of the heat exchange tube 122 under the influence of the external environment, and the more able to improve the safety performance and working stability of the heat exchange tube 122.

[0071] Therefore, in actual production needs, the design values of the width y of the outer contour of the heat exchange tube 122 and the wall thickness n of the heat exchange tube 122 need to be balanced with each other, so as to obtain higher structural strength and lower coolant flow resistance on the premise that the heat exchange tube 122 occupies a smaller installation space.

[0072] The heat exchange tube 122 can be an integral pipe or a structure composed of multiple pipes. The following embodiments are shown respectively.

[0073] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange tube provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0074] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 , in an alternative embodiment, after the heat exchange tube 122 is bent multiple times, its two ends are respectively connected to the first flow cavity 111.

[0075] In this embodiment, the heat exchange tube 122 is made by bending a flat tube multiple times. On the one hand, the processing method and structure of this form are relatively simple, and the production and processing efficiency is relatively high. On the other hand, due to the integral structure of the heat exchange tube 122 being complete, the manufactured heat exchange tube 122 has good structural strength, enabling the side cooling plate 12 to have strong impact resistance, so that the side cooling plate 12 and even the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 can reduce the risk of damage caused by external force impact, thereby improving the safety performance of the side cooling plate 12 and even the liquid cooling plate assembly 1.

[0076] In addition, while forming multiple bent flow channels, the heat exchange tube 122 with multiple bends can also reduce the space size occupied by the heat exchange tube 122 in the first plane, so as to further reduce the installation space required for the liquid cooling plate assembly 1.

[0077] The bending direction and number of times of the heat exchange tube 122 in the first plane can be set according to the size of the surface that the battery module 21 needs to be cooled and the cooling requirements of different parts. It can be understood that the lower the temperature of the coolant at the part close to the liquid inlet 1121, the better the cooling effect on the battery module 21. The more the number of bends of the heat exchange tube, the larger the occupied area of the heat exchange tube 122 in the first plane, and the larger the area of the battery module that can be cooled.

[0078] In actual production applications, by increasing or decreasing the number of bends of the heat exchange tube 122, the contact area between the heat exchange tube 122 and the battery module 21 can be adjusted, and the heat exchange effect of the coolant in the heat exchange tube 122 on the battery pack 2 can be controlled to achieve the thermal management of the battery pack 2 in different application scenarios.

[0079] Refer to Figure 2 , in some embodiments, when the bending trajectory of the heat exchange tube 122 is an S-shaped reciprocating bend, the number of bends of the heat exchange tube 122 can be 4i - 2, where i is a natural number.

[0080] Under the above formula, the number of bends of the heat exchange tube 122 can be 2, 6, 10, 14... It is not difficult to see that when the number of bends of the heat exchange tube 122 satisfies the above formula, the two ends of the heat exchange tube 122 are located on different sides of the first plane. That is to say, when the two ends of the heat exchange tube 122 are respectively connected to the bottom cooling plate 11, the two connection parts of the heat exchange tube 122 and the bottom cooling plate 11 are far apart. Thus, the coolant flowing from the first flow cavity 111 into the second flow cavity 121 and the coolant flowing from the second flow cavity 121 into the first flow cavity 111 are not easily mixed quickly in the first flow cavity 111, but need to pass through a certain path in the first flow cavity 111 before they may be mixed, or flow out of the liquid outlet 1122 successively, reducing the probability that the same coolant circulates reciprocally in the second flow cavity 121 and causes a sharp increase in temperature, thereby ensuring the cooling effect of the side cooling plate 12 on the battery module 21.

[0081] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of an assembly structure of a connecting pipe and an intermediate pipe provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0082] As Figure 3 and Figure 9 shown, in an alternative embodiment, the heat exchange pipe 122 includes a connecting pipe 1221 and an intermediate pipe 1222. The two ends of the intermediate pipe 1222 are respectively communicated with the connecting pipe 1221. The connecting pipe 1221 is connected to the bottom cold plate 11 and communicated with the first flow cavity 111.

[0083] The connecting pipe 1221 and the intermediate pipe 1222 together constitute the heat exchange pipe 122. The inner cavities of the mutually communicated connecting pipe 1221 and intermediate pipe 1222 together form a second flow cavity 121, and the second flow cavity 121 is communicated with the first flow cavity 111 through the connecting pipe 1221, so that the coolant circulates between the heat exchange pipe 122 and the bottom cold plate 11 to realize heat exchange in different regions of the battery pack 2.

[0084] In actual production applications, the heat exchange effect of the coolant in the heat exchange pipe 122 on the battery pack 2 can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the number of the intermediate pipes 1222 provided, adjusting the contact area between the heat exchange pipe 122 and the battery module 21, so as to realize the thermal management of the battery pack 2 in different application scenarios.

[0085] Combined with 3 and Figure 9 , specifically, there are two connecting pipes 1221 and multiple intermediate pipes 1222. The two connecting pipes 1221 are arranged at intervals on the bottom cold plate 11 and communicated with the first flow cavity 111. The multiple intermediate pipes 1222 are arranged at intervals between the two connecting pipes 1221, and the two ends of each intermediate pipe 1222 are respectively communicated with the two connecting pipes 1221.

[0086] The multiple intermediate pipes 1222 can be evenly arranged at intervals between the two connecting pipes 1221, that is, the distance between two adjacent intermediate pipes 1222 is equal. The multiple intermediate pipes 1222 can also be unevenly arranged at intervals between the two connecting pipes 1221, that is, the distance between two adjacent intermediate pipes 1222 is unequal. The specific form of the interval arrangement of the multiple intermediate pipes 1222 depends on the area of the battery module 21 that needs to perform heat exchange.

[0087] The number of the intermediate pipes 1222 is set to be multiple, which can increase the contact area between the intermediate pipes 1222 and the battery module 21, enable more areas of the battery module 21 to exchange heat with the coolant, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the coolant and the battery module 21, and enhancing the heat exchange effect of the battery pack 2.

[0088] Figure 10An exploded view of a bottom cold plate provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] Refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown in FIGS. ,

[0089] , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 10 , the bottom cold plate 11 includes a substrate 112 and a flow channel plate 113 that are connected to each other. A first flow cavity 111 is formed between the flow channel plate 113 and the substrate 112. One side of the substrate 112 facing away from the flow channel plate 113 is connected to the side cold plate 12. The substrate 112 is provided with a liquid outlet 1122 and a liquid inlet 1121. The first flow cavity 111 includes a first flow channel 1111 and a second flow channel 1112 arranged side by side. The first flow channel 1111 is respectively communicated with the liquid outlet 1122 and the liquid inlet 1121, and the second flow channel 1112 is respectively communicated with the liquid outlet 1122 and the liquid inlet 1121.

[0090] Specifically, the connection situations among the first flow channel 1111, the second flow channel 1112, the liquid outlet 1122, and the liquid inlet 1121 are mainly divided into the following several types:

[0091] In the first case, the first flow channel 1111 is respectively communicated with an independent liquid outlet 1122 and an independent liquid inlet 1121, and the second flow channel 1112 is respectively communicated with an independent liquid outlet 1122 and an independent liquid inlet 1121.

[0092] In the second case, the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are communicated with the same liquid outlet 1122, and the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are respectively communicated with an independent liquid inlet 1121.

[0093] In the third case, the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are communicated with the same liquid inlet 1121, and the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are respectively communicated with an independent liquid outlet 1122.

[0094] In the fourth case, the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are communicated with the same liquid inlet 1121, and the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are communicated with the same liquid outlet 1122.

[0095] The substrate 112 and the flow channel plate 113 together constitute the bottom cold plate 11. The substrate 112 can not only provide protection for the flow channel plate 113 to reduce the influence of the external environment on the flow channel plate 113, but also cooperate with the flow channel plate 113 to form a first flow cavity 111 for the coolant to flow inside the bottom cold plate 11.

[0096] The first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are recessed structures provided on the flow channel plate 113. According to the different shapes of the recessed structures, the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 can be of different shapes. For example, the first flow channel 1111 is coiled in an S shape, or the second flow channel 1112 is coiled from the edge of the flow channel plate 113 towards the middle in a form of gradually shrinking in a circle. Different flow channel branches can also be formed and wound around in different regions of the flow channel plate 113. According to the different continuous setting positions of the recessed structures, the coolant can be guided to flow in the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 along a specific path.

[0097] It should be noted that in the area of the flow channel plate 113 where the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are provided, there must also be an area outside the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112. Among them, the area outside the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 is called the non-flow channel area, which can be a non-recessed structure or a convex structure on the flow channel plate 113. The non-flow channel area can be provided between different segments of the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 to isolate the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112. Although the non-flow channel area does not come into contact with the coolant when the coolant flows in the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112, the heat in this area can be transferred to the coolant through the side walls of the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112, so as to cool down each position of the flow channel plate 113 relatively evenly, and further make the temperatures of all parts of the bottom cold plate 11 relatively low. When the bottom cold plate 11 is used in the battery pack 2, each position of the battery module 21 close to the bottom cold plate 11 can be cooled down relatively evenly through heat exchange with the bottom cold plate 11.

[0098] The connection method between the substrate 112 and the flow channel plate 113 can be different connection methods such as welding, clamping, and gluing. Specifically, the substrate 112 is connected to the side of the flow channel plate 113 where the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 are provided, so as to form a first flow cavity 111 for the coolant to flow between the substrate 112 and the side walls of the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 inside the bottom cold plate 11. Thus, the bottom cold plate 11 can obtain better heat dissipation performance through the flow of the coolant inside, and further enable the battery pack 2 to work normally at an appropriate working temperature.

[0099] Compared with a single flow channel, setting the first flow channel 1111 and the second flow channel 1112 can shorten the length of the first flow channel 1111 or the second flow channel 1112, thereby shortening the flow distance and flow time of the coolant in the first flow channel 1111 or the second flow channel 1112, accelerating the circulation speed of the coolant in the first flow cavity 111, and improving the heat exchange effect of the coolant. The above settings can, on the one hand, enhance the heat exchange effect of the bottom cold plate 11, and on the other hand, make it easier to adjust the heat exchange effect of the bottom cold plate 11 by controlling the flow of the coolant, which is beneficial to the thermal management of the battery pack 2.

[0100] In actual production applications, the liquid inlet 1121 and the liquid outlet 1122 need to be used in combination with a water pipe joint so that the coolant can flow into the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 through the liquid inlet 1121 and then flow out of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 through the liquid outlet 1122.

[0101] Optionally, the substrate 112 is provided with circulation holes 1123, and the side cold plate 12 is communicated with the first flow cavity 111 through the circulation holes 1123. The liquid cooling plate assembly 1 further includes a first connecting plate 13 and a second connecting plate 14. Both the first connecting plate 13 and the second connecting plate 14 are provided on the substrate 112. A first cross-flow channel 15 is formed between the first connecting plate 13 and the substrate 112, and a second cross-flow channel 16 is formed between the second connecting plate 14 and the substrate 112.

[0102] The first cross-flow channel 15 forms a spatial cross structure with the first shortest path. The first shortest path is the shortest flow path from the liquid inlet 1121 to a circulation hole 1123. The first cross-flow channel 15 communicates the first flow channel 1111 and the liquid outlet 1122, and the connection position of the first cross-flow channel 15 and the first flow channel 1111 is located on one side of the first shortest path, and the connection position of the first cross-flow channel 15 and the liquid outlet 1122 is located on the other side of the first shortest path.

[0103] The second cross-flow channel 16 forms a spatial cross structure with the second shortest path. The second shortest path is the shortest flow path from the liquid inlet 1121 to another circulation hole 1123. The second cross-flow channel 16 communicates the second flow channel 1112 and the liquid outlet 1122, and the connection position of the second cross-flow channel 16 and the second flow channel 1112 is located on one side of the second shortest path, and the connection position of the second cross-flow channel 16 and the liquid outlet 1122 is located on the other side of the second shortest path.

[0104] The circulation holes 1123 are used to communicate the first flow cavity 111 and the second flow cavity 121 in the side cold plate 12, so that the coolant in the first flow cavity 111 can flow into or out of the second flow cavity 121, so that the coolant can circulate in the cavity jointly formed by the first flow cavity 111 and the second flow cavity 121, so that the coolant can circulate in the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, and further realize the heat exchange effect on the battery pack 2.

[0105] In actual production applications, the aperture size of the circulation holes 1123 can be appropriately adjusted to control the flow rate or flow volume of the coolant entering or leaving the side cold plate 12, thereby affecting the heat exchange effect of the battery pack 2.

[0106] The first shortest path is the shortest path from the liquid inlet 1121 to one of the circulation holes 1123 in the first flow channel 1111. Since the side cold plate 12 is connected to the first flow cavity 111 through the circulation holes 1123, the first shortest path refers to the shortest distance that the coolant flows into any side cold plate 12 after flowing into the first flow channel 1111 through the liquid inlet 1121, that is, the path for the coolant in the first flow channel 1111 to flow into the side cold plate 12.

[0107] The second shortest path is the shortest path from the liquid inlet 1121 to one of the circulation holes 1123 in the second flow channel 1112. Since the side cold plate 12 is connected to the first flow cavity 111 through the circulation holes 1123, the second shortest path refers to the shortest distance that the coolant flows into any side cold plate 12 after flowing into the second flow channel 1112 through the liquid inlet 1121, that is, the path for the coolant in the second flow channel 1112 to flow into the side cold plate 12.

[0108] According to the different positions of the side cold plate 12, the first shortest path or the second shortest path corresponding to different side cold plates 12 is different. Correspondingly, the installation positions of the first connecting plate 13 and the second connecting plate 14 are also different, but all satisfy the setting principles of the above-mentioned first shortest path and the first cross-flow channel 15, or the second shortest path and the second cross-flow channel 16.

[0109] According to the characteristics of liquid flow, when the liquid outlet 1122 is located on the first shortest path or the second shortest path, the coolant will preferentially flow out through the liquid outlet 1122 instead of continuing to flow along the first shortest path or the second shortest path. As a result, the coolant in the first flow channel or the second flow channel 1112 cannot flow into the side cold plate 12, which will have an adverse impact on the heat exchange effect of the battery module 21 in the area near the side cold plate 12 and affect the normal operation of the battery pack 2.

[0110] Since the first cross-flow channel 15 and the first shortest path, as well as the second cross-flow channel 16 and the second shortest path respectively form a spatial cross structure, when the coolant flows through the first shortest path or the second shortest path, it will not pass through the liquid outlet 1122, thus avoiding the problem that the coolant that should originally flow from the liquid inlet 1121 through the circulation holes 1123 to the side cold plate 12 directly flows out through the liquid outlet 1122.

[0111] That is to say, the first cross-flow channel 15 formed by the first connecting plate 13 will form an avoidance structure for the first shortest path, so that the liquid outlet 1122 will not affect the flow of the coolant in the first shortest path. Similarly, the second cross-flow channel 15 formed by the second connecting plate 14 will form an avoidance structure for the second shortest path, so that the liquid outlet 1122 will not affect the flow of the coolant in the second shortest path. Thus, the coolant can flow normally between the first flow cavity 111 and the side cold plate 12 to carry out a normal heat exchange process, and further enable the battery pack 2 to work normally at an appropriate temperature.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling plate assembly, characterized in that, It comprises a bottom cold plate and a plurality of side cold plates, wherein a first flow cavity is formed in the bottom cold plate, and a second flow cavity is formed in the side cold plates; The plurality of side cold plates are spaced apart from each other on the bottom cold plate along a first direction, and the plurality of second flow chambers are respectively connected to the first flow chamber.

2. The liquid cooling plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side cold plate comprises a heat exchange tube arranged in the first plane, and both ends of the heat exchange tube are respectively connected to the first flow cavity; The first plane is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the plane where the bottom cold plate is located.

3. The liquid cooling plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein, After being bent multiple times, both ends of the heat exchange tube are respectively connected to the first flow cavity.

4. The liquid cooling plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein The heat exchange tube includes a connecting tube and an intermediate tube. Both ends of the intermediate tube are respectively connected to the connecting tube. The connecting tube is connected to the bottom cold plate and is connected to the first flow cavity.

5. The liquid cooling plate assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, There are two connecting pipes and a plurality of intermediate pipes, and the two connecting pipes are arranged at intervals on the bottom cold plate and communicate with the first flow cavity; The plurality of intermediate tubes are arranged between the two connecting tubes at intervals, and both ends of each intermediate tube are respectively connected to the two connecting tubes.

6. The liquid cooling plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The heat exchange tube is a flat tube.

7. The liquid cooling plate assembly according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, Assume that the width of the inner cavity of the heat exchange tube is m, the width of the outer contour of the heat exchange tube is y, and the wall thickness of the heat exchange tube is n; m = y-2 × n, where y ≥ 3 mm, n ≥ 0.3 mm; The width direction is the short side direction of the cross section formed by the heat exchange tube and the first plane.

8. The liquid cooling plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein The bottom cold plate comprises a base plate and a flow channel plate connected to each other, the first flow cavity is formed between the flow channel plate and the base plate, and a side of the base plate facing away from the flow channel plate is connected to the side cold plate; The substrate is provided with a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet, and the first flow chamber includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged side by side; The first flow channel is communicated with the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet respectively, and the second flow channel is communicated with the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet respectively.

9. The liquid cooling plate assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The base plate is provided with a circulation hole, and the side cold plate is connected with the first flow cavity through the circulation hole; The liquid cooling plate assembly further includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate, wherein the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are both arranged on the base plate, a first cross flow channel is formed between the first connecting plate and the base plate, and a second cross flow channel is formed between the second connecting plate and the base plate; The first cross flow channel and the first shortest path form a spatial cross structure, and the first shortest path is the shortest flow path from the liquid inlet to a circulation hole; the first cross flow channel connects the first flow channel and the liquid outlet, and the connection position of the first cross flow channel and the first flow channel is located on one side of the first shortest path, and the connection position of the first cross flow channel and the liquid outlet is located on the other side of the first shortest path; The second cross-flow channel and the second shortest path form a spatial cross structure, where the second shortest path is the shortest flow path from the liquid inlet to another circulation hole; the second cross-flow channel connects the second flow channel and the liquid outlet, and the connection position of the second cross-flow channel and the second flow channel is on one side of the second shortest path, and the connection position of the second cross-flow channel and the liquid outlet is on the other side of the second shortest path.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, It includes a plurality of battery modules and the liquid cooling plate assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, the plurality of battery modules are arranged on the bottom cooling plate, and the battery modules are located between two adjacent side cooling plates.

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