Connector assembly and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model provides a connector assembly and a battery pack. The connector assembly comprises a connecting block arranged at the top of the liquid cooling plate, a liquid inlet connector and a liquid outlet connector, wherein the liquid inlet connector and the liquid outlet connector are connected to the connecting block in an inserted mode. The liquid cooling plate and the connecting block are both located in the battery pack shell, and two inserting holes communicated with the liquid cooling plate are formed in one side face of the connecting block; the side face, provided with the inserting holes, of the connecting block abuts against the side wall of the battery pack shell, and the liquid inlet connector and the liquid outlet connector can penetrate through the side wall and are inserted into the two inserting holes in the connecting block respectively. According to the connector assembly, through the arrangement of the connecting block, the liquid inlet connector and the liquid outlet connector, the liquid cooling plate is prevented from extending out of the battery pack, so that the occupation of the external space of the battery pack is reduced, and the utilization rate of the vehicle space and the design flexibility are improved. Meanwhile, the use of connecting pipelines in the battery pack is reduced, the liquid cooling plate is prevented from being exposed outside the battery pack to be corroded, and the risk of leakage of the cooling liquid is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of battery pack cooling, and particularly relates to a joint assembly. The utility model also relates to a battery pack provided with the above joint assembly. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the design and optimization of high-performance battery packs have become a key link in improving the overall energy efficiency and safety. The effective management of the heat inside the battery pack is crucial for maintaining the working temperature of the battery within a safe range, extending the service life of the battery, and improving the system efficiency. Currently, liquid cooling plates are usually arranged in the battery pack, and the circulating coolant is used to absorb and carry away the heat generated by the battery, achieving an efficient and uniform heat dissipation effect. The coolant is generally connected to the liquid cooling plate through the inlet and outlet connectors on the battery pack by the external coolant circulation pipeline of the battery pack.

[0003] In the prior art, the inlet and outlet connectors and the liquid cooling plate can be connected by a pipeline with quick plug connection arranged in the battery pack. This connection method has the risk of coolant leakage, and the pipeline occupies the space inside the battery pack. In addition, the inlet and outlet connectors and the liquid cooling plate can be directly welded together, and the liquid cooling plate extends to the outside of the battery pack. However, this connection method may occupy the external space of the battery pack, and a part of the liquid cooling plate is exposed outside the battery pack, making the liquid cooling plate easy to be corroded. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a joint assembly that can effectively connect the liquid cooling plate and the external coolant circulation pipeline inside the battery pack and cancel the pipeline inside the battery pack for promoting the technological progress in the fields of electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of this, the utility model aims to provide a joint assembly, which can reduce the occupation of the external space of the battery pack and reduce the risk of coolant leakage.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is realized as follows:

[0006] A joint assembly includes a connection block arranged on the top of the liquid cooling plate, and an inlet connector and an outlet connector plugged on the connection block; both the liquid cooling plate and the connection block are located inside the battery pack housing, and two plug holes communicated with the liquid cooling plate are formed on one side surface of the connection block; the side surface of the connection block provided with the plug holes abuts against the side wall of the battery pack housing, and the inlet connector and the outlet connector can pass through the side wall and be respectively inserted into the two plug holes on the connection block.

[0007] Furthermore, the inlet connector and the outlet connector are connected to a connection plate, and when the inlet connector and the outlet connector are plugged on the connection block, the connection plate can abut against the side wall.

[0008] Furthermore, a plurality of mounting through holes are provided on the connecting plate, and a plurality of connecting pieces can fix the connecting plate on the side wall through the respective mounting through holes.

[0009] Furthermore, a first sealing ring is provided on one side of the connecting plate that abuts against the side wall, and the first sealing ring surrounds the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint.

[0010] Furthermore, a first annular groove is formed on the connecting plate, and part of the first sealing ring is received in the first groove.

[0011] Furthermore, both the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint have a plugging end and an extension end, and the plugging end and the extension end are respectively located on both sides of the connecting plate; the plugging end can pass through the side wall and be inserted into the corresponding plugging hole, and the extension end is used to connect an external coolant circulation pipeline.

[0012] Furthermore, a second sealing ring is sleeved on the plugging end, and the second sealing ring can seal the gap between the plugging end and the plugging hole.

[0013] Furthermore, a second groove extending circumferentially is formed on the outer periphery of the plugging end, and the second groove can accommodate part of the second sealing ring.

[0014] Furthermore, the second sealing rings are configured to be multiple and arranged at intervals along the length direction of the plugging end.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present utility model has the following advantages:

[0016] For the joint assembly of the present utility model, through the arrangement of the connecting block, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint can penetrate the side wall of the battery pack housing, and the liquid cooling plate is connected through the connecting block, avoiding the extension of the liquid cooling plate outside the battery pack, thereby reducing the occupation of the external space of the battery pack, so as to improve the utilization rate of the vehicle space and the design flexibility. At the same time, the use of connecting pipelines inside the battery pack is reduced, and the liquid cooling plate is prevented from being exposed outside the battery pack and corroded, reducing the risk of coolant leakage, so as to ensure the safety of the battery pack.

[0017] In addition, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint are connected to a connecting plate, which can connect the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint together, so that the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint are plugged in place on the connecting block, thus facilitating the installation and fixation of the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint. A plurality of connecting pieces can fix the connecting plate on the side wall through the respective mounting through holes, thereby realizing the fixation of the connecting plate. A first sealing ring is provided on one side of the connecting plate that abuts against the side wall, and the first sealing ring surrounds the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint to seal the gap between the connecting plate and the side wall, thereby ensuring the overall sealing of the battery pack.

[0018] In addition, a first annular groove is formed on the connecting plate, so that the first sealing ring is held on the connecting plate, and the first sealing ring is not easily detached from the connecting plate, thus facilitating the fixing of the first sealing ring. Both the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint have a plug-in end and an extension end, so as to facilitate the access of the liquid cooling plate to the coolant circulation pipeline through the extension end. A second sealing ring is sleeved on the plug-in end. Through the arrangement of the second sealing ring, the gap between the plug-in end and the plug-in hole can be sealed, thereby improving the sealing performance between the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint and the connecting block.

[0019] Furthermore, a second groove extending circumferentially is formed on the outer periphery of the plug-in end, and the second groove can accommodate a part of the second sealing ring. The second sealing ring can be always fixed at a designated position of the plug-in end by the second groove to ensure the sealing effect between the plug-in end and the plug-in hole. The second sealing rings are configured to be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the plug-in end to improve the sealing effect between the plug-in end and the plug-in hole.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack, in which the above-mentioned joint assembly is provided.

[0021] The battery pack and / or the joint assembly of the present invention have the same technical effects as those of the prior art, which will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present invention are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the joint assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is of the present invention Figure 1 is an enlarged view of the position shown at A in

[0025] Figure 3 is a combined schematic diagram of the liquid inlet joint, the liquid outlet joint and the connecting block according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the liquid inlet joint, the liquid outlet joint and the connecting plate according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the joint assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Description of the reference numerals:

[0029] 1. Liquid cooling plate;

[0030] 2. Connecting block;

[0031] 3. Liquid inlet joint;

[0032] 4. Liquid outlet joint;

[0033] 5. Insertion end; 501. Second sealing ring; 502. Second groove;

[0034] 6. Extension end;

[0035] 7. Battery pack housing; 701. Side wall;

[0036] 8. Connecting plate; 801. Connecting member; 802. First sealing ring; 803. First groove. Detailed implementation manner

[0037] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present utility model and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0038] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, specific details such as specific system structures, technologies, etc. are proposed to thoroughly understand the embodiments of the present application. However, those skilled in the art should clearly understand that the present application can also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other cases, the detailed descriptions of well-known systems, devices, circuits, and methods are omitted to avoid unnecessary details from interfering with the description of the present application.

[0039] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that if terms indicating orientation or positional relationship such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc. appear, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present utility model 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 understood as a limitation to the present utility model. In addition, if terms such as "first", "second", etc. appear, they are also only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0040] In addition, in the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined, the terms "installation", "connection", "connection", "connecting member" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood in combination with specific situations.

[0041] The present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0042] Embodiment 1

[0043] This embodiment relates to a joint assembly for connecting a liquid cooling plate 1 of a battery pack and a coolant circulation pipeline outside the battery pack. In terms of the overall structure, as Figure 1 、 Figure 3 shown, it includes a connecting block 2 and a liquid inlet joint 3 and a liquid outlet joint 4 inserted on the connecting block 2.

[0044] Among them, the connecting block 2 is arranged on the top of the liquid cooling plate 1, and both the liquid cooling plate 1 and the connecting block 2 are located inside the battery pack housing 7. Two insertion holes communicating with the liquid cooling plate 1 are formed on one side surface of the connecting block 2, and the side surface of the connecting block 2 provided with the insertion holes abuts against the side wall 701 of the battery pack housing 7. The liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 can pass through the side wall 701 and be respectively inserted into the two insertion holes on the connecting block 2.

[0045] As described above, through the settings of the connecting block 2, the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4, the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 can penetrate the side wall 701 of the battery pack housing 7 and communicate with the liquid cooling plate 1 through the connecting block 2, avoiding the liquid cooling plate 1 extending outside the battery pack, thereby reducing the occupation of the external space of the battery pack to improve the utilization rate of the vehicle space and the design flexibility. At the same time, the use of connecting pipelines is reduced inside the battery pack, and the liquid cooling plate 1 is prevented from being exposed outside the battery pack and corroded, reducing the risk of coolant leakage to ensure the safety of the battery pack.

[0046] Based on the above overall introduction, specifically, the connecting block 2 and the liquid cooling plate 1 of this embodiment are connected by welding to avoid coolant leakage between the liquid cooling plate 1 and the connecting block 2. To facilitate the installation and fixation of the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4, as Figure 2 、 Figure 3 shown, the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 of this embodiment are connected to a connecting plate 8. When the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 are inserted on the connecting block 2, the connecting plate 8 can abut against the side wall 701. Through the setting of the connecting plate 8, the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 can be connected together, and by abutting the connecting plate 8 against the side wall 701, the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 are inserted in place on the connecting block 2, thus facilitating the installation and fixation of the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4.

[0047] As an implementation form, a plurality of mounting through holes are provided on the connecting plate 8 of this embodiment, and a plurality of connecting members 801 can fix the connecting plate 8 on the side wall 701 through the respective mounting through holes. Through the setting of the plurality of mounting through holes on the connecting plate 8, the connecting plate 8 can be fixedly installed on the side wall 701 of the battery pack housing 7 by the connecting members 801, realizing the fixation of the connecting plate 8, that is, the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4, and preventing the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 from being disengaged from the insertion holes, thereby causing coolant leakage.

[0048] In specific implementation, in order to facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the connecting plate 8, and thus facilitate the maintenance of the joint assembly, the connecting member 801 of this embodiment is an internal hexagonal bolt, which has good structural strength and is convenient for installation and disassembly. At the same time, the mounting through holes and the connecting members 801 of this embodiment are configured to be three, and mounting through holes and connecting members 801 are provided on both the left and right sides of the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 to ensure that the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 are effectively fixed.

[0049] Since the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 penetrate through the side wall 701 of the battery pack housing 7, in order to ensure the sealing performance of the battery pack, a first sealing ring 802 is provided on the side of the connecting plate 8 that abuts against the side wall 701, and the first sealing ring 802 surrounds the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4. By providing the first sealing ring 802 and making the first sealing ring 802 surround the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet structure, the gap between the connecting plate 8 and the side wall 701 is sealed, thereby ensuring the overall sealing performance of the battery pack.

[0050] Specifically, in order to facilitate the fixation of the first sealing ring 802 to prevent the first sealing ring 802 from moving during the installation process of the connecting plate 8, resulting in a decrease in the sealing effect, a circular first groove 803 is formed on the connecting plate 8 of this embodiment, and a part of the first sealing ring 802 is received in the first groove 803, so that the first sealing ring 802 is held on the connecting plate 8. During the movement or installation of the connecting plate 8, the first sealing ring 802 is not easily detached from the connecting plate 8, thereby facilitating the fixation of the first sealing ring 802 and ensuring the sealing effect of the first sealing ring 802 on the battery pack.

[0051] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 、 Figure 5 shown, both the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 have a plug-in end 5 and an extension end 6, and the plug-in end 5 and the extension end 6 are respectively located on both sides of the connecting plate 8. Among them, the plug-in end 5 can pass through the side wall 701 and be inserted into the corresponding insertion hole, and the extension end 6 is used to connect to an external coolant circulation pipeline, so as to connect the liquid cooling plate 1 to the coolant circulation pipeline through the extension end 6. In specific implementation, the extension end 6 of this embodiment is inclined downward in the height direction to facilitate the connection of the extension end 6 to the coolant circulation pipeline.

[0052] To improve the sealing performance between the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 and the connection block 2, a second sealing ring 501 is sleeved on the insertion end 5 in this embodiment. Through the arrangement of the second sealing ring 501, the gap between the insertion end and the insertion hole can be blocked, thereby improving the sealing performance between the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 and the connection block 2, avoiding the leakage of the coolant, and improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0053] Since the second sealing ring 501 is sleeved on the insertion end 5, when the insertion end 5 is inserted into the insertion hole of the connection block 2, the second sealing ring 501 is prone to displacement along the extension direction of the insertion end 5, resulting in a decrease in the sealing effect. For this reason, a second groove 502 extending circumferentially is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion end 5 in this embodiment, and the second groove 502 can accommodate part of the second sealing ring 501. Through the arrangement of the second groove 502, the second sealing ring 501 can be fixed by the second groove 502 and always fixed at the designated position of the insertion end 5 during the process of inserting the insertion end 5 into the insertion hole to ensure the sealing effect between the insertion end 5 and the insertion hole.

[0054] Furthermore, to further improve the sealing effect, the second sealing rings 501 in this embodiment are configured as multiple ones arranged at intervals along the length direction of the insertion end 5 to improve the sealing effect between the insertion end 5 and the insertion hole. In specific implementation, two second sealing rings 501 are provided on any insertion end 5, and two corresponding second grooves 502 are provided on any insertion end 5.

[0055] In summary, for the joint assembly in this embodiment, through the arrangement of the connection block 2, the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4, the liquid inlet joint 3 and the liquid outlet joint 4 can penetrate through the side wall 701 of the battery pack housing 7 and be connected to the liquid cooling plate 1 through the connection block 2, avoiding the extension of the liquid cooling plate 1 outside the battery pack, thereby reducing the occupation of the external space of the battery pack, improving the utilization rate of the vehicle space and the design flexibility. At the same time, the use of connecting pipelines inside the battery pack is reduced, and the liquid cooling plate 1 is prevented from being exposed outside the battery pack and corroded, reducing the risk of coolant leakage to ensure the safety of the battery pack, and having good practicability.

[0056] Embodiment Two

[0057] This embodiment relates to a battery pack. In terms of the overall structure, a joint assembly as described in Embodiment One is provided in this battery pack. Among them, the liquid cooling plate 1 is located at the bottom of the lower housing of the battery pack housing 7, and the liquid cooling plate 1 is used to cool the bottoms of the battery modules in the battery pack.

[0058] For the battery pack in this embodiment, through the arrangement of the above joint assembly, the occupation of the external space of the battery pack can be reduced to improve the utilization rate of the vehicle space and the design flexibility. At the same time, the risk of coolant leakage is reduced to ensure the safety of the battery pack.

[0059] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A joint assembly, characterized in that: It includes a connection block provided on the top of the liquid cooling plate, and an inlet liquid joint and an outlet liquid joint inserted on the connection block; Both the liquid cooling plate and the connection block are located inside the battery pack housing. Two insertion holes communicating with the liquid cooling plate are formed on one side surface of the connection block; The side surface of the connection block provided with the insertion holes abuts against the side wall of the battery pack housing. The inlet liquid joint and the outlet liquid joint can pass through the side wall and be respectively inserted into the two insertion holes on the connection block.

2. The joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet liquid joint and the outlet liquid joint are connected to a connection plate. When the inlet liquid joint and the outlet liquid joint are inserted on the connection block, the connection plate can abut against the side wall.

3. The joint assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of mounting through holes are provided on the connection plate, and a plurality of connecting pieces can fix the connection plate on the side wall through each of the mounting through holes.

4. The joint assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first sealing ring is provided on the side of the connection plate abutting against the side wall, and the first sealing ring surrounds the inlet liquid joint and the outlet liquid joint.

5. The joint assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first groove in a ring shape is formed on the connection plate, and part of the first sealing ring is received in the first groove.

6. The joint assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: Both the inlet liquid joint and the outlet liquid joint have an insertion end and an extension end, and the insertion end and the extension end are respectively located on both sides of the connection plate; The insertion end can pass through the side wall and be inserted into the corresponding insertion hole, and the extension end is used to connect an external coolant circulation pipeline.

7. The joint assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: A second sealing ring is sleeved on the insertion end, and the second sealing ring can seal the gap between the insertion end and the insertion hole.

8. The joint assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: A second groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion end, and the second groove can accommodate part of the second sealing ring.

9. The joint assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second sealing rings are configured to be multiple and arranged at intervals along the length direction of the insertion end.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that: The joint assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided in the battery pack.

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