Current collector and liquid cooling assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a current collector. The current collector comprises a first current collecting shell, the first flow collecting shell and the second flow collecting shell are covered to form a flow collecting cavity with a flow collecting opening; the current collector plug is inserted into the current collecting cavity and divides the current collecting cavity into a first flow guide cavity and a second flow guide cavity, and the first flow guide cavity and the second flow guide cavity are both communicated with the current collecting opening; the current collector plug is provided with a first stress part used for supporting the first current collector shell in an attached mode and a second stress part used for supporting the second current collector shell in an attached mode. Meanwhile, the utility model further discloses a liquid cooling assembly applying the current collector, the problem that the precision is difficult to grasp due to the fact that a current collector machining process is adopted for an existing collecting pipe head is solved, and the machining and production cost can be effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of batteries, in particular to a current collector and a liquid cooling component. Background Art

[0002] At present, cylindrical batteries are characterized by high energy density and high power, and are one of the main choices for current PACK packages. Under such circumstances, the importance of the battery thermal management system has become increasingly prominent, and the liquid cooling technology, as an efficient heat dissipation method among them, has become one of the key technologies to improve the performance of electric vehicles. Generally, the liquid cooling method of cylindrical battery packs mainly uses a serpentine tube to fit the side of the battery cells.

[0003] The existing serpentine tube includes a tube body with a channel inside and a current collector head with two cavities inside. The end of the tube body is connected to the current collector head, and both ends of the channel are respectively communicated with the cavities of the two current collector heads. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, which are respectively communicated with the two cavities, are connected to the current collector head.

[0004] However, the existing current collector head adopts a machining current collector process. In the production process of the traditional machining current collector process, a large amount of manpower and material resources need to be invested, and it is not easy to grasp the precision of the parts during the machining process. Therefore, it is easy to cause the problem of high processing and production costs, which is disadvantageous under the current severe cost reduction pressure. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] In order to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the utility model provides a current collector and a liquid cooling component, which solves the problem that the precision is difficult to grasp due to the adoption of the machining current collector process for the existing current collector head, and thus can effectively reduce the processing and production costs.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve its problems is as follows:

[0007] A current collector, comprising:

[0008] A first current collector shell;

[0009] A second current collector shell, the first current collector shell and the second current collector shell are covered to form a current collection cavity with a confluence opening;

[0010] A current collector plug, which is inserted into the interior of the current collection cavity and divides the current collection cavity into a first diversion cavity and a second diversion cavity. Both the first diversion cavity and the second diversion cavity are communicated with the confluence opening. The current collector plug is provided with a first stress part for fitting and supporting the first current collector shell and a second stress part for fitting and supporting the second current collector shell.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present utility model, a snap structure is provided on the circumferential edge of one of the first current collector housing and the second current collector housing, and the circumferential edge of the other of the first current collector housing and the second current collector housing is snapped with the snap structure.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present utility model, a slot structure for snapping the snap structure is provided on the circumferential edge of the other of the first current collector housing and the second current collector housing.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the current collector plug further has a plug holding portion, and the plug holding portion is located on a side close to the current collecting opening.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present utility model, a first cavity wall is formed by protruding the first current collector housing, a first folded edge portion is formed between the first cavity wall and the first current collector housing, and the shape and size of the first folded edge portion are adapted to the shape and size of the first force receiving portion;

[0015] And / or, a second cavity wall is formed by protruding the second current collector housing, a second folded edge portion is formed between the second cavity wall and the second current collector housing, and the shape and size of the second folded edge portion are adapted to the shape and size of the second force receiving portion.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the side surface of the current collector plug close to the first cavity wall is defined as a first support surface, and the first support surface abuts against the first cavity wall;

[0017] And / or, the side surface of the current collector plug close to the second cavity wall is defined as a second support surface, and the second support surface abuts against the second cavity wall.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present utility model, a first pipe interface and a first pipe connection hole are formed on the first cavity wall, both the first pipe interface and the first pipe connection hole are formed with a first pipe connection wall towards the outside of the current collecting cavity, a second pipe interface and a second pipe connection hole are formed on the second cavity wall, the second pipe interface is correspondingly arranged with the first pipe interface, the second pipe connection hole is correspondingly arranged with the first pipe connection hole, and the second pipe interface and the second pipe connection hole are respectively formed with a second pipe connection wall towards the outside of the current collecting cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present utility model, a first current limiting portion is formed by bending the first folded edge portion towards the side of the current collecting opening, the first current limiting portion is located between the first pipe interface and the first pipe connection hole, a second current limiting portion is formed by bending the second folded edge portion towards the side of the current collecting opening, the second current limiting portion is located between the second pipe interface and the second pipe connection hole, and both the first current limiting portion and the second current limiting portion are connected to the current collector plug.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the first pipe connection walls are all configured with first pipe connection members, and the second pipe connection walls are all configured with second pipe connection members.

[0021] The present utility model also discloses a liquid cooling component, including the current collector described above.

[0022] In summary, a current collector and a liquid cooling component provided by the present utility model have the following technical effects:

[0023] By using the cooperation of the first current collecting shell, the second current collecting shell and the current collector plug, not only can the first diversion cavity and the second diversion cavity for guiding fluid be formed, but also the first current collecting shell, the second current collecting shell and the current collector plug can be processed and manufactured separately, achieving the purpose of mass production and automated production, reducing the processing difficulty. Compared with the traditional machining current collector process, the cost can be reduced by about 5%, thus solving the problem of high cost in processing and producing the existing current collecting pipe head.

[0024] In addition, under the action of the current collector plug, the overall structural strength of the current collector is improved, ensuring the stability and processing accuracy of the current collector in processing procedures such as stamping forming and brazing reinforcement processes, reducing or avoiding deformation of the first current collecting shell and the second current collecting shell in the current collector during the production process, and thus effectively solving the problem that it is difficult to grasp the precision caused by the traditional machining current collector process for the existing current collecting pipe head. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 is the first assembly structure diagram of a current collector of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the partial enlarged schematic diagram at A in

[0027] Figure 3 is the second assembly structure diagram of a current collector of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 is the first exploded structure diagram of a current collector of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 is Figure 4 the partial enlarged schematic diagram at B in

[0030] Figure 6 is the second exploded structure diagram of a current collector of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 is the structural schematic diagram of the current collector plug in the present utility model.

[0032] Icons: 1 - First current collector housing, 11 - First cavity wall, 12 - First flanging portion, 13 - First pipe connection port, 14 - First pipe connection hole, 15 - First pipe connection wall, 16 - First current limiting portion, 2 - Second current collector housing, 21 - Second cavity wall, 22 - Second flanging portion, 23 - Second pipe connection port, 24 - Second pipe connection hole, 25 - Second pipe connection wall, 26 - Second current limiting portion, 3 - Confluence opening, 4 - Current collector plug, 41 - First stress-bearing portion, 42 - Second stress-bearing portion, 43 - Plug gripping portion, 44 - First support surface, 45 - Second support surface, 51 - First diversion cavity, 52 - Second diversion cavity, 6 - Snap structure, 7 - Card slot structure. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] For better understanding and implementation, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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 should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The terms used in the description of the present invention herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] Specifically, in combination with Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention discloses a current collector, including a first current collector housing 1, a second current collector housing 2 and a current collector plug 4. The first current collector housing 1 is convexly formed with a first cavity wall 11, and a first flanging portion 12 is formed between the first cavity wall 11 and the first current collector housing 1, that is, the first current collector housing 1, the first flanging portion 12 and the first cavity wall 11 are integrally formed. Similarly, the second current collector housing 2 is convexly formed with a second cavity wall 21, and a second flanging portion 22 is formed between the second cavity wall 21 and the current collector housing, that is, the second current collector housing 2, the second flanging portion 22 and the second cavity wall 21 are integrally formed. The first flanging portion 12, the first cavity wall 11, the second flanging portion 22 and the second cavity wall 21 are all formed by die stamping.

[0037] In this way, it is possible to achieve mass production, streamlined production, and automated production of the current collector through a stamping die. Compared with traditional machining processes, it can save a large amount of time and improve production efficiency. At the same time, it greatly reduces the processing difficulty and production cost, ensures and improves the precision of the current collector, and is conducive to reducing errors in the production and assembly processes.

[0038] The unexpected effect is that the current collector can also adjust the stamping die according to different scenarios, and then change different forming shapes, thereby solving the problem that the milling cutter cannot penetrate too deeply into the drill cavity during the traditional current collector process, which is beneficial to the various requirements of the battery pack and the strict assembly requirements within the battery pack space.

[0039] Further, specifically, please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first current collector housing 1 and the second current collector housing 2 are covered to form a current collection cavity with a current collection opening 3. That is, after the first current collector housing 1 and the second current collector housing 2 are covered, the first flanging portion 12, the first cavity wall 11, the second flanging portion 22, and the second cavity wall 21 enclose a current collection cavity with a current collection opening 3. The above-mentioned current collector plug 4 is inserted into the interior of the current collection cavity and divides the current collection cavity into a first diversion cavity 51 and a second diversion cavity 52. Both the first diversion cavity 51 and the second diversion cavity 52 can communicate with the current collection opening 3. The current collector plug 4 is provided with a first force-bearing portion 41 for fitting and supporting the first current collector housing 1 and a second force-bearing portion 42 for fitting and supporting the second current collector housing 2.

[0040] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the shape and size of the first force-bearing portion 41 are adapted to the shape and size of the first flanging portion 12, and the shape and size of the second flanging portion 22 are adapted to the shape and size of the second force-bearing portion 42, so that the first force-bearing portion 41 can abut against the surface of the first flanging portion 12, and the second force-bearing portion 42 can abut against the surface of the second flanging portion 22, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of the assembly between the first force-bearing portion 41 of the current collector plug 4 and the first flanging portion 12 of the first current collector housing 1, and between the second force-bearing portion 42 of the current collector plug 4 and the second flanging portion 22 of the second current collector housing 2, ensuring that there is no interference between the first diversion cavity 51 and the second diversion cavity 52, and preventing the risk of liquid leakage between the first diversion cavity 51 and the second diversion cavity 52.

[0041] In this embodiment, specifically, please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 ​​​​​​​​As shown, define the side of the current collector plug 4 close to the first cavity wall 11 as the first support surface 44, and the side of the current collector plug 4 close to the second cavity wall 21 as the second support surface 45. The first support surface 44 abuts against the first cavity wall 11, and the second support surface 45 abuts against the second cavity wall 21.

[0042] In this way, the first flanging portion 12 of the first current collector shell 1 can be stressed on the first stress portion 41 of the current collector plug 4, the second stress portion 42 of the second current collector shell 2 is stressed on the second stress portion 42 of the current collector plug 4, the first cavity wall 11 of the first current collector shell 1 is stressed on the first support surface 44 of the current collector plug 4, and the second cavity wall 21 of the second current collector shell 2 is stressed on the second support surface 45 of the current collector plug 4. Then, when the current collector plug 4 is inserted into the interior of the current collection cavity, the current collector plug 4 is formed into a support beam structure with a partitioning function in the current collection cavity, greatly improving the structural strength of the current collector and avoiding problems such as collapse and depression of the current collector during production or use, ensuring smooth and stable fluid flow in the first diversion cavity 51 and the second diversion cavity 52.

[0043] Furthermore, a first pipe interface 13 and a first pipe connection hole 14 are formed on the first cavity wall 11. Both the first pipe interface 13 and the first pipe connection hole 14 are formed with a first pipe connection wall 15 on the outer side of the current collection cavity. A second pipe interface 23 and a second pipe connection hole 24 are formed on the second cavity wall 21. The second pipe interface 23 is correspondingly arranged with the first pipe interface 13, and both the second pipe interface 23 and the first pipe interface 13 are communicated with the first diversion cavity 51. The second pipe connection hole 24 is correspondingly arranged with the first pipe connection hole 14, and both the second pipe connection hole 24 and the first pipe connection hole 14 are communicated with the second diversion cavity 52. The second pipe interface 23 and the second pipe connection hole 24 are respectively formed with a second pipe connection wall 25 on the outer side of the current collection cavity.

[0044] In this way, the first pipe interface 13, the first pipe connection hole 14, the second pipe interface 23, and the second pipe connection hole 24 can all be inserted and matched with external pipes, and there is tight abutting contact between the external pipe and the first pipe connection wall 15, and tight abutting contact between the other external pipe and the second pipe connection wall 25. Then, the heat exchange medium (such as cooling oil, water, etc.) will not leak out between the external pipe and the first pipe connection wall 15 and / or between the external pipe and the second pipe connection wall 25, avoiding the risk of short - circuit of the battery pack. The heat exchange medium enters the first diversion cavity 51 of the current collection cavity through the first pipe interface 13, a part of it flows through the channel of the serpentine pipe and then returns to the second diversion cavity 52 of the current collection cavity, converges with the heat exchange medium flowing in through the second pipe connection hole 24, and finally flows through the first pipe connection hole 14 to another external pipe together. The flow path of the fluid here is only for schematic reference to facilitate understanding of the cooling circulation loop during the use of this current collector, and is not used as a limitation. It can be adjusted according to changes in the connection method.

[0045] As a further preferred embodiment of the present embodiment, the first pipe connection wall 15 is provided with a first pipe connection member, and the second pipe connection wall 25 is provided with a second pipe connection member. The first pipe connection member and the second pipe connection member are both connected to the manifold cavity. Specifically, the first pipe connection member connected to the first pipe interface 13 is defined as the first pipe joint, and the first pipe connection member connected to the first pipe connection hole 14 is defined as the first pipe connection part. The first diversion cavity 51 of the manifold cavity is connected to the first pipe joint through the first pipe interface 13, and the second diversion cavity 52 of the manifold cavity is connected to the first pipe connection part through the first pipe connection hole 14.

[0046] The second pipe connection member connected to the second pipe interface 23 is defined as the second pipe joint, and the second pipe connection member connected to the second pipe connection hole 24 is defined as the second pipe connection part. The first diversion cavity 51 of the manifold cavity is connected to the second pipe joint through the second pipe interface 23, and the second diversion cavity 52 of the manifold cavity is connected to the second pipe connection part through the second pipe connection hole 24.

[0047] It should be noted that in order to ensure the more firm assembly of the current collector, brazing can be used for connection and fixation. Preferably, brazing coatings are arranged on the peripheral edges of the first current collector housing 1 and / or the second current collector housing 2, and brazing covering layers are arranged on the first stress part 41 and the second stress part 42 of the current collector plug 4. After the first current collector housing 1 and the second current collector housing 2 are covered and matched, and the current collector plug 4 is inserted into the interior of the manifold cavity by using a tooling fixture, the current collector is then welded and fixed through a high-temperature brazing furnace. The whole process is simple and efficient.

[0048] As a preferred embodiment of the present embodiment, specifically, please refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first flanging part 12 is bent towards the side of the confluence opening 3 to form a first current limiting part 16. The first current limiting part 16 is located between the first pipe interface 13 and the first pipe connection hole 14. The second flanging part 22 is bent towards the side of the confluence opening 3 to form a second current limiting part 26. The second current limiting part 26 is located between the second pipe interface 23 and the second pipe connection hole 24. The first current limiting part 16 and the second current limiting part 26 are both connected to the current collector plug 4. The connection here can be understood as abutting connection, or a combination of abutting contact and brazing connection.

[0049] In this way, the length of the current collector plug 4 can be shortened, which not only reduces the material used for the current collector plug 4, reduces the overall weight of the stamped current collector component, and is beneficial to the lightweight design of the stamped current collector component and the overall battery pack. At the same time, it also improves the manufacturing accuracy and structural strength of the stamped current collector component.

[0050] As a preferred embodiment of the present embodiment, specifically, please refer to Figures 1 to 4As shown, a snap structure 6 is provided on the peripheral edge of one of the first current collector housing 1 and the second current collector housing 2, and the snap structure 6 is snapped onto the peripheral edge of the other of the first current collector housing 1 and the second current collector housing 2. The number of the snap structures 6 here is multiple, and the multiple snap structures 6 are evenly distributed along the peripheral edge of the first current collector housing 1 or the peripheral edge of the second current collector housing 2. The number of the snap structures 6 here can also be selected as one, and one snap structure 6 extends along the peripheral edge of the first current collector housing 1 or the peripheral edge of the second current collector housing 2. In this way, the snap structure 6 is used to initially install and fix the first current collector housing 1 and the second current collector housing 2, improving the assembly efficiency and assembly convenience.

[0051] As a further preferred embodiment of this embodiment, specifically, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a slot structure 7 for snapping the snap structure 6 is provided on the peripheral edge of the other of the first current collector housing 1 and the second current collector housing 2. In this way, through the cooperation of the snap structure 6 and the slot structure 7, it is possible to prevent the first current collector housing 1 and the second current collector housing 2 from shifting and misaligning in the projection direction along the confluence opening 3, achieving the purpose of rapid positioning.

[0052] As a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, specifically, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the current collector plug 4 further has a plug holding portion 43, and the plug holding portion 43 is located on the side close to the confluence opening 3. Then, the user can hold the plug holding portion 43 and disassemble and connect it to the current collector cavity until the first force receiving portion 41 on the other side of the current collector plug 4 abuts and fits against the first current limiting portion 16, and the second force receiving portion 42 on the other side of the current collector plug 4 abuts and fits against the second current limiting portion 26. At the same time, it can also effectively avoid the risk that the user's finger is clamped between the current collector plug 4 and the first current collector housing 1 and / or between the current collector plug 4 and the second current collector housing 2 and cause injury.

[0053] Based on the above structure and connection relationship of the current collector, the inventor also discloses a liquid cooling component, including the above current collector.

[0054] The technical means disclosed in the solution of the present invention are not limited to the technical means disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and retouches can be made, and these improvements and retouches are also regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A current collector, characterized in that, Comprising: A first current collector housing (1); A second current collector housing (2), the first current collector housing (1) and the second current collector housing (2) being covered to form a current collection cavity having a current collection opening (3); A current collector plug (4), the current collector plug (4) being inserted into the interior of the current collection cavity and dividing the current collection cavity into a first diversion cavity (51) and a second diversion cavity (52), both the first diversion cavity (51) and the second diversion cavity (52) communicating with the current collection opening (3), and the current collector plug (4) being provided with a first force-bearing portion (41) for fittingly supporting the first current collector housing (1) and a second force-bearing portion (42) for fittingly supporting the second current collector housing (2).

2. The current collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A snap structure (6) is provided on the circumferential edge of one of the first current collector housing (1) and the second current collector housing (2), and the circumferential edge of the other of the first current collector housing (1) and the second current collector housing (2) is snapped with the snap structure (6).

3. The current collector according to claim 2, wherein: A slot structure (7) for snap-connecting the snap structure (6) is provided on the circumferential edge of the other of the first current collector housing (1) and the second current collector housing (2).

4. The current collector according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that: The current collector plug (4) further has a plug gripping portion (43), and the plug gripping portion (43) is located on a side close to the current collection opening (3).

5. The current collector according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first current collector housing (1) is convexly formed with a first cavity wall (11), and a first folded edge portion (12) is formed between the first cavity wall (11) and the first current collector housing (1), and the shape and size of the first folded edge portion (12) are adapted to the shape and size of the first force-bearing portion (41); And / or, the second current collector housing (2) is convexly formed with a second cavity wall (21), and a second folded edge portion (22) is formed between the second cavity wall (21) and the second current collector housing (2), and the shape and size of the second folded edge portion (22) are adapted to the shape and size of the second force-bearing portion (42).

6. The current collector according to claim 5, characterized in that: Define the side of the current collector plug (4) close to the first cavity wall (11) as a first support surface (44), and the first support surface (44) abuts against the first cavity wall (11); And / or, define the side of the current collector plug (4) close to the second cavity wall (21) as a second support surface (45), and the second support surface (45) abuts against the second cavity wall (21).

7. The current collector according to claim 5, wherein: A first pipe interface (13) and a first pipe connection hole (14) are formed on the first cavity wall (11), and both the first pipe interface (13) and the first pipe connection hole (14) are formed with a first pipe connection wall (15) on the outer side of the current collection cavity. A second pipe interface (23) and a second pipe connection hole (24) are formed on the second cavity wall (21), the second pipe interface (23) is correspondingly arranged with the first pipe interface (13), the second pipe connection hole (24) is correspondingly arranged with the first pipe connection hole (14), and the second pipe interface (23) and the second pipe connection hole (24) are respectively formed with a second pipe connection wall (25) on the outer side of the current collection cavity.

8. The current collector according to claim 7, wherein: The first flanging portion (12) is bent and formed with a first current limiting portion (16) on one side facing the confluence opening (3). The first current limiting portion (16) is located between the first pipe interface (13) and the first pipe connection hole (14). The second flanging portion (22) is bent and formed with a second current limiting portion (26) on one side facing the confluence opening (3). The second current limiting portion (26) is located between the second pipe interface (23) and the second pipe connection hole (24). Both the first current limiting portion (16) and the second current limiting portion (26) are connected to the current collector plug (4).

9. The current collector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first pipe connection walls (15) are each provided with a first pipe connection member, and the second pipe connection walls (25) are each provided with a second pipe connection member.

10. A liquid cooling component, characterized in that: Comprising the current collector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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