Water tank for thermal management system of engineering vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of engineering vehicles, and discloses a water tank for a thermal management system of an engineering vehicle, which comprises a main water tank and an auxiliary water tank smaller than the main water tank in volume, the auxiliary water tank is positioned above the main water tank and a battery pack, and the auxiliary water tank is provided with at least one connector communicated with an exhaust pipe. And then the gas in the communicating pipeline or the battery pack can enter the auxiliary water tank through the exhaust pipe under the action of the cooling medium, so that the gas in the communicating pipeline or the battery pack is exhausted, and the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery pack is ensured. The water tank comprises the main water tank and the auxiliary water tank with the size smaller than that of the main water tank, so that the main water tank can be arranged at any proper position, only the auxiliary water tank needs to be arranged at the top of the battery pack, and the situation that exhaust is affected due to the fact that the water tank cannot be arranged above the battery pack is avoided; and the cooling and heating efficiency of the battery pack is further ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of engineering vehicles, and specifically relates to a water tank for a thermal management system of an engineering vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the country's strong support for the promotion of new energy, electric and hybrid engineering vehicles have gradually entered the market. In order to increase the range of engineering vehicles, existing electric and hybrid vehicles are equipped with a thermal management system to cool or heat the battery pack, so that the battery pack operates at a relatively optimal temperature, thereby increasing the range of electric or hybrid engineering vehicles.

[0003] The thermal management system of an engineering vehicle includes a water tank, a water pump, a heater, a radiator, and a compressor. When cooling the battery pack, the water pump pumps the cooling medium from the water tank through the radiator into the battery pack, allowing the cooling medium to remove heat from the batteries, thereby cooling the batteries. When heating the battery pack, the water pump heats the cooling medium from the water tank through the heater and pumps it into the battery pack, transferring the heat from the cooling medium to the battery pack, thereby heating the battery pack. However, when filling the water tank with cooling medium, air may enter the connecting pipes and the battery pack, affecting the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery pack.

[0004] To increase the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery pack, the applicant proposed placing a water tank above the battery pack and providing an exhaust pipe connected to the water tank on the connecting pipe. This allows air entering the connecting pipe or the battery pack to enter the water tank through the exhaust pipe under the action of the flow of the cooling medium, thereby preventing the presence of air in the connecting pipe or the battery pack from affecting the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery pack. However, due to the large size of the water tank and the fact that the installation position of the battery pack varies with different vehicle models, the water tank cannot be installed on top of the battery pack for some vehicle models. As a result, the air in the connecting pipe or the battery pack cannot be discharged in a timely manner, which in turn affects the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present application provides a water tank for a thermal management system of an engineering vehicle to ensure that air in the connecting pipes or battery packs is discharged in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery packs.

[0006] The technical solutions adopted in this application are:

[0007] A water tank for a thermal management system of an engineering vehicle includes a main water tank and a subsidiary water tank smaller in volume than the main water tank. The subsidiary water tank is located above the main water tank and a battery pack. The subsidiary water tank is provided with at least one connector for communicating with an exhaust pipe.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, since the auxiliary water tank is provided with a connector for communicating with the exhaust pipe and is located above the battery pack, the gas in the connecting pipe or battery pack can enter the auxiliary water tank through the exhaust pipe under the action of the cooling medium to discharge the gas in the connecting pipe or battery pack, thereby ensuring the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery pack. In addition, the water tank in this application includes a main water tank and an auxiliary water tank with a smaller volume than the main water tank, thereby allowing the main water tank to be arranged in any suitable position, and only the auxiliary water tank needs to be arranged on top of the battery pack to avoid the situation where the water tank cannot be arranged above the battery pack and affects the exhaust, thereby ensuring the cooling and heating efficiency of the battery pack.

[0009] Optionally, the connecting head is located on the top of the auxiliary water tank.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, since the connecting head is located at the top of the auxiliary water tank, the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank is prevented from entering the connecting pipe and the battery pack through the connecting head and the exhaust pipe, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the exhaust of the connecting pipe or the battery pack.

[0011] Optionally, the auxiliary water tank is provided with a water inlet pipe connected to the main water tank, and the water inlet pipe is provided with a control valve for controlling the connection or disconnection between the auxiliary water tank and the main water tank.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, since the auxiliary water tank is provided with a water inlet pipe connected to the main water tank, the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank can enter the main water tank through the water inlet pipe to replenish the cooling medium in the main water tank. The water inlet pipe is provided with a control valve, so that the control valve can control the connection or disconnection between the auxiliary water tank and the main water tank, so as to avoid the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank still entering the main water tank when there is a large amount of cooling medium in the main water tank, causing the cooling medium to overflow. In addition, since the auxiliary water tank can replenish the cooling medium for the main water tank, the volume of the main water tank can be reduced, thereby achieving the effect of facilitating the adjustment of the installation position of the main water tank.

[0013] Optionally, the auxiliary water tank includes a first C-shaped plate and a second C-shaped plate located inside the first C-shaped plate, and the first C-shaped plate and the second C-shaped plate together form a liquid storage chamber.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, since the first C-type plate and the second C-type plate together form the liquid storage chamber, the production difficulty of the auxiliary water tank is reduced, and the production cost of the auxiliary water tank is reduced. In addition, the structural strength of the auxiliary water tank is increased to increase the service life of the auxiliary water tank.

[0015] Optionally, both ends of the first C-shaped plate extend outward to form a connecting portion, and the connecting portion is used to connect to the body of the engineering vehicle.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, since both ends of the first C-shaped plate extend outward to form a connecting portion, it is possible to facilitate the installation of the auxiliary water tank on the body of the engineering vehicle, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the auxiliary water tank and increasing the connection stability between the auxiliary water tank and the vehicle body, avoiding the need to set up additional components to install the auxiliary water tank on the vehicle body.

[0017] Optionally, the auxiliary water tank is provided with a marking area.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, since the auxiliary water tank is provided with a marking area, the manufacturer can set signs in the marking area to remind users of usage instructions or precautions when operating, so as to increase the safety of the auxiliary water tank and ensure the normal operation of the engineering vehicle.

[0019] Optionally, the auxiliary water tank is provided with a sight glass.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, since the auxiliary water tank is provided with a sight glass, the user can observe the volume of the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank through the sight glass, so as to facilitate the user to add cooling medium to the auxiliary water tank in time.

[0021] Optionally, the auxiliary water tank is provided with a floating block capable of rising and falling in response to changes in the liquid level of the liquid in the auxiliary water tank.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, since a floating block is provided in the auxiliary water tank, when cooling medium is added to the auxiliary water tank, the floating block can rise with the liquid level of the cooling medium, making it easier for users to observe the volume of the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank.

[0023] Optionally, a guide rod extending in a vertical direction is provided in the auxiliary water tank, and the floating block passes through the guide rod.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, since the floating block is arranged through the guide rod, when the liquid level of the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank changes, the floating block moves up and down following the liquid level of the cooling medium under the action of buoyancy, and at this time the floating block and the guide rod slide relative to each other, thereby ensuring the stability of the floating block and preventing the floating block from drifting in the auxiliary water tank and being unable to be seen through the sight glass.

[0025] Optionally, the floating block is provided with a color band extending along its circumference.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, since the floating block is provided with a color band extending along its circumference, the position of the floating block is made more obvious, thereby further achieving the effect of making it easier for the user to observe the position of the floating block through the sight glass, and further achieving the effect of making it easier to observe the volume of the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank.

[0027] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:

[0028] 1. The water tank in this application includes a main water tank and a sub-tank smaller in size than the main water tank. The sub-tank is located above the main water tank and the battery pack. The sub-tank is provided with at least one connector for communicating with the exhaust pipe, thereby allowing the gas in the communicating pipe or the battery pack to enter the sub-tank through the exhaust pipe under the action of the cooling medium, thereby discharging the gas in the communicating pipe or the battery pack, thereby ensuring efficient cooling or heating of the battery pack. Furthermore, the water tank in this application includes a main water tank and a sub-tank smaller in size than the main water tank, thereby allowing the main water tank to be arranged in any suitable position, while the sub-tank only needs to be arranged on top of the battery pack to avoid the situation where the water tank cannot be arranged above the battery pack and thus affects the exhaust, thereby ensuring efficient cooling and heating of the battery pack.

[0029] 2. The connector in this application is located at the top of the auxiliary water tank, thereby preventing the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank from entering the connecting pipe and the battery pack through the connector and the exhaust pipe, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the exhaust of the connecting pipe or the battery pack.

[0030] 3. The auxiliary water tank in this application is provided with a water inlet pipe connected to the main water tank, and the water inlet pipe is provided with a control valve that controls the connection or disconnection of the auxiliary water tank and the main water tank, so that the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank can enter the main water tank through the water inlet pipe to replenish the cooling medium for the main water tank, and the water inlet pipe is provided with a control valve, so that the control valve can control the connection or disconnection of the auxiliary water tank and the main water tank, so as to avoid the situation where the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank still enters the main water tank when there is a lot of cooling medium in the main water tank, causing the cooling medium to overflow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the water tank according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the auxiliary water tank according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the auxiliary water tank from another perspective in one embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary water tank according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Reference numerals:

[0037] 1. Main water tank; 2. Auxiliary water tank; 21. Connector; 22. Water inlet pipe; 221. Control valve; 23. First C-type plate; 231. Connecting part; 232. Marking area; 24. Second C-type plate; 241. Sight glass; 25. Floating block; 26. Guide rod; 27. Water tank cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the overall concept of the present application, a detailed description is given below in an illustrative manner in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0039] The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application may also be implemented in other ways than those described herein, and therefore, the scope of protection of the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application and the features of each embodiment may be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

[0040] In addition, in the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present application.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection, or communication; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, a first feature "above" or "below" a second feature may be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , discloses a water tank for a thermal management system of an engineering vehicle, including a main water tank 1 and a subsidiary water tank 2 which is smaller in volume than the main water tank 1. The subsidiary water tank 2 is located above the main water tank 1 and the battery pack. The subsidiary water tank 2 is provided with at least one connector 21 for communicating with an exhaust pipe.

[0044] Since the auxiliary water tank 2 is provided with a connector 21 for communicating with the exhaust pipe, and the auxiliary water tank 2 is located above the battery pack, the gas in the connecting pipe or battery pack can enter the auxiliary water tank 2 through the exhaust pipe under the action of the cooling medium to discharge the gas in the connecting pipe or battery pack, thereby ensuring the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery pack. In addition, the water tank in this application includes a main water tank 1 and an auxiliary water tank 2 with a smaller volume than the main water tank 1, thereby allowing the main water tank 1 to be arranged in any suitable position, and only the auxiliary water tank 2 needs to be arranged on top of the battery pack to avoid the situation where the water tank cannot be arranged above the battery pack and affects the exhaust, thereby ensuring the cooling and heating efficiency of the battery pack.

[0045] The present application does not impose a specific limit on the number of connectors 21, which is determined by the number of connecting pipes. When the heat pipe system is provided with multiple groups of connecting pipes, only one connector 21 may be provided, in which case multiple exhaust pipes are connected to the same connector 21. Alternatively, multiple connectors 21 may be provided so that each exhaust pipe is connected to one connector 21.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connector 21 is located at the top of the auxiliary water tank 2, thereby preventing the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank 2 from entering the connecting pipe and the battery pack through the connector 21 and the exhaust pipe, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the exhaust of the connecting pipe or the battery pack.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 The auxiliary water tank 2 is provided with a water inlet pipe 22 connected to the main water tank 1, so that the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank 2 can enter the main water tank 1 through the water inlet pipe 22 to replenish the cooling medium for the main water tank 1. The water inlet pipe 22 is provided with a control valve 221 that controls the connection or disconnection between the auxiliary water tank 2 and the main water tank 1, so that the control valve 221 can control the connection or disconnection between the auxiliary water tank 2 and the main water tank 1 to prevent the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank 2 from still entering the main water tank 1 when there is a lot of cooling medium in the main water tank 1, causing the cooling medium to overflow. In addition, since the auxiliary water tank 2 can replenish the cooling medium in the main water tank 1, the volume of the main water tank 1 can be reduced, thereby achieving the effect of facilitating the adjustment of the installation position of the main water tank 1.

[0048] The present application does not specifically limit the structure of the control valve 221. Preferably, the control valve 221 is a solenoid valve to automatically control the connection or disconnection between the auxiliary water tank 2 and the main water tank 1. A liquid level sensor electrically connected to the solenoid valve is provided in the main water tank 1. When the liquid level sensor detects that the cooling medium in the main water tank 1 is low, the liquid level sensor sends a signal to the control valve 221 to connect the auxiliary water tank 2 with the main water tank 1, thereby allowing the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank 2 to enter the main water tank 1, thereby replenishing the cooling medium in the main water tank 1. In other embodiments, the control valve 221 can also be a manual valve to reduce the production cost of the water tank.

[0049] This application does not make any specific limitation on the structure of the auxiliary water tank 2. Preferably, refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The auxiliary water tank 2 includes a first C-shaped plate 23 and a second C-shaped plate 24 located inside the first C-shaped plate 23. The first C-shaped plate 23 and the second C-shaped plate 24 together form a liquid storage chamber.

[0050] That is to say, the first C-type plate 23 and the second C-type plate 24 together constitute the auxiliary water tank 2, thereby reducing the production difficulty of the auxiliary water tank 2, while reducing the production cost of the auxiliary water tank 2, and also increasing the structural strength of the auxiliary water tank 2 to increase the service life of the auxiliary water tank 2.

[0051] Further, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Both ends of the first C-shaped plate 23 extend outward to form a connecting portion 231, which is used to connect to the body of the engineering vehicle.

[0052] Since both ends of the first C-shaped plate 23 extend outward to form a connecting portion 231, it is convenient to install the auxiliary water tank 2 on the body of the engineering vehicle, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the auxiliary water tank 2, and at the same time increasing the connection stability between the auxiliary water tank 2 and the vehicle body, avoiding the need to set up additional components to install the auxiliary water tank 2 on the vehicle body.

[0053] Preferably, the connecting portion 231 is a plate-like structure with a C-shaped cross-section to ensure the structural strength of the auxiliary water tank 2 while ensuring the stability of the connection between the auxiliary water tank 2 and the vehicle body. In addition, the connecting portion 231 is provided with a connection hole for the manufacturer to use bolts to fix the auxiliary water tank 2.

[0054] In other embodiments, the auxiliary water tank 2 may also be a structure cast from plastic or metal materials.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The auxiliary water tank 2 is provided with a marking area 232, which enables the manufacturer to set a mark in the marking area 232 to remind the user of usage instructions or precautions when the user operates, so as to increase the safety of the auxiliary water tank 2 and ensure the normal operation of the engineering vehicle.

[0056] The present application does not specifically limit the method for forming the identification area. Preferably, a signboard is provided on the top of the auxiliary water tank 2, and a sign is provided on the signboard, and the location where the signboard is installed in the auxiliary water tank 2 forms the identification area. In other embodiments, a signboard is engraved or affixed on the outer surface of the auxiliary water tank 2, and the location where the signboard is engraved or affixed forms the identification area.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 4 The auxiliary water tank 2 is provided with a sight glass 241, which enables the user to observe the volume of the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank 2 through the sight glass 241, so as to facilitate the user to add cooling medium to the auxiliary water tank 2 in time.

[0058] Further, refer to Figure 4 The auxiliary water tank 2 is provided with a floating block 25 that can rise and fall with the changes in the liquid level of the liquid in the auxiliary water tank 2. When the cooling medium is added to the auxiliary water tank 2, the floating block 25 can rise with the rising liquid level of the cooling medium, making it easier for the user to observe the volume of the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank 2.

[0059] Preferably, the floating block 25 is made of foam material to ensure that the floating block 25 moves up and down smoothly following the change of the liquid level of the cooling medium. In other embodiments, the floating block 25 can also be a hollow structure made of plastic material.

[0060] Further, refer to Figure 4 A guide rod 26 extending in a vertical direction is provided in the auxiliary water tank 2 , and the floating block 25 is passed through the guide rod 26 .

[0061] Since the floating block 25 is inserted into the guide rod 26, when the liquid level of the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank 2 changes, the floating block 25 moves up and down following the liquid level of the cooling medium under the action of buoyancy. At this time, the floating block 25 and the guide rod 26 slide relative to each other, thereby ensuring the stability of the floating block 25 and preventing the floating block 25 from drifting in the auxiliary water tank 2 and being invisible through the sight glass 241.

[0062] Furthermore, the floating block 25 is provided with a color band extending along its circumference, thereby making the position of the floating block 25 more obvious, so as to further facilitate the user to observe the position of the floating block 25 through the sight glass 241, and further facilitate the observation of the volume of the cooling medium in the auxiliary water tank 2.

[0063] The present application does not specifically limit the method for forming the color ribbon. Preferably, the color ribbon is formed by coating the surface of the floating block 25 with a pigment to reduce the production cost of the floating block 25. In other embodiments, the color ribbon can also be formed by a colored elastic sleeve that is sleeved around the side of the floating block 25.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 4 A filling port is provided on the top of the auxiliary water tank 2 , and a water tank cover 27 is provided at the filling port for sealing the filling port, so as to facilitate the addition of cooling medium into the auxiliary water tank 2 .

[0065] Anything not described in this application can be achieved by adopting or drawing on existing technologies.

[0066] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0067] The foregoing is merely an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A water tank for a thermal management system of an engineering vehicle, characterized in that: The invention comprises a main water tank (1) and a secondary water tank (2) having a smaller volume than the main water tank (1), wherein the secondary water tank (2) is located above the main water tank (1) and the battery pack, and the secondary water tank (2) is provided with at least one connector (21) for communicating with an exhaust pipe; The auxiliary water tank (2) is provided with a water inlet pipe (22) communicating with the main water tank (1), and the water inlet pipe (22) is provided with a control valve (221) for controlling the connection or disconnection between the auxiliary water tank (2) and the main water tank (1); The auxiliary water tank (2) comprises a first C-shaped plate (23) and a second C-shaped plate (24) located inside the first C-shaped plate (23), and the first C-shaped plate (23) and the second C-shaped plate (24) together form a liquid storage cavity.

2. The water tank for the thermal management system of an engineering vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting head (21) is located at the top of the auxiliary water tank (2).

3. The water tank for the thermal management system of an engineering vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the first C-shaped plate (23) extend outwards to form a connecting portion (231), and the connecting portion (231) is used to connect to the body of the engineering vehicle.

4. The water tank for a thermal management system of an engineering vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary water tank (2) is provided with a marking area (232).

5. The water tank for a thermal management system of an engineering vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary water tank (2) is provided with a sight glass (241).

6. The water tank for the thermal management system of an engineering vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The auxiliary water tank (2) is provided with a floating block (25) capable of rising and falling in response to changes in the liquid level of the liquid in the auxiliary water tank (2).

7. The water tank for the thermal management system of an engineering vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: A guide rod (26) extending in a vertical direction is provided in the auxiliary water tank (2), and the floating block (25) is passed through the guide rod (26).

8. The water tank for the thermal management system of an engineering vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The floating block (25) is provided with a color band extending along its circumference.

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