Liquid cooling plate assembly, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a liquid cooling plate assembly, a battery pack and a vehicle. According to one embodiment of the invention, the liquid cooling plate assembly comprises a liquid cooling plate which comprises a cooling part and a flow collecting part which are connected, the cooling part is internally provided with a cooling flow channel, and the flow collecting part is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet which are communicated with the cooling flow channel; wherein the liquid cooling plate is provided with an installation area used for being installed in a battery box body, and the current collecting part is located outside the installation area; the connector is mounted on the flow collecting part and communicates with the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet, and a mounting position is preset on the connector; and the temperature sensor is fixed at the mounting position. According to the scheme, condensate water can be prevented from being generated at the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate as much as possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery pack thermal management technology, and more specifically, to a liquid cooling plate assembly, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] During the charging and discharging process, the cells in the battery module generate a lot of heat, causing the cell temperature to rise. Excessive cell temperature can lead to the cell malfunctioning or even being damaged.

[0003] To address the issue of excessively high cell temperatures, liquid cooling plates are typically used to cool the cells.

[0004] However, due to the high temperature inside the battery box, the temperature of the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate is usually low. Condensation is easily generated at the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate, which can affect the working stability of the battery module and even cause short circuit damage to the battery module. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly, a battery pack, and a vehicle that can minimize the generation of condensate at the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a liquid-cooled plate assembly, comprising:

[0007] A liquid cooling plate includes a connected cooling section and a collection section. The cooling section is provided with a cooling channel, and the collection section is provided with an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the cooling channel.

[0008] The liquid cooling plate has an installation area for mounting into the battery housing, and the current collector is located outside the installation area;

[0009] A connector is installed on the collection section and communicates with the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet. The connector has a pre-set installation position.

[0010] A temperature sensor is fixed at the mounting position.

[0011] Optionally, the cooling section includes a cooling area for contact with the battery module, and a temperature-varying flow channel is also provided in the cooling section. The temperature-varying flow channel is located outside the cooling area, connects to the cooling flow channel, and connects to the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet.

[0012] Optionally, the cooling channel includes multiple branch channels, each branch channel being connected to the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, and at least two of the multiple branch channels are provided with a confluence section, wherein the at least two branch channels are connected in the confluence section.

[0013] Optionally, at least two of the multiple branch channels have bends, and the merging section connects the at least two branch channels at the bends.

[0014] Optionally, the merging section is located within one-quarter to three-quarters of the total path length of each of the at least two branch channels.

[0015] Optionally, there may be multiple merging sections, and the at least two branch channels are connected at each merging section.

[0016] Optionally, the connector has a solder layer, and the connector is welded and fixed to the current collector through the solder layer.

[0017] Optionally, the mounting position is a threaded hole, and the temperature sensor is threadedly fixed inside the threaded hole.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a battery pack, comprising:

[0019] Battery housing;

[0020] The battery module is located inside the battery housing;

[0021] In any of the above-described liquid cooling plate assemblies, the cooling section is in contact with the battery module to cool the battery module.

[0022] Optionally, the battery pack further includes an upper seal and a lower seal, the upper seal being sandwiched between the upper surface of the liquid cooling plate and the battery housing, and the lower seal being sandwiched between the lower surface of the liquid cooling plate and the battery housing.

[0023] Both the upper and lower seals are located at the connection between the cooling section and the collection section. This application provides such a seal.

[0024] Thirdly, this application provides a vehicle comprising: the battery pack described in any of the preceding claims.

[0025] The solution provided in this application has at least the following advantages:

[0026] This design places the liquid inlet of the manifold outside the installation area, and the connector is also outside the installation area and connected to the liquid inlet. This prevents the heat from the battery box from merging with the cold air from the liquid inlet of the manifold, reducing the likelihood of condensation. Furthermore, even if condensation occurs at the manifold, because the manifold is located outside the installation area, the condensate on the manifold will not fall into the battery box and interfere with the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure shown in one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of part A in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling plate assembly as shown in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Partial structural diagram;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of cooling channels in one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of part B;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of part C.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 10. Liquid cooling plate; 11. Cooling section; 12. Combining section; 121. Liquid inlet; 122. Liquid outlet; 13. Cooling channel; 131. Branch channel; 1311. Bending section; 132. Merging section; 14. Temperature-changing channel; 10a. Mounting area; 10b. Cooling area; 20. Connector; 21. Threaded hole; 30. Temperature sensor; 40. Battery housing. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0037] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] This application provides a liquid cooling plate assembly and a battery pack. The liquid cooling plate assembly and the battery pack are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 This application provides a battery pack, which includes a battery housing 40, a battery module, and a liquid cooling plate assembly.

[0040] The battery housing 40 is used to house the battery module, and the battery housing 40 can be made of metal or composite material. The battery housing 40 can withstand external impacts and vibrations and prevent the intrusion of foreign objects such as dust and moisture, providing a stable and safe placement environment for the battery module.

[0041] The battery module is located inside the battery housing 40 and may include multiple individual cells and connecting components. The multiple individual cells are connected in series or parallel through the connecting components to meet the overall voltage and capacity requirements of the battery pack.

[0042] The liquid cooling plate assembly is used for thermal management of the battery pack. The liquid cooling plate assembly includes a liquid cooling plate 10, a connector 20, and a temperature sensor 30. The liquid cooling plate assembly removes the heat generated by the battery module during charging and discharging by circulating coolant inside the liquid cooling plate 10.

[0043] The liquid cooling plate 10 can be formed by fastening together an upper liquid cooling plate and a lower liquid cooling plate, but is not limited thereto. The liquid cooling plate 10 includes a connected cooling section 11 and a collection section 12. The cooling section 11 is provided with a cooling channel 13, and the collection section 12 is provided with an inlet 121 and an outlet 122 that communicate with the cooling channel 13. The connector 20 is installed on the collection section 12 of the liquid cooling plate 10 and communicates with the inlet 121 and the outlet 122.

[0044] The liquid cooling plate 10 has an installation area 10a for installation into the battery housing 40, and the current collector 12 is located outside the installation area 10a, that is, after the liquid cooling plate 10 is assembled into the battery housing 40, the current collector 12 is located outside the battery housing 40.

[0045] It is easy to understand that the temperature environment inside the battery housing 40 is relatively high due to factors such as battery module discharge. The inlet 121 of the current collector 12 is used to allow low-temperature coolant to flow into the cooling channel 13, and the temperature of the inlet 121 is relatively low. When the current collector 12 is located inside the battery housing 40, condensation is easily generated in the area of ​​the inlet 121 due to the temperature difference. This solution addresses this by placing the inlet 121 of the current collector 12 outside the installation area 10a, and with the connector 20 also outside the installation area 10a and connected to the inlet 121. This prevents the heat from the battery housing 40 from merging with the cold air from the inlet 121 of the current collector 12, reducing the likelihood of condensation. Furthermore, even if condensation occurs at the current collector 12, because the current collector 12 is located outside the installation area 10a, the condensate on the current collector 12 will not fall into the battery housing 40 and interfere with the battery module.

[0046] Furthermore, the interface can be pre-set with a mounting position, where the temperature sensor 30 is fixed. This allows installers to quickly determine the installation location of the temperature sensor 30, reducing installation time. Furthermore, fixing the temperature sensor 30 to the pre-set mounting position on the interface places it in a highly sensitive and representative location for temperature changes. By directly collecting the inlet or outlet temperature of the coolant at the interface, the data acquired by the temperature sensor 30 is almost real-time and provides "first-hand" information unaffected by external factors. Therefore, compared to methods that rely on more distant locations or indirect temperature estimation, the temperature sensor 30 in this solution can more accurately collect the coolant outlet temperature.

[0047] In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes an upper seal and a lower seal. The upper seal is sandwiched between the upper surface of the liquid cooling plate 10 and the battery housing 40, and the lower seal is sandwiched between the lower surface of the liquid cooling plate 10 and the housing. The upper and lower seals are both located at the connection between the cooling section 11 and the current collecting section 12.

[0048] Since the current collector 12 is located outside the battery housing 40 and the cooling unit 11 is located inside the battery housing 40, meaning the current collector 12 of the liquid cooling plate 10 needs to extend beyond the battery housing 40, a gap will exist between the connection between the cooling unit 11 and the current collector 12 and the battery housing 40. In this design, the upper seal can seal the gap between the upper surface of the liquid cooling plate 10 at this connection and the battery housing 40, and the lower seal can seal the gap between the lower surface of the connection and the battery housing 40, preventing moisture, dust, etc., from entering the battery housing 40.

[0049] In one embodiment, the connector 20 has a brazing filler layer, which is used to weld the connector 20 to the current collector 12. Using the brazing filler layer allows for a high-strength connection between the connector 20 and the current collector 12. Compared to simpler mechanical connections (such as snap-fit ​​connections or threaded connections), brazing connections are less prone to loosening or displacement during long-term use, reliably maintaining the connector 20's fixed position on the current collector 12.

[0050] The material of the solder layer can be tin-based solder, copper-based solder, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 4 and combined Figure 1 In one embodiment, the mounting location is a threaded hole 21, and the temperature sensor 30 is threadedly fixed in the threaded hole 21.

[0052] The operation of securing the temperature sensor 30 threaded into the threaded hole 21 is relatively simple and intuitive. Installation is completed by simply screwing it in the correct direction. Furthermore, when maintenance or replacement of the sensor is required, it can be easily removed by rotating it in the opposite direction, without the need for complex tools or special disassembly techniques. This greatly improves the convenience and efficiency of subsequent battery pack maintenance. In addition, the threaded connection is detachable, facilitating subsequent maintenance and replacement.

[0053] Specifically, the temperature sensor 30 may include an external thread that is adapted to the aforementioned threaded hole 21, and the temperature sensor 30 is screwed into the threaded hole 21. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 30 may be installed in the threaded hole 21 using a bolt or other threaded fastener. However, these are not the only possibilities.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cooling section 11 includes a cold zone region 10b for contact with the battery module. A temperature-varying flow channel 14 is also provided within the cooling section 11, located outside the cold zone region 10b, connecting to the cooling flow channel 13, and also connecting to the outlet 122 and the inlet 121. Thus, the liquid cooling plate 10 exchanges heat with the battery module through the cold zone region 10b to remove the heat generated by the battery module. Since the temperature-varying flow channel 14 is outside the cold zone region 10b, it does not exchange heat with the battery module. After the coolant exchanges heat with the battery module in the cold zone region 10b, it flows through the temperature-varying flow channel 14 to the outlet 122. At this point, the coolant will not undergo secondary heat exchange with the battery module at the temperature-varying flow channel 14. This prevents the battery module, which has already had some heat removed by the coolant and whose temperature has decreased, from exchanging heat again with the heated coolant, potentially causing the heat to return to the battery module. On the other hand, the temperature sensor 30 can collect a more accurate outlet temperature of the coolant after heat exchange.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 5 and combined Figure 4 In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 10 includes two cold plates that are interlocked along the thickness direction of the liquid cooling plate 10 to form a flow channel cavity, wherein the cooling flow channel 13 and the temperature change flow channel 14 are located within the flow channel cavity.

[0056] The cooling channel 13 includes multiple branch channels 131, each of which is connected to the liquid inlet 121 and the liquid outlet 122.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, multiple branch channels 131 are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the liquid cooling plate 10, and any two branch channels 131 have the same length, so as to ensure that the amount of heat exchange between the coolant in each branch channel 131 and the battery module is equal as much as possible.

[0058] The liquid cooling plate 10 has one liquid inlet 121 and two liquid outlets 122. The liquid inlet 121 is located between the two liquid outlets 122 so that the multiple branch channels 131 of the symmetrical part can flow out from the liquid outlets 122.

[0059] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 At least two of the multiple branch channels 131 are provided with a merging section 132, and the at least two branch channels 131 are connected in the merging section 132.

[0060] It's easy to understand that the internal pressure of each branch channel 131 varies due to differences in length, diameter, and degree of curvature. The confluence section 132 helps balance these pressure differences. When some branch channels 131 are connected through the confluence section 132, the coolant can flow and replenish between branch channels 131 with different pressures, preventing any branch channel 131 from having excessively high or low pressure. Furthermore, when the coolant flows in different branch channels 131, its temperature changes to varying degrees due to heat exchange with different parts of the battery module. After the confluence section 132 is connected, the coolant at different temperatures mixes here, making the overall coolant temperature more uniform and preventing localized excessively high or low coolant temperatures. When the mixed coolant continues to flow to other areas of the battery module, it can participate in subsequent heat exchange processes or complete circulation with a relatively more suitable temperature, further improving the heat exchange effect between the entire cooling channel 13 and the battery module, and helping to better maintain the battery module operating within a stable temperature range.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 7In one embodiment, at least two of the plurality of branch channels 131 have bends 1311, and a merging section 132 connects the at least two branch channels 131 at the bends 1311.

[0062] With this configuration, the flow direction of the coolant in the branch channel 131 at the bend 1311 will change, and the flow rate and pressure of the coolant will also be adjusted accordingly. This design places the merging section 132 at this location, allowing the coolant from different branch channels 131 to mix more easily in this special flow environment created by the bend when they converge. The mixing of coolants at different temperatures enables faster and more uniform heat balance, allowing the merged coolant to continue participating in the subsequent cooling process at a more suitable temperature.

[0063] In one embodiment, the merging section 132 is located within a range of one-quarter to three-quarters of the total path length of each of the at least two branch channels 131.

[0064] It is easy to understand that a merging section 132 is set in the section between one-quarter and three-quarters of the path of the branch channel 131. The coolant has sufficient time and path length in each branch channel 131 to effectively exchange heat with the battery module. At this time, the merging can effectively combine the characteristics of the coolant temperature, flow rate and other properties of the different branch channels 131.

[0065] For example, the location of the merging section 132 can be 1 / 4, 1 / 3, 1 / 2, 2 / 3, or 3 / 4 of the total path length of each branch channel 131, but is not limited to this.

[0066] In a further embodiment, there are multiple merging sections 132, and the aforementioned at least two branch channels 131 are connected at each merging section 132, so that the coolant has more opportunities to mix and redistribute throughout the cooling channel 13.

[0067] It should be noted that the number of merging sections 132 may vary depending on the distribution of the battery modules and the length of the branch flow channels 131, and this application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0068] This application also provides a vehicle that includes the battery pack or liquid-cooled plate assembly described in any of the above embodiments or implementations. The vehicle can be a hybrid vehicle or a pure electric vehicle.

[0069] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled plate assembly, characterized in that, include: A liquid cooling plate includes a connected cooling section and a collection section. The cooling section is provided with a cooling channel, and the collection section is provided with an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the cooling channel. The liquid cooling plate has an installation area for mounting into the battery housing, and the current collector is located outside the installation area; A connector is installed on the collection section and communicates with the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet. The connector has a pre-set installation position. A temperature sensor is fixed at the mounting position.

2. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling section includes a cooling area for contact with the battery module. The cooling section also includes a temperature-varying flow channel located outside the cooling area, which connects to the cooling flow channel and the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet.

3. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling channel includes multiple branch channels, each of which is connected to the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. At least two of the multiple branch channels are provided with a confluence section, and the at least two branch channels are connected in the confluence section.

4. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least two of the multiple branch channels have bends, and the merging section connects the at least two branch channels at the bends.

5. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The merging section is located within one-quarter to three-quarters of the total path length of each of the at least two branch channels.

6. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, There are multiple merging sections, and the at least two branch channels are connected at each merging section.

7. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector has a brazing filler layer, and the connector is welded and fixed to the current collector through the brazing filler layer.

8. The liquid-cooled plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting position is a threaded hole, and the temperature sensor is threadedly fixed inside the threaded hole.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Battery housing; The battery module is located inside the battery housing; The liquid cooling plate assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cooling portion is in contact with the battery module to cool the battery module.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes an upper seal and a lower seal. The upper seal is sandwiched between the upper surface of the liquid cooling plate and the battery housing, and the lower seal is sandwiched between the lower surface of the liquid cooling plate and the battery housing. The upper seal and the lower seal are both located at the connection between the cooling section and the collection section.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The battery pack as described in claim 9 or 10.

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