Liquid cooling device and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to a liquid cooling device and a battery pack. The liquid cooling device comprises a plurality of liquid cooling parts which are sequentially arranged along the arrangement direction of batteries, the liquid cooling part comprises liquid cooling plates, a liquid inlet pipe is arranged on the first side wall of each liquid cooling plate in the arrangement direction of the liquid cooling plates, and a liquid outlet pipe is arranged on the opposite second side wall of each liquid cooling plate; wherein the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are distributed on the liquid cooling plate in a diagonal manner; and in the adjacent liquid cooling plates, the liquid inlet pipe of the latter liquid cooling plate is connected with the liquid outlet pipe of the former liquid cooling plate. According to the utility model, the modularized liquid cooling plate design is adopted, and flexible expansion or reduction can be carried out according to the actual splicing length of the battery module. By adjusting the configuration number of the liquid cooling plates, the battery modules of different specifications can be accurately matched, the optimal adaptation of the heat dissipation system and the battery modules is realized, and the cooling efficiency and the system compatibility are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery thermal management technology, specifically to a liquid cooling device and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other fields, the performance and reliability of power batteries have become the focus of the industry. During charging and discharging, the electrochemical reactions inside the battery are accompanied by significant thermal effects. If heat dissipation is not timely or efficient, the battery operating temperature will continue to rise, causing a series of performance degradation problems: high temperature environment will aggravate the side reactions of electrode materials and shorten the battery cycle life; ion conduction efficiency will decrease, leading to increased energy loss during charging and discharging; the temperature difference between individual cells will widen, causing inconsistency deterioration and further reducing system efficiency, etc.

[0003] Authorization Announcement No.: CN222088703U, Application Date: 2024.02.02, Utility Model Name: A Liquid Cooling Device for a Battery Pack and a Power Battery Pack. This utility model's liquid cooling device for a battery pack includes a cooling plate and thermally conductive adhesive. The cooling plate has a sealed chamber inside, with multiple support strips spaced apart within the chamber, dividing the chamber into multiple interconnected channels. The cooling plate is provided with inlet and outlet pipes connected to the chambers. The thermally conductive adhesive is applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the cooling plate to fix the battery pack to the surface of the cooling plate and to conduct heat generated by the battery pack to the cooling plate. This embodiment cleverly utilizes thermally conductive adhesive to fix the battery pack to the upper and lower surfaces of the cooling plate, enabling a single cooling plate to be used for heat dissipation in a double-layer battery pack, ensuring temperature consistency within the battery pack, and effectively reducing the weight and volume of the entire battery pack, thus improving the volume utilization rate and energy density of the battery pack.

[0004] The aforementioned prior art achieves heat dissipation for the double-layer battery pack by installing a liquid cooling device between the two battery packs, thus ensuring heat dissipation requirements. However, the liquid cooling component combined with the double-layer battery pack design can only be used on specific equipment, limiting the scope of application of the liquid cooling device and hindering the promotion and use of the equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, such as the liquid cooling components can only be used on designated equipment, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a liquid cooling device and corresponding battery pack that can be expanded or reduced according to the actual splicing length of the battery module.

[0006] The technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A liquid cooling device includes several liquid cooling sections arranged sequentially along the battery arrangement direction;

[0008] The liquid cooling section includes a liquid cooling plate. Along the arrangement direction of the liquid cooling plate, a liquid inlet pipe is provided on the first side wall of the liquid cooling plate, and a liquid outlet pipe is provided on the opposite second side wall.

[0009] The inlet pipe and outlet pipe are diagonally distributed on the liquid cooling plate; in adjacent liquid cooling plates, the inlet pipe of the latter liquid cooling plate is connected to the outlet pipe of the former liquid cooling plate.

[0010] This layout allows the coolant to form a more complex and efficient flow path within the liquid cooling plate. After flowing in from the inlet pipe, the coolant flows as evenly as possible through all areas of the liquid cooling plate, fully absorbing the heat dissipated by the battery pack.

[0011] Furthermore, the liquid cooling section also includes a buffer pad, which is disposed on the first sidewall and the second sidewall; the buffer pad extends in the direction of the liquid cooling plate arrangement and exceeds the edges of the inlet and outlet pipes; the buffer pad is elastic.

[0012] When liquid cooling plates are spliced ​​together, the elastic deformation of the buffer pad generates uniform lateral pressure, which can effectively buffer external impact forces and improve the structural stability of the liquid cooling system during equipment handling, vibration or accidental collision.

[0013] Furthermore, the liquid cooling plate is cuboid in shape, and its third side wall and the fourth side wall opposite to the third side wall are provided with a first connecting plate; the first connecting plate extends in the direction of liquid cooling plate arrangement and is used to connect with the battery module; when adjacent liquid cooling plates are spliced ​​together, the first connecting plates on the same side abut against each other.

[0014] This design allows the liquid cooling plates to be assembled quickly, like building blocks, greatly simplifying the installation process. When it is necessary to adapt to battery modules of different lengths, the number of liquid cooling plates can be flexibly increased or decreased, and the first connecting plates on the same side are welded together after they abut against each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the liquid cooling plate extend from both ends of the first connecting plate, and the extended portion does not exceed the buffer pad.

[0016] When the first connecting plates are joined end to end, they compress the buffer pad, causing it to deform elastically. This deformation can not only effectively absorb the mechanical stress generated during the splicing of the liquid cooling plates, but also transform the external impact force that may be received into a dispersed flexible support force.

[0017] Furthermore, the liquid cooling section is located at least at the top and bottom of the battery module. The top liquid cooling section can quickly absorb radiant heat from the upper surface of the battery module, while the bottom liquid cooling section absorbs conductive heat from the bottom surface of the battery cell.

[0018] Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism connected to the end liquid cooling section located at the bottom of the battery module. The adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the overall width of the liquid cooling device so that the device is adapted to a preset positioning point at the bottom of the vehicle frame.

[0019] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism includes a mounting component, a fixing part, and an adjustment block connecting the two;

[0020] The fixing part is fixedly connected to the end face of the first connecting plate, and the adjusting block is used to horizontally adjust the position of the mounting part to match the preset positioning point at the bottom of the frame.

[0021] The adjusting block ensures that the mounting part fits tightly with the positioning point at the bottom of the frame, ensuring that the liquid cooling device can maintain a stable connection under complex vibration conditions, effectively improving the overall structural reliability and fatigue resistance.

[0022] A battery pack includes a liquid cooling device and a battery module; along the battery arrangement direction, the battery module has a second connecting plate on both sides that is adapted to a first connecting plate, and the second connecting plate is connected to the first connecting plate by fasteners.

[0023] The liquid cooling device and the battery module form a robust integrated structure. This rigid connection method avoids the decrease in heat conduction efficiency caused by unstable connection, ensuring that the battery can still maintain efficient heat dissipation under complex operating conditions and extending the service life of the battery pack.

[0024] Furthermore, a plurality of thermally conductive adhesives are evenly distributed on the top and bottom surfaces of the battery module, and these adhesives are bonded to the surface of the liquid cooling plate. The thermally conductive adhesives create efficient heat conduction channels, significantly improving the heat dissipation performance and reliability of the battery system.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0026] (1) This utility model adopts a modular liquid cooling plate design, which supports flexible expansion or reduction according to the actual splicing length of the battery module. By adjusting the configuration number of liquid cooling plates, it is possible to accurately match battery modules of different specifications, achieve the best adaptation between the heat dissipation system and the battery module, and effectively improve cooling efficiency and system compatibility.

[0027] (2) The liquid inlet pipe and liquid outlet pipe of a single liquid cooling plate of this utility model are diagonally distributed on the liquid cooling plate, and the heat dissipation pipe inside the liquid cooling plate bends back and forth to maximize the heat dissipation area.

[0028] (3) The first and second side walls of the liquid cooling plate of this utility model are provided with buffer pads. When the liquid cooling plates are spliced, the elastic deformation of the buffer pads generates uniform lateral pressure, which can effectively buffer external impact force and improve the structural stability of the liquid cooling system when the equipment is transported, vibrated or accidentally collided. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery pack in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the liquid cooling section in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid cooling plate structure in one embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism structure in one embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure in one embodiment of this application.

[0034] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0035] Liquid cooling plate 1, liquid inlet pipe 11, liquid outlet pipe 12;

[0036] Buffer pad 2;

[0037] First connecting plate 3;

[0038] Adjustment mechanism 4, mounting component 41, adjusting block 42, fixing part 43;

[0039] Battery module 5, second connecting plate 51, thermally conductive adhesive 52. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To further understand the content of this utility model, a detailed description of this utility model will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0041] The structures, proportions, and sizes illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes and to aid those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and therefore have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of the invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model. Furthermore, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity and not intended to limit the scope of implementation. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention's implementation.

[0042] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles and energy storage power stations, the performance and reliability of batteries, as the core power and energy storage units, are of paramount importance. Battery liquid cooling technology is becoming a key element in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of batteries.

[0043] Battery performance is closely related to temperature. Within a suitable temperature range, batteries can perform at their best. When the temperature is too high, the rate of chemical reactions inside the battery accelerates, leading to faster capacity decay, reduced charging and discharging efficiency, and a shorter driving range. For example, in high-temperature environments, the driving range of new energy vehicles may decrease significantly. Conversely, when the temperature is too low, the battery's activity decreases, and the migration rate of lithium ions slows down, which also affects the battery's charging and discharging performance and may even cause the battery to malfunction. A battery liquid cooling system, through the circulation of coolant, can precisely control the temperature of the battery pack within a suitable range, effectively avoiding the negative impacts of excessively high or low temperatures on battery performance and ensuring that the battery is always in a highly efficient operating state.

[0044] In addition, the liquid cooling system can remove the heat generated by the battery during charging and discharging in a timely manner, avoid local overheating, keep the temperature difference between individual cells in the battery pack within a small range, and reduce the internal stress and aging differences caused by uneven temperature.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] This application discloses a liquid cooling device comprising a plurality of liquid cooling sections arranged in sequence, the arrangement direction of which is the same as that of a battery. Each liquid cooling section includes a liquid cooling plate 1, and along its arrangement direction, a liquid inlet pipe 11 is provided on a first side wall of the liquid cooling plate 1, and a liquid outlet pipe 12 is provided on a second side wall opposite to the first side wall.

[0047] It is worth noting that the inlet pipe 11 and outlet pipe 12 are diagonally distributed on the liquid cooling plate 1. In adjacent liquid cooling plates 1, the inlet pipe 11 of the latter liquid cooling plate 1 is connected to the outlet pipe 12 of the former liquid cooling plate 1. The heat dissipation pipes located inside the liquid cooling plate 1 bend back and forth to maximize the area of ​​the heat dissipation pipes. Since the heat dissipation effect is closely related to the surface area, the surface area of ​​the heat dissipation pipes is greatly increased by bending back and forth.

[0048] This layout allows for a more complex and efficient flow path of the coolant within the liquid cooling plate 1. After flowing in from the inlet pipe 11, the coolant flows as evenly as possible through all areas of the liquid cooling plate 1, fully absorbing the heat dissipated by the battery pack. Compared to the traditional same-side inlet and outlet method, the diagonal distribution reduces short-circuiting of the coolant flow, avoiding insufficient heat dissipation in localized areas due to insufficient coolant flow, thus significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0049] The sequentially arranged liquid cooling plates 1 form a continuous and smooth coolant circulation network. This series connection allows the coolant to flow sequentially through each liquid cooling plate 1, ensuring that each plate is fully utilized. This ensures balanced heat dissipation across the entire battery pack, effectively reducing temperature differences between different battery modules, allowing all parts of the battery pack to operate in a similar temperature environment, and minimizing battery performance degradation and lifespan loss caused by temperature imbalances.

[0050] More specifically, the inlet pipe 11 of the rear liquid cooling plate 1 is equipped with a sealing gasket, and the outlet pipe 12 of the front liquid cooling plate 1 is also equipped with a sealing gasket. The two sealing gaskets are tightly pressed together under the action of pre-tightening force to form a double sealing protective layer, which effectively prevents coolant leakage.

[0051] The liquid cooling section also includes a buffer pad 2, which is disposed on the first and second side walls. The buffer pad 2 extends in the direction of the liquid cooling plates 1 and exceeds the edges of the inlet pipe 11 and the outlet pipe 12. When the liquid cooling plates 1 are spliced, the elastic deformation of the buffer pad 2 generates uniform lateral pressure, which can effectively buffer external impact forces and improve the structural stability of the liquid cooling system during equipment handling, vibration or accidental collision.

[0052] More specifically, the liquid cooling plate 1 is a cuboid, and its remaining two sidewalls are the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall, which are opposite to the third sidewall. The third sidewall and the fourth sidewall are provided with a first connecting plate 3. The first connecting plate 3 extends in the direction of the liquid cooling plate 1, and the two ends of each first connecting plate 3 extend out of the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the liquid cooling plate 1, respectively, and the extended part does not exceed the buffer pad 2.

[0053] The advantage of this design is that when the liquid cooling plate 1 is spliced, the multiple first connecting plates 3 on the same side are welded together end to end, and at the same time, the buffer pad 2 is squeezed to produce elastic deformation. This deformation can not only effectively absorb the mechanical stress generated when the liquid cooling plate 1 is spliced, but also transform the external impact force that may be received into a dispersed flexible support force.

[0054] The liquid cooling section is preferably located on the top and bottom surfaces of the battery module 5, and is fixed to the mounting section of the battery module by the first connecting plate 3.

[0055] The liquid cooling device also includes an adjustment mechanism 4 located at the end of the liquid cooling section. Along the arrangement direction of the liquid cooling section, the adjustment mechanism 4 is preferably located on the outside of the liquid cooling section at both ends. The liquid cooling section mentioned here refers to the liquid cooling section located at the bottom of the battery module 5. The adjustment mechanism 4 is used to adjust the overall width of the liquid cooling device so that the device is adapted to the preset positioning point at the bottom of the frame, thereby making the liquid cooling section fit tightly against the mounting surface of the frame.

[0056] More specifically, the adjustment mechanism 4 includes a mounting member 41, a fixing part 43, and an adjustment block 42 connecting the two. The fixing part 43 is fixedly connected to the first connecting plate 3 of the end liquid cooling plate 1, and the adjustment block 42 is rotatably connected to the mounting member 41.

[0057] The operator can rotate the adjusting block 42 to achieve helical extension and retraction relative to the mounting part 41 using the screw drive principle. This design converts rotational motion into horizontal linear displacement, enabling horizontal adjustment of the position of the mounting part 41 to match the preset positioning point at the bottom of the frame.

[0058] Along the height direction of the mounting part 41, there is a through hole. When the installation work is carried out, the fastening components such as high-strength bolts and nuts are sequentially inserted through the through hole. The pre-tightening force is applied by the torque wrench to make the mounting part 41 fit tightly with the positioning point at the bottom of the frame. This ensures that the liquid cooling device can maintain a stable connection under complex vibration conditions, effectively improving the reliability and fatigue resistance of the overall structure.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] A battery pack according to this application includes the liquid cooling device described in Embodiment 1, and also includes a battery module 5. Along the battery arrangement direction, a second connecting plate 51 is provided on both sides of the battery module 5. The second connecting plate 51 is adapted to the first connecting plate 3, and the two are connected by fasteners, preferably bolt assemblies.

[0061] In addition, a number of thermally conductive adhesives 52 are evenly distributed on the top and bottom surfaces of the battery module. The thermally conductive adhesives 52 are adhered to the surface of the liquid cooling plate 1, and the surface of the second connecting plate 51 does not extend beyond the thermally conductive adhesives 52. The thermally conductive adhesives 52 can achieve a gapless full adhesion with the liquid cooling plate 1, maximizing heat conduction efficiency and ensuring the temperature uniformity and safety of the battery module during charging and discharging.

[0062] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the inventive spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling device, comprising a plurality of liquid cooling sections arranged sequentially along the battery arrangement direction; Its features are: The liquid cooling section includes a liquid cooling plate (1). Along the arrangement direction of the liquid cooling plate (1), the first side wall of the liquid cooling plate (1) is provided with a liquid inlet pipe (11), and the opposite second side wall is provided with a liquid outlet pipe (12). The inlet pipe (11) and outlet pipe (12) are diagonally distributed on the liquid cooling plate (1); in adjacent liquid cooling plates (1), the inlet pipe (11) of the latter liquid cooling plate (1) is connected to the outlet pipe (12) of the former liquid cooling plate (1).

2. The liquid cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid cooling section also includes a buffer pad (2), which is disposed on the first side wall and the second side wall; The buffer pad (2) extends in the direction of the liquid cooling plate (1) and extends beyond the edges of the inlet pipe (11) and outlet pipe (12).

3. The liquid cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cushioning pad (2) is elastic.

4. The liquid cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid cooling plate (1) is a cuboid, and its third side wall and the fourth side wall opposite to the third side wall are provided with a first connecting plate (3); The first connecting plate (3) extends in the direction of the liquid cooling plate (1) and is used to connect with the battery module (5); When adjacent liquid cooling plates (1) are spliced ​​together, the first connecting plates (3) on the same side abut against each other.

5. A liquid cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first connecting plate (3) extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the liquid cooling plate (1) at both ends, and the extended portion does not exceed the buffer pad (2).

6. A liquid cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The liquid cooling section is located at least at the top and bottom of the battery module (5).

7. A liquid cooling device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The device also includes an adjustment mechanism (4), which is connected to the end liquid cooling part located at the bottom of the battery module (5). The adjustment mechanism (4) is used to adjust the overall width of the liquid cooling device so that the device is adapted to the preset positioning point at the bottom of the vehicle frame.

8. A liquid cooling device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism (4) includes a mounting part (41), a fixing part (43), and an adjustment block (42) connecting the two; The fixing part (43) is fixedly connected to the end face of the first connecting plate (3), and the adjusting block (42) is used to horizontally adjust the position of the mounting part (41) to match the preset positioning point at the bottom of the frame.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that: The device includes the liquid cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and further includes a battery module (5); along the battery arrangement direction, the battery module (5) has a second connecting plate (51) on both sides that is adapted to the first connecting plate (3), and the second connecting plate (51) is connected to the first connecting plate (3) by fasteners.

10. A battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that: The battery module (5) has a number of thermally conductive adhesives (52) evenly distributed on its top and bottom surfaces, and the thermally conductive adhesives (52) are attached to the surface of the liquid cooling plate (1).

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