Cooling system for a controller and vehicle

Abstract

This application discloses a cooling system for a controller and a vehicle, relating to the field of vehicle controllers. The cooling system includes: an air conditioner assembly having a cavity formed inside the air conditioner assembly suitable for airflow, and an air outlet communicating with the cavity; and an air duct having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air guide channel communicating with the air inlet and the air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the air outlet so that the air guide channel communicates with the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly. The air outlet is positioned facing the heat dissipation surface of the controller to guide air from the cavity to the heat dissipation surface of the controller for cooling the controller. According to the embodiments of this application, the cooling system for a controller can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the controller and reduce the overall cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle controllers, and more particularly to a cooling system for a controller and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, the intelligent driving domain controller, as a core component, is responsible for handling complex driving tasks and data transmission. With increased functionality and computing power, the domain controller generates a significant amount of heat during operation, leading to a substantial increase in its operating temperature. Excessive temperature not only affects the domain controller's performance but may also cause circuit failures or permanent damage, thereby impacting the stability and safety of the entire intelligent driving system.

[0003] Existing heat dissipation methods mainly include passive or active cooling technologies such as fan cooling and liquid cooling. However, these methods have many limitations in the practical application of intelligent driving vehicles. For example, fan cooling may become less efficient due to vehicle vibration, while liquid cooling systems increase system complexity and cost, making it difficult to meet actual needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application aims to at least address one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one objective of this application is to provide a cooling system for a controller that improves the controller's heat dissipation efficiency and reduces overall cost.

[0005] This application also proposes a vehicle having the aforementioned cooling system.

[0006] A cooling system for a controller according to an embodiment of this application is characterized by comprising: an air conditioner assembly having an internal cavity suitable for airflow, the air conditioner assembly also having an air outlet communicating with the cavity; and an air duct having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air guide channel communicating with the air inlet and the air outlet, the air inlet being connected to the air outlet so that the air guide channel communicating with the internal cavity of the air conditioner assembly, and the air outlet being disposed toward the heat dissipation surface of the controller to guide air in the cavity to the heat dissipation surface of the controller for cooling the controller.

[0007] According to an embodiment of this application, a cooling system for a controller includes an air conditioner assembly and an air duct. The air duct can communicate with the internal cavity of the air conditioner assembly, and the air outlet of the air duct can be correspondingly arranged with the heat dissipation surface of the controller. When the air conditioner assembly is cooling, the cold air inside the air conditioner assembly can be guided to the controller through the air duct, thereby achieving the function of cooling the controller, effectively improving the cooling efficiency of the controller, reducing the overall cost, and improving the stability and safety of the intelligent driving system.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the air outlet is disposed corresponding to the heat dissipation surface of the controller, and the projection of the air outlet coincides with at least a portion of the projection of the controller along the thickness direction of the controller.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the air outlet is spaced apart from the heat dissipation surface of the controller.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the minimum distance between the air outlet and the heat dissipation surface of the controller is L and satisfies: 10mm≤L≤15mm.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the outer peripheral wall of the air duct is formed with at least one extension plate extending toward the vehicle body, and the free end of the extension plate is formed with a fixing plate connected to the vehicle body.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the cooling system further includes: a connector assembly, one end of which is connected to the air outlet and the other end of which is connected to the air inlet, and the outer surface of the connector assembly is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a temperature sensor is provided on the outer wall of the air duct, and a portion of the temperature sensor extends into the interior of the air duct and is adapted to detect the temperature of the air inside the air duct.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner assembly further includes a damper that can selectively connect or disconnect the air guide channel from the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner assembly further includes an air conditioner controller and a motor. The air conditioner controller is adapted to send a signal to the motor based on the temperature of the controller and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The motor is adapted to control the damper to connect or disconnect the air guide channel from the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly after receiving the signal.

[0016] The vehicle of an embodiment of this application is described below.

[0017] The vehicle according to the embodiments of this application is equipped with a controller and the cooling system of the above embodiments. Since the vehicle according to the embodiments of this application is equipped with a controller and the cooling system of the above embodiments, the cooling system of the vehicle includes an air conditioner assembly and an air duct. The air duct can communicate with the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly, and the air outlet of the air duct can be correspondingly arranged with the heat dissipation surface of the controller. When the air conditioner assembly is cooling, the cold air inside the cavity of the air conditioner assembly can be guided to the controller through the air duct, thereby achieving the function of cooling the controller, effectively improving the cooling efficiency of the controller, reducing the overall cost, and improving the stability and safety of the intelligent driving system.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another structural diagram of the intermediate cooling system; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the central air duct structure; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the intermediate connector assembly; Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of the cooling system, controller, and floor according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Assembly diagram of the controller and floor.

[0020] Figure label: 10. Cooling system; 11. Air conditioner assembly; 111. Air outlet; 112. Air damper; 113. Air conditioner controller; 114. Motor; 115. Blower; 12. Air duct; 121. Air inlet; 122. Air outlet; 123. Air guide channel; 124. Extension plate; 1241. Fixing plate; 125. Temperature sensor; 13. Connector assembly; 131. Reinforcing rib; 132. Connecting part; 133. Snap-fit ​​part; 20. Controller; 30. Floor; 31. Mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0022] The following is for reference. Figures 1-6 A cooling system 10 for a controller 20 is described according to an embodiment of this application. The cooling system 10 includes an air conditioner assembly 11 and an air duct 12.

[0023] An air conditioner assembly 11 has an internal cavity suitable for airflow and an air outlet 111 communicating with the cavity. An air duct 12 has an air inlet 121, an air outlet 122, and an air guide channel 123 communicating with the air inlet 121 and the air outlet 122. The air inlet 121 is connected to the air outlet 111 so that the air guide channel 123 communicates with the internal cavity of the air conditioner assembly 11. The air outlet 122 is positioned facing the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 to guide air from the cavity to the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 for cooling the controller 20.

[0024] Currently, the domain controller 20 generates a significant amount of heat during operation, causing its operating temperature to rise considerably. Excessive temperature not only affects the performance of the domain controller 20 but may also trigger circuit failures or permanent damage, thereby impacting the stability and safety of the entire intelligent driving system. Existing heat dissipation methods mainly include passive or active cooling technologies such as fan cooling and liquid cooling. However, these methods have many limitations in practical applications of intelligent driving vehicles. For example, fan cooling may become less efficient due to vehicle vibration, while liquid cooling systems increase system complexity and cost, making them difficult to meet actual needs.

[0025] In response, this application provides a cooling system 10 for the controller 20, which can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the controller 20 and reduce the overall cost.

[0026] Specifically, the cooling system 10 may include an air conditioner assembly 11 and an air duct 12. The air conditioner assembly 11 may have a cavity inside for airflow, and the air conditioner assembly 11 may also have an air outlet 111 that can communicate with the cavity. The air duct 12 may have an air inlet 121, an air outlet 122, and an air duct 123 that can communicate with the air inlet 121 and the air outlet 122. The air inlet 121 may be connected to the air outlet 111, thereby connecting the air duct 123 to the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11. The air outlet 122 may be positioned toward the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20. It is understood that the controller 20 may be mounted on the floor 30 of the vehicle via a mounting bracket 31. The heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 may be the surface of the controller 20 with heat dissipation fins or the surface of the controller 20 away from the floor 30. In some embodiments, the controller 20 can be any controller such as the vehicle's intelligent driving domain controller, battery controller, motor controller, electric drive controller, etc., without any limitation.

[0027] Furthermore, the air outlet 122 can guide the air inside the cavity to the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20, thereby cooling the controller 20. It should be noted that when the air conditioning assembly 11 is in cooling mode, the air inside the air conditioning assembly 11 is introduced into the air guide channel 123 through the air outlet 111 and the air inlet 121, and then guided to the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 through the air outlet 122, thus achieving the effect of cooling the controller 20. The air conditioning assembly 11 may have a blower 115, which circulates cold air. Compared to existing technologies, directly cooling the controller 20 with cold air from the air conditioning assembly 11 can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the controller 20, reduce its operating temperature, extend its service life, and effectively reduce overall costs. It eliminates the need for a liquid cooling system, meets the cooling requirements of the controller 20, and prevents circuit failures or permanent damage caused by high temperatures, thereby improving the stability and safety of the intelligent driving system.

[0028] In short, the cooling system 10 for the controller 20 in this embodiment includes an air conditioner assembly 11 and an air duct 12. The air duct 12 can communicate with the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11, and the air outlet 122 of the air duct 12 can be correspondingly arranged with the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20. When the air conditioner assembly 11 is cooling, the cold air inside the cavity of the air conditioner assembly 11 can be guided to the controller 20 through the air duct 12, thereby achieving the function of cooling the controller 20, effectively improving the cooling efficiency of the controller 20, reducing the overall cost, and improving the stability and safety of the intelligent driving system.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the air outlet 122 is correspondingly disposed with the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20. Along the thickness direction of the controller 20, the projection of the air outlet 122 coincides with at least a portion of the projection of the controller 20. It can be understood that, in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the controller 20, the projection of the air outlet 122 may coincide with a portion of the projection of the controller 20, or the projection of the air outlet 122 may coincide with the projection of the domain controller. That is, the surface area of ​​the air outlet 122 may be less than or equal to the surface area of ​​the controller 20. The actual size of the air outlet 122 can be set according to requirements. By correspondingly distributing the air outlet 122 with the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20, cold air can be directly blown onto the surface of the controller 20 through the air outlet 122, which more effectively improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the controller 20 and extends its service life.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the air outlet 122 can be spaced apart from the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20. It is understood that the air outlet surface of the air outlet 122 and the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 are separated by a certain distance. This arrangement facilitates the flow of cold air and also prevents abnormal noises between the air guide channel 123 and the controller 20 due to vibrations and bumps during vehicle movement. Further, the minimum distance between the air outlet 122 and the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 is L, satisfying the relationship: 10mm ≤ L ≤ 15mm. That is, the minimum distance between the air outlet 122 and the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 can be any value between 10mm and 15mm. For example, the minimum distance between the air outlet 122 and the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 can be, but is not limited to, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 15mm, etc. If the minimum distance between the air outlet 122 and the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 is too large, excessive cold air loss will occur, leading to… The controller 20 has low heat dissipation efficiency. If the minimum distance between the air outlet 122 and the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 is too small, it will affect the flow of cold air and cause abnormal noise between the air guide channel 123 and the controller 20 due to the vibration and bumps of the vehicle. Therefore, by setting the minimum distance between the air outlet 122 and the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20 within the above range, the normal flow of cold air can be ensured, and abnormal noise between the air guide channel 123 and the controller 20 due to the vibration and bumps of the vehicle can be avoided, thereby effectively improving the cooling efficiency of the controller 20.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the outer peripheral wall of the air duct 12 may have at least one extension plate 124. The extension plate 124 may extend toward the vehicle body, and the free end of the extension plate 124 may have a fixing plate 1241. The fixing plate 1241 may be connected to the vehicle body. Optionally, the fixing plate 1241 and the vehicle body may be detachably connected by screws or bolts, or the fixing plate 1241 and the vehicle body may be detachably connected by snap-fit ​​or plug-in. In a specific embodiment, the fixing plate 1241 may have bolt holes, and the fixing plate 1241 may be bolted to the vehicle body. By setting the extension plate 124 and the fixing plate 1241, the air duct 12 can be connected to the vehicle body, thereby improving the stability of the air duct 12, avoiding the vibration and bumps during vehicle operation that cause the air duct 12 to vibrate synchronously and deform and bend, thus affecting the flow direction of the internal cold air and the heat dissipation performance, improving the service life of the air duct 12, and enabling the air outlet 122 to correspond to the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20, thereby achieving precise air blowing to the controller 20.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the cooling system 10 further includes a connector assembly 13. One end of the connector assembly 13 can be connected to the air outlet 111, and the other end of the connector assembly 13 can be connected to the air inlet 121. It is understood that the cold air inside the air conditioner assembly 11 is guided to the connector assembly 13 through the air outlet 111, and then guided to the air inlet 121 through the connector assembly 13, and then guided into the air guide channel 123. The connector assembly 13 can be used to connect the air outlet 111 and the air inlet 121.

[0033] In some embodiments, the connector assembly 13 and the air inlet 121 can be detachably connected by screws or bolts, or the connector assembly 13 and the air inlet 121 can be detachably connected by snap-fit ​​or plug-in. Specifically, the air inlet 121 can have a connecting portion 132, and the connecting portion 132 is bolted to the connector assembly 13. The connector assembly 13 and the air outlet 111 can be detachably connected by screws or bolts, or the connector assembly 13 and the air outlet 111 can be detachably connected by snap-fit ​​or plug-in. Specifically, the connector assembly 13 can have a snap-fit ​​portion 133, and the snap-fit ​​portion 133 is snap-fitted to the air outlet 111. Connecting the connector assembly 13 to both the air outlet 111 and the air inlet 121 can improve the stability of the connection between the air outlet 111 and the air inlet 121. Furthermore, the outer surface of the connector assembly 13 may be provided with reinforcing ribs 131. The reinforcing ribs 131 may be staggered along the circumferential and extension directions of the connector assembly 13. By providing reinforcing ribs 131, the structural strength of the connector assembly 13 can be improved, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the air outlet 111 and the air inlet 121.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a temperature sensor 125 may be provided on the outer wall of the air duct 12. A portion of the temperature sensor 125 may extend into the air duct 123. The temperature sensor 125 has a detection end located in the air duct 123. The temperature sensor 125 can detect the temperature of the air in the air duct 123 through the detection end. In the cooling mode, when the air conditioner assembly 11 is first started, the temperature in the air duct 123 is high. When the temperature sensor 125 detects that the temperature is high, the air conditioner assembly 11 may not blow air into the air duct 123. After the temperature in the air duct 123 returns to normal, the air conditioner assembly 11 can blow air normally.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner assembly 11 also has a damper 112. The damper 112 can selectively connect or disconnect the air guide channel 123 from the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11. It can be understood that the damper 112 can control whether the cold air inside the air conditioner assembly 11 is directed into the air guide channel 123, that is, the opening or closing of the air guide channel 123. When the air guide channel 123 is connected to the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11, the cold air inside the air conditioner assembly 11 can be blown to the surface of the controller through the air guide channel 123 to cool the controller 20. When the air guide channel 123 is disconnected from the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11, there is no need to cool the controller 20, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner assembly 11 also includes an air conditioner controller 113 and a motor 114. The air conditioner controller 113 can send a signal to the motor 114 based on the temperature of the controller 20 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 125. After receiving the signal, the motor 114 can control the damper 112 to connect or disconnect the air guide channel 123 from the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11. It can be understood that when the temperature of the controller 20 is high, the air conditioner controller 113 can send a signal to the motor 114, and the motor 114 can control the damper 112 to rotate to connect the air guide channel 123 with the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11. The cold air inside the air conditioner assembly 11 can be guided to the air guide channel 123 and then blown onto the surface of the controller 20 to achieve the effect of cooling the controller 20 and preventing the controller 20 from crashing due to high temperature. When the temperature of controller 20 is normal and no additional cooling is required, air conditioning controller 113 can send a signal to motor 114. Motor 114 can control the damper 112 to rotate to disconnect the air duct 123 from the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11, thereby closing the air duct 123 and stopping the cooling of controller 20, which can reduce the energy consumption of the whole vehicle.

[0037] Furthermore, in cooling mode, when the air conditioner assembly 11 is first started, the temperature sensor 125 detects that the temperature inside the air duct 123 is high. At this time, the temperature sensor 125 can transmit a signal to the air conditioner controller 113, which controls the motor 114 to start or partially start to prevent hot air from blowing out of the air duct 123 and causing the controller 20 to heat up. After the temperature sensor 125 detects that the temperature inside the air duct 123 is normal, the air conditioner controller 113 can send a signal to the motor 114, which can control the damper 112 to rotate to connect the air duct 123 with the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11, so as to cool the controller 20.

[0038] The vehicle of an embodiment of this application is described below.

[0039] The vehicle according to the embodiments of this application is equipped with a controller 20 and a cooling system 10 as described in the above embodiments. Since the vehicle according to the embodiments of this application is equipped with a controller 20 and a cooling system 10 as described in the above embodiments, the cooling system 10 of the vehicle includes an air conditioner assembly 11 and an air duct 12. The air duct 12 can communicate with the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly 11, and the air outlet 122 of the air duct 12 can be correspondingly arranged with the heat dissipation surface of the controller 20. When the air conditioner assembly 11 is cooling, the cold air inside the cavity of the air conditioner assembly 11 can be guided to the controller 20 through the air duct 12, thereby achieving the function of cooling the controller 20, effectively improving the cooling efficiency of the controller 20, reducing the overall cost, and improving the stability and safety of the intelligent driving system.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0041] In the description of this application, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0042] In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0043] In the description of this application, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features being in contact through another feature between them.

[0044] In the description of this application, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0046] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cooling system for a controller, characterized in that, include: An air conditioner assembly (11) has a cavity inside which is suitable for air flow, and the air conditioner assembly (11) also has an air outlet (111) communicating with the cavity. The air duct (12) has an air inlet (121), an air outlet (122), and an air duct channel (123) communicating with the air inlet (121) and the air outlet (122). The air inlet (121) is connected to the air outlet (111) so that the air duct channel (123) communicates with the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly (11). The air outlet (122) is arranged facing the heat dissipation surface of the controller (20) to guide the air in the cavity to the heat dissipation surface of the controller (20) to cool the controller (20).

2. The cooling system for a controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet (122) is disposed corresponding to the heat dissipation surface of the controller (20), and along the thickness direction of the controller (20), the projection of the air outlet (122) coincides with at least part of the projection of the controller (20).

3. The cooling system for a controller according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air outlet (122) and the heat dissipation surface of the controller (20) are spaced apart.

4. The cooling system for a controller according to claim 3, characterized in that, The minimum distance between the air outlet (122) and the heat dissipation surface of the controller (20) is L and satisfies: 10mm≤L≤15mm.

5. The cooling system for a controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the air duct (12) is formed with at least one extension plate (124) extending toward the vehicle body, and the free end of the extension plate (124) is formed with a fixing plate (1241) connected to the vehicle body.

6. The cooling system for a controller according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A connector assembly (13) is provided, one end of which is connected to the air outlet (111) and the other end of which is connected to the air inlet (121). A reinforcing rib (131) is formed on the outer surface of the connector assembly (13).

7. The cooling system for a controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature sensor (125) is provided on the outer wall of the air duct (12). A portion of the temperature sensor (125) extends into the air duct (123) and is suitable for detecting the temperature of the air inside the air duct (123).

8. The cooling system for a controller according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air conditioner assembly (11) also has a damper (112) which can selectively connect or disconnect the air guide channel (123) from the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly (11).

9. The cooling system for a controller according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air conditioner assembly (11) also has an air conditioner controller (113) and a motor (114). The air conditioner controller (113) is adapted to send a signal to the motor (114) based on the temperature of the controller (20) and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (125). The motor (114) is adapted to control the damper (112) to connect or disconnect the air guide channel (123) from the cavity inside the air conditioner assembly (11) after receiving the signal.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes a controller (20) and a cooling system (10) for the controller as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images