Liquid supplement device, on-board battery cooling system and new energy locomotive

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of liquid supplementing device, vehicle-mounted battery cooling system and new energy locomotive, including main water tank, expansion water tank and liquid sight assembly, wherein, the lower part of main water tank is equipped with the first pipeline for system liquid supplementing, the upper part of main water tank is equipped with liquid inlet pipeline;Expansion water tank, the lower part of expansion water tank is connected with transfer pipeline, the end of transfer pipeline away from expansion water tank is connected with the upper part of main water tank;Liquid sight assembly includes liquid sight and two connecting pipelines, one end of a connecting pipeline is connected with the lower part of expansion water tank, the other end is connected with the lower part of liquid sight, one end of another connecting pipeline is connected with the upper part of expansion water tank, the other end is connected with the upper part of liquid sight, and liquid sight and expansion water tank are flush arranged. The position of expansion water tank is more flexible, for example, expansion water tank can be set below main water tank, correspondingly, liquid sight can be flexibly set with expansion water tank, without being set flush with main water tank, therefore, liquid sight can be set at the position of convenient observation, so that staff can observe the liquid level of water tank conveniently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooling system technology, and in particular to a liquid replenishment device, an on-board battery cooling system, and a new energy vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In the current on-board battery cooling units of new energy vehicles, the cooling system is a closed system, but the internal coolant will expand and contract with temperature, resulting in large fluctuations in the liquid level.

[0003] Therefore, vehicle battery cooling units are usually equipped with a water tank for replenishing the liquid, and a sight glass is installed on the water tank to observe the liquid level. However, in actual applications, the water tank is mostly located in a closed cavity, and when the sight glass is extended outward, the actual liquid level can only be observed when it is flush with the water tank.

[0004] The problem with this setup is that the location of the sight glass is limited by the vehicle's battery cooling unit, making it inconvenient to observe the water level in the tank. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention aims to at least effectively solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a liquid replenishment device, an on-board battery cooling system, and a new energy vehicle, facilitating the observation of the water tank level.

[0006] This utility model proposes a fluid replenishment device, comprising:

[0007] The main water tank has a first pipeline at its lower part for replenishing the system with liquid; the main water tank also has an inlet pipe at its upper part.

[0008] An expansion tank is provided, with a transfer pipe connected to its lower part. The end of the transfer pipe away from the expansion tank is connected to the upper part of the main tank.

[0009] The sight glass assembly includes a sight glass and two connecting pipes; one end of each connecting pipe is connected to the lower part of the expansion tank and the other end is connected to the lower part of the sight glass; one end of each connecting pipe is connected to the upper part of the expansion tank and the other end is connected to the upper part of the sight glass; the sight glass is flush with the expansion tank.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the expansion tank is positioned lower than the main tank;

[0011] The transfer pipeline uses a flexible hose.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the upper part of the expansion tank is provided with a pressure relief valve. When the air pressure of the expansion tank rises to a first set value or above, the pressure relief valve switches to the open state; when the air pressure of the expansion tank drops to below the first set value, the pressure relief valve switches to the closed state.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the expansion tank is further provided with a liquid level switch. When the liquid level inside the expansion tank is higher than a first set value, the liquid level switch is turned off, and when the liquid level inside the expansion tank is lower than a second set value, the liquid level switch is turned off.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the pressure relief valve is configured as one of a spring-loaded pressure relief valve, a pilot-operated pressure relief valve, and a gravity-operated pressure relief valve.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the liquid level switch is configured as one of a float-type liquid level switch, an electrode-type liquid level switch, and a capacitive liquid level switch.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid replenishment device further includes an alarm device. When the air pressure in the expansion tank drops to a second set value or rises to a first set value, the alarm device is used to remind the user to observe the liquid level in the sight glass.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the alarm device includes an LED light, an audible light, or a buzzer.

[0018] Secondly, this application discloses an on-board battery cooling system, including the aforementioned liquid replenishment device.

[0019] Thirdly, this application discloses a new energy vehicle, including the aforementioned on-board battery cooling system.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the technical solution provided in this application has at least the following advantages:

[0021] The on-board battery cooling system of the new energy vehicle uses the liquid replenishment device provided in this application. When the system is running normally, the on-board battery cooling system can inject cooling water into the main water tank through the second pipeline until the main water tank is full and overflows into the expansion tank. The coolant enters the sight glass from the lower connecting pipe, and the sight glass is connected to the expansion tank through the upper connecting pipe. The sight glass is flush with the expansion tank. Therefore, the liquid level height displayed by the sight glass is the liquid level height of the expansion tank. The operator can judge the liquid level height of the expansion tank by observing the liquid level height of the sight glass, and then judge the liquid level height of the main water tank by the liquid level height of the expansion tank, and then judge whether the coolant in the main water tank meets the requirements of the battery liquid cooling system.

[0022] Moreover, the expansion tank can be set in a more flexible position. For example, the expansion tank can be set lower than the main tank. Correspondingly, the sight glass can be set flexibly along with the expansion tank, without having to be flush with the main tank. Therefore, the sight glass can be set in a convenient position for observation, making it easier for staff to observe the liquid level in the tank. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the fluid replenishment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the fluid replenishment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The meanings of the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0026] 1. Main water tank; 2. Second pipeline; 3. First pipeline; 4. Transfer pipeline; 5. Liquid level switch; 6. Pressure relief valve; 7. Connecting pipeline; 8. Sight gauge; 9. Expansion tank. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this utility model 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 utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, up, down, etc., indicating the directional or positional relationship, are based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. 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.

[0032] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 2 This invention provides a liquid replenishment device applicable to the on-board battery cooling system of new energy vehicles. The device includes a main water tank 1, an expansion tank 9, and a sight glass assembly. The main water tank 1 has a first pipe 3 at its lower part, which connects to the inlet pipe (or return pipe) of the on-board battery cooling system to replenish the system. The main water tank 1 also has an inlet pipe at its upper part, i.e., a second pipe 2 connects to the outlet pipe of the on-board battery cooling system, allowing coolant from the system to enter the main water tank 1. The expansion tank 9... A transfer pipe 4 is connected to the lower part of the water tank 9. The end of the transfer pipe 4 away from the expansion tank 9 is connected to the upper part of the main water tank 1. The sight glass assembly includes a sight glass 8 and two connecting pipes 7. One end of the connecting pipe 7 is connected to the lower part of the expansion tank 9 and the other end is connected to the lower part of the sight glass 8. The other connecting pipe 7 is connected to the upper part of the expansion tank 9 and the other end is connected to the upper part of the sight glass 8. The sight glass 8 is flush with the expansion tank 9.

[0034] In practical applications, when the liquid replenishment device is in use, the first pipe 3 is connected to the liquid inlet pipe (or return pipe) of the vehicle battery cooling system, and the second pipe 2 is connected to the liquid outlet pipe of the vehicle battery cooling system. The transfer pipe 4 can be a flexible hose, which is convenient for layout and less likely to be damaged by factors such as locomotive vibration during use, effectively ensuring a long-term reliable connection between the main water tank 1 and the expansion tank 9. Furthermore, the flexible hose is set as a vibration-damping hose, that is, the transfer pipe 4 can be a vibration-damping hose, which is more conducive to avoiding vibration affecting the liquid replenishment device.

[0035] Therefore, when the system is operating normally, the vehicle battery cooling system can inject cooling water into the main water tank 1 through the second pipe 2 until the main water tank 1 is full and overflows into the expansion tank 9. The coolant enters the sight glass 8 from the lower connecting pipe 7, and the sight glass 8 is connected to the expansion tank 9 through the upper connecting pipe 7. The sight glass 8 is flush with the expansion tank 9. Thus, the liquid level displayed by the sight glass 8 is the liquid level of the expansion tank 9. The operator can judge the liquid level of the expansion tank 9 by observing the liquid level of the sight glass 8, and then judge the liquid level of the main water tank 1 by the liquid level of the expansion tank 9, and then judge whether the coolant in the main water tank 1 meets the requirements of the vehicle battery cooling system.

[0036] The expansion tank 9 effectively addresses system pressure fluctuations, volume changes, and air bubbles caused by the thermal expansion and contraction of the liquid, ensuring stable and safe system operation. Its core functions include: 1) compensating for volume changes due to thermal expansion and contraction, effectively preventing system overload; 2) stabilizing system pressure, effectively preventing pressure fluctuations from affecting circulation efficiency; and 3) venting and defoaming, effectively ensuring the continuity of liquid circulation and heat dissipation / transportation effects. In short, without the expansion tank 9, the vehicle battery cooling system would experience pressure runaway, circulation interruption, and air bubble accumulation due to the thermal expansion and contraction of the liquid, directly affecting the battery's thermal management performance (e.g., excessive temperature difference in liquid-cooled batteries) or the reliability of medium transportation (e.g., insufficient coolant in fuel cells), and even posing safety risks. Therefore, the expansion tank 9 is an indispensable auxiliary core component in vehicle battery cooling systems (especially high-pressure, sealed systems with large temperature fluctuations).

[0037] Moreover, the expansion tank 9 can be set in a flexible position. For example, the expansion tank 9 can be set lower than the main tank 1. Correspondingly, the sight glass 8 can be set flexibly along with the expansion tank 9, without needing to be flush with the main tank 1. Therefore, the sight glass 8 can be set in a convenient position for observation, so that staff can easily observe the liquid level in the tank.

[0038] In one possible embodiment, the expansion tank 9 is positioned below the main tank 1.

[0039] Specifically, when the cooling water in the main water tank 1 flows into the expansion tank 9 through the transfer pipe 4, the gas in the expansion tank 9 is compressed, and the pressure in the expansion tank 9 increases. When there is a leak in the system or when it contracts due to temperature, resulting in a lack of coolant, the coolant in the main water tank 1 is injected into the vehicle battery cooling system through the first pipe 3. According to the siphon principle, the cooling water in the expansion tank 9 can be input into the main water tank 1 through the transfer pipe 4. Therefore, the expansion tank 9 can be set at a lower position, and correspondingly, the sight glass 8 can be set at a lower position, making it convenient for operators to use the sight glass 8. Of course, the expansion tank 9 and the main water tank 1 can also be set at the same height, depending on the specific needs.

[0040] In some embodiments, a pressure relief valve 6 is provided at the top of the expansion tank 9, typically located at the top of the expansion tank 9, but it can also be located on the side of the expansion tank 9. When the air pressure in the expansion tank 9 rises above a first set value, the pressure relief valve 6 switches to the open state; when the air pressure in the expansion tank 9 drops below the first set value, the pressure relief valve 6 switches to the closed state. The pressure relief valve 6 is configured as one of a spring-loaded pressure relief valve 6, a pilot-operated pressure relief valve 6, or a gravity-operated pressure relief valve 6.

[0041] For detailed instructions, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 When cooling water in the main water tank 1 flows into the expansion tank 9 through the transfer pipe 4, the gas in the expansion tank 9 is compressed. If the pressure in the expansion tank 9 is too high and exceeds the preset first set value, the pressure relief valve 6 automatically opens to reduce the pressure in the expansion tank 9, thereby meeting the safety pressure required for the thermal expansion and contraction of the liquid inside the system. When the pressure in the expansion tank 9 drops below the first set value, the pressure relief valve 6 automatically closes, ensuring that the expansion tank 9 retains a certain pressure, thus ensuring that the cooling water in the expansion tank 9 can flow into the main water tank 1 under the action of gas pressure.

[0042] Furthermore, the expansion tank 9 is equipped with a level switch 5 inside to detect the internal liquid level. When the air pressure in the expansion tank 9 rises above a first set value, that is, when the liquid level inside the expansion tank 9 is higher than the first set value, the level switch 5 opens; when the air pressure in the expansion tank 9 drops below a second set value, that is, when the liquid level inside the expansion tank 9 is lower than the second set value, the level switch 5 closes, detecting insufficient coolant in the system and triggering an alarm. The level switch 5 is configured as one of a float-type level switch 5, an electrode-type level switch 5, and a capacitive level switch 5.

[0043] It should be noted that in the on-board battery cooling system of new energy vehicles, the liquid level switch 5 of the expansion tank 9 is a core monitoring component that ensures the safe and stable operation of the system. Its core function is to trigger corresponding alarms or control actions by monitoring the liquid level in the expansion tank 9 in real time, so as to avoid the failure of the liquid cooling system or battery damage due to abnormal liquid level (too high / too low). Specifically, in the working logic of the liquid level switch 5 of the expansion tank 9 in the battery liquid cooling system, "disconnection" (i.e., the liquid level switch 5 contact changes from "closed" to "open") is the core signal state that triggers specific protection actions. The purpose of "disconnection" is different under different liquid level scenarios. Essentially, it accurately transmits the signal that "the liquid level has exceeded the safe range" through the change of circuit state, thereby activating protection. For example, some level switches 5 are designed with a "high level threshold" (such as excessive replenishment or coolant expansion due to heat exceeding the tank's capacity). In this case, the switch contacts close when the level is "normal" and open when the level exceeds the limit. The purpose is to: warn of "overfill risk" and avoid leakage and pressure runaway; the disconnect signal will allow the controller to recognize "excessive level", which will trigger a high level alarm to remind maintenance personnel to "stop replenishment" or check for "system pressure buildup (such as a faulty pressure relief valve 6)"; if the system is designed with linkage valves (such as an overflow valve for auxiliary control), the disconnect signal may also close the replenishment valve to prevent coolant from leaking from the tank overflow port due to continued replenishment - avoiding coolant waste, corrosion of battery compartment components, or sudden pressure rise in the circuit due to overfill, which could crack pipes / seals.

[0044] The liquid replenishment device also includes an alarm device, such as an LED light, a sound lamp, or a buzzer. When the air pressure in the expansion tank 9 drops to a second set value or rises to a first set value, the alarm device is used to remind the user to observe the liquid level in the sight glass 8 and intervene in a timely manner.

[0045] This application discloses an on-board battery cooling system that can be used for thermal management of batteries in new energy vehicles. The on-board battery cooling system includes the aforementioned liquid replenishment device.

[0046] Understandably, the vehicle battery cooling system employs the aforementioned replenishment device. During normal operation, the vehicle battery cooling system injects coolant into the main water tank 1 via the second pipe 2 until the main water tank 1 is full and overflows into the expansion tank 9. Coolant enters the sight glass 8 from the lower connecting pipe 7, and the sight glass 8 is connected to the expansion tank 9 via the upper connecting pipe 7. The sight glass 8 is flush with the expansion tank 9, thus the liquid level displayed by the sight glass 8 is the liquid level of the expansion tank 9. Operators can determine the liquid level of the expansion tank 9 by observing the liquid level of the sight glass 8, and then determine the liquid level of the main water tank 1 based on the liquid level of the expansion tank 9, thereby determining whether the coolant in the main water tank 1 meets the requirements of the vehicle battery cooling system. The expansion tank 9 is positioned flexibly. For example, the expansion tank 9 can be positioned below the main tank 1. Correspondingly, the sight glass 8 can be flexibly positioned along with the expansion tank 9, without needing to be flush with the main tank 1. Therefore, the sight glass 8 can be positioned in a convenient location for observation, making it easier for staff to observe the sight glass 8 and thus the liquid level in the tank.

[0047] This application discloses a new energy vehicle, including the aforementioned on-board battery cooling system.

[0048] Understandably, the new energy vehicle uses the aforementioned on-board battery cooling system for thermal management of its battery. When the system is operating normally, the on-board battery cooling system injects cooling water into the main water tank 1 through the second pipe 2 until the main water tank 1 is full and overflows into the expansion tank 9. Coolant enters the sight glass 8 through the lower connecting pipe 7, and the sight glass 8 is connected to the expansion tank 9 through the upper connecting pipe 7. The sight glass 8 is flush with the expansion tank 9, thus the liquid level displayed by the sight glass 8 is the liquid level of the expansion tank 9. Operators can determine the liquid level of the expansion tank 9 by observing the liquid level of the sight glass 8, and then determine the liquid level of the main water tank 1 based on the liquid level of the expansion tank 9, thereby determining whether the coolant in the main water tank 1 meets the system's requirements. The expansion tank 9 is positioned flexibly. For example, the expansion tank 9 can be positioned below the main tank 1. Correspondingly, the sight glass 8 can be flexibly positioned along with the expansion tank 9, without needing to be flush with the main tank 1. Therefore, the sight glass 8 can be positioned in a convenient location for observation, making it easier for staff to observe the sight glass 8 and thus the liquid level in the tank.

[0049] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fluid replenishment device, characterized by, include: The main water tank has a first pipeline at its lower part for replenishing the system with liquid; the main water tank also has an inlet pipe at its upper part. An expansion tank is provided, with a transfer pipe connected to its lower part. The end of the transfer pipe away from the expansion tank is connected to the upper part of the main tank. The sight glass assembly includes a sight glass and two connecting pipes; one end of one connecting pipe is connected to the lower part of the expansion tank and the other end is connected to the lower part of the sight glass; one end of the other connecting pipe is connected to the upper part of the expansion tank and the other end is connected to the upper part of the sight glass; the sight glass is flush with the expansion tank.

2. The fluid replacement set according to claim 1, wherein The expansion tank is positioned below the main tank. The transfer pipeline uses a flexible hose.

3. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion tank is equipped with a pressure relief valve at its upper part. When the air pressure in the expansion tank rises to a first set value or higher, the pressure relief valve switches to the open state; when the air pressure in the expansion tank drops to below the first set value, the pressure relief valve switches to the closed state.

4. The fluid replacement set according to claim 3, wherein The expansion tank is also equipped with a level switch. When the liquid level inside the expansion tank is higher than a first set value, the level switch is open; when the liquid level inside the expansion tank is lower than a second set value, the level switch is closed.

5. The fluid replacement device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein The pressure relief valve is configured as one of the following: spring-loaded pressure relief valve, pilot-operated pressure relief valve, or gravity-operated pressure relief valve.

6. The fluid replacement set according to claim 4, wherein The level switch is configured as one of a float-type level switch, an electrode-type level switch, and a capacitive level switch.

7. The fluid replacement set according to claim 1, wherein The liquid replenishment device also includes an alarm device. When the air pressure in the expansion tank drops to a second set value or rises to a first set value, the alarm device is used to remind the user to observe the liquid level in the sight glass.

8. The fluid replacement device of claim 7 wherein, The alarm device includes LED lights, sound lights, or buzzers.

9. An on-board battery cooling system characterized by, Includes the fluid replenishment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A new energy locomotive, characterized in that, Includes the vehicle battery cooling system as described in claim 9.

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