Liquid cooling plate, liquid cooling system and battery module

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a liquid cooling plate and a battery module. The liquid cooling plate comprises a liquid cooling plate body and spoiler members, wherein the liquid cooling plate body extends in a first direction, and a side face of the liquid cooling plate body is a curved face or a planar face, and fits with a side wall of a battery cell; a plurality of flow channels extending in the first direction are provided inside the liquid cooling plate body; and the spoiler members are arranged in the flow channels, have a single-helix structure and extend in the first direction. By means of the structure of the liquid cooling plate provided in the present application, the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling plate can be improved.

Description

Liquid cooling plates, liquid cooling systems, and battery modules

[0001] This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on June 30, 2023, with application number 202310800797.2, and the application number 202321712215.7 filed with the China Patent Office on June 30, 2023, and the entire contents of the above applications filed with the China Patent Office on June 30, 2023, with application number 202321712225.0 are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a liquid cooling plate, a liquid cooling system and a battery module. Background Art

[0003] Serpentine liquid cooling plates, which exchange heat with the sides of the battery cells, offer advantages such as high heat dissipation efficiency, a large heat exchange area, minimal pressure drop, excellent thermal insulation, and high structural strength, making them the mainstream liquid cooling plate for power batteries. Currently, the flow channels within serpentine liquid cooling plates are mostly composed of multiple square, regular cavities. Coolant is distributed into these cavities by an inlet collector, flowing through the channels to form convection heat exchange with the battery cells before converging into an outlet collector and flowing out through the outlet. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Since the coolant has a high flow rate at the liquid inlet, it is difficult to form turbulence in the flow channel. At the same time, the heat exchange area in the cavity is limited, resulting in a small heat conduction area inside the serpentine liquid cooling plate, resulting in low heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling plate.

[0005] The present application provides a liquid cooling plate, comprising a liquid cooling plate body and a spoiler; the liquid cooling plate body extends along a first direction, and the side surface of the liquid cooling plate body is a curved surface or a flat surface, and the side surface of the liquid cooling plate body is aligned with the side wall of the battery cell; the liquid cooling plate body is provided with a plurality of flow channels extending along the first direction, and the spoiler is arranged in the flow channels;

[0006] Wherein, the spoiler is a single helical structure and extends along the first direction.

[0007] The present application also provides a liquid cooling system, comprising a current collector and the above-described liquid cooling plate; a flow channel is provided inside the liquid cooling plate, the flow channel having a liquid inlet end and a liquid outlet end; the current collector comprises a liquid inlet current collector and a liquid outlet current collector, the liquid inlet current collector is connected to the liquid inlet end, and the liquid outlet current collector is connected to the liquid outlet end;

[0008] The liquid cooling plate extends along a first direction and has two opposite ends along the first direction. The liquid inlet end, the liquid outlet end, the liquid inlet collector and the liquid outlet collector are located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate.

[0009] The present application also provides a battery module, comprising the above liquid cooling system. Beneficial effects

[0010] The present application provides a liquid cooling plate, in which a spoiler is arranged in the flow channel of the liquid cooling plate, wherein the spoiler is a single helical structure, and the spiral extension direction of the single helical structure is the same as the extension direction of the flow channel. After the coolant enters the flow channel, it forms a strong turbulence through the single helical structure, which can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling tube.

[0011] The present application also provides a liquid cooling system, which facilitates the centralized and rapid connection between the liquid inlet end and the liquid inlet collector, and the liquid outlet end and the liquid outlet collector, by arranging the liquid inlet end, the liquid outlet end, the liquid collector and the liquid outlet collector of the liquid cooling plate at the same end of the liquid cooling plate.

[0012] The present application also provides a battery module, in which the current collector and the connecting pipeline are arranged on the same side of the liquid cooling plate, which can save the space occupied by the liquid cooling system in the battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid cooling plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid cooling plate and a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a liquid cooling plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] FIG4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point A of a liquid cooling plate provided in the embodiment of FIG3 ;

[0017] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spoiler of a liquid cooling plate provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling plate of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a current collector structure of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module provided in an embodiment of the present application. ; Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and can refer to internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, with the first feature having a higher horizontal height than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, with the first feature having a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0024] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used to refer to positions or locations based on the positions or locations shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended to facilitate description and simplify operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and do not have any special meanings.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1-5 , an embodiment of the present application provides a liquid cooling plate 10, which includes a liquid cooling plate body 100 and a spoiler 200. The liquid cooling plate body 100 extends along a first direction, and a side surface 101 of the liquid cooling plate body 100 is a curved surface or a flat surface. The side surface of the liquid cooling plate body 100 aligns with the side wall of the battery cell 20. The liquid cooling plate body 100 is provided with a plurality of flow channels 110 extending along the first direction, and the spoiler 200 is disposed within the flow channels 110. The spoiler 200 has a single helical structure and extends along the first direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the liquid cooling plate 10 is a plate-shaped structure with a certain thickness, which is disposed between the battery cells 20 and contacts the sidewalls of the battery cells 20 to cool the battery cells 20 .

[0027] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the liquid cooling plate 10 includes a liquid cooling plate body 100, which extends along a first direction (i.e., the X direction in the figure). The liquid cooling plate body 100 has two opposing side surfaces 101. The shape of the side surfaces 101 matches the shape of the side walls of the battery cells 20 to increase the contact area between the liquid cooling plate 10 and the battery cells 20 and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0028] When the battery cell 20 is a cylindrical cell, the side surface 101 is a curved surface, and the liquid cooling plate 10 is a curved liquid cooling plate. As shown in Figure 2, the side surface 101 of the liquid cooling plate body 100 can be a wavy, concave-convex surface extending along a first direction. The concave-convex surface includes concave and convex portions, and the curvature of the concave and convex portions matches the diameter of the battery cell 20. When the liquid cooling plate 100 is placed between the battery cells 20, the concave portion of the side surface 101 near the battery cell 20 aligns with the side wall of the cylindrical battery cell, while the convex portion is located between adjacent battery cells 20. This increases the contact area between the side surface 101 of the liquid cooling plate body and the side wall of the battery cell 20. This increased contact area facilitates heat transfer from the battery cell 20, resulting in faster heat conduction, better temperature uniformity, and improved heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling plate 10.

[0029] When the battery cells 20 are prismatic or pouch cells, the side surfaces 101 are flat, and the liquid cooling plate 10 is a planar liquid cooling plate. When the liquid cooling plate 10 is positioned between the battery cells 20, the planar side surfaces 101 mate with the sidewalls of the planar battery cells to exchange heat and cool the battery cells 20.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the flow channel 110 is a hollow channel provided inside the liquid cooling plate 10. The channel extends along a first direction (i.e., the X direction in the figure). The flow channel 110 has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The coolant is input into the channel through the liquid inlet and output from the liquid cooling plate 10 through the liquid outlet. The coolant flowing through the flow channel 110 exchanges heat with the battery cell 20 to cool the battery cell 20.

[0031] In some embodiments, the flow channel 110 is consistent with the side shape of the liquid cooling plate body 100. When the side 101 of the liquid cooling plate body 100 is curved, the flow channel 110 is arranged in a curved shape along the first direction. Curved flow channels can enhance the turbulence of the coolant within the flow channel, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the liquid cooling plate 10. When the side 101 of the liquid cooling plate body 100 is flat, the flow channel 110 is arranged in a straight line along the first direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3-4 , the spoiler 200 is elongated and has a single-helix structure. The direction in which the spoiler 200 extends is consistent with the direction in which the flow channel 110 extends. The spoiler 200 is disposed within the flow channel 110 and forms a single-helix channel between the inner wall of the flow channel 110, through which the coolant circulates. Because the coolant used in the battery liquid cooling plate 10 is typically a low-viscosity liquid, such as water, the single-helix channel employed in this application is more suitable for transporting battery coolant than a double-helix channel structure. Furthermore, the single-helix structure is simple, has lower manufacturing costs, and allows for faster coolant flow within the single-helix channel, resulting in higher heat exchange efficiency and less clogging.

[0033] In some embodiments, the spoiler 200 aligns with the shape of the flow channel 110. When the side 101 of the liquid cooling plate body 100 is curved, the spoiler 200 is arranged in a curved shape along the first direction. This not only improves the fit with the flow channel shape, but also enhances the flow disruption effect and improves the cooling efficiency of the liquid cooling plate 10. When the side 101 of the liquid cooling plate body 100 is flat, the spoiler 200 is arranged in a straight line along the first direction.

[0034] The present application adds a single-helix structured spoiler in the flow channel of the liquid cooling plate 10 to enhance the turbulence effect on the coolant flowing through the flow channel, while increasing the contact area between the coolant and the spoiler, thereby enhancing the heat exchange efficiency of the coolant.

[0035] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , the spoiler 200 includes a spiral blade 210 . The spiral blade 210 is provided with a through hole 220 . The through hole 220 penetrates the spiral blade 210 along a first direction.

[0036] Specifically, as shown in FIG5 , the spoiler 200 is composed of spiral blades. Setting the spoiler 200 as a blade-type spiral structure can increase the contact area between the coolant and the blade surface to enhance the turbulence effect and heat exchange efficiency.

[0037] However, after adding the spoiler 200 to the flow channel 110, the flow resistance to the coolant will increase accordingly, and the pressure of the entire liquid cooling system will increase. In order to ensure that the pressure drop of the entire liquid cooling system meets the requirements, the present application provides a through hole 220 on the spiral blade 210 of the spoiler 200. The through hole 220 penetrates the spiral blade 210, and part of the coolant flows through the through hole 220, which can effectively reduce the flow resistance of the coolant in the flow channel 110. At the same time, the provision of the through hole 220 can also enhance the turbulence effect and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0038] In some embodiments, the spoiler 200 is provided with a plurality of through holes 220 , and the plurality of through holes 220 are evenly distributed on the spiral blades 210 to ensure uniform heat exchange.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the through hole 220 may be a regular shape such as a circle or a square, or an irregular shape, which is not limited here.

[0040] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent spiral blades 210 of the spoiler 200 may be set to be equal, so as to facilitate the manufacture of the spoiler 200 , simplify the manufacturing process of the spoiler 200 , and increase the versatility of the spoiler 200 .

[0041] After the coolant flows from the liquid inlet into the flow channel 110, heat exchange between the coolant and the battery cells 20 causes the coolant temperature to rise. Therefore, along the flow direction of the coolant, the coolant temperature near the liquid outlet in the flow channel 110 is higher than the coolant temperature near the liquid inlet. This results in inconsistent heat exchange capacity between the front section (near the liquid inlet) and the rear section (near the liquid outlet) of the liquid cooling plate 10, leading to uneven heat exchange in the liquid cooling plate 10. Therefore, the present application ensures uniform heat exchange by adjusting the spacing between the spiral blades 210 of the spoiler 200.

[0042] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent spiral blades 210 near the liquid inlet is greater than the spacing between adjacent spiral blades 210 near the liquid outlet. Specifically, with the center point of the spoiler 200 in the first direction as the boundary, the spacing between any adjacent spiral blades 210 between the end of the spoiler 200 near the liquid inlet and the center point can be equal and equal to a, and the spacing between any adjacent spiral blades 210 between the center point and the end of the spoiler 200 near the liquid outlet can be equal and equal to b, where the spacing a is smaller than the spacing b. By making the spiral density of the rear half of the spoiler 200 (between the center point and the end of the spoiler 200 near the liquid outlet) greater than the spiral density of the front half of the spoiler 200 (between the end of the spoiler 200 near the liquid inlet and the center point), the contact area between the coolant and the spiral blades 210 in the rear half is increased, enhancing the heat exchange between the coolant and the spiral blades 210. This balances the heat exchange capacity between the front and rear sections of the liquid cooling plate 10, ensuring uniform heat exchange between the coolant flowing through the liquid cooling plate 10 and the battery cells 20.

[0043] In another embodiment, the spacing between adjacent spiral blades 210 of the spoiler 200 decreases from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet, i.e., along the coolant flow direction. As the temperature of the coolant flowing through the flow channel 110 gradually increases with heat exchange with the battery cells 20, the decreasing spacing between adjacent spiral blades 210 of the spoiler 200 effectively balances the heat exchange capacity of the liquid cold plate 10 and ensures uniform heat exchange.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 , a protruding structure 111 is provided on a surface of the flow channel 110 facing the spoiler 200 .

[0045] Specifically, the raised structures 111 can be semicircular or rectangular, without limitation. Multiple raised structures 111 are spaced and evenly distributed on the inner wall of the flow channel 110. Providing raised structures 111 within the flow channel 110 promotes turbulence in the coolant flowing through the flow channel 110, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling plate 10.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the cross-section of the flow channel 110 is circular. The internal flow channel 110 of the liquid cooling plate 10 is composed of multiple circular channels. On the one hand, the circular channel structure enhances the overall structural strength of the liquid cooling plate 10 and ensures uniform heat exchange between the battery cells 20. On the other hand, the circular channels better cooperate with the spiral structure of the spoiler 200. The edges of the spiral blades 210 of the spoiler 200 more easily align with the inner walls of the circular channels, forming a spiral channel within the flow channel 110, which helps improve the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling plate 10.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , the flow channel 110 passes through the liquid cooling plate body 100 , and the plurality of flow channels 110 are arranged in parallel and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0048] Specifically, multiple flow channels 110 extend along a first direction and penetrate the liquid cooling plate body 100 in the first direction. The multiple flow channels 110 are spaced apart and arranged in parallel in a second direction (i.e., the Y direction in the figure), forming a parallel arrangement. Along the first direction, the liquid cooling plate 10 has a first end face 102 and a second end face that oppose each other. As shown in Figure 3 , the first end face 102 of the liquid cooling plate 10 has multiple liquid inlets arranged along the second direction (i.e., the Y direction in the figure), each of which communicates with a corresponding flow channel 110. The second end face 100 has multiple liquid outlets arranged along the second direction (i.e., the Y direction in the figure), each of which communicates with a corresponding flow channel 110. During the cooling process of the battery cells 20 by the liquid cooling plate 10, the coolant is distributed by the inlet collector to multiple inlets and delivered to the corresponding flow channels 110. The coolant flows within the flow channels 110, creating convective heat exchange with the battery cells 20, and finally flows out of the outlet and converges into the outlet collector. This application utilizes multiple flow channels 110 in parallel to cool the battery cells 20, resulting in more uniform cooling and higher heat exchange efficiency.

[0049] It should be noted that the flow channels 110 in the liquid cooling plate 10 may also be arranged in series, or in a combination of series and parallel, which is not specifically limited here.

[0050] The present application provides a liquid cooling plate, which is provided with a spoiler in the flow channel of the liquid cooling plate. The spoiler has a single helical structure, and the spiral extension direction of the single helical structure is the same as the extension direction of the flow channel. After the coolant enters the flow channel, it forms a strong turbulence through the single helical structure, which can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling tube.

[0051] As shown in FIG6-FIG8, it is a structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system provided by the present application, and the liquid cooling system includes a liquid cooling plate 10 and a current collector 2001;

[0052] A flow channel is provided inside the liquid cooling plate 10, and the flow channel has a liquid inlet end and a liquid outlet end;

[0053] The current collector 2001 includes a liquid inlet current collector 2101 and a liquid outlet current collector 2201 , wherein the liquid inlet current collector 2101 is connected to the liquid inlet end, and the liquid outlet current collector 2201 is connected to the liquid outlet end;

[0054] The liquid cooling plate 10 extends along a first direction and has two opposite ends along the first direction. The liquid inlet end, the liquid outlet end, the liquid inlet current collector 2101 and the liquid outlet current collector 2201 are located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate 10 .

[0055] Specifically, the liquid cooling plate 10 is a plate-like structure of a certain thickness. It has channels, or flow channels, for the circulation of coolant. The plate is positioned on at least one side of the battery cell, with the side of the plate in contact with the sidewalls of the cell. The coolant flowing through the flow channel exchanges heat with the cell, cooling the cell and extending its lifespan.

[0056] The current collector 2001 is used to provide cooling liquid for the liquid cooling plate 10. The liquid inlet current collector 2101 is connected to the liquid inlet end of the flow channel and is used to input cooling liquid into the flow channel. The cooling liquid flows through the flow channel and exchanges heat with the battery cell. The temperature of the cooling liquid increases after the heat exchange, and then it is output through the liquid outlet end of the flow channel and collected in the liquid outlet current collector 2201 to complete the cooling of the battery cell.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7 , along a first direction (i.e., the X direction), the liquid cooling plate 10 has a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite to each other, the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end of the flow channel are both located at the first end 101, the liquid inlet current collector 2101 is located on a side close to the first end 101 and is connected to the liquid inlet end, and the liquid outlet current collector 2201 is located on a side close to the first end 101 and is connected to the liquid outlet end.

[0058] The present application arranges the liquid inlet end, liquid outlet end, liquid inlet current collector 2101 and liquid outlet current collector 2201 of the liquid cooling plate 10 at the same end of the liquid cooling plate 10. On the one hand, the liquid inlet end and the liquid inlet current collector 2101, and the liquid outlet end and the liquid outlet current collector 2201 are concentrated for easy quick connection. On the other hand, the current collector 2001 and the connecting pipeline are arranged on the same side of the liquid cooling plate 10, which can save the space occupied by the liquid cooling system in the battery module.

[0059] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, in order to facilitate the connection between the liquid inlet end and the liquid inlet current collector 2101, and the connection between the liquid outlet end and the liquid outlet current collector 2201, a liquid inlet 110 is provided at the liquid inlet end, a liquid outlet 120 is provided at the liquid outlet end, a liquid inlet joint 230 is provided on the liquid inlet current collector 2101, and a liquid outlet joint 240 is provided on the liquid outlet current collector 2201, and the liquid inlet 110 is connected to the liquid inlet joint 230, and the liquid outlet 120 is connected to the liquid outlet joint 240, so as to realize the communication between the liquid inlet end and the liquid inlet current collector 2101, and the communication between the liquid outlet end and the liquid outlet current collector 2201.

[0060] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet 110 is plug-connected to the liquid inlet connector 230 , and the liquid outlet 120 is plug-connected to the liquid outlet connector 240 , so as to facilitate quick connection between the current collector 2001 and the liquid cooling plate 10 .

[0061] For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid outlet 120 of the liquid cooling plate 10 may be sockets. The sockets have a socket 1111 , and a convex ridge 112 is provided on the outer periphery of the sockets. As shown in Figure 3, the liquid inlet connector 230 and the liquid outlet connector 240 of the current collector 2001 can be quick-connect connectors, and the outer diameter of the quick-connect connector matches the inner diameter of the socket 1111, so that when plugging in, the quick-connect connector can be inserted into the socket 1111; a protrusion 241 is provided on the outer periphery of the quick-connect connector, and a recessed portion matching the protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the socket 1111, so that when plugging in, the socket and the quick-connect connector are connected and fixed; a buckle 250 is also provided on the quick-connect connector, and a groove 251 matching the convex eave 112 is provided on the side of the buckle 250 facing the quick-connect connector, so that when plugging in, the convex eave 112 is embedded in the groove 251, so that the socket and the quick-connect plug are locked to prevent falling off, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the liquid cooling plate 10 and the current collector 2001.

[0062] It should be noted that the connection structure between the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid inlet connector 230, and between the liquid outlet 120 and the liquid outlet connector 240 is not limited to the specific structure in the above embodiment, and may also be other forms of plug-in connection structures. The connection method between the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid inlet connector 230, and between the liquid outlet 120 and the liquid outlet connector 240 is also not limited to the above-mentioned plug-in connection, and may also be other connection methods, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0063] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the liquid inlet 110, the liquid outlet 120, the liquid inlet connector 230 and the liquid outlet connector 240 all extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid inlet connector 230 are docked along the second direction, and the liquid outlet 120 and the liquid outlet connector 240 are docked along the second direction to facilitate the rapid connection of the liquid cooling plate 10 and the current collector 2001, thereby effectively improving the grouping efficiency.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the openings 1111 of the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid outlet 120 are oriented in the same direction and face the second direction (i.e., the Z direction). The current collector 2001 extends along a third direction (i.e., the Y direction) that is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The liquid inlet connector 230 and the liquid outlet connector 240 are connected to the current collector 2001 via short tubes that are perpendicular to the current collector 2001 (i.e., extending along the Z direction). When the current collector 2001 is connected to the liquid cooling plate 10, the liquid inlet connector 230 is inserted into the socket 1111 of the liquid inlet 110 along the Z direction, and the liquid outlet connector 240 is inserted into the socket 1111 of the liquid outlet 120 along the Z direction, thereby connecting the inlet current collector 2101 to the liquid inlet 110 and the outlet current collector 2201 to the liquid outlet 120, effectively improving connection efficiency.

[0065] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the liquid cooling plate 10 further includes a connector 130, which is connected to one end of the liquid cooling plate 10, and the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid outlet 120 are arranged on opposite sides of the connector 130; a plurality of channels are provided in the connector 130, and the channels are configured to connect the liquid inlet 110 and the flow channel, and to connect the liquid outlet 120 and the flow channel.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in FIG7 , connector 130 extends along a first direction and has two opposing sides in a third direction. A first extension portion 131 and a second extension portion 132 are respectively provided on each side of connector 130 , perpendicular to connector 130 . Liquid inlet 110 is disposed on the first extension portion 131 , and liquid outlet 120 is disposed on the second extension portion 132 . This allows the openings of the receptacles 1111 of liquid inlet 110 and liquid outlet 120 to face the second direction, facilitating docking of liquid inlet 110 and liquid outlet 120 with current collector 2001 in the second direction. A channel is defined within connector 130 . Liquid inlet 110 communicates with the first extension portion 131 , which in turn communicates with the liquid inlet end of the flow channel through the channel. Liquid outlet 120 communicates with the second extension portion 132 , which in turn communicates with the liquid outlet end of the flow channel through the channel.

[0067] The connecting piece 130 can be used to adjust the opening directions of the jacks 1111 of the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid outlet 120 so that the opening directions of the jacks 1111 are both facing the second direction to facilitate docking in the second direction. At the same time, the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid outlet 120 are arranged on opposite sides of the connecting piece 130 to avoid interference between the liquid inlet connector 230 and its connecting pipeline and the liquid outlet connector 240 and its connecting pipeline during connection, thereby avoiding affecting the reliability of the connection.

[0068] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet current collector 2101 and the liquid outlet current collector 2201 are integrally formed to improve the integration of the current collector 2001 , simplify the process, and save the space occupied by the current collector 2001 .

[0069] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the current collector 2001 includes a current collector body 201, which extends along the third direction. A liquid inlet and outlet current collector channels extending along the third direction are provided within the current collector body 201. A coolant inlet 211 is provided at one end of the liquid inlet current collector channel, and a coolant outlet 221 is provided at one end of the liquid outlet current collector channel. Along the second direction, the current collector body 201 has two opposing sides. A liquid inlet connector 230 and a liquid outlet connector 240 are connected to one side of the current collector body 201. The liquid inlet connector 230 communicates with the liquid inlet current collector channel, and the liquid outlet connector 240 communicates with the liquid outlet current collector channel. The liquid inlet connector 230 is connected to the current collector body 201 via a first short tube 260, and the liquid outlet connector 240 is connected to the current collector body 201 via a second short tube 270. The lengths of the first short tube 260 and the second short tube 270 may be unequal to avoid interference between the liquid inlet connector 230 and the liquid outlet connector 240 during installation, which could affect the reliability of the connection between the current collector 2001 and the liquid cooling plate 10. The current collector body 201, the first short tube 260, and the second short tube 270 may also be integrally formed.

[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , the liquid cooling system includes a plurality of liquid cooling plates 10 , which are arranged in parallel and in parallel, and are connected to a current collector 2001 to form a parallel structure.

[0071] Specifically, as shown in FIG5 , the liquid cooling system includes multiple liquid cooling plates 10, which are arranged in parallel along a third direction. The multiple liquid cooling plates 10 are disposed in parallel, and the liquid inlet 110 and liquid outlet 120 of the liquid cooling plates 10 are both located at the first end 101 of the liquid cooling plates 10. A current collector 2001 is disposed near the first end 101 of the liquid cooling plate 10. Multiple pairs of liquid inlet connectors 230 and liquid outlet connectors 240 are arranged in parallel along the third direction on the current collector body 201, with each pair of liquid inlet connectors 230 and liquid outlet connectors 240 connected to one liquid cooling plate 10. In this application, the liquid cooling system utilizes multiple liquid cooling plates connected in parallel, which can effectively reduce the flow resistance of the entire liquid cooling system and improve the uniformity of the flow rate of the liquid cooling system.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6 and 7 , the liquid cooling plate 10 has a top end 103 and a bottom end 104 opposite each other along the second direction, and the current collector 2001 is overlapped at the top end 103 or the bottom end 104. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6 , a portion of the current collector body 201 can be overlapped at the edge of the top end 103 of the liquid cooling plate 10 located at the first end 101. This rationally utilizes the installation space in the second direction, reduces the space occupied by the liquid cooling system in the first direction, and can reduce the space occupied by the liquid cooling system within the battery module or battery pack, while also reducing the cost of the liquid cooling system.

[0073] In some embodiments, the flow channel is U-shaped, one end of the U-shaped flow channel is a liquid inlet end, and the other end of the U-shaped flow channel is a liquid outlet end.

[0074] Specifically, the liquid cooling plate 10 includes multiple parallel flow channels along a first direction. The flow channels include liquid inlet channels and liquid outlet channels. The liquid inlet end of the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet end of the liquid outlet channel are both located at the first end 101 of the liquid cooling plate 10. At the second end 102 of the liquid cooling plate 10, the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel are connected to form a U-shaped flow channel. Coolant is input into the U-shaped flow channel from the liquid inlet end at the first end 101 of the liquid cooling plate 10, and after heat exchange with the battery cells, it is output from the liquid cooling plate 10 from the liquid outlet end at the first end 101. The U-shaped flow channel within the liquid cooling plate 10 provides better temperature uniformity and a better liquid cooling effect.

[0075] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling plate 10 is wavy along the first direction.

[0076] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, along the third direction, the liquid cooling plate 10 has two opposite side surfaces, and the two side surfaces of the liquid cooling plate 10 are set as wavy concave-convex surfaces. By setting the side surfaces of the liquid cooling plate 10 as wavy concave-convex surfaces, the concave part of the liquid cooling plate 10 is fitted with the side wall of the battery cell of the cylindrical battery module, and the convex part of the liquid cooling plate 10 is located between adjacent battery cells. The contact area between the side surface of the liquid cooling plate 10 and the side wall of the battery cell can be increased. The increase in the contact area is beneficial to the conduction of heat from the battery cell, the thermal conductivity is fast, and the temperature uniformity is good, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling plate 10.

[0077] The present application also provides a battery module, comprising the above liquid cooling system.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the battery module includes a battery cell group and a liquid cooling system.

[0079] The battery cell group includes a plurality of battery cells 300 arranged in an array, wherein the battery cells 300 may be cylindrical or square, but are not limited thereto.

[0080] The liquid cooling system includes a liquid cooling plate 10 and a fluid collector 2001; a flow channel is provided inside the liquid cooling plate 10, and the flow channel has a liquid inlet end and a liquid outlet end; the fluid collector 2001 includes a liquid inlet fluid collector 2101 and a liquid outlet fluid collector 2201, the liquid inlet fluid collector 2101 is connected to the liquid inlet end, and the liquid outlet fluid collector 2201 is connected to the liquid outlet end; wherein, the liquid cooling plate 10 extends along a first direction, and the liquid cooling plate 10 has two opposite ends along the first direction, and the liquid inlet end, the liquid outlet end, the liquid inlet fluid collector 2101 and the liquid outlet fluid collector 2201 are located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate 10.

[0081] The liquid cooling plate 10 is located between two adjacent rows or two adjacent columns of battery cells 300. The side of the liquid cooling plate 10 contacts the side wall of the battery cell 300. The cooling liquid is distributed by the liquid inlet collector 2101 and transported from the liquid inlet end to multiple flow channels. The cooling liquid flows in the flow channels and forms convection heat exchange with the battery cells 300, and then outputs the liquid cooling plate 10 from the liquid outlet end and finally converges into the liquid outlet collector 2201, so that the liquid cooling system can cool the battery cells 300.

[0082] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes a shell having a receiving cavity, and the battery cell group, the liquid cooling system, the liquid inlet current collector and the liquid outlet current collector are all accommodated in the receiving cavity.

[0083] The present application provides a liquid cooling system and a battery module. By arranging the liquid inlet end, liquid outlet end, liquid inlet collector and liquid outlet collector of the liquid cooling plate at the same end of the liquid cooling plate, on the one hand, it is convenient to centrally and quickly connect the liquid inlet end and the liquid inlet collector, and the liquid outlet end and the liquid outlet collector. On the other hand, by arranging the collector and the connecting pipeline on the same side of the liquid cooling plate, the space occupied by the liquid cooling system in the battery module can be saved.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling plate, comprising a liquid cooling plate body and a spoiler; The liquid cooling plate body extends along a first direction, and the side surface of the liquid cooling plate body is a curved surface or a flat surface, and the side surface of the liquid cooling plate body fits with the side wall of the battery cell; A plurality of flow channels extending along the first direction are provided inside the liquid cooling plate body, and the spoiler is arranged in the flow channels; in, The spoiler is a single helical structure and extends along the first direction.

2. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, wherein: The spoiler includes a spiral blade, and a through hole is provided on the spiral blade. The through hole penetrates the spiral blade along the first direction.

3. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, wherein: The spoiler is provided with a plurality of through holes, and the plurality of through holes are evenly distributed on the spiral blade.

4. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, wherein: The intervals between adjacent spiral blades of the spoiler are equal.

5. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, wherein: The flow channel has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and the distance between adjacent spiral blades near the liquid inlet is greater than the distance between adjacent spiral blades near the liquid outlet.

6. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, wherein: The flow channel has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and in a direction from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet, the spacing between adjacent spiral blades of the spoiler decreases successively.

7. The liquid cooling plate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: A convex structure is provided on a surface of one side of the flow channel facing the spoiler.

8. The liquid cooling plate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The cross section of the flow channel is circular.

9. The liquid cooling plate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The flow channel runs through the liquid cooling plate body, and a plurality of the flow channels are arranged in parallel and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

10. A liquid cooling system comprising: The liquid cooling plate according to any one of claims 1 to 9; current collector; The flow channel has a liquid inlet end and a liquid outlet end; The current collector comprises a liquid inlet current collector and a liquid outlet current collector, the liquid inlet current collector is connected to the liquid inlet end, and the liquid outlet current collector is connected to the liquid outlet end; The liquid cooling plate extends along a first direction, has two opposite ends along the first direction, and the liquid inlet end, the liquid outlet end, the liquid inlet current collector and the liquid outlet current collector are located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate.

11. The liquid cooling system according to claim 10, wherein the liquid inlet end is provided with a liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet end is provided with a liquid outlet; The liquid inlet current collector includes a liquid inlet joint, and the liquid outlet current collector includes a liquid outlet joint; The liquid inlet is plug-connected to the liquid inlet joint, and the liquid outlet is plug-connected to the liquid outlet joint.

12. The liquid cooling system according to claim 11, wherein: The liquid inlet, the liquid outlet, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint all extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the liquid inlet and the liquid inlet joint are butted together along the second direction, and the liquid outlet and the liquid outlet joint are butted together along the second direction.

13. According to the liquid cooling system of claim 12, the liquid cooling plate also includes a connecting member, the connecting member is connected to one end of the liquid cooling plate, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are arranged on opposite sides of the connecting member; a plurality of channels are provided in the connecting member, and the channels are configured to connect the liquid inlet with the flow channel, and connect the liquid outlet with the flow channel.

14. The liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The liquid inlet current collector and the liquid outlet current collector are an integrally formed structure.

15. The liquid cooling system according to claim 14, wherein the liquid cooling system comprises a plurality of the liquid cooling plates, the plurality of the liquid cooling plates are arranged in parallel and in parallel, and the plurality of the liquid cooling plates are connected to one of the current collectors to form a parallel structure.

16. The liquid cooling system according to claim 12, characterized in that: Along the second direction, the liquid cooling plate has a top end and a bottom end opposite to each other, and the current collector is overlapped at the top end or the bottom end.

17. The liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The flow channel is U-shaped, one end of the U-shaped flow channel is the liquid inlet end, and the other end of the U-shaped flow channel is the liquid outlet end.

18. The liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The liquid cooling plate is wavy along the first direction.

19. A battery module, characterized in that: Comprising a liquid cooling system as described in any one of claims 10-18.

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