Thermal management system and battery pack

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of batteries. Disclosed are a thermal management system and a battery pack. The thermal management system comprises connecting pipes and a plurality of liquid cooling plates, wherein the plurality of liquid cooling plates are spaced apart in a first direction, and the liquid cooling plates are provided with pipe joints; each connecting pipe is arranged between every two adjacent liquid cooling plates, with two axial ends of the connecting pipe being respectively inserted into the interior of the pipe joints of the two adjacent liquid cooling plates, so as to bring the two adjacent liquid cooling plates into communication; and the stiffness of the pipe joints is greater than the stiffness of the connecting pipes. In the present application, the assembly between the connecting pipes and the pipe joints can be realized, and the reliability and stability of the assembly between the connecting pipes and the pipe joints are improved, and thus the reliability of the connection between adjacent liquid cooling plates can be improved, thereby avoiding liquid leakage between the adjacent liquid cooling plates.

Description

Thermal management system and battery pack

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on October 13, 2023, with application number 202322762936.5 and application name “Thermal Management System and Battery Pack”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application belongs to the technical field of battery packs, and specifically relates to a thermal management system and a battery pack. Background Art

[0003] At present, battery packs are cooled by liquid cooling plates, and adjacent liquid cooling plates need to be connected, generally through connecting pipes and pipe joints.

[0004] The existing solution is to insert the pipe joint into the inside of the connecting pipe, and the connecting pipe is sleeved on the outside of the pipe joint to achieve the coordination between the two. However, when the temperature of the cooling medium in the liquid cooling system rises or other conditions cause the pressure in the pipe to increase, the pressure in the pipe acts on the connecting pipe, which can easily cause the external connecting pipe to expand and deform, thereby causing leakage at the contact surface between the connecting pipe and the pipe joint, affecting the safety of the battery pack.

[0005] Application Contents

[0006] The present application aims to provide a thermal management system and a battery pack, which at least solve the problem of connection reliability between connecting pipes and pipe joints in the prior art.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0008] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application proposes a thermal management system, comprising: a connecting pipe and a plurality of liquid cooling plates, wherein the plurality of liquid cooling plates are arranged at intervals along a first direction X, the liquid cooling plates are provided with a pipe joint, the connecting pipe is arranged between two adjacent liquid cooling plates, and the axial ends of the connecting pipe are respectively inserted into the pipe joints of the two adjacent liquid cooling plates to connect the two adjacent liquid cooling plates, and the stiffness of the pipe joint is greater than the stiffness of the connecting pipe.

[0009] Optionally, a first protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the connecting tube, and the first protrusion extends away from the connecting tube in the radial direction of the connecting tube, wherein the connecting tube is inserted into the interior of the pipe joint, and the first protrusion and the pipe joint cooperate with each other in the axial direction of the connecting tube to limit the relative movement of the pipe joint and the connecting tube.

[0010] Optionally, the connecting pipe includes a first pipe segment and a second pipe segment, the second pipe segment is connected to both axial ends of the first pipe segment, the maximum wall thickness of the second pipe segment is greater than the maximum wall thickness of the first pipe segment, and the second pipe segment is at least partially inserted inside the pipe joint.

[0011] Optionally, the inner diameters of the first pipe section and the second pipe section are equal.

[0012] Optionally, the connecting pipe includes a first fastening member and a sleeve, the first fastening member is connected to the outer wall of the sleeve, and the pipe joint has a second fastening member; wherein,

[0013] The sleeve has a channel for circulating the medium;

[0014] The sleeve is inserted into the pipe joint and the pipe joint is connected to the channel. The first fastening member and the second fastening member are fastened together to limit the movement of the connecting pipe and the pipe joint along the axial direction of the connecting pipe.

[0015] Optionally, the connecting pipe further includes a liner pipe, the sleeve is sleeved on at least one axial end portion of the liner pipe, and the liner pipe is connected to the pipe joint.

[0016] Optionally, the rigidity of at least part of the liner pipe is smaller than the rigidity of the casing, and the liner pipe can be deformed along its axial direction and / or radial direction.

[0017] Optionally, at least a portion of the outer wall of the liner pipe extends away from the liner pipe in a radial direction of the liner pipe to form a stepped portion;

[0018] The sleeve is assembled and connected with the stepped portion, and the sleeve abuts against the stepped portion along the axial direction of the liner pipe.

[0019] Optionally, the liner pipe and the sleeve are integrally formed.

[0020] Optionally, the first fastening member is provided with a limited space, and the second fastening member includes fastening teeth; or, the first fastening member includes fastening teeth, and the second fastening member is provided with a limited space;

[0021] The locking teeth are at least partially accommodated in the limiting space and the two are matched in the axial limit position of the connecting pipe.

[0022] Optionally, the first fastening member includes a first limiting portion, a second limiting portion and a fastening portion;

[0023] The first limiting portion and the sleeve are spaced apart in a radial direction of the sleeve, one end of the first limiting portion is fixed to the sleeve via the second limiting portion, and the other end of the first limiting portion is connected to the buckling portion;

[0024] The buckle portion and the second limiting portion are opposite to each other along the axial direction of the connecting pipe and are spaced apart from the sleeve along the radial direction of the sleeve. The buckle portion, the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion and the sleeve together form the limiting space.

[0025] The second fastening member is fastened in the limiting space.

[0026] Optionally, the buckling portion includes a connecting end and a guiding end opposite to each other;

[0027] The connecting end is connected to the first limiting portion;

[0028] There is a gap between the guide end and the sleeve;

[0029] A guide surface is provided on a side of the guide end away from the second limiting portion, and an end of the guide surface away from the connecting end is inclined toward the second limiting portion.

[0030] Optionally, the connecting pipe further includes a sealing ring;

[0031] The sealing ring abuts between the connecting pipe and the pipe joint.

[0032] Optionally, a limiting groove is provided on the outer wall of the connecting pipe;

[0033] At least a portion of the sealing ring is embedded in the limiting groove.

[0034] Optionally, a limiting protrusion is further provided on the inner wall of the sleeve;

[0035] Along the axial direction of the inner liner tube, the limiting protrusion abuts against the end surface of the inner liner tube.

[0036] Optionally, the first fastening member is provided with a first reinforcing protrusion; and / or the second fastening member is provided with a second reinforcing protrusion.

[0037] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application proposes a battery pack comprising the above-mentioned thermal management system.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting tube is inserted into the interior of the tube joint, that is, the tube joint with greater rigidity is sleeved on the outside of the connecting tube, thereby suppressing the expansion and deformation of the connecting tube, improving the connection reliability between the connecting tube and the tube joint, and improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0039] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0041] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting pipe and a pipe joint in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting pipe in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connecting pipe in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of another connecting pipe in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another connecting pipe in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another connecting pipe according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management component in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of a thermal management component in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a pipe joint in an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Reference numerals:

[0051] 1-Inner liner, 11-Sleeve portion, 12-Connecting portion, 13-First flow channel, 14-Step portion, 15-Second flow channel; 21-First fastening member, 211-First limiting portion, 212-Second limiting portion, 213-Fasting portion, 2131-Guide surface, 2132-Connecting end, 2133-Guide end, 214-Limiting space, 215-First reinforcing protrusion, 22-Sleeve, 221-Limiting groove, 23-Limiting protrusion, 3-Sealing ring, 100-Connecting pipe, 101-First pipe section, 102-Second pipe section, 103-First protrusion, 200-Pipe joint, 201-Second fastening member, 2011-Fasting teeth, 202-Guide slope, 203-Joint pipe body, 300-Liquid cooling plate, 400-Gap. Specific embodiments

[0052] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly refer to one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected entities, and the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the connected entities.

[0054] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0055] In this application, the term "parallel" includes not only absolute parallelism but also the generally recognized parallelism in engineering practice, such as "parallel" refers to the state where the angle formed by a straight line, a straight line and a plane, or a plane and a plane is -1° to 1°. At the same time, "perpendicular" also includes not only absolute perpendicularity but also the generally recognized perpendicularity in engineering practice, such as "perpendicular" refers to the state where the angle formed by a straight line, a straight line and a plane, or a plane and a plane is 89° to 91°. Equal distances or equal angles include not only absolute equality but also the generally recognized equality in engineering practice, which may include a certain error, such as a tolerance range of -1% to 1%.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections 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.

[0057] The thermal management system and battery pack in the embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the thermal management system in the embodiment of the present application may specifically include a connecting pipe 100 and multiple liquid cooling plates 300, the multiple liquid cooling plates 300 are arranged at intervals along the first direction X, the liquid cooling plates 300 are provided with pipe joints 200, the connecting pipe 100 is arranged between two adjacent liquid cooling plates 300, and the axial ends of the connecting pipe 100 are respectively inserted into the inside of the pipe joints 200 of the two adjacent liquid cooling plates 300 to connect the two adjacent liquid cooling plates 300, and the stiffness of the pipe joints 200 is greater than the stiffness of the connecting pipe 100.

[0059] In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting pipe 100 is inserted into the pipe joint 200, and the stiffness of the pipe joint 200 is greater than the stiffness of the connecting pipe 100. When the cooling medium flows between the pipe joint 200 and the connecting pipe 100, if the temperature rises or other conditions cause the pressure of the cooling medium on the connecting pipe 100 and the pipe joint 200 to increase, the connecting pipe 100 inserted in the pipe joint 200 undergoes a larger expansion deformation than the pipe joint 200, thereby squeezing the pipe joint 200, so that the contact surface between the two is more tightly connected, thereby improving the connection reliability of the connecting pipe 100 and the pipe joint 200, and avoiding leakage of the thermal management system.

[0060] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the rigidity of the pipe joint 200 is greater than that of the connecting pipe 100. This can be achieved by making the rigidity of any part of the pipe joint 200 greater than that of any part of the connecting pipe 100. Alternatively, the rigidity of the portion where the pipe joint 200 and the connecting pipe 100 are plugged together is greater than the rigidity of the plugged-in portion of the connecting pipe 100. The pipe joint 200 can be made of a material with greater rigidity, such as steel or aluminum, while the connecting pipe 100 can be made of a material with less rigidity, such as plastic. Alternatively, the pipe joint 200 and the connecting pipe 100 can be made of the same material, but with the wall thickness of the pipe joint 200 greater than that of the connecting pipe 100. This can also achieve a difference in rigidity between the two, thereby achieving a tighter fit between the two when under pressure.

[0061] Specifically, the first direction is the direction in which the plurality of liquid cooling plates 300 are spaced apart. The first direction is consistent with the axial direction of the connecting pipe 100 and the axial direction of the pipe joint 200 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the first direction is the X direction indicated by the arrow.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 4, a first protrusion 103 is provided on the outer wall of the connecting tube 100, and the first protrusion 103 extends away from the connecting tube 100 along the radial direction of the connecting tube 100, wherein the connecting tube 100 is inserted into the interior of the pipe joint 200, and the first protrusion 103 and the pipe joint 200 are engaged in the axial direction of the connecting tube 100 to limit the relative movement of the pipe joint 200 and the connecting tube 100. It can be understood that the first protrusion 103 is spaced from the end of the connecting tube 100 in the axial direction of the connecting tube 100. After the connecting tube 100 is inserted into the pipe joint 200 for a certain distance, the first protrusion 103 and the pipe joint 200 will have a blocking effect in the axial direction of the connecting tube 100, thereby limiting the connecting tube 100 and the pipe joint 200 from continuing to move toward each other. Specifically, at least two first protrusions 103 may be provided, with the at least two first protrusions 103 spaced apart along the axial direction of the connecting tube 100. The pipe joints 200 at the axial ends of the connecting tube 100 each engage with a first protrusion 103 as a stopper, and the pipe joints and first protrusions 103 may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence. In this way, the first protrusions 103 on the connecting tube 100 are subjected to two opposite forces in the axial direction, thereby making the fit between the connecting tube 100 and the pipe joint 200 more reliable, preventing the connecting tube 100 and the pipe joint 200 from falling off, and thereby improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0063] In the embodiment of the present application, the first protrusion 103 can be integrally formed with the connecting tube 100, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving the connection reliability between the first protrusion 103 and the connecting tube 100. In other embodiments, the first protrusion 103 and the connecting tube 100 can be connected by welding, fusion, or other methods, which are not limited here.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG4 , the connecting pipe 100 includes a first pipe section 101 and a second pipe section 102. The second pipe section 102 is connected to both axial ends of the first pipe section 101. The maximum wall thickness of the second pipe section 102 is greater than the maximum wall thickness of the first pipe section 101. The second pipe section 102 is at least partially inserted into the pipe joint 200. It can be understood that the connecting pipe 100 has an I-shaped structure, with larger ends and smaller middle. Therefore, the two ends of the connecting pipe 100 with larger wall thickness are used for insertion with the pipe joint 200. In this way, the rigidity of the ends of the connecting pipe 100 is greater than that of the middle portion, and the middle portion is more susceptible to deformation, thereby absorbing assembly tolerances. The greater rigidity of the ends (but less than that of the pipe joint 200) can ensure that it can withstand greater pressure during the assembly process, avoiding large deformation and inability to install, which affects the assembly yield.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present application, the inner diameters of the first pipe section 101 and the second pipe section 102 are equal, that is, the second pipe section 102 protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the first pipe section 101 to form a difference in wall thickness. The equal inner diameters allow the internal fluid medium to flow smoothly, ensuring the consistency of the flow resistance in the connecting pipe 100.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, the connecting tube 100 includes a first fastening member 21 and a sleeve 22, the first fastening member 21 is connected to the outer wall of the sleeve 22, the pipe joint 200 has a second fastening member 201, and the sleeve 22 has a channel for circulating the medium; the sleeve 22 is inserted into the interior of the pipe joint 200 and the pipe joint is connected to the channel, the first fastening member 21 and the second fastening member 201 are fastened together to limit the axial movement of the connecting tube 100 and the pipe joint 200 along the connecting tube 100, which can improve the reliability and stability of the assembly between the connecting tube 100 and the pipe joint 200, and thus can improve the reliability of the connection between adjacent liquid cooling plates 300, and avoid leakage between adjacent liquid cooling plates 300.

[0067] Specifically, the fastening of the first fastening member 21 and the second fastening member 201 allows the connection between the connecting tube 100 and the pipe joint 200 to be achieved, thereby assembling the connecting tube 100 and the liquid cooling plate 300. This allows for quick installation and improves installation efficiency. Furthermore, the first fastening member 21 and the second fastening member 201 can provide a position limit along the axial direction of the connecting tube 100, thereby accommodating installation tolerances between the connecting tube 100 and the liquid cooling plate 300 in the axial direction of the connecting tube 100.

[0068] Specifically, the connecting pipe 100 has a first fastener 21. Since the pipe joint 200 can be plugged into the connecting pipe 100 and connected to the channel 13 of the sleeve 22, the connecting pipe 100 can not only be connected to the pipe joint 200, but also transmit the fluid medium in the liquid cooling plate 300.

[0069] Specifically, the pipe joint 200 may have a second flow channel 15 through which the medium flows, and the second flow channel 15 may be connected to the channel 13 .

[0070] For example, the liquid cooling plate may include a first liquid cooling plate and a second liquid cooling plate, and the first liquid cooling plate and the second liquid cooling plate are arranged adjacent to each other. The adjacent first liquid cooling plate and the second liquid cooling plate are taken as an example for explanation: the fluid medium can flow from the second flow channel 15 on the pipe joint 200 of the first liquid cooling plate into the channel 13, and then flow into the second flow channel 15 on the pipe joint 200 of the second liquid cooling plate.

[0071] Optionally, the first fastening member 21 is connected to the outer wall of the sleeve 22; the first fastening member 21 is provided with a limited space 214, and the second fastening member 201 includes a fastening tooth 2011; or the first fastening member 21 includes the fastening tooth 2011, and the second fastening member 201 defines a limited space 214; the fastening tooth 2011 is at least partially accommodated in the limited space 214, and the two fastening members 201 cooperate in the axial upper limit of the connecting tube 100, thereby facilitating a fastening connection between the first fastening member 21 and the second fastening member 201. The first fastening member 21 is provided with a limited space 214, and the limited space 214 can be defined between the first fastening member 21 and the outer wall of the sleeve 22.

[0072] Specifically, the first fastening member 21 is connected to the outer wall of the sleeve 22 so that after the sleeve 22 and the pipe joint 200 are plugged in, the first fastening member 21 can be fastened with the second fastening member 201 to achieve a stable connection between the connecting pipe 100 and the pipe joint 200.

[0073] Specifically, when the first fastening member 21 is provided with a limited space 214, the second fastening member 201 correspondingly includes fastening teeth 2011. When the second fastening member 201 includes fastening teeth 2011, the second fastening member 201 is provided with a corresponding limited space 214. The first fastening member 21 and the second fastening member 201 are provided in correspondence to achieve a fastening connection.

[0074] Specifically, at least a portion of the locking tooth 2011 can be embedded in the limiting space 214, and the locking tooth 2011 and the limiting space 214 cooperate in the axial upper limit of the liner pipe 1, so as to facilitate the locking of the first locking member 21 and the second locking member 201, thereby completing the assembly of the connecting pipe 100 and the pipe joint 200.

[0075] Optionally, the first fastening component 21 includes a first limiting portion 211, a second limiting portion 212 and a fastening portion 213; the first limiting portion 211 and the sleeve 22 are arranged at intervals along the radial direction of the sleeve 22, one end of the first limiting portion 211 is fixed to the sleeve 22 through the second limiting portion 212, and the other end of the first limiting portion 211 is connected to the fastening portion 213; the fastening portion 213 and the second limiting portion 212 are opposite to each other along the axial direction of the connecting tube 100, and are arranged at intervals along the radial direction of the sleeve 22, the fastening portion 213, the first limiting portion 211, the second limiting portion 212 and the sleeve 22 enclose a limiting space 214; the second fastening component 201 is fastened in the limiting space 214.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present application, the snap-fitting portion 213, the first limiting portion 211, the second limiting portion 212 and the sleeve 22 can be enclosed to form a limiting space 214. The snap-fitting portion 213 and the sleeve 22 are arranged at radial intervals along the sleeve 22 to form the limiting space 214. In this way, the second snap-fitting component 201 is snap-fitted in the limiting space 214, and the limiting space 214 can produce a limiting effect on the second snap-fitting component 201 from the axial direction of the connecting tube 100.

[0077] Optionally, as shown in Figure 9, the pipe joint 200 may include a joint pipe body 203 and a second fastener 201, and the second fastener 201 is arranged on the outer wall of the joint pipe body 203 and protrudes from the outer wall of the joint pipe body 203; the second fastener 201 can be arranged at the end of the joint pipe body 203 so that the second fastener 201 can be fastened into the limiting space 214 from the limiting space 214.

[0078] Specifically, the joint pipe body 20 can be sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 22 of the connecting pipe 100, and the second fastening part 201 protrudes from the outer wall of the joint pipe body 203. After the second fastening part 201 is buckled into the limiting space 214, the second fastening part 201 and the fastening part 213 of the first fastening part 21 restrict each other, so that the pipe joint 200 and the connecting pipe 100 can be plugged in.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 9, along the axial direction of the pipe joint 200 and along the direction from the middle position of the pipe joint 200 to the end, the radial cross-section of the second fastening member 201 along the pipe joint 200 gradually decreases, so that the second fastening member 201 has a guiding slope 202. The guiding slope 202 can play a guiding role, making it easier for the second fastening member 201 to be fastened into the limiting space 214, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembling the second fastening member 201 and the first fastening member 21.

[0080] Optionally, the snap-fitting portion 213 includes a relative connecting end 2132 and a guide end 2133; the connecting end 2132 is connected to the first limiting portion 211; there is a gap 400 between the guide end 2133 and the sleeve 22; a guide surface 2131 is provided on the side of the guide end 2133 away from the second limiting portion 212, and the end of the guide surface 2131 away from the connecting end 2132 is inclined toward the second limiting portion 212.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present application, the end of the guide surface 2131 away from the connecting end 2132 is inclined toward the second limiting portion 212, so that the guide surface 2131 can guide the second fastening component 201, making it easier for the second fastening component 201 to be fastened into the limiting space 214.

[0082] Optionally, the connecting pipe 100 further includes a sealing ring 3 ; the sealing ring 3 abuts between the sleeve 22 and the pipe joint 200 .

[0083] In the embodiment of the present application, a sealing ring 3 may be used to seal the sleeve 22 and the pipe joint 200 , thereby improving the sealing between the connecting pipe 100 and the pipe joint 200 and preventing leakage of the fluid medium.

[0084] Optionally, a limiting groove 221 is provided on the outer wall ring of the connecting pipe 100 ; at least a portion of the sealing ring 3 is embedded in the limiting groove 221 .

[0085] In the embodiment of the present application, embedding at least a portion of the sealing ring 3 in the limiting groove 221 can improve the reliability of the relative fixation between the sealing ring 3 and the connecting pipe 100, thereby effectively ensuring the stability of the sealed connection between the connecting pipe 100 and the pipe joint 200.

[0086] Specifically, at least part of the sealing ring 3 is embedded in the limiting groove 221, and at least part of it protrudes from the limiting groove 221. The sealing ring 3 is squeezed by the inner wall of the pipe joint 200 and deformed, thereby generating contact pressure on the sealing contact surface between the sealing ring 3 and the pipe joint 200 to achieve sealing.

[0087] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a limiting groove 221 is provided on one side of the sleeve 22 facing the limiting space 214. Since the pipe joint 200 is connected to the second flow channel 15 on the inner liner pipe 1, a sealing ring 3 is embedded in the limiting groove 221 to achieve sealing between the sleeve 22 and the second fastener 201, thereby preventing the fluid medium from leaking from the position where the sealing ring 3 is located.

[0088] Generally, the first fastening member 21 and the sleeve 22 are integrally formed, and the first fastening member 21 is relatively thin and has poor rigidity. In this embodiment, the first fastening member 21 is provided with a first reinforcing protrusion 215 to increase the rigidity of the first fastening member 21, thereby ensuring the connection reliability between the first fastening member 21 and the second fastening member 201, and avoiding the situation where the two are broken when fastened together and subjected to force.

[0089] In other embodiments, the second fastening member 201 is provided with a second reinforcing protrusion.

[0090] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first fastening component 21 is provided with a first reinforcing protrusion 215 , and the second fastening component 201 is provided with a second reinforcing protrusion.

[0091] In some embodiments, the connecting tube 100 may be a double-layer tube structure. This embodiment is described in detail below:

[0092] The connecting pipe 100 may further include an inner liner pipe 1, with a sleeve 22 sleeved on at least one axial end of the inner liner pipe 1, and the inner liner pipe 1 communicating with the pipe joint 200. It should be noted that a corresponding first flow channel 13 is provided in the inner liner pipe 1, and the first flow channel 13 communicates with the second flow channel 15 of the pipe joint 200. In some embodiments, the first flow channel 13 and the channel 13 of the sleeve 22 are coaxial and overlapped, and in this case, the first flow channel 13 and the channel 13 may be considered to be the same structure.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the sleeve 22 is disposed at the end of the liner pipe 1 , so that the pipe joint 200 can be inserted into the sleeve 22 .

[0094] Optionally, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, sleeves 22 are provided at both ends of the inner liner tube 1. In this way, the sleeves 22 located at both ends of the inner liner tube 1 can be respectively plugged into the pipe joints 200 of the two adjacent liquid cooling plates 300, which is beneficial to the anti-mistake of the connecting pipe 100, facilitates to improve the assembly efficiency, and can realize the connection between the two liquid cooling plates 300, and the fluid medium in the two liquid cooling plates 300 can flow through the connecting pipe 100.

[0095] Optionally, the rigidity of at least part of the liner pipe 1 is smaller than the rigidity of the casing 22 , and the liner pipe 1 can be deformed.

[0096] In some embodiments, the inner liner tube 1 can be deformed along its axial direction, along its radial direction, or along both the radial and axial directions. In this way, when the space between the pipe joints 200 of two adjacent liquid cooling plates 300 is limited, the inner liner tube 1 can be deformed to absorb the assembly tolerance when the connecting tube 100 and the pipe joint 200 are installed, avoid the existence of stress, and further avoid the connecting tube 100 from breaking off or breaking when being installed with the pipe joint 200 on the liquid cooling plate 300, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the connecting tube 100.

[0097] Specifically, the liner pipe 1 may be flexible to ensure that the liner pipe 1 absorbs assembly tolerances. The sleeve 22 may be a rigid member to ensure reliability in assembling the connecting pipe 100 and the pipe joint 200 .

[0098] Specifically, sleeves 22 are respectively provided at both ends of the inner liner pipe 1 so that there is a certain distance between the two sleeves 22 , thereby avoiding contact between the two sleeves 22 and providing sufficient deformation space for the inner liner pipe 1 .

[0099] Specifically, during the assembly of the connecting pipe 100 and the liquid cooling plate 300, the first fastener 21 and the second fastener 201 are fastened together, which can absorb the installation tolerance along the axial direction of the inner liner tube 1 to a certain extent; and due to the flexible nature of the inner liner tube 1, the inner liner tube 1 can be deformed in the radial and / or axial direction, thereby absorbing the installation tolerance along the radial and / or axial direction of the inner liner tube 1.

[0100] For example, taking the axial direction of the liner tube 1 as the X-axis direction, when using a connecting pipe 100 to connect two liquid cooling plates 300, when the two pipe joints 200 are positionally offset along the radial Y-axis direction and / or Z-axis direction of the liner tube 1, the liner tube 1 can produce radial deformation and absorb the tolerance of this part.

[0101] Optionally, a limiting protrusion 23 is provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 22 ; along the axial direction of the liner pipe 1 , the limiting protrusion 23 abuts against the end face of the liner pipe 1 .

[0102] In the embodiment of the present application, along the axial direction of the liner tube 1, the limiting protrusion 23 abuts against the end face of the liner tube 1, so that the limiting protrusion 23 covers the end face of the liner tube 1, so as to protect the end face of the liner tube 1, and prevent the fluid medium from scouring the end face of the liner tube 1 during the circulation process, thereby preventing the liner tube 1 from deforming, displacing or detaching, thereby ensuring the reliability of connecting the liquid cooling plate 300 using the connecting pipe 100.

[0103] Optionally, the inner liner pipe 1 includes: a sleeve portion 11, the sleeve 22 is sleeved on the sleeve portion 11, and the sleeve portion 11 has a first sub-channel; a connecting portion 12, the connecting portion 12 and the sleeve portion 11 are connected along the axial direction of the inner liner pipe 1, and the connecting portion 12 has a second sub-channel, and the second sub-channel is connected to the first sub-channel to form a first flow channel 13; the wall thickness of the connecting portion 12 is greater than the wall thickness of the sleeve portion 11.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, the wall thickness of the connecting portion 12 is greater than the wall thickness of the sleeve portion 11, so that the rigidity of the connecting portion 12 is higher than the rigidity of the sleeve portion 11, which can improve the structural strength of the inner liner pipe 1, and can prevent the inner liner pipe 1 from being damaged by foreign objects, thereby ensuring the sealing of the first flow channel 13.

[0105] Specifically, the connecting portion 12 and the sleeve portion 11 are integrally formed, so that the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are integrally formed. Alternatively, the connecting portion 12 and the sleeve portion 11 can also be fixed by splicing, and the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel can be sealed to effectively ensure the sealing of the first flow channel 13.

[0106] Specifically, the inner diameters of the second sub-channel and the first sub-channel are equal, so that the connecting portion 12 protrudes from the sleeve portion 11 to ensure that the wall thickness of the connecting portion 12 is greater than the wall thickness of the sleeve portion 11 .

[0107] Specifically, when sleeves 22 are arranged at both ends of the inner liner pipe 1, the inner liner pipe 1 may include a sleeve portion 11, a connecting portion 12 and a sleeve portion 11 arranged in sequence along its axial direction; the sleeve portion 11 is used to sleeve the sleeve 22; and the connecting portion 12 is used to connect the two sleeve portions 11.

[0108] Optionally, the outer wall of the connecting portion 12 protrudes from the outer wall of the sleeve portion 11 along the radial direction of the inner liner pipe 1, so that the inner liner pipe 1 has a step portion 14; the sleeve 22 is assembled and connected to the step portion 14, and the sleeve 22 abuts against the step portion 14 along the axial direction of the inner liner pipe 1.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present application, the outer wall of the connecting portion 12 protrudes from the outer wall of the sleeve portion 11 along the radial direction of the inner liner pipe 1, so that the inner liner pipe 1 has a step portion 14, so that the inner liner pipe 1 can form a transition zone. This transition zone can cooperate with the sleeve 22 to facilitate the assembly and fixation of the inner liner pipe 1 and the sleeve 22, thereby preventing subsequent assembly or erosion of the fluid medium from causing the inner liner pipe 1 and the sleeve 22 to separate.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present application, the inner liner 1 and the sleeve 22 are integrally formed. This can reduce manufacturing costs. Specifically, the inner liner 1 and the sleeve 22 can form a parting line on the axial end surface.

[0111] The thermal management system in the embodiment of the present application has at least the following advantages:

[0112] In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting tube 100 is inserted into the interior of the tube joint 200, that is, the tube joint 200 with greater rigidity is sleeved on the outside of the connecting tube 100, thereby suppressing the expansion and deformation of the connecting tube 100, improving the connection reliability between the connecting tube 100 and the tube joint 200, and improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0113] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further discloses a battery pack, which may include the above-mentioned thermal management system.

[0114] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery pack can utilize the above-mentioned thermal management system to achieve cooling and heat dissipation.

[0115] The battery pack in the embodiment of the present application includes the above advantages.

[0116] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0117] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and intent of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, wherein: include: A connecting pipe (100) and a plurality of liquid cooling plates (300), wherein the plurality of liquid cooling plates (300) are arranged at intervals along a first direction (X), the liquid cooling plates (300) are provided with a pipe joint (200), the connecting pipe (100) is arranged between two adjacent liquid cooling plates (300), and the axial ends of the connecting pipe (100) are respectively inserted into the pipe joints (200) of two adjacent liquid cooling plates (300) to connect the two adjacent liquid cooling plates (300), and the rigidity of the pipe joint (200) is greater than the rigidity of the connecting pipe (100).

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The outer wall of the connecting tube (100) is provided with a first protrusion (103), and the first protrusion (103) extends away from the connecting tube (100) in the radial direction of the connecting tube (100), wherein the connecting tube (100) is inserted into the interior of the pipe joint (200), and the first protrusion (103) and the pipe joint (200) are engaged in an axial stopper relationship with the connecting tube (100) to limit the relative movement of the pipe joint (200) and the connecting tube (100).

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting pipe (100) comprises a first pipe section (101) and a second pipe section (102); both axial ends of the first pipe section (101) are connected to the second pipe section (102); the maximum wall thickness of the second pipe section (102) is greater than the maximum wall thickness of the first pipe section (101); and the second pipe section (102) is at least partially inserted into the pipe joint (200).

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The inner diameters of the first pipe section (101) and the second pipe section (102) are equal.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting pipe (100) comprises a first fastening member (21) and a sleeve (22), wherein the first fastening member (21) is connected to the outer wall of the sleeve (22), and the pipe joint (200) has a second fastening member (201); wherein: The sleeve (22) has a channel (13) for circulating medium; The sleeve (22) is inserted into the pipe joint (200) and the pipe joint (200) is connected to the channel (13); the first fastening member (21) and the second fastening member (201) are fastened together to limit the axial movement of the connecting pipe (100) and the pipe joint (200) along the connecting pipe (100).

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: The connecting pipe (100) further comprises an inner liner pipe (1), the sleeve (22) being sleeved on at least one axial end of the inner liner pipe (1), and the inner liner pipe (1) being connected to the pipe joint (200).

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The rigidity of at least part of the liner pipe (1) is smaller than the rigidity of the casing (22), and the liner pipe (1) can be deformed.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The outer wall of the inner liner (1) at least partially extends away from the inner liner (1) in the radial direction of the inner liner (1) to form a stepped portion (14); The sleeve (22) is assembled and connected to the stepped portion (14), and the sleeve (22) abuts against the stepped portion (14) along the axial direction of the liner pipe (1).

9. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The liner pipe (1) and the sleeve (22) are integrally formed.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: The first fastening member (21) is provided with a limited space (214), and the second fastening member (201) comprises a fastening tooth 2011; the fastening tooth 2011 The locking teeth 2011 are at least partially accommodated in the limiting space (214) and the two are matched in the axial upper limit position of the connecting pipe (100).

11. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: The first fastening member (21) comprises a fastening tooth 2011, and the second fastening member (201) defines a limited space (214); The locking teeth 2011 are at least partially accommodated in the limiting space (214) and the two are matched in the axial upper limit position of the connecting pipe (100).

12. The thermal management system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The first fastening member (21) comprises a first limiting portion (211), a second limiting portion (212) and a fastening portion (213); The first limiting portion (211) and the sleeve (22) are spaced apart along the radial direction of the sleeve (22); one end of the first limiting portion (211) is fixed to the sleeve (22) via the second limiting portion (212); and the other end of the first limiting portion (211) is connected to the buckling portion (213); The buckling portion (213) and the second limiting portion (212) are opposite to each other along the axial direction of the connecting tube (100), and are spaced apart from each other along the radial direction of the sleeve (22); the buckling portion (213), the first limiting portion (211), the second limiting portion (212) and the sleeve (22) together form the limiting space; The second fastening member (201) is fastened in the limiting space (214).

13. The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein: The buckling portion (213) comprises a connecting end (2132) and a guiding end (2133) opposite to each other; The connecting end (2132) is connected to the first limiting portion (211); There is a gap (400) between the guide end (2133) and the sleeve (22); A guide surface (2131) is provided on a side of the guide end (2133) away from the second limiting portion (212), and an end of the guide surface (2131) away from the connecting end (2132) is inclined toward the second limiting portion (212).

14. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein: The connecting pipe (100) further comprises a sealing ring (3); The sealing ring (3) abuts between the connecting pipe (100) and the pipe joint (200).

15. The thermal management system of claim 14, wherein: The outer wall of the connecting pipe (100) is provided with a limiting groove (221); At least a portion of the sealing ring (3) is embedded in the limiting groove (221).

16. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: A limiting protrusion (23) is also provided on the inner wall of the sleeve (22); along the axial direction of the inner liner (1), the limiting protrusion (23) abuts against the end surface of the inner liner (1).

17. The thermal management system of claim 5, wherein: The first buckling piece (21) is provided with a first reinforcing protrusion (215).

18. The thermal management system of claim 5, wherein: The second buckling member (201) is provided with a second reinforcing protrusion.

19. A battery pack, wherein: include: A thermal management system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images