Injection molded tube and battery cooling structure

Abstract

An injection molded tube and a battery cooling structure, relating to the technical field of injection molded tubes. The injection molded tube comprises an outer tube (100) and an inner tube (200), wherein the outer tube comprises an outer tube body and an injection molding hole (130) formed in the outer tube body; the inner tube is made of a flexible material, and the inner tube is injection-molded on the inner wall of the outer tube; and the outer tube further comprises a fastening fitting part (120) arranged on the outer wall of the outer tube body. The problem in the related art that the battery cooling structure is prone to liquid leakage can be effectively solved.

Description

Injection tube and battery cooling structure Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of injection molded tubes, and in particular to an injection molded tube and a battery cooling structure. Background Art

[0002] An electric vehicle battery pack, also known as a battery pack, is a core component of an electric vehicle, responsible for storing electrical energy and supplying it to the vehicle's power system. A battery pack typically consists of multiple battery cells and a cooling structure that cools the battery pack to reduce its heat.

[0003] The cooling system of an electric vehicle battery pack primarily consists of a liquid cooling plate and connecting pipes. The main function of the liquid cooling plate is to remove heat generated by the battery module through contact with it, preventing a sudden increase in battery temperature. The connecting pipes connect multiple liquid cooling plates, allowing the cooling medium to flow through them.

[0004] However, the current connection between the liquid cooling plate and the connecting pipe is easily loose, which increases the risk of coolant leakage.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides an injection molded tube and a battery cooling structure to solve the problem of easy leakage of battery cooling structures in related technologies.

[0007] In one aspect, the present application provides an injection molded tube, comprising: an outer tube body and an inner tube body, wherein:

[0008] The outer tube body comprises an outer tube body and an injection molding hole provided on the outer tube body;

[0009] The inner tube body is made of flexible material and is injection molded on the inner wall of the outer tube body;

[0010] The outer tube body further comprises a fastening fitting portion arranged on the outer wall of the outer tube body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inner tube covers at least a portion of the inner wall of the outer tube.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inner tube covers the entire inner wall of the outer tube.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outer tube body includes a straight section and a first diameter-reducing section located at a first end of the straight section, and an inner diameter of the first diameter-reducing section gradually increases in a direction from the straight section to the first diameter-reducing section.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer tube body further includes a second diameter-reducing section located at the second end of the straight section, and the inner diameter of the second diameter-reducing section gradually increases in a direction from the straight section to the second diameter-reducing section.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fastening fitting portion includes a fastening protrusion, and the fastening protrusion is arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer tube body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fastening protrusion comprises a plurality of fastening protrusions, and the plurality of fastening protrusions are spaced apart in the axial direction of the outer tube body.

[0017] In some embodiments, a positioning structure that cooperates with the injection mold is further provided on the outer wall of the outer tube body.

[0018] In some embodiments, the injection molding tube further includes a water inlet pipe disposed on the outer tube body, and the water inlet pipe is connected to the inner tube body.

[0019] On the other hand, the present application provides a battery cooling structure, comprising: a cooling structure and the above-mentioned injection-molded tube;

[0020] The cooling structure comprises a water cooling cavity and a plug-in structure communicated with the water cooling cavity, wherein the plug-in structure is interference-connected with the inner tube body of the injection molding tube.

[0021] The injection molded tube provided in the present application includes an outer tube body and an inner tube body. Among them, the outer tube body is the outer shell structure of the injection molded tube, and the inner tube body is arranged in the outer tube body, which is injection molded on the inner wall of the outer tube body, so that the inner tube body and the outer tube body are injection molded to ensure the connection strength between the two. The hardness of the outer tube body is greater than the hardness of the inner tube body, providing strength support for the injection molded tube. When the plug-in structure of the cooling structure is inserted into the injection molded tube, since the inner tube body is made of a flexible material, the inner tube body of the plug-in structure can be connected by an interference fit. The inner tube body is deformed by the extrusion of the plug-in structure, and the outer tube body provides strength support for the inner tube body. The inner tube body relies on elastic restoring force to wrap tightly around the outside of the plug-in structure, so that a tight connection is formed between the plug-in structure and the injection molded tube. At the same time, the inner tube body made of flexible material can also play the role of sealing the plug-in structure and the outer tube body, thereby further reducing the risk of coolant leakage.

[0022] In addition, the outer tube body also includes a fastening fitting portion arranged on the outer wall of the outer tube body. When the injection molded tube is plugged into the plug-in structure, the fastening fitting portion can facilitate the operator to apply axial force to the injection molded tube, so that the injection molded tube can be tightly connected to the cooling structure.

[0023] The use of the injection molding tube of this embodiment can ensure the assembly efficiency of the cooling structure and the injection molding tube while also ensuring the sealing performance of the connection between the cooling structure and the injection molding tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0025] FIG1 is a cross-sectional view of an injection molding tube provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an injection molding tube provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of an injection molding tube provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a battery cooling structure provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG5 is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of the battery cooling structure at A in FIG4 ;

[0030] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery cooling structure provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG. 7 is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of a portion B of the battery cooling structure in FIG. 6 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In the prior art, the cooling system for electric vehicle battery packs primarily consists of a liquid cooling plate and connecting pipes. The main function of the liquid cooling plate is to remove heat generated by the battery modules through contact with them, preventing a sharp rise in battery temperature.

[0034] The working principle of the liquid cooling plate is as follows: the excess heat generated by the battery is transferred through contact with the surface of the plate-shaped aluminum device. The liquid cooling system uses the large heat transfer coefficient of liquid flow to transfer high heat by liquid flow, and is eventually carried away by the coolant passing through the internal flow channel of the device.

[0035] The connecting pipe can connect the multiple liquid cooling plates, so that the cooling medium can flow into the multiple liquid cooling plates through the connecting pipe.

[0036] However, there are currently two methods for connecting the cooling plate and the connecting pipe: a plug-in connection and a threaded connection. The plug-in connection, due to the rigid fit between the cooling plate and the connecting pipe, can easily deform the connecting pipe, leading to loosening. While a threaded connection can reduce the risk of coolant leakage, it reduces the assembly efficiency of the cooling plate and connecting pipe.

[0037] In view of this, the present application provides an injection-molded tube, comprising an outer tube body and an inner tube body disposed on the inner wall of the outer tube body, wherein the inner tube body is made of a flexible material. This arrangement enables a plug-in structure inserted into the connecting tube to fit with the inner tube body made of the flexible material by interference fit. The inner tube body is deformed by the compression of the plug-in structure and is tightly wrapped around the outer side of the plug-in structure by elastic recovery force, thereby forming a tight connection between the plug-in structure and the injection-molded tube. At the same time, the inner tube body made of the flexible material can also seal the plug-in structure and the outer tube body, thereby further reducing the risk of coolant leakage.

[0038] The following describes the injection molding tube and battery cooling structure provided in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] It should be noted that the injection molded tube provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a battery cooling structure, and the battery cooling structure can provide cooling for the battery. The battery can be a secondary battery, that is, the battery in the embodiment of the present application can be charged and discharged and recycled. The specific type of battery can include but is not limited to lithium batteries, etc., and the battery cooling structure can be used in scenarios including but not limited to electronic products, energy storage equipment, vehicles, etc., such as mobile communication equipment, new energy vehicles, drones, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application. The scenario in which the injection molded tube is used is not limited to the battery cooling structure. The injection molded tube can also be used in connection with the plug-in structure to prevent leakage of the circulating medium.

[0040] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an injection molding tube provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an injection molding tube provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an injection molding tube provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a portion of a battery cooling structure provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is an enlarged structural diagram of location A of the battery cooling structure in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery cooling structure provided in an embodiment of the present application; and Figure 7 is an enlarged structural diagram of location B of the battery cooling structure in Figure 6.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the injection tube 10 of this embodiment includes an outer tube body 100 and an inner tube body 200 .

[0042] Among them, the outer tube body 100 includes an outer tube body 110 and an injection hole 130 set on the outer tube body 110; the inner tube body 200 is made of flexible material, and the inner tube body 200 is injection molded on the inner wall of the outer tube body 100; the outer tube body 100 also includes a fastening fitting part 120 set on the outer wall of the outer tube body 110.

[0043] Using the technical solution of this embodiment, the outer tube body 100 is the outer shell structure of the injection molded tube 10, and the inner tube body 200 is arranged inside the outer tube body 100 and is injection molded on the inner wall of the outer tube body 100, so that the inner tube body 200 and the outer tube body 100 are injection molded to ensure the connection strength between the two. The hardness of the outer tube body is greater than that of the inner tube body 200, providing strength support for the injection molded tube 10. When the plug structure 420 of the cooling structure 400 is inserted into the injection molded tube 10, since the inner tube body 200 is made of a flexible material, the plug structure 420 and the inner tube body 200 can be connected by an interference fit. The inner tube body 200 is squeezed by the plug structure 420 and deformed. The outer tube body 100 provides strength support for the inner tube body 200. The inner tube body 200 relies on elastic recovery force to wrap tightly around the outside of the plug structure 420, so that a tight connection is formed between the plug structure 420 and the injection molded tube 10. At the same time, the inner tube body 200 made of a flexible material can also seal the plug-in structure 420 and the outer tube body 100, thereby further reducing the risk of coolant leakage.

[0044] In addition, the outer tube body 100 also includes a fastening fitting portion 120 arranged on the outer wall of the outer tube body 110. When the injection tube 10 is plugged into the plug-in structure 420, the fastening fitting portion 120 can facilitate the operator to apply axial force to the injection tube 10, so that the injection tube 10 can be tightly connected with the cooling structure 400.

[0045] The use of the injection molding tube of this embodiment can ensure the assembly efficiency of the cooling structure 400 and the injection molding tube while also ensuring the sealing performance of the connection between the cooling structure and the injection molding tube.

[0046] For example, the injection-molded tube of this embodiment is manufactured using a two-shot molding process. Two-shot molding (2K molding, or two-shot molding) involves molding two different plastic materials (or two different colors) into a single piece during a single injection molding process. In this process, the first injected material is called the base material, and the second injected material is called the cover material.

[0047] The most common form of a two-shot injection mold is one in which two identical movable molds correspond to two different fixed mold cavities. After the first injection of the material, the mold is opened. The movable mold is then rotated 180° using the rotatable structure of the injection machine. The mold is then closed and a second injection is made using a different color material or a different material (covering material) than the first injection. After the second mold opening, the punch, which has completed both injections, is demolded, thereby forming a two-shot injection molded tube. For example, the outer tube 100 is made of a base material, and the inner tube 200 is made of a covering material.

[0048] It should be noted that the outer tube body 100 includes an outer tube body 110, which has an injection hole 130. That is, after the injection of the injection material of the outer tube body 100 is completed, the injection hole 130 should be left on the outer tube body 110 to facilitate the injection material of the inner tube body 200 to flow from the injection hole 130 to the inner wall of the outer tube body 100. After the injection material of the inner tube body 200 is completely accommodated, some of the injection material will flow into the injection hole 130.

[0049] It should also be noted that a positioning structure 140 that cooperates with the injection mold is also provided on the outer wall of the outer tube body 110. When the movable mold is rotated 180 degrees using the rotatable structure of the injection molding machine, the positioning structure 140 can cooperate with the movable mold to position the outer tube body 100 on the movable mold, thereby reducing the probability of the outer tube body 100 falling off the movable mold.

[0050] The number of the positioning structure 140 can be one or more. For example, two positioning structures 140 are provided.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, in some embodiments, the inner tube 200 covers at least a portion of the inner wall of the outer tube 100. The inner tube 200 is used to plug and mate with the plug structure 420 to provide fastening and sealing. Therefore, the injection molding area of ​​the inner tube 200 can be determined based on the insertion position of the plug structure 420. Therefore, the inner tube 200 can cover a portion of the inner wall of the outer tube 100, or it can cover the entire inner wall of the outer tube 100.

[0052] Exemplarily, the inner tube 200 may cover the entire inner wall of the outer tube 100 , that is, the inner tube 200 extends from the first end to the second end of the outer tube 100 , and has a uniform thickness on the inner wall of the outer tube 100 .

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the outer tube body 110 includes a straight section 111 and a first diameter-reducing section 112 located at the first end of the straight section 111, and the inner diameter of the first diameter-reducing section 112 gradually increases in the direction from the straight section 111 to the first diameter-reducing section 112.

[0054] In the above structure, the inner diameter of the first diameter-reducing section gradually increases from the straight section 111 to the first diameter-reducing section 112 , and a flared portion is formed at the first end of the straight section 111 , thereby making it easier for the plug-in structure 420 to be inserted into the injection tube.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the outer tube body 110 also includes a second diameter-reducing section 113 located at the second end of the straight section 111, and the inner diameter of the second diameter-reducing section 113 gradually increases in the direction from the straight section 111 to the second diameter-reducing section 113.

[0056] In the above structure, the inner diameter of the second diameter-reducing section 113 gradually increases in the direction from the straight section 111 to the second diameter-reducing section 113, and a flared portion is formed at the second end of the straight section 111, so that the plug-in structure 420 is easier to insert into the interior of the injection tube.

[0057] Of course, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the first diameter-reducing section or the second diameter-reducing section may also be a closing portion, so that the injection-molded tube can be used to connect plug-in structures of other sizes.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the fastening fitting portion 120 includes fastening protrusions, which are arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer tube body 110. The fastening protrusions can be a protruding ring structure continuously arranged along the circumference of the outer tube body 110, or can be a plurality of protruding structures spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the outer tube body 110.

[0059] During connection, the operator can hold the injection tube 10 , and the fastening fitting portion 120 of the refrigerator injection tube 10 applies force along the axial direction of the injection tube 10 , so that the injection tube 10 and the plug-in structure 420 can be tightly connected.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the fastening protrusions include a plurality of fastening protrusions, which are spaced apart in the axial direction of the outer tube body 110 .

[0061] In the above structure, the multiple fastening protrusions are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the injection tube 10, so that it is easier for the operator to apply force.

[0062] For example, the fastening protrusion may include a first fastening ring 121 and a second fastening ring 122 that are spaced apart. An operator may clamp the first fastening ring 121 and the second fastening ring 122 using a clamp, thereby making it easier to apply force to the injection tube 10 .

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the injection molded tube further includes a water inlet pipe 300 disposed on the outer tube body 100 , and the water inlet pipe 300 is in communication with the inner tube body 200 .

[0064] For example, the first end of the injection molding tube can be connected to the first cooling structure, and the second end of the injection molding tube can be connected to the second cooling structure. The cooling medium first enters the injection molding tube through the water inlet pipe 300, and then is distributed to the first cooling structure and the second cooling structure through the two ends of the injection molding tube, forming a cooling water distribution passage.

[0065] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the present application also provides a battery cooling structure 20, which includes a cooling structure 400 and the aforementioned injection molding tube 10. The cooling structure 400 includes a water-cooling chamber 410 and a plug-in structure 420 communicating with the water-cooling chamber 410. The plug-in structure 420 is interference-connected with the inner tube body 200 of the injection molding tube. This achieves a tight plug-in connection between the cooling structure 400 and the injection molding tube 10.

[0066] Exemplarily, cooling structure 400 may be a water-cooled plate (Figures 4 to 7 only show a portion of the structure of the water-cooled plate). The cooling medium may flow into the water-cooled plate through injection tube 10, circulate within the plate, and then be discharged from outlet 430, thereby exchanging heat with the battery to reduce the risk of thermal runaway.

[0067] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0068] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. An injection molded pipe, characterized in that, Comprising: An outer tube body (100) and an inner tube body (200), wherein, The outer tube body (100) includes an outer tube main body (110) and an injection hole (130) provided on the outer tube main body (110); The inner tube body (200) is made of a flexible material, and the inner tube body (200) is injection-molded on the inner wall of the outer tube body (100); The outer tube body (100) further includes a fastening and fitting portion (120) provided on the outer wall of the outer tube main body (110), and the fastening and fitting portion (120) is configured to apply a fastening force along the axial direction of the injection-molded tube.

2. The injection molded pipe according to claim 1, wherein, The inner tube body (200) covers at least part of the inner wall of the outer tube body (100).

3. The injection molded pipe according to claim 1, wherein, The inner tube body (200) covers the entire inner wall of the outer tube body (100).

4. The injection molded pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The outer tube main body (110) includes a straight section (111) and a first diameter-changing section (112) located at the first end of the straight section (111), and the inner diameter of the first diameter-changing section (112) gradually increases in the direction from the straight section (111) to the first diameter-changing section (112).

5. The injection molded pipe according to claim 4, wherein The outer tube main body (110) further includes a second diameter-changing section (113) located at the second end of the straight section (111), and the inner diameter of the second diameter-changing section (113) gradually increases in the direction from the straight section (111) to the second diameter-changing section (113).

6. The injection-molded pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The fastening and fitting portion (120) includes a fastening protrusion, and the fastening protrusion is provided along the circumferential direction of the outer tube main body (110).

7. The injection-molded pipe according to claim 6, characterized in that, There are a plurality of the fastening protrusions, and the plurality of fastening protrusions are spaced apart in the axial direction of the outer tube main body (110).

8. The injection molded pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A positioning structure (140) for cooperating with an injection mold is further provided on the outer wall of the outer tube main body (110).

9. The injection molded pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The injection-molded tube further includes a water inlet pipe (300) provided on the outer tube body (100), and the water inlet pipe is communicated with the inner tube body (200).

10. A battery cooling structure, characterized in that, Comprising: A cooling structure (400) and the injection-molded tube according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The cooling structure (400) includes a water-cooling cavity (410) and a plugging structure (420) communicated with the water-cooling cavity (410), and the plugging structure (420) is in interference connection with the inner tube body (200) of the injection-molded tube.

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