Pipeline connecting structure, heat management assembly and battery pack

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a pipeline connecting structure, a heat management assembly and a battery pack. The pipeline connecting structure comprises a first pipe joint, a second pipe joint and a limiting structure, wherein the second pipe joint is plugged in the first pipe joint, and a first fitting structure is provided on an outer surface of the second pipe joint; one end of the limiting structure is connected to the first pipe joint, and a second fitting structure is provided at the other end of the limiting structure; and the second fitting structure stops and fits with the first fitting structure, and the second fitting structure is in clearance fit with the first fitting structure.

Description

Pipe connection structure, thermal management components and battery pack

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed with the China Patent Office on January 10, 2024, with application numbers 202410039571.X and 202420064337.8. The entire contents of the above applications 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 pipeline connection structure, a thermal management component, and a battery pack. Background Art

[0003] In the related art, the battery pack includes a battery box and a battery module and a thermal management component arranged in the battery box. Among them, the thermal management component includes a thermal management component and a pipe component that are thermally coupled to the battery cell. A plurality of flow channels for the circulation of heat exchange medium are arranged in the thermal management component. The pipe component includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe is connected to the liquid inlet port of the flow channel, and the outlet pipe is connected to the liquid outlet port of the flow channel. The inlet pipe transmits the heat exchange medium to each flow channel to perform heat exchange on the battery cell. The heat exchange medium flows from the liquid outlet port of each flow channel to the outlet pipe, and after the heat exchange medium is cooled or heated by the temperature regulating module, the heat exchange medium flows to the inlet pipe. This reciprocating cycle completes the temperature management of the battery cell, so that the battery cell is within the normal operating temperature. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Existing pipeline components have high assembly precision requirements for thermal management components, which makes the pipeline connection design of thermal management components more difficult and its reliability is relatively poor.

[0005] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a pipeline connection structure, which includes a first pipe joint, a second pipe joint and a limiting structure; the second pipe joint has a first end, the first end is plugged into one end of the first pipe joint, and the outer surface of the second pipe joint is provided with a first matching structure; one end of the limiting structure is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe joint, and the other end is provided with a second matching structure; wherein, along the plug-in direction, the second matching structure is stop-fitted with the first matching structure, and along the plug-in direction, the second matching structure is clearance-fitted with the first matching structure.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a thermal management component, which includes a first main line, a second main line, a thermal management component and the aforementioned pipe connection structure; the thermal management component is provided with a flow channel configured for circulation of a heat exchange medium, the inlet and the outlet of the flow channel being a first port and a second port respectively; wherein, one end of the first main line is connected to the first port through a pipe connection structure, and one end of the second main line is connected to the second port through another pipe connection structure.

[0007] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery pack comprising a battery module, which comprises a module housing, battery cells, and the aforementioned thermal management assembly. The module housing has a mounting cavity; multiple battery cells are disposed within the mounting cavity; and a thermal management assembly is disposed within the mounting cavity and thermally coupled to the multiple battery cells. Beneficial effects

[0008] The present application enables the first pipe joint and the second pipe joint to be close to or far away from each other by loosely fitting the second fitting structure with the first fitting structure, thereby absorbing or compensating for the assembly tolerance of the relevant pipeline components using the pipeline connection structure based on the gap, thereby reducing the assembly accuracy requirements for the relevant pipeline components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a pipeline connection structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0010] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a second pipe joint provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0011] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a first pipe joint provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0012] FIG4 is a side view of a pipeline connection structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view along AA in FIG4;

[0014] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the second pipe joint and the first pipe joint provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] FIG7 is an enlarged view of point B in FIG2 ;

[0016] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the connection between the limiting structure and the second boss provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] FIG10 is an enlarged view of point C in FIG9 ;

[0019] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the flow channel structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a first end plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG14 is a top view of a thermal management plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG14;

[0024] FIG16 is an enlarged view of point E in FIG15 ;

[0025] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of another battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 001-thermal management component; 011-pipe connection structure; 111-first pipe joint; 1111-installation slot;

[0029] 112 - second pipe joint; 1121 - first matching structure; 11211 - first tapered surface; 1122 - first end surface; 1123 - clearance groove; 113 - limiting structure; 1131 - second matching structure; 11311 - first side wall; 113111 - second tapered surface; 1132 - first surface; 1133 - first section; 1134 - bending portion; 1135 - second section; 114 - sealing ring; 012 - first main pipe; 013-Second main line; 014-Thermal management component; 141-First port; 142-Second port; 143-Flow channel body; 1431-Liquid inlet channel; 1432-Liquid outlet channel; 144-Interceptor structure; 145-Thermal management plate; 1451-Plate body; 14511-Interceptor wall; 1452-First end plate; 14521-First slot; 14512-Partition plate; 002-Battery pack; 021-Module box. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] The specific implementation of this application will be introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a structural schematic diagram of a pipe connection structure 011 provided in an embodiment of the present application. An embodiment of the present application provides a pipe connection structure 011. The pipe connection structure 011 includes a first pipe joint 111, a second pipe joint 112 and a limiting structure 113. The second pipe joint 112 has a first end, and the first end is plugged into one end of the first pipe joint 111. A first matching structure 1121 is provided on the outer surface of the second pipe joint 112. One end of the limiting structure 113 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe joint 111, and the other end is provided with a second matching structure 1131. Among them, along the plug-in direction, the second matching structure 1131 is blocked and matched with the first matching structure 1121. Along the plug-in direction, the second matching structure 1131 is clearance-matched with the first matching structure 1121.

[0032] It can be understood that the clearance fit between the second matching structure 1131 and the first matching structure 1121 means that after the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are plugged together, the first pipe joint 111 can move relative to the second pipe joint 112 in the plugging direction within the clearance range.

[0033] Among them, one end of the second pipe joint 112 is plugged into one end of the first pipe joint 111, and one end of the second pipe joint 112 can be inserted into the inner hole of the first pipe joint 111, or one end of the first pipe joint 111 can be inserted into the inner hole of the second pipe joint 112.

[0034] In addition, the second mating structure 1131 and the first mating structure 1121 can be engaged with each other by one of them being a groove and the other being a protrusion, with the protrusion at least partially located in the groove and having a clearance fit with the groove in the plugging direction. The engagement in the plugging direction is achieved based on the limitations of the groove walls. For example, the first mating structure 1121 is a slot provided on the outer surface of the second pipe joint 112, and the second mating structure 1131 is a protrusion provided at the other end of the limiting structure 113. The protrusion is inserted into the slot, so that the movement of the protrusion in the plugging direction is limited by the groove walls on both sides of the slot, thereby achieving the engagement in the plugging direction between the first mating structure 1121 and the second mating structure 1131. In the plugging direction, the size of the protrusion is smaller than the size of the slot, thereby achieving a clearance fit between the second mating structure 1131 and the first mating structure 1121.

[0035] The second matching structure 1131 and the first matching structure 1121 can be engaged in a stopping manner. The second matching structure 1131 and the first matching structure 1121 can also be protrusions, and the second matching structure 1131 is located on the side of the first matching structure 1121 that is connected to the first pipe away from the limiting structure 113. Therefore, based on the restriction of the first matching structure 1121 on the second matching structure 1131 when the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are away from each other, and the restriction of the limiting structure 113 on the second pipe joint 112 when the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are close to each other, the stopping cooperation in the plugging direction is achieved.

[0036] Exemplarily, the limiting structure 113 is a claw, one end of which is connected to the outer circumference of the first pipe joint 111, and the other end is provided with a second matching structure 1131. Using the claw to connect the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 can achieve a quick plug connection of the pipeline, thereby improving the connection efficiency of the relevant pipeline components.

[0037] In this embodiment, by providing a clearance fit between the second mating structure 1131 and the first mating structure 1121, the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 can be moved closer to or further away from each other. This clearance can then be used to absorb or compensate for assembly tolerances of the associated pipeline assembly employing the pipeline connection structure 011, thereby reducing assembly precision requirements for the associated pipeline assembly. This simplifies the pipeline connection design of the associated pipeline assembly and improves its reliability.

[0038] Among them, related pipeline components include but are not limited to thermal management components.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2 to 5 , in one embodiment, the first mating structure 1121 is a first boss, as shown in Figure 2 , which is a schematic structural diagram of the second pipe joint 112 provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The second mating structure 1131 is a second boss, as shown in Figure 3 , which is a schematic structural diagram of the first pipe joint 111 provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The second boss is located on a side of the first boss facing away from the first end, as shown in Figure 4 , which is a side view of the pipe connection structure 011 provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Among them, the end of the second pipe joint 112 that is plugged into the first pipe joint 111 is the first end, the second pipe joint 112 has a first end face 1122 located at the first end, and the limiting structure 113 has a first surface 1132 arranged opposite to the first end face 1122; the distance between the side of the second boss close to the first boss and the first surface 1132 is L1, and the distance between the side of the first boss close to the second boss and the first end face 1122 is L2, satisfying: L1>L2, as shown in Figure 5, Figure 5 is a sectional view along AA in Figure 4.

[0040] Understandable, L 1- L2=△L, △L is the maximum assembly tolerance that the pipeline connection structure 011 can absorb or compensate.

[0041] When the first end face 1122 abuts the first surface 1132, the maximum assembly tolerance is absorbed. The second pipe joint 112 and the first pipe joint 111 are now mated, as shown in FIG5 . When the first boss abuts the second boss, the maximum assembly tolerance is compensated. The mating structure of the second pipe joint 112 and the first pipe joint 111 is shown in FIG6 , which is a schematic diagram of the mating structure of the second pipe joint 112 and the first pipe joint 111 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] For example, the diameter of the mating portion between the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 is D, satisfying the following: 10%D≤ΔL≤20%D. It is understood that ΔL includes, but is not limited to, 10%D, 12%D, 13%D, 15%D, 17%D, 18%D, and 20%D. For example, when D is 18 mm, ΔL includes, but is not limited to, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.7 mm, 3.1 mm, and 3.6 mm.

[0043] In this embodiment, through the above-mentioned setting, the blocking cooperation between the second matching structure 1131 and the first matching structure 1121 can be achieved without setting either of them as a groove body, thereby improving the structural strength of the pipeline connection structure 011 under a certain pipeline wall thickness, and ultimately improving the reliability of the pipeline connection structure 011.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 7, which is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 2. In one embodiment, the surface of the first boss facing away from the second pipe joint 112 is a first tapered surface 11211. The small diameter end of the first tapered surface 11211 faces the first end.

[0045] It can be understood that when the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are plugged together, the second boss abuts against the first tapered surface 11211. As the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 move toward each other, the second boss moves along the smaller diameter end of the first tapered surface 11211 to the larger diameter end of the first tapered surface 11211 until the second boss moves to the side of the first boss facing away from the first end surface 1122, thereby completing the plugging of the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112.

[0046] In this embodiment, by providing the first tapered surface 11211, the second boss can be guided by the first tapered surface 11211 when the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are plugged together, thereby reducing the obstruction of the first boss on the second boss. This improves the plugging efficiency of the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the retaining structure 113 and the second boss according to an embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment, the second boss has a first sidewall 11311 facing the outer circumference of the second pipe joint 112. The side of the first sidewall 11311 facing away from the first boss is a second tapered surface 113111. The smaller diameter end of the second tapered surface 113111 faces the first boss.

[0048] It can be understood that when the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are plugged together, the first boss abuts against the second tapered surface 113111. As the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 move toward each other, the first boss moves along the large-diameter end of the second tapered surface 113111 to the small-diameter end of the second tapered surface 113111 until the second boss moves to the side of the first boss facing away from the first end surface 1122, thereby completing the plugging of the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112.

[0049] In this embodiment, by providing the second tapered surface 113111, the first boss can be guided by the second tapered surface 113111 when the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are plugged together, thereby reducing the obstruction of the second boss on the first boss. This improves the plugging efficiency of the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112.

[0050] 7 , in one embodiment, a clearance groove 1123 is provided on the outer circumference of the second pipe joint 112. The clearance groove 1123 is provided adjacent to the first boss and is located on a side of the first boss close to the second boss.

[0051] It can be understood that when first and second pipe joints 111 and 112 are plugged together, the second boss abuts against first tapered surface 11211. As first and second pipe joints 111 and 112 move toward each other, the second boss pushes the first boss toward recess 1123, thereby reducing the diameter of the first boss. When the second boss moves to the side of the first boss facing away from first end surface 1122, the first boss returns to its original position, interlocking with the second boss.

[0052] In this embodiment, through the above arrangement, when the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are plugged together, the second boss can push the first boss to deform toward the clearance groove 1123, thereby reducing the diameter of the first boss and further reducing the obstruction of the first boss on the second boss, so that the second boss can move more smoothly to the side of the first boss away from the first end surface 1122. As a result, the plugging efficiency of the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 can be improved.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the first boss is extended along the periphery of the second pipe joint 112 .

[0054] Exemplarily, the first boss extends along the periphery of the second pipe joint 112 to form an annular structure.

[0055] In this embodiment, through the above arrangement, the first boss can be engaged with the second boss along the circumference of the first pipe joint 111 or the second pipe joint 112 , thereby improving the reliability of the pipe connection structure 011 .

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, in one embodiment, along the plug-in direction, the limiting structure 113 includes a first section 1133, a bending portion 1134 and a second section 1135 connected in sequence, the end of the first section 1133 away from the bending portion 1134 is connected to the first pipe joint 111, and the end of the second section 1135 away from the bending portion 1134 is connected to the second matching structure 1131; along the radial direction of the first pipe joint 111, the end of the bending portion 1134 close to the first pipe joint 111 and the end away from the first pipe joint 111 are respectively connected to the first section 1133 and the second section 1135.

[0057] In this embodiment, through the above arrangement, when the second boss moves along the small-diameter end of the first tapered surface 11211 to the large-diameter end of the first tapered surface 11211, the squeezing force exerted by the first boss on the second boss acts on the bent portion 1134 via the second section 1135, thereby making it easier for the second boss to move radially outward based on the bent portion 1134. This further reduces the obstruction between the first boss and the second boss, allowing the second boss to move more smoothly to the side of the first boss facing away from the first end surface 1122. This improves the efficiency of the connection between the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112.

[0058] In one embodiment, the limiting structure 113 is elastic. For example, the limiting structure 113 is made of plastic or an elastic metal sheet.

[0059] For example, when the limiting structure 113 is made of plastic, the limiting structure 113 can be glued or integrally formed with the first pipe. When the limiting structure 113 is an elastic metal sheet, the limiting structure 113 can be glued, welded or integrally formed with the first pipe.

[0060] In this embodiment, through the above-described arrangement, when the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are plugged together, on the one hand, the second boss can more easily move radially outward due to the elasticity of the limiting structure 113, thereby further reducing the obstruction between the first and second bosses, so that the second boss can more smoothly move to the side of the first boss away from the first end face 1122. This improves the plugging efficiency of the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112. On the other hand, after the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are plugged together, the limiting structure 113 can be restored to its original state due to its own elasticity, thereby preventing damage to the limiting structure 113 and improving the reliability of the plugging between the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112.

[0061] Please refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 . In one embodiment, the pipe connection structure 011 further includes a sealing ring 114 . The sealing ring 114 is disposed between the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 .

[0062] It can be understood that the sealing ring 114 is in a radially compressed state, so that its inner and outer circumferences are sealed against the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 to achieve a sealed connection between the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 .

[0063] For example, the outer circumference of the first pipe joint 111 is provided with a mounting groove 1111, and the sealing ring 114 is provided in the mounting groove 1111. The outer circumference of the sealing ring 114 is sealed with the inner circumference of the second pipe joint 112. In addition, the sealing ring 114 is an O-ring 114.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 are both made of metal.

[0065] For example, the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 include but are not limited to copper pipe joints, alloy pipe joints, and stainless steel pipe joints.

[0066] In this embodiment, the above arrangement can improve the strength of the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 , thereby improving the strength of the pipe connection structure 011 and further improving the reliability of related pipe components using the pipe connection structure 011 .

[0067] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a structural diagram of the thermal management component 001 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present application provides a thermal management component 001, which includes a first main line 012, a second main line 013, a thermal management component 014 and the aforementioned pipe connection structure 011. The thermal management component 014 is provided with a flow channel configured to allow heat exchange medium to circulate. The inlet and outlet of the flow channel are respectively the first port 141 and the second port 142. Among them, one end of the first main line 012 is connected to the first port 141 through a pipe connection structure 011. One end of the second main line 013 is connected to the second port 142 through another pipe connection structure 011.

[0068] It can be understood that one of the first main line 012 and the second main line 013 is a line for supplying heat exchange medium to the flow channel, while the other is a line for allowing the heat exchange medium in the flow channel to flow out. Correspondingly, one of the first port 141 and the second port 142 is a port for allowing the heat exchange medium to flow into the flow channel, while the other is a port for allowing the heat exchange medium to flow out of the flow channel.

[0069] For example, the first main line 012 is a line for supplying heat exchange medium to the flow channel, and the second main line 013 is a line for allowing the heat exchange medium in the flow channel to flow out. Accordingly, the first port 141 is a port for the heat exchange medium to flow into the flow channel, and the second port 142 is a port for the heat exchange medium to flow out of the flow channel.

[0070] In this embodiment, by using the aforementioned pipe connection structure 011, the clearance between the second mating structure 1131 and the first mating structure 1121 can be utilized to allow the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 to move closer to or further away from each other, thereby absorbing or compensating for assembly tolerances of the thermal management assembly 001, thereby reducing the assembly precision requirements for the thermal management assembly 001. This simplifies the pipe connection design of the thermal management assembly 001 and improves the reliability of the thermal management assembly 001.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 10, which is an enlarged view of point C in Figure 9. In one embodiment, the first main conduit 012 has a first flow channel opening, which communicates with the first port 141 through the first flow channel opening. There are two first flow channel openings and two first ports 141, and the two first flow channel openings correspond to the two first ports 141. Specifically, the first main conduit 012 is provided with two first flow channel openings, and the thermal management component 014 is provided with two first ports 141. One first flow channel opening communicates with one first port 141, and the other first flow channel opening communicates with the other first port 141.

[0072] It can be understood that the two first flow channel openings are connected to the corresponding first port 141 through a pipe connection structure 011. Correspondingly, the first main line 012 is a three-way pipe with three pipe openings, two of which are connected to the two first ports 141 respectively, and the third pipe opening is used for liquid inlet.

[0073] In this embodiment, by providing two first flow passages and two first ports 141, compared to providing one first flow passage and one first port 141, the uniformity of the flow of the heat exchange medium within the thermal management component 014 can be enhanced, thereby alleviating the problem of uneven local temperature within the thermal management component 014 and improving the heat dissipation effect. Furthermore, if one of the first flow passages fails, the other can still operate normally, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the thermal management assembly 001.

[0074] Please refer to FIG. 10 . In one embodiment, a pipe connection structure 011 is connected to a portion of the first main channel 012 between two first flow channel openings.

[0075] In this embodiment, a pipe connection structure 011 is provided between the two first flow channel openings, so that a fitting gap is provided between the two first flow channel openings. The assembly tolerance between the two first ports 141 can be absorbed or compensated based on the gap, thereby reducing the assembly accuracy requirements for the thermal management component 001.

[0076] Specifically, the axis of the pipe connection structure 011 between the two first flow channel openings is perpendicular to the axis of the pipe connection structure 011 between the first flow channel openings and the first port 141. This allows the pipe connection structure 011 between the two first flow channel openings and the pipe connection structure 011 between the first flow channel openings and the first port 141 to absorb or compensate for assembly tolerances in two directions, further reducing the assembly precision requirements for the thermal management component 001.

[0077] Accordingly, the connection between the second main line 013 and the second port 142 is identical to the connection between the first main line 012 and the first port 141. Specifically, the second main line 013 has a second flow channel opening, through which the second main line 013 communicates with the second port 142. There are two second flow channels and two second ports 142, each with a one-to-one correspondence between the two second flow channels and the two second ports 142. Specifically, the second main line 013 is provided with two second flow channels, and the thermal management component 014 is provided with two second ports 142, with one second flow channel opening communicating with one second port 142 and the other second flow channel opening communicating with the other second port 142.

[0078] The second main line 013 is connected to the pipe connection structure 011 at a location between the two second flow channel openings. Accordingly, the second main line 013 is a three-way pipe with three pipe openings, two of which are connected to the two second ports 142 respectively, and the third pipe opening is used for liquid discharge.

[0079] In this embodiment, by providing two second flow passages and two second ports 142, compared to providing one second flow passage and one second port 142, on the one hand, the flow uniformity of the heat exchange medium in the thermal management component 014 can be enhanced, thereby improving the problem of local temperature unevenness in the thermal management component 014 and further enhancing the heat dissipation effect. On the other hand, if one of the two second flow passages fails, the other can still operate normally, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the thermal management assembly 001.

[0080] In one embodiment, the thermal management component 014 is provided with a plurality of flow channels. The area of ​​the flow cross section of the flow channel is area B. The lengths of the plurality of flow channels are at least partially different, and area B is positively correlated with the length of the corresponding flow channel.

[0081] It can be understood that the flow channel is used to allow the heat exchange medium to flow. The flow cross section refers to the cross section defined by the flow channel and perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid. The smaller the area B of the flow cross section of the flow channel, the greater the flow resistance of the flow channel to the fluid. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional areas between flow channels of different lengths can be the same or different. When the cross-sectional areas between flow channels of different lengths are different, each flow channel can be a constant diameter flow channel, and the cross section at any position of each flow channel is the area of ​​the flow cross section. When the cross-sectional areas between flow channels of different lengths are the same, a cut-off portion is provided on the flow channel, and the flow cross section area of ​​the cut-off portion of each flow channel is area B. When the cross-sectional areas of flow channels of different lengths are different, it is necessary to adjust the size of the cross section of each flow channel according to factors such as the fluid viscosity of the heat exchange medium, the shape of the flow channel structure, the roughness of the flow channel wall, and the flow velocity to obtain the required flow cross section area, and the design cost and processing and manufacturing cost are relatively high. When the cross-sectional areas of flow channels of different lengths are the same, it is only necessary to adjust the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the intercepting portion according to the above factors, and the remaining portions of the flow channel can be designed and produced in batches, thereby controlling the design cost and processing and manufacturing cost.

[0082] The first ports 141 of the multiple flow channels serve as liquid inlet ports, and the second ports 142 serve as liquid outlet ports. The first ports 141 of the multiple flow channels are connected in parallel to the first main flow channel, and the second ports 142 of the multiple flow channels are connected in parallel to the second main flow channel. When the first main flow channel 012 has a single first flow channel opening, the first port 141 of one of the flow channels also communicates with that first flow channel opening. When the first main flow channel 012 has two first flow channel openings, the first port 141 of one of the multiple flow channels closest to the first main flow channel 012 communicates with the first first flow channel opening, and the first port 141 of the other flow channel closest to the first main flow channel 012 communicates with the other first flow channel opening. When the second main line 013 has one second flow channel opening, the second port 142 of one of the flow channels is also connected to the second flow channel opening; when the second main line 013 has two second flow channel openings, the second port 142 of one of the multiple flow channels close to the second main line 013 is connected to one second flow channel opening, and the second port 142 of another of the multiple flow channels close to the second main line 013 is connected to the other second flow channel opening.

[0083] Compared with series connection, parallel connection can make the flow of heat exchange medium smoother on the one hand, and reduce the temperature difference between the first port 141 and the second port 142 on the other hand, thereby improving the thermal management effect of the battery cell away from the liquid inlet end.

[0084] Furthermore, when thermal management component 014 is used in a battery, it can be a single plate structure with multiple flow channels. In this case, thermal management component 014 is primarily placed at one end of the battery module and thermally coupled to the end surface of the battery cell to provide thermal management for the battery cell. Thermal management component 014 can also consist of multiple plates, each with a flow channel. In this case, the plates can be placed at one end of the battery module or between rows of cells. The plates are thermally coupled to the circumferential surface of the battery cell to provide thermal management for the battery cell.

[0085] In this embodiment, by setting the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel to be positively correlated with the length of the flow channel, the shorter the flow channel, the greater the flow resistance. This reduces the difference in flow resistance between the various flow channels, thereby improving the uniformity of the flow rate across the various flow channels. This improves the uniformity of the thermal management effect of the thermal management component 001 on the battery cells.

[0086] In one embodiment, the flow channel includes a flow channel body 143 and a flow-blocking structure 144 disposed on the flow channel body 143. The flow-through cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel body 143 is Area A. Area A is equal across multiple flow channels. Area B is the flow-through cross-sectional area of ​​the flow-blocking structure 144, satisfying the following condition: Area A ≥ Area B. The flow channel body 143 has a first port 141 and a second port 142 at its ends, respectively.

[0087] It is understood that the intercepting structure 144 can be set at the end of the flow channel body 143 or in the middle of the flow channel body 143, as shown in Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the flow channel structure provided by the embodiment of the present application. Taking the cross section of the flow channel as an example, in Figure 11, the radius of the intercepting structure 144 is r, and the area B of the flow cross section of the intercepting structure 144 is: Area B = πr 2 The radius of the flow channel body 143 is R, and the area A of the flow cross section of the flow channel body 143 is: Area A = πR 2 Wherein, R≥r, so as to realize area A≥area B. The smaller the area B of the flow cross section of the intercepting structure 144 is, the greater the flow resistance of the intercepting structure 144 to the fluid is.

[0088] In this embodiment, by providing a cut-off structure 144 on the flow channel, the area of ​​the flow cross-section of which is positively correlated with the length of the flow channel, on the one hand, the flow resistance of the shorter flow channel can be increased, thereby reducing the difference in flow resistance of each flow channel, thereby improving the uniformity of flow in each flow channel; on the other hand, it is only necessary to adjust the area B of the flow cross-section of each cut-off structure 144 to adjust the flow resistance of the flow channel, while the structure of the flow channel body 143 remains unchanged, and batch design and production can be carried out, thereby controlling design costs and processing and manufacturing costs.

[0089] In one embodiment, the thermal management component 014 includes a plurality of thermal management plates 145. The plurality of flow channels are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of thermal management plates 145.

[0090] It is understood that the thermal management assembly is applied to a battery module, which includes multiple sequentially arranged battery cell rows. Multiple thermal management plates 145 are sequentially arranged along the arrangement of the multiple battery cell rows, with gaps formed between adjacent thermal management plates 145 for accommodating the battery cell rows. When the battery cells are cylindrical, the thermal management plates 145 are serpentine plates, with their surfaces conforming to the battery cells.

[0091] In this embodiment, by setting the thermal management component 014 as a structure of multiple thermal management plates 145, on the one hand, the thermal management plate 145 can be set between two adjacent battery cell columns, thereby increasing the contact area between the thermal management component and the battery cell, thereby improving the thermal management efficiency of the thermal management component 014, and the thermal management plate 145 can also be used instead of the battery cell bracket as the support and positioning structure of the battery cell, simplifying the number of components of the battery; on the other hand, one thermal management plate 145 can be maintained separately, thereby improving the convenience of maintenance and reducing maintenance costs.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat management plate 145 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment, the heat management plate 145 includes a plate body 1451 and a first end plate 1452. A first slot 14521 is provided on the first end plate 1452, as shown in Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end plate 1452 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first end of the plate body 1451 is sealed and plugged into the first slot 14521. The flow channel body 143 includes an inlet channel 1431 and a outlet channel 1432. The inlet channel 1431 and the outlet channel 1432 are arranged in parallel with the plate body 1451. One end of the inlet channel 1431 and one end of the outlet channel 1432 are both connected to the first slot 14521. The other end of the inlet channel 1431 and the other end of the outlet channel 1432 are the first port 141 and the second port 142, respectively. The first end of the plate body 1451 is provided with a shutoff wall 14511. The shutoff wall 14511 is located between the liquid inlet channel 1431 and the liquid outlet channel 1432. The shutoff wall 14511 and the inner wall of the first slot 14521 define a shutoff structure 144, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a top view of the thermal management plate 145 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 14.

[0093] It will be appreciated that the intercepting wall 14511 and the inner wall of the first slot 14521 enclose an annular channel, which serves as the intercepting structure 144. This annular channel is located between the liquid inlet channel 1431 and the liquid outlet channel 1432. The heat exchange medium in the liquid inlet channel 1431 flows through this annular channel and enters the liquid outlet channel 1432. The cross-sectional area B of the intercepting structure 144 can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the annular channel, so that the size of area B is positively correlated with the length of the corresponding flow channel, thereby adjusting the flow resistance of each flow channel.

[0094] For example, the plate body 1451 and the first end plate 1452 are both made of metal with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. After the plate body 1451 and the first end plate 1452 are plugged together, the plate body 1451 and the first end plate 1452 are fixed and sealed by welding.

[0095] In this embodiment, through the above-mentioned arrangement, the cut-off structure 144 is arranged at one end of the heat management plate 145, and the cut-off structure 144 is formed by the opposing surfaces between the first end plate 1452 and the plate body 1451. On the one hand, unnecessary processing complexity can be avoided, so that the forming method of the cut-off structure 144 is simple, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency; on the other hand, the cut-off structure 144 can be adjusted more conveniently according to factors such as the fluid viscosity, flow channel structure shape, flow channel wall roughness, and flow rate of different heat exchange media, thereby improving the cost of structural changes of the thermal management component.

[0096] In addition, multiple partitions 14512 are installed perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in both the inlet channel 1431 and the outlet channel 1432. In the inlet channel 1431, the partitions 14512 divide the channel into multiple sub-channels; in the outlet channel 1432, the partitions 14512 divide the channel into multiple sub-channels. This allows the heat exchange medium to flow in multiple thin streams, preventing adjacent streams from interfering with each other, thereby improving the smoothness of the heat exchange medium flow. Furthermore, this improves the strength of the plate body 1451, thereby enhancing its impact resistance.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 16, which is an enlarged view of point E in Figure 15. In one embodiment, a distance d is defined between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521. For different heat management plates 145, the distance d is positively correlated with the length of the corresponding flow channel. In Figure 16, the heat exchange medium flows from the inlet channel 1431 into one side of the first slot 14521, then passes through the intercepting wall 14511 and flows into the other side of the first slot 14521, where it then flows into the outlet channel 1432.

[0098] It can be understood that the larger the distance d between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521, the larger the flow cross-sectional area B of the intercepting structure 144, and the smaller the flow resistance of the intercepting structure 144 to the fluid; conversely, the smaller the flow cross-sectional area B of the intercepting structure 144, the greater the flow resistance of the intercepting structure 144 to the fluid. Therefore, by adjusting the distance d between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521 to obtain the desired area B, the flow resistance of flow channels of different lengths can be adjusted, ultimately improving the consistency of the flow resistance of each flow channel.

[0099] 13 and 16 , the following description is made of the area B of the flow-through cross-section of the intercepting structure 144. The intercepting structure 144 is enclosed by the intercepting wall 14511, the bottom of the first slot 14521, and the portion of the slot wall of the first slot 14521 located between the bottom and the intercepting wall 14511. For example, the flow-through cross-section of the intercepting structure 144 is rectangular, i.e., the two side walls of the first slot 14521 are parallel to each other, the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521 are parallel to each other, and the intercepting wall 14511 is perpendicular to the wall of the first slot 14521. In FIG13 , the width dimension of the first slot 14521 is w, i.e., the wide side dimension of the flow-through cross-section of the intercepting structure 144 is w. In Figure 16 , the distance between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521 is d, meaning the long dimension of the flow-through section of the intercepting structure 144 is d. Both this long dimension and this wide dimension are perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow at the intercepting wall 14511 (see Figure 13 , where fluid flows from left to right at the intercepting wall 14511). Therefore, the cross-section encompassing these long and wide dimensions represents the flow-through section of the intercepting structure 144. Accordingly, the area B of the flow-through section of the intercepting structure 144 is: Area B = wd.

[0100] As can be seen from the above, the area B of the flow cross-section is positively correlated with the spacing d, which in turn is positively correlated with the length of the corresponding flow channel. Therefore, the spacing d is positively correlated with the length of the corresponding flow channel. Thus, while maintaining a constant insertion depth of the plate body 1451 into the first slot 14521, the depth of the first slot 14521 can be adjusted for flow channels of varying lengths. Alternatively, while maintaining a constant insertion depth of the first slot 14521, the spacing d can be adjusted by adjusting the insertion depth of the plate body 1451 into the first slot 14521. Thus, by adjusting the spacing d between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521, the desired long dimension of the flow cross-section of the intercepting structure 144 can be obtained, thereby adjusting the area of ​​the flow cross-section of the intercepting structure 144. In this way, by adjusting the insertion depth of the plate body 1451 into the first slot 14521, the flow resistance of flow channels of varying lengths can be adjusted, thereby improving the consistency of the flow resistance across the various flow channels.

[0101] For example, the length L of the flow channel is L1, L2, ..., L n In the flow channel with a length of L1, the distance between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521 is d1. In the flow channel with a length of L2, the distance between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521 is d2=d1+δ1, ..., the length is L n In the flow channel, the distance between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521 is d n =d1+δ n The value of δ can be obtained by simulation based on factors such as the fluid viscosity of different heat exchange media, the shape of the flow channel structure, the roughness of the flow channel wall, and the flow velocity.

[0102] In addition, the following example illustrates a case where the inlet channel 1431 and the outlet channel 1432 are arranged in parallel, have the same length, and have three length sizes for the inlet channel 1431. The three length sizes for the inlet channel 1431 are 56 mm, 104 mm, and 124 mm, respectively. Specifically, in the case of the 56 mm length of the inlet channel 1431, d is 0.6 mm. In the case of the 104 mm length of the inlet channel 1431, d is 2.6 mm. In the case of the 124 mm length of the inlet channel 1431, d is 4.6 mm.

[0103] In this embodiment, the area B of the flow cross section of the intercepting structure 144 is adjusted by adjusting the distance d between the intercepting wall 14511 and the bottom of the first slot 14521, so that the intercepting structure 144 is simple and easy to adjust, which is conducive to controlling the manufacturing cost of the thermal management component.

[0104] Please refer to Figure 17, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack 002 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present application also provides a battery pack 002, which includes a battery module. The battery module includes a module housing 021, battery cells, and the aforementioned thermal management assembly 001. Module housing 021 has a mounting cavity; multiple battery cells are disposed in the mounting cavity; and thermal management component 014 is disposed in the mounting cavity and is thermally coupled to the multiple battery cells.

[0105] In this embodiment, by using the aforementioned thermal management assembly 001, the clearance between the second mating structure 1131 and the first mating structure 1121 can be utilized to allow the first pipe joint 111 and the second pipe joint 112 to move closer to or further from each other, thereby absorbing or compensating for assembly tolerances of the thermal management assembly 001 and thereby reducing the assembly precision requirements for the thermal management assembly 001. This improves the ease of assembly of the battery pack 002 and the reliability of the battery pack 002.

[0106] Please refer to Figure 18, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of another battery pack 002 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment, there are multiple battery modules, and the first main circuits 012 of the multiple battery modules are connected in parallel, and the second main circuits 013 of the multiple battery modules are connected in parallel. Specifically, the multiple battery modules are stacked sequentially along a first direction, and the first main circuits 012 of the multiple battery modules are sequentially connected in parallel along the first direction, and the second main circuits 013 of the multiple battery modules are sequentially connected in parallel.

[0107] The first direction may be parallel to the axial direction of the battery cell or may be an angled direction with respect to the axial direction of the battery cell. The first direction is specifically designed according to the installation space of the battery pack 002 and is not limited here.

[0108] In addition, the heat exchange medium inflow and outflow pipes of the thermal management component 001 of each battery module are arranged on the same side of the battery pack 002. This allows the pipes of the thermal management components 001 of each battery module to overlap in the first direction, thereby reducing the size of the battery pack 002.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first main circuits 012 and the second main circuits 013 of the plurality of battery modules are connected in parallel, so that the heat exchange medium enters and exits the respective thermal management components 001 synchronously, thereby ensuring that the liquid enters each thermal management component 001 sufficiently and evenly, and improving the temperature consistency of each battery module.

Claims

1. A pipe connection structure, comprising: A first pipe joint (111); A second pipe joint (112) having a first end, the first end being inserted into one end of the first pipe joint (111), and a first mating structure (1121) being provided on the outer surface of the second pipe joint (112); A limiting structure (113), one end being connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe joint (111), and a second mating structure (1131) being provided at the other end; Along the insertion direction, the second mating structure (1131) is in abutting and mating with the first mating structure (1121), and along the insertion direction, the second mating structure (1131) is in clearance fit with the first mating structure (1121).

2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein, The first mating structure (1121) is a first boss, and the second mating structure (1131) is a second boss, and the second boss is located on a side of the first boss away from the first end; One end of the second pipe joint (112) inserted into the first pipe joint (111) is the first end, the second pipe joint (112) has a first end face (1122) located at the first end, and the limiting structure (113) has a first surface (1132) disposed opposite to the first end face (1122); the distance between one side of the second boss close to the first boss and the first surface (1132) is L1, and the distance between one side of the first boss close to the second boss and the first end face (1122) is L2, satisfying: L1 > L2.

3. The pipe connection structure according to claim 2, wherein, The surface of the first boss away from the second pipe joint (112) is a first conical surface (11211), and the small-diameter end of the first conical surface (11211) faces the first end.

4. The pipe connection structure according to claim 2, wherein, The second boss has a first side wall (11311) facing the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe joint (112), and the side of the first side wall (11311) away from the first boss is a second conical surface (113111), and the small-diameter end of the second conical surface (113111) faces the first boss.

5. The pipe connection structure according to claim 2, wherein, A relief groove (1123) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe joint (112), the relief groove (1123) is adjacent to the first boss and is located on a side of the first boss close to the second boss.

6. The pipe connection structure according to claim 2, wherein The first boss extends along the circumference of the second pipe joint (112).

7. The pipe connection structure according to claim 6, wherein, The first boss extends along the circumference of the second pipe joint (112) to form an annular structure.

8. The pipe connection structure according to claim 2, wherein, L1 - L2 = ΔL, and the diameter of the mating portion between the first pipe joint (111) and the second pipe joint (112) is D, satisfying: 10%D ≤ ΔL ≤ 20%D.

9. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein In the first mating structure (1121) and the second mating structure (1131), one is a groove body and the other is a convex member, at least part of the convex member is located in the groove in combination, along the insertion direction, the convex member is in abutting and mating with the groove body, and along the insertion direction, the convex member is in clearance fit with the groove body.

10. The pipe connection structure according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, Along the insertion direction, the limiting structure (113) includes a first section (1133), a bending portion (1134), and a second section (1135) that are connected in sequence. One end of the first section (1133) facing away from the bending portion (1134) is connected to the first pipe joint (111), and one end of the second section (1135) facing away from the bending portion (1134) is connected to the second mating structure (1131); along the radial direction of the first pipe joint (111), one end of the bending portion (1134) close to the first pipe joint (111) and one end facing away from the first pipe joint (111) are respectively connected to the first section (1133) and the second section (1135).

11. The pipe connection structure according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The limiting structure (113) is elastic.

12. The pipe connection structure (011) according to claim 11, wherein, The material of the limiting structure (113) is plastic.

13. The pipeline connection structure according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The pipeline connection structure (011) further includes a sealing ring (114), and the sealing ring (114) is arranged between the first pipe joint (111) and the second pipe joint (112).

14. The pipe connection structure according to claim 13, wherein, An installation groove (1111) is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe joint (111), the sealing ring (114) is arranged in the installation groove (1111), and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing ring (114) is in sealing fit with the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe joint (112).

15. The pipe connection structure according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The materials of the first pipe joint (111) and the second pipe joint (112) are both metal.

16. A thermal management assembly, comprising: A first main pipeline (012); A second main pipeline (013); A thermal management component (014) provided with a flow channel configured for a heat exchange medium to flow through, and an inlet and an outlet of the flow channel are a first port (141) and a second port (142) respectively; The thermal management assembly (001) further includes the pipeline connection structure (011) according to any one of claims 1-15; One end of the first main pipeline (012) is communicated with the first port (141) through one of the pipeline connection structures (011), and one end of the second main pipeline (013) is communicated with the second port (142) through another pipeline connection structure (011).

17. The thermal management component according to claim 16, wherein, The first main pipeline (012) has a first flow port, and the first main pipeline (012) is communicated with the first port (141) through the first flow port. Both the first flow port and the first port (141) have two, and the two first flow ports are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the two first ports (141).

18. The thermal management component according to claim 17, wherein, The pipeline connection structure (011) is connected to a portion of the first main pipeline (012) located between the two first flow ports.

19. The thermal management component according to claim 16, wherein, The second main pipeline (013) has a second flow port, and the second main pipeline (013) is communicated with the second port (142) through the second flow port. Both the second flow port and the second port (142) have two, and the two second flow ports are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the two second ports (142).

20. The thermal management component according to claim 19, wherein, The pipeline connection structure (011) is connected to a position on the second main pipeline (013) and between the two second fluid ports.

21. The thermal management component according to claim 16, wherein The thermal management component (014) is provided with a plurality of flow channels. The cross-sectional area of the flow channels is area B. At least part of the lengths of the plurality of flow channels are different, and the area B is positively correlated with the length of the corresponding flow channel.

22. The thermal management component according to claim 21, wherein, The flow channel includes a flow channel body (143) and a flow intercepting structure (144) provided on the flow channel body (143). The cross-sectional area of the flow channel body (143) is area A. The areas A of the plurality of flow channels are equal. The area B is the cross-sectional area of the flow intercepting structure (144), satisfying: area A ≥ area B; Both ends of the flow channel body (143) are a first port (141) and a second port (142) respectively.

23. The thermal management component according to claim 22, wherein, The thermal management component (014) includes a plurality of thermal management plates (145), and the plurality of flow channels are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of thermal management plates (145).

24. The thermal management component according to claim 23, wherein, The thermal management plate (145) includes a plate body (1451) and a first end plate (1452). A first slot (14521) is provided on the first end plate (1452). The first end of the plate body (1451) is hermetically inserted into the first slot (14521). The flow channel body (143) includes a liquid inlet channel (1431) and a liquid outlet channel (1432). The liquid inlet channel (1431) and the liquid outlet channel (1432) are arranged in parallel on the plate body (1451). One end of the liquid inlet channel (1431) and one end of the liquid outlet channel (1432) are both communicated with the first slot (14521). The other end of the liquid inlet channel (1431) and the other end of the liquid outlet channel (1432) are the first port (141) and the second port (142) respectively. A flow intercepting wall (14511) is provided at the first end of the plate body (1451). The flow intercepting wall (14511) is located between the liquid inlet channel (1431) and the liquid outlet channel (1432). The flow intercepting wall (14511) and the inner wall of the first slot (14521) define the flow intercepting structure (144).

25. The thermal management component according to claim 24, wherein, There is a distance d between the flow intercepting wall (14511) and the bottom of the first slot (14521). For different thermal management plates (145), the distance d is positively correlated with the length of the corresponding flow channel.

26. A battery pack, including a battery module, and the battery module includes: A module box body (021) having an installation cavity; A plurality of battery cells arranged in the installation cavity; The thermal management assembly (001) according to any one of claims 16-25, wherein the thermal management component (014) is arranged in the installation cavity, and the thermal management component (014) is thermally coupled to the plurality of battery cells.

27. The battery pack according to claim 26, wherein, There are a plurality of the battery modules, the first main pipelines (012) of the plurality of battery modules are connected in parallel, and the second main pipelines (013) of the plurality of battery modules are connected in parallel.

28. The battery pack according to claim 27, wherein, The multiple battery modules are sequentially stacked along a first direction. Along the first direction, first main pipelines (012) of the multiple battery modules are sequentially connected in parallel, and second main pipelines (013) of the multiple battery modules are sequentially connected in parallel.

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