Liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application is a liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection, comprising: a liquid cooling plate assembly, which comprises two or more liquid cooling plate branches, each of the liquid cooling plate branches being provided with a quick plug-in socket; and a direct-cooling type liquid cooling pipeline, which comprises an L-shaped quick plug-in connector, at least one T-shaped quick plug-in connector and a hydraulic connector which are sequentially connected by means of a communication pipe, the quick plug-in socket of each of the liquid cooling plate branches being plugged with the L-shaped quick plug-in connector or the T-shaped quick plug-in connector so as to connect the liquid cooling plate branch to the direct-cooling type liquid cooling pipeline.

Description

A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 29, 2024, with application number 2024206469572. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field related to liquid cooling, and in particular to a liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection. Background Art

[0003] With the rapid development of battery technology, battery thermal management technology, as a key component in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of battery systems, is gaining increasing attention in the industry. Liquid cooling and liquid heating solutions are widely used in battery thermal management due to their excellent heat dissipation performance. However, current liquid cooling and liquid heating solutions primarily rely on expansion joints using nylon tubing, a connection method that has significant limitations when dealing with high operating pressures.

[0004] Specifically, the burst pressure of nylon tube expansion joints is generally around 2 MPa. However, in direct cooling thermal management solutions, the actual system operating pressure is often in the 1-2 MPa range, sometimes even higher. This means that existing nylon tube expansion joints are difficult to meet the higher burst pressure safety requirements of direct cooling thermal management solutions. If the pipe cannot withstand the operating pressure and bursts, it may cause serious damage to the battery system and even cause a safety accident.

[0005] To solve this problem, the industry has tried a variety of solutions, among which metal welding is a common one. Metal welding can ensure that the pipe joints have sufficient strength and sealing to meet the requirements of high burst pressure. Technical issues

[0006] Metal welding presents a significant problem: the inability to effectively absorb tolerances when installing the connection.

[0007] Because tolerances are inevitable during the manufacturing and assembly of battery liquid cooling systems, metal welding cannot effectively absorb these tolerances, leading to assembly difficulties. This not only increases manufacturing costs but also may affect the overall performance of the battery liquid cooling system. Technical Solutions

[0008] The present application provides a liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection, comprising: a liquid cooling plate assembly, wherein the liquid cooling plate assembly comprises two or more groups of liquid cooling plate branches, and each of the liquid cooling plate branches is provided with a quick-plug socket; a direct cooling liquid cooling pipe, wherein the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe comprises an L-shaped quick-plug connector, at least one T-shaped quick-plug connector and a hydraulic connector connected in sequence by a connecting pipe; the quick-plug socket of each liquid cooling plate branch is plugged into the T-shaped quick-plug connector or into the T-shaped quick-plug connector to connect the liquid cooling plate branch and the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe. Beneficial effects

[0009] 1. Using quick-connect fittings instead of traditional welding not only simplifies the assembly process but also ensures sufficient strength and sealing at the pipe joints to meet high burst pressure requirements. This ensures the liquid cooling system can operate safely and stably under high-pressure working environments and reduces the safety risks caused by pipe bursts.

[0010] 2. The quick-connect connector design effectively absorbs tolerances during manufacturing and assembly, simplifying installation and reducing manufacturing costs. This design also improves production cycle time, reduces production costs, and enhances the reliability and stability of the liquid cooling system, reducing the risk of failure due to improper assembly.

[0011] 3. The direct cooling liquid cooling pipe adopts L-type quick-connect connectors and T-type quick-connect connectors, which makes the pipe more flexible to adapt to different installation environments and spatial layouts when connecting the liquid cooling plate branches.

[0012] 4. The hydraulic joint, L-type quick-connect joint and T-type quick-connect joint are connected by a connecting pipe, which avoids the problem of insufficient pipeline space reserved due to integral injection molding and realizes the manufacturability and assemblability of the pipeline system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a direct-cooling liquid cooling pipeline according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a partial explosion structure of a direct-cooling liquid cooling pipeline according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an L-shaped quick-connect connector according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a T-type quick-connect connector according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the liquid cooling plate branch and the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the connection between the liquid cooling plate branch and the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid cooling system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Among them, the meanings of the figure marks are as follows: 1. Liquid cooling plate assembly; 11. Liquid cooling plate branch; 111. Liquid cooling heat exchange plate; 112. Collector; 113. Closure; 2. Quick-plug socket; 3. Direct cooling liquid cooling pipe; 31. L-type quick-plug connector; 311. Third interface; 312. Second plug interface; 32. T-type quick-plug connector; 321. First interface; 322. Second interface; 323. First plug interface; 33. Hydraulic connector; 331. Bending portion; 34. Wall connector; 4. Connecting pipe; 5. Liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe; 6. Liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Example 1 of the present application, referring to Figures 1 to 7, discloses a liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection, including a liquid cooling plate assembly 1 and a direct cooling liquid cooling pipe 3, the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 includes more than two groups of liquid cooling plate branches 11, each of the liquid cooling plate branches 11 is provided with a quick-plug socket 2, the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe 3 includes an L-shaped quick-plug connector 31 connected in sequence by a connecting pipe 4, the connecting pipe 4 is a hydrogen permeation pipeline, at least one T-shaped quick-plug connector 32 and a hydraulic connector 33, specifically, the T-shaped quick-plug connector 32 includes a first interface 321, a second interface 322 and a first plug interface 323, the first plug interface 323 is plugged into the quick-plug socket 2, the L-shaped quick-plug connector 31 includes a third interface 311 and a second plug interface 312, the second plug interface 312 is plugged into the quick-plug socket 2. When only one T-type quick-connector 32 is provided, one of the first interface 321 and the second interface 322 of the T-type quick-connector 32 is connected to the third interface 311 of the L-type quick-connector 31 via a connecting tube 4, and the other is connected to the hydraulic connector 33 via a connecting tube 4. In some embodiments, the connecting tube 4 is connected to the T-type quick-connector 32, the L-type quick-connector 31, and the hydraulic connector 33 using a laser welder. When more than two T-type quick-connectors 32 are provided, the first interface 321 of two adjacent T-type quick-connectors 32 is connected to the second interface 32 of the adjacent T-type quick-connectors 32, thereby achieving an end-to-end connection between the two or more T-type quick-connectors 32. It should be noted that the total number of T-type quick-connectors 32 and L-type quick-connectors 31 is equal to the number of liquid cooling plate branches 11. The liquid cooling system connected by the direct cooling connection of the above scheme can make the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe 3 more flexible to adapt to different installation environments and spatial layouts when connecting the liquid cooling plate branch 11, reduce unnecessary bends and the number of joints, and reduce the complexity and manufacturing cost of the system. The quick plug socket 2 of each liquid cooling plate branch 11 is plugged into the T-shaped quick plug connector 32 or plugged into the T-shaped quick plug connector 32 to connect the liquid cooling plate branch 11 and the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe 3. The connection between the plug connector and the quick plug socket 2 realizes a quick and convenient connection between the liquid cooling plate branch 11 and the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe 3. This connection method not only simplifies the assembly process, but also can effectively absorb tolerances.

[0022] It should be noted that, in order to achieve a lightweight design, at least some of the connecting pipe 4, L-type quick-connect connector 31, T-type quick-connect connector 32, and hydraulic connector 33 are made of lightweight materials. In some embodiments, the lightweight material is PA11, PA610, or PA6. PA11 (poly-11-amino-caprolactam) is a bio-based polymer with high chemical corrosion resistance and excellent heat resistance. PA610 (poly-6-aminocaproamide) is a special nylon with a relatively high melting point and excellent mechanical properties. PA6 (polycaprolactam) is a widely used general-purpose nylon with good toughness, wear resistance, and chemical stability.

[0023] Typically, a direct-cooling liquid cooling system usually has at least two direct-cooling liquid cooling pipes 3 for liquid inlet and outlet. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, two direct-cooling liquid cooling pipes 3 are provided, including a liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe 5 and a liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe 6. The liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe 5 is used to inject coolant into the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, and the liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe 6 is used to discharge the coolant in the liquid cooling plate assembly 1, forming a complete cooling cycle, so that the coolant in the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 can circulate, which not only improves the cooling efficiency, but also helps to maintain a stable operating temperature of the battery system.

[0024] The liquid cooling plate branch 11 includes a liquid cooling heat exchange plate 111 and at least one fluid collector 112. The fluid collector 112 is connected to the end of the liquid cooling heat exchange plate 111 for converging the cooling liquid, which is conducive to connection with the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe 3. The quick plug socket 2 is arranged on the fluid collector 112 to achieve quick connection with the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe 3. In this embodiment 1, each of the liquid cooling plate branches 11 includes a fluid collector 112. The fluid collector 112 is connected to one end of the liquid cooling heat exchange plate 111, and the other end of the liquid cooling heat exchange plate 111 is provided with a closure 113. There are two quick plug sockets 2 on the fluid collector 112, which are respectively connected to the liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe 5 and the liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe 6. The liquid-cooled heat exchange plate 111 adopts a serpentine liquid cooling plate, which has multiple liquid cooling channels, and each channel is closed so that the coolant passing through the channel flows in a U-shape, so as to realize liquid inlet and outlet from the two quick-plug sockets 2 on the collector 112. By arranging the liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe 5 and the liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe 6 on the same side of the liquid cooling plate, the space occupation problem of the liquid cooling plate assembly 1 can be reduced.

[0025] In some embodiments, each of the liquid-cooled plate branches 11 includes two current collectors 112, and the two current collectors 112 are respectively connected to the two ends of the liquid-cooled heat exchange plate 111. Each of the current collectors 112 is provided with a quick-plug socket 2. The quick-plug socket 2 at one end of the liquid-cooled heat exchange plate 111 is plugged and connected to the liquid-cooled pipe inlet pipe 5, and the quick-plug socket 2 at the other end of the liquid-cooled heat exchange plate 111 is plugged and connected to the liquid-cooled pipe outlet pipe 6. The liquid-cooled heat exchange plate 111 can adopt a serpentine liquid cooling plate or a liquid cooling plate of other structures. This embodiment is not specifically limited. A single flow channel or multiple flow channels can be provided in the liquid-cooled heat exchange plate 111, and each flow channel is a straight line shape to connect the two quick-plug sockets 2 on the current collectors 112 at both ends of the liquid cooling plate to realize liquid inlet and outlet. By providing the liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe 5 on both sides of the liquid cooling plate, the cooling liquid in the liquid cooling plate can be replaced quickly and the heat exchange effect is better.

[0026] Optionally, a through-wall joint 34 may be added to the direct-cooling liquid cooling pipe 3. One end of the through-wall joint 34 is connected to the other end of the hydraulic joint 33 via a connecting pipe 4. In some embodiments, the connection is laser welding. A quick connector may also be provided between the connecting pipe 4 and the hydraulic joint 33 to achieve rapid connection. The through-wall joint 34 can pass through walls or other obstacles to connect the liquid cooling pipes between different spaces or areas. This design is particularly suitable for liquid cooling system layouts that need to span walls or partitions.

[0027] In some embodiments, in order to adapt to the gap setting at the edge of the battery pack and improve space utilization, the hydraulic connector 33 itself can be provided with a bending portion 331. The bending angle of the bending portion 331 is a right angle, which can adapt to the edge structure of the battery pack shell. The right-angle bending portion 331 can reduce unnecessary pipe bends and the number of connectors, and can withstand a certain amount of pressure and torque, effectively preventing the connector from loosening or deforming during operation, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the entire liquid cooling system.

[0028] It should be noted that in this embodiment 1, whether to set the connecting pipe 4 can be selected according to actual conditions. For example, the hydraulic connector 33 can be directly laser welded to the first interface 321 or the second interface 322 of the T-type quick connector 32, thereby saving the connecting pipe 4 and saving space.

[0029] By adopting segmented injection molding combined with laser welding, flexible installation of the T-type quick-plug connector 32, the L-type quick-plug connector 31, the wall connector 34 and the hydraulic connector 33 can be achieved, which is conducive to the production of different liquid cooling plate branches 11, meets the space utilization problem, and improves the manufacturability and assemblability of the direct cooling liquid cooling pipe 3.

[0030] In summary, the liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection provided by this application has the following technical effects:

[0031] 1. Using quick-connect fittings instead of traditional welding not only simplifies the assembly process but also ensures sufficient strength and sealing at the pipe joints to meet high burst pressure requirements. This ensures the liquid cooling system can operate safely and stably under high-pressure working environments and reduces the safety risks caused by pipe bursts.

[0032] 2. The quick-connect connector design effectively absorbs tolerances during manufacturing and assembly, simplifying installation and reducing manufacturing costs. This design also improves production cycle time, reduces production costs, and enhances the reliability and stability of the liquid cooling system, reducing the risk of failure due to improper assembly.

[0033] 3. The direct-cooling liquid cooling pipe 3 uses an L-shaped quick-connect connector 31 and a T-shaped quick-connect connector 32, allowing the pipe to be more flexibly adapted to different installation environments and spatial layouts when connecting to the liquid cooling plate branch 11;

[0034] 4. The hydraulic connector 33, L-type quick connector 31 and T-type quick connector 32 are connected by a connecting pipe 4, which avoids the problem of insufficient pipeline space reserved due to integral injection molding and realizes the manufacturability and assemblability of the pipeline system.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection, comprising: A liquid cooling plate assembly (1), the liquid cooling plate assembly (1) comprising two or more groups of liquid cooling plate branches (11), each of the liquid cooling plate branches (11) being provided with a quick-connect socket (2); A direct-cooling liquid cooling pipe (3), comprising an L-shaped quick-connect joint (31), at least one T-shaped quick-connect joint (32), and a hydraulic joint (33) connected in sequence by a connecting pipe (4); The quick-plug socket (2) of each liquid cooling plate branch (11) is plugged into the T-shaped quick-plug connector (32) or plugged into the T-shaped quick-plug connector (32) to connect the liquid cooling plate branch (11) and the direct-cooling liquid cooling pipe (3).

2. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to claim 1, wherein: The direct cooling liquid cooling pipe (3) is provided with at least two, including a liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe (5) and a liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe (6), the liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe (5) is used to inject cooling liquid into the liquid cooling plate assembly (1), and the liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe (6) is used to discharge the cooling liquid in the liquid cooling plate assembly (1).

3. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to claim 2, wherein: The liquid cooling plate branch (11) comprises: Liquid cooling heat exchange plate (111); At least one current collector (112), the current collector (112) is connected to the end of the liquid-cooled heat exchange plate (111), and the quick-connect socket (2) is arranged on the current collector (112).

4. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the liquid cooling plate branches (11) includes a fluid collector (112), the fluid collector (112) is connected to one end of the liquid cooling heat exchange plate (111), and the other end of the liquid cooling heat exchange plate (111) is provided with a closing member (113). Two quick-connect sockets (2) are provided on the fluid collector (112), which are respectively connected to the liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe (5) and the liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe (6).

5. The liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the liquid cooling plate branches (11) includes two fluid collectors (112), and the two fluid collectors (112) are respectively connected to the two ends of the liquid cooling heat exchange plate (111). Each of the fluid collectors (112) is provided with a quick-plug socket (2), the quick-plug socket (2) located at one end of the liquid cooling heat exchange plate (111) is plugged and connected to the liquid cooling pipe inlet pipe (5), and the quick-plug socket (2) located at the other end of the liquid cooling heat exchange plate (111) is plugged and connected to the liquid cooling pipe outlet pipe (6).

6. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The direct cooling liquid cooling pipe (3) further comprises a wall-penetrating joint (34), one end of which is connected to the other end of the hydraulic joint (33) via a connecting pipe (4).

7. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The L-shaped quick-connect connector (31) comprises: A third interface (311), the third interface (311) and the connecting pipe (4) are laser welded; A second plug interface (312), the second plug interface (312) is plugged into the quick-connect socket (2).

8. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The T-shaped quick-connect connector (32) comprises: A first interface (321), the first interface (321) and the connecting pipe (4) are laser welded; A second interface (322), the second interface (322) being laser welded to the connecting pipe (4); A first plug interface (323), the first plug interface (323) is plugged into the quick-connect socket (2).

9. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The hydraulic joint (33) itself has a bending portion (331), and the bending angle of the bending portion (331) is a right angle.

10. A liquid cooling system with direct cooling connection according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The liquid-cooling heat exchange plate (111) is a serpentine liquid-cooling plate with multiple flow channels.

Images