Flow collector and liquid cooling assembly

Abstract

A flow collector, comprising: a first flow collecting housing (1); a second flow collecting housing (2), the first flow collecting housing (1) being covered with the second flow collecting housing (2) to form a flow collecting cavity having a flow convergence opening (3); and a flow collector plug (4), the flow collector plug (4) being inserted into the flow collecting cavity and dividing the flow collecting cavity into a first flow guide cavity (51) and a second flow guide cavity (52), the first flow guide cavity (51) and the second flow guide cavity (52) both being communicated with the flow convergence opening (3), and the flow collector plug (4) being provided with a first force receiving portion (41) for fittingly supporting the first flow collecting housing (1) and a second force receiving portion (42) for fittingly supporting the second flow collecting housing (2).

Description

A current collector and liquid cooling assembly

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 2024219515579 filed on August 12, 2024 with the China Patent Office, the whole content of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of batteries, in particular to a current collector and a liquid cooling assembly. BACKGROUND

[0003] At present, cylindrical batteries have the characteristics of high energy density and high power, and are one of the mainstream choices for PACK packages. Under such a background, the importance of battery thermal management systems is increasingly prominent, and liquid cooling technology as one of the efficient heat dissipation methods has become one of the key technologies to improve the performance of electric vehicles. Generally, the liquid cooling method of cylindrical battery package mainly adopts the method of attaching the battery cell on the side of the serpentine tube.

[0004] The related serpentine tube includes a tube body with a channel and a current collecting pipe head with two cavities, the end of the tube body is connected to the current collecting pipe head, and the two ends of the channel are respectively communicated with the cavities of the two current collecting pipe heads, and the current collecting pipe head is connected with a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe respectively communicated with the two cavities. TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] However, the related current collecting pipe head adopts a machine-made current collector process. In the traditional machine-made current collector production process, a large amount of manpower and material resources need to be invested, and the precision of the machine-made process is not easy to grasp, therefore, it is easy to lead to high production cost, which is not conducive to the current severe cost reduction pressure. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a current collector, comprising: a first current collecting shell; a second current collecting shell, the first current collecting shell and the second current collecting shell are covered to form a current collecting cavity with a current collecting opening; a current collector plug, the current collector plug is inserted into the inside of the current collecting cavity and separates the current collecting cavity into a first flow guide cavity and a second flow guide cavity, the first flow guide cavity and the second flow guide cavity are both communicated with the current collecting opening, and the current collector plug is provided with a first stress part for attaching and supporting the first current collecting shell and a second stress part for attaching and supporting the second current collecting shell.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present application provides a liquid cooling assembly, comprising the above-mentioned current collector. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

[0008] The beneficial effects of the present application are: by cooperation of the first current collecting shell, the second current collecting shell and the current collector plug, not only the first flow guide cavity and the second flow guide cavity for guiding fluid can be formed, but also the first current collecting shell, the second current collecting shell and the current collector plug can be separately processed and manufactured, realizing mass production and automation, reducing processing difficulty, and reducing the cost by about 5% compared with the traditional machining current collector process, thereby solving the problem of high cost of the related current collector head.

[0009] In addition, under the action of the current collector plug, the structural strength of the current collector as a whole is improved, the stability and processing precision of the current collector in the processes such as stamping forming and brazing reinforcement are ensured, and the deformation of the first current collecting shell and the second current collecting shell in the current collector during production is reduced or avoided, thereby effectively solving the problem that the precision is difficult to grasp when the related current collector head adopts the machining current collector process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 is a first assembly structure diagram of a current collector according to the present application;

[0011] Fig. 2 is a partial enlarged view of A in Fig. 1;

[0012] Fig. 3 is a second assembly structure diagram of a current collector according to the present application;

[0013] Fig. 4 is a first exploded structure diagram of a current collector according to the present application;

[0014] Fig. 5 is a partial enlarged view of B in Fig. 4;

[0015] Fig. 6 is a second exploded structure diagram of a current collector according to the present application;

[0016] Fig. 7 is a structure diagram of a current collector plug according to the present application.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a first assembly structure diagram of a current collector according to the present application;

[0018] Embodiments of the present application

[0019] Specifically, please refer to the drawings 1-6, the application discloses a current collector, comprising a first current collector shell 1, a second current collector shell 2 and a current collector plug 4. The first current collector shell 1 is protrudingly formed with a first cavity wall 11, and a first folding edge part 12 is formed between the first cavity wall 11 and the first current collector shell 1, that is, the first current collector shell 1, the first folding edge part 12 and the first cavity wall 11 are integrally formed. Similarly, the second current collector shell 2 is protrudingly formed with a second cavity wall 21, and a second folding edge part 22 is formed between the second cavity wall 21 and the second current collector shell 2, that is, the second current collector shell 2, the second folding edge part 22 and the second cavity wall 21 are integrally formed. The first folding edge part 12, the first cavity wall 11, the second folding edge part 22 and the second cavity wall 21 are all formed by die stamping.

[0020] In this way, the current collector can be mass-produced, streamlined and automated by stamping die, which can greatly save time and improve production efficiency compared with traditional machining process, while greatly reducing the difficulty of processing and production cost, ensuring and improving the precision of the current collector, and reducing the error in the production and assembly process.

[0021] The unexpected effect is that the current collector can also adjust the stamping die according to different scenes, and then change different forming shapes, so as to solve the problem that the milling cutter cannot be too long and deep into the cavity in the traditional current collector process, which is beneficial to the demand of the battery pack and the strict assembly requirement in the space of the battery pack.

[0022] Optionally, please refer to the drawings 1, 2 and 3, the first current collector shell 1 and the second current collector shell 2 are combined to form a current collecting cavity with a current collecting opening 3, that is, after the first current collector shell 1 and the second current collector shell 2 are combined, the first folding edge part 12, the first cavity wall 11, the second folding edge part 22 and the second cavity wall 21 form a current collecting cavity with a current collecting opening 3. The above-mentioned current collector plug 4 is inserted into the inside of the current collecting cavity, and divides the current collecting cavity into a first flow guide cavity 51 and a second flow guide cavity 52, both of which can communicate with the current collecting opening 3. The current collector plug 4 is provided with a first stress part 41 for abutting and supporting the first current collector shell 1 and a second stress part 42 for abutting and supporting the second current collector shell 2.

[0023] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the shape and size of the first stress part 41 is adapted to the shape and size of the first folded edge part 12, and the shape and size of the second folded edge part 22 is adapted to the shape and size of the second stress part 42, so that the first stress part 41 can abut and contact the surface of the first folded edge part 12, and the second stress part 42 can abut and contact the surface of the second folded edge part 22, thereby ensuring the sealing of the assembly between the first stress part 41 of the current collector plug 4 and the first folded edge part 12 of the first current collector shell 1, and between the second stress part 42 of the current collector plug 4 and the second stress part 42 of the second current collector shell 2, ensuring that the first flow guide cavity 51 and the second flow guide cavity 52 are not interfered with each other, and preventing the risk of liquid channeling between the first flow guide cavity 51 and the second flow guide cavity 52.

[0024] In the present embodiment, specifically in combination with FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the side of the current collector plug 4 close to the first cavity wall 11 is defined as the first support surface 44, and the side of the current collector plug 4 close to the second cavity wall 21 is defined as the second support surface 45, the first support surface 44 abuts and contacts the first cavity wall 11, and the second support surface 45 abuts and contacts the second cavity wall 21.

[0025] In this way, the first folded edge part 12 of the first current collector shell 1 can be stressed by the first stress part 41 of the current collector plug 4, the second stress part 42 of the second current collector shell 2 is stressed by the second stress part 42 of the current collector plug 4, the first cavity wall 11 of the first current collector shell 1 is stressed by the first support surface 44 of the current collector plug 4, and the second cavity wall 21 of the second current collector shell 2 is stressed by the second support surface 45 of the current collector plug 4. When the current collector plug 4 is inserted into the inside of the current collecting cavity, the current collector plug 4 is shaped as a support beam structure having a separating effect in the current collecting cavity, greatly improving the structural strength of the current collector, avoiding the collapse and depression of the current collector during production or use, and ensuring the smooth and stable flow of fluid in the first flow guide cavity 51 and the second flow guide cavity 52.

[0026] Optionally, the first cavity wall 11 is formed with a first pipe interface 13 and a first pipe hole 14, the first pipe interface 13 and the first pipe hole 14 are both formed with a first pipe wall 15 towards the outside of the current collecting cavity, the second cavity wall 21 is formed with a second pipe interface 23 and a second pipe hole 24, the second pipe interface 23 is arranged corresponding to the first pipe interface 13, and the second pipe interface 23 and the first pipe interface 13 are both communicated with the first flow guide cavity 51, the second pipe hole 24 is arranged corresponding to the first pipe hole 14, and the second pipe hole 24 and the first pipe hole 14 are both communicated with the second flow guide cavity 52, the second pipe interface 23 and the second pipe hole 24 are respectively formed with a second pipe wall 25 towards the outside of the current collecting cavity.

[0027] Thus, the first pipe interface 13, the first pipe hole 14, the second pipe interface 23 and the second pipe hole 24 can be inserted and matched with the external pipe, and the external pipe is in close contact with the first pipe wall 15, and the other external pipe is in close contact with the second pipe wall 25, so that the heat exchange medium (such as cooling oil, water, etc.) cannot seep out from between the external pipe and the first pipe wall 15 and / or between the external pipe and the second pipe wall 25, avoiding the risk of short circuit of the battery pack. The heat exchange medium enters the first flow guide cavity 51 of the current collecting cavity through the first pipe interface 13, part of which flows back to the second flow guide cavity 52 of the current collecting cavity after passing through the channel of the serpentine pipe, and is collected with the heat exchange medium flowing into the second pipe hole 24, and finally flows to the other external pipe through the first pipe hole 14. The flow path of the fluid here is only for illustrative reference to facilitate understanding of the cooling circulation loop in the use of the current collector, and is not limited to use, and the cooling circulation loop can be adjusted according to the change of the connection mode.

[0028] As an optional mode of the embodiment, the first pipe wall 15 is provided with a first pipe fitting, and the second pipe wall 25 is provided with a second pipe fitting, and the first pipe fitting and the second pipe fitting are in communication with the current collecting cavity. Specifically, the first pipe fitting in communication with the first pipe interface 13 is defined as a first pipe joint, the first pipe fitting in communication with the first pipe hole 14 is defined as a first pipe section, the first flow guide cavity 51 of the current collecting cavity is in communication with the first pipe joint through the first pipe interface 13, and the second flow guide cavity 52 of the current collecting cavity is in communication with the first pipe section through the first pipe hole 14.

[0029] The second pipe fitting in communication with the second pipe interface 23 is defined as a second pipe joint, the second pipe fitting in communication with the second pipe hole 24 is defined as a second pipe section, the first flow guide cavity 51 of the current collecting cavity is in communication with the second pipe joint through the second pipe interface 23, and the second flow guide cavity 52 of the current collecting cavity is in communication with the second pipe section through the second pipe hole 24.

[0030] It should be noted that, in order to ensure that the assembly of the current collector is more firm, brazing can be used for connection and fixation. Optionally, the first current collecting shell 1 and / or the second current collecting shell 2 are provided with a brazing coating on the peripheral edge, and the first stress part 41 and the second stress part 42 of the current collector plug 4 are provided with a brazing covering layer, so that after the first current collecting shell 1 and the second current collecting shell 2 are closed and matched, and the current collector plug 4 is inserted into the inside of the current collecting cavity by using a tool clamp, the current collector is welded and fixed by a high-temperature brazing furnace. The whole process is simple and efficient.

[0031] As an optional mode of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, the first folding edge portion 12 is bent and formed with a first flow limiting portion 16 on one side of the busbar opening 3, the first flow limiting portion 16 is located between the first pipe interface 13 and the first pipe hole 14, the second folding edge portion 22 is bent and formed with a second flow limiting portion 26 on one side of the busbar opening 3, the second flow limiting portion 26 is located between the second pipe interface 23 and the second pipe hole 24, and the first flow limiting portion 16 and the second flow limiting portion 26 are connected with the busbar plug 4. The connection here can be understood as abutting connection, or a combination of abutting contact and brazing connection.

[0032] In this way, the length of the busbar plug 4 can be shortened, not only reducing the material of the busbar plug 4, but also reducing the weight of the overall stamping current collecting assembly, which is beneficial to the lightweight design of the stamping current collecting assembly and the overall battery pack. At the same time, the manufacturing precision and structural strength of the stamping current collecting assembly are also improved.

[0033] As an optional mode of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the circumferential edge of one of the first current collecting shell 1 and the second current collecting shell 2 is provided with a buckle structure 6, and the circumferential edge of the other of the first current collecting shell 1 and the second current collecting shell 2 is buckled with the buckle structure 6. The number of the buckle structure 6 here is multiple, and the multiple buckle structures 6 are uniformly distributed along the circumferential edge of the first current collecting shell 1 or the circumferential edge of the second current collecting shell 2. The number of the buckle structure 6 here can also be one, and one buckle structure 6 is extended and arranged along the circumferential edge of the first current collecting shell 1 or the circumferential edge of the second current collecting shell 2. In this way, the buckle structure 6 is used to preliminarily install and fix the first current collecting shell 1 and the second current collecting shell 2, improving the assembly efficiency and assembly convenience.

[0034] As an optional mode of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6, the circumferential edge of the other of the first current collecting shell 1 and the second current collecting shell 2 is provided with a clamping groove structure 7 clamping the buckle structure 6. In this way, the buckle structure 6 and the clamping groove structure 7 are matched to prevent the first current collecting shell 1 and the second current collecting shell 2 from being offset and dislocated in the projection direction along the busbar opening 3, achieving the purpose of rapid positioning.

[0035] As an optional mode of the embodiment, specifically in combination with FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the current collector plug 4 further has a plug holding portion 43 located on one side close to the current collecting opening 3, so that the user can hold the plug holding portion 43 to detach into the current collecting cavity until the first stress portion 41 on the other side of the current collector plug 4 abuts and fits to the first flow limiting portion 16, and the second stress portion 42 on the other side of the current collector plug 4 abuts and fits to the second flow limiting portion 26. At the same time, it can also effectively avoid the risk of the user's fingers being pinched between the current collector plug 4 and the first current collecting shell 1 and / or between the current collector plug 4 and the second current collecting shell 2, causing injury.

[0036] Based on the structure and connection relationship of the current collector, the applicant also discloses a liquid cooling assembly comprising the current collector.

Claims

1. A current collector, comprising: a first current collector shell (1); a second current collector shell (2), the first current collector shell (1) and the second current collector shell (2) being covered to form a current collector cavity with a current collecting opening (3); a current collector plug (4) inserted into the inside of the current collector cavity and separating the current collector cavity into a first flow guide cavity (51) and a second flow guide cavity (52), the first flow guide cavity (51) and the second flow guide cavity (52) both communicating with the current collecting opening (3), the current collector plug (4) being provided with a first stress receiving portion (41) for abutting and supporting the first current collector shell (1) and a second stress receiving portion (42) for abutting and supporting the second current collector shell (2).

2. The current collector of claim 1, wherein: The periphery of one of the first current collector shell (1) and the second current collector shell (2) is provided with a buckle structure (6), and the periphery of the other of the first current collector shell (1) and the second current collector shell (2) buckles the buckle structure (6).

3. The current collector of claim 2, wherein: The periphery of the other of the first current collector shell (1) and the second current collector shell (2) is provided with a clamping groove structure (7) clamping the buckle structure (6).

4. The current collector of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein: The current collector plug (4) is further provided with a plug holding portion (43) located on the side close to the current collecting opening (3).

5. The current collector of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein: The first current collector shell (1) is protrusively formed with a first cavity wall (11), and a first folding edge portion (12) is formed between the first cavity wall (11) and the first current collector shell (1), the shape and size of the first folding edge portion (12) being adapted to the shape and size of the first stress receiving portion (41); and / or, the second current collector shell (2) is protrusively formed with a second cavity wall (21), and a second folding edge portion (22) is formed between the second cavity wall (21) and the second current collector shell (2), the shape and size of the second folding edge portion (22) being adapted to the shape and size of the second stress receiving portion (42).

6. The current collector of claim 5, wherein: The side of the current collector plug (4) close to the first cavity wall (11) is defined as a first supporting surface (44), and the first supporting surface (44) abuts and contacts the first cavity wall (11); and / or, the side of the current collector plug (4) close to the second cavity wall (21) is defined as a second supporting surface (45), and the second supporting surface (45) abuts and contacts the second cavity wall (21).

7. The current collector of claim 5, wherein: The first cavity wall (11) is formed with a first pipe interface (13) and a first pipe hole (14), the first pipe interface (13) and the first pipe hole (14) are both formed with a first pipe wall (15) facing the outside of the current collector cavity, the second cavity wall (21) is formed with a second pipe interface (23) and a second pipe hole (24), the second pipe interface (23) is provided corresponding to the first pipe interface (13), the second pipe hole (24) is provided corresponding to the first pipe hole (14), and the second pipe interface (23) and the second pipe hole (24) are respectively formed with a second pipe wall (25) facing the outside of the current collector cavity.

8. The current collector of claim 7, wherein: The first folding part (12) is bent and formed with a first flow limiting part (16) on one side of the bus opening (3), the first flow limiting part (16) is located between the first pipe interface (13) and the first pipe interface hole (14), the second folding part (22) is bent and formed with a second flow limiting part (26) on one side of the bus opening (3), the second flow limiting part (26) is located between the second pipe interface (23) and the second pipe interface hole (24), the first flow limiting part (16) and the second flow limiting part (26) are connected with the current collector plug (4).

9. The current collector of claim 7, wherein: The first pipe interface wall (15) is provided with a first pipe interface, and the second pipe interface wall (25) is provided with a second pipe interface. 10.A liquid cooling assembly, comprising the current collector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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