Pipe structure, liquid cooling mechanism and battery pack

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a pipe structure, a liquid cooling mechanism and a battery pack. The pipe mechanism comprises connecting members and multi-way joints. A first end of each connecting member is configured to connect to a liquid inlet or a liquid outlet of a liquid cooling plate; each multi-way joint has at least two connecting ports, one of the connecting ports is communicated with a second end of a connecting member, and the remaining connecting ports are configured to be communicated with an adjacent multi-way joint, or are configured to be communicated with a liquid feeding pipe or a liquid return pipe, or are configured to connect to a liquid inlet or a liquid outlet of another liquid cooling plate. Elbows and the multi-way joints are integrally formed.

Description

Piping structure, liquid cooling mechanism and battery pack

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422761694.2, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on November 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a pipeline structure, a liquid cooling mechanism, and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0003] In related technologies, as the size of battery packs increases, the number of battery module layers within the pack also increases. Especially in commercial new energy vehicles, three- or four-layer stacked battery packs have already appeared. In the current liquid cooling structure of multi-layer stacked battery packs, the elbows, multi-way joints, and pipes in the liquid cooling pipeline need to undergo preliminary assembly such as interference fits and welding. After the preliminary assembly is completed, the assembled product is then assembled between two adjacent liquid cooling plates. Invention Overview

[0004] However, this method of pipe connection makes the assembly of liquid cooling pipes and liquid cooling plates cumbersome and time-consuming, which is not conducive to the rapid assembly of liquid cooling pipes.

[0005] This application provides a piping structure. The piping structure includes a connector and a multi-way connector. The first end of the connector is configured to connect to the liquid inlet or liquid outlet of a liquid cooling plate. The multi-way connector has at least two connection ports, one of which communicates with the second end of the connector. The remaining connection ports are configured to connect to adjacent multi-way connectors, or to connect to a liquid inlet pipe or a liquid return pipe, or to connect to the liquid inlet or liquid outlet of another liquid cooling plate. The elbow and the multi-way connector are integrally formed.

[0006] This application also provides a liquid cooling mechanism. The liquid cooling mechanism includes at least two spaced-apart liquid cooling plates and the aforementioned piping structure, with each pair of adjacent liquid cooling plates connected by the piping structure.

[0007] This application also provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes the liquid cooling mechanism described above. Beneficial effects

[0008] The pipeline structure provided in this application integrates the connectors and multi-port joints into one piece, allowing the product to be directly assembled between two adjacent liquid cooling plates after manufacturing. This simplifies the assembly process between the pipeline structure and the liquid cooling plates and improves the assembly efficiency of the pipeline structure. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the liquid cooling mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0010] Figure 2 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 3 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 4 is a magnified view of part C in Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 5 is a magnified view of part D in Figure 1.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0015] 10. Elbow; 110. First straight section; 120. Second straight section; 130. Bending section; 140. Reinforcing structure; 150. First quick-connect fitting; 20. Liquid cooling plate; 310. Liquid inlet pipe; 320. Liquid return pipe; 40. Conductor pipe; 50. Two-way fitting; 60. Three-way fitting; 70. Four-way fitting; 810. Adapter pipe; 820. Second quick-connect fitting; 830. Corrugated pipe; 910. First connection port; 920. Second connection port; 930. Third connection port; 940. Fourth connection port. Embodiments of the present invention

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, this application provides a pipeline structure. The pipeline structure includes a connector and a multi-way connector. The first end of the connector is configured to connect to the inlet or outlet of a liquid cooling plate 20. The multi-way connector has at least two connection ports. One connection port communicates with the second end of the connector. The remaining connection ports are configured to connect to adjacent multi-way connectors. Alternatively, they are configured to connect to an inlet pipe 310 or a return pipe 320. Alternatively, they are configured to connect to the inlet or outlet of another liquid cooling plate 20. The connector and the multi-way connector are integrally formed.

[0017] In this embodiment of the application, by integrally molding the connector and the multi-port joint, the product can be directly assembled between two adjacent liquid cooling plates 20 after manufacturing, which can simplify the assembly process between the pipeline structure and the liquid cooling plate 20 and improve the assembly efficiency of the pipeline structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the multi-port connector mainly includes a two-way connector 50, a three-way connector 60, and a four-way connector 70. It is understood that when the multi-port connector is configured as a two-way connector 50, it has two connection ports. When the multi-port connector is configured as a three-way connector 60, it has three connection ports. When the multi-port connector is configured as a four-way connector 70, it has four connection ports.

[0019] For example, when the multi-way connector is configured as a two-way connector 50, it is configured to connect the second end of the connector and the adjacent multi-way connector. When the multi-way connector is configured as a three-way connector 60, it is configured to connect the second end of the connector and the adjacent multi-way connector. Alternatively, it can be configured to connect the second end of the connector and the liquid inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20. When the multi-way connector is configured as a four-way connector 70, it is configured to connect the second end of the connector, the adjacent multi-way connector, and the liquid inlet pipe 310 or the liquid return pipe 320.

[0020] When the connection port of the multi-port connector can also be configured to connect to the inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20, the multi-port connector and the connector can connect to different liquid cooling plates 20.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connector includes an elbow 10. A first end of the elbow 10 is configured to connect to an inlet or outlet of a liquid cooling plate 20. A second end of the elbow 10 communicates with one of the connection ports of a multi-port connector. The elbow 10 and the multi-port connector are integrally formed.

[0022] In this embodiment, by integrally molding the elbow 10 and the multi-way connector, the elbow 10 is not affected by the turning radius, allowing for a smaller pipe structure. Based on the cooperation between the elbow 10 and the multi-way connector, the pipe structure can be used in the liquid cooling mechanism of the battery pack, freeing up space in the length and width directions of the battery pack. This allows for the installation of larger battery cells, increasing the battery pack's energy storage capacity.

[0023] Understandably, compared to the methods used in related technologies where the elbow 10 is connected to the pipe or joint through bonding, interference fit, welding, or flange connection, the embodiment of this application integrally molds the elbow 10 with the multi-way connector, thus eliminating the need to intentionally reduce the turning radius of the elbow 10. Specifically, in related technologies, the turning radius of the elbow 10 is limited by the connection method between the elbow 10 and the pipe / multi-way connector. That is, the turning radius of the elbow 10 is at least 1.5 times the pipe radius. This results in a minimum turning radius of 30 mm for the elbow 10. In the embodiment of this application, the elbow 10 is integrally molded with the multi-way connector, allowing the radius of the elbow 10 to be set to 12 mm. On the one hand, this reduces the size of the elbow 10, resulting in material savings and cost reduction. Furthermore, when applied to the cooling mechanism of the battery pack, it reduces the space required in the length and width directions of the cooling mechanism, facilitating its placement within the confined space of the battery pack. On the other hand, it eliminates the need to reduce the inner diameter of the pipe to match the turning radius of the elbow 10. Therefore, thicker pipes can be used, resulting in less cooling pressure drop and a larger flow rate. Furthermore, the reduced pipe size shortens the path the coolant must take before heat exchange, reducing energy loss. Simultaneously, a smaller, more powerful circulation pump can be used to deliver the coolant, further reducing energy consumption.

[0024] In related technologies, when connecting the elbow 10 to the pipe / multi-way connector using methods such as interference fit and welding, the elbow 10 is subjected to a certain degree of compression. If the turning radius of the elbow 10 is insufficient, it may deform or break. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the turning radius of the elbow 10. However, in the embodiment of this application, the elbow 10 and the multi-way connector are integrally formed, so there is no mutual compression between the elbow 10 and the multi-way connector due to assembly, thereby eliminating the influence of the turning radius on the elbow 10 and allowing the size of the elbow 10 to be reduced.

[0025] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a first quick-connect fitting 150. The first quick-connect fitting 150 communicates with a first end of the elbow 10. The first quick-connect fitting 150 is configured to connect to the liquid inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20. The first quick-connect fitting 150, the elbow 10, and the multi-port fitting are integrally formed.

[0026] Understandably, a first quick-connect fitting 150 is provided at the first end of the elbow 10. This quick-connect fitting 150 allows for rapid connection to the liquid inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20, enabling rapid assembly of the piping structure. Furthermore, the first quick-connect fitting 150, elbow 10, and multi-way fitting are integrally molded to facilitate the transport of the piping structure as a whole. Simultaneously, the integral molding of the first quick-connect fitting 150, elbow 10, and multi-way fitting during the production stage simplifies the manufacturing process and makes equipment simpler.

[0027] In this embodiment, since the first quick-connect fitting 150 is integrally formed with the elbow 10 and the multi-way connector, the size of the connection between the first quick-connect fitting 150 and the elbow 10 can be reduced. It is understood that in related technologies, when using interference fits, welding, or other methods to connect quick-connect fittings to pipes / elbows, a gap of at least 10 mm is required between the quick-connect fitting and the pipe / elbow; otherwise, the quick-connect fitting may be damaged due to excessive compressive force. In this embodiment, by integrally forming the first quick-connect fitting 150 with the elbow 10 and the multi-way connector, the 10 mm gap requirement can be eliminated, thus reducing the size of the pipe structure.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first quick-connect fitting 150 can serve as a female fitting, while both the inlet and outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20 are provided with male fittings. The female and male fittings are matched in type, allowing for mutual conduction and sealing connection after mating. This enables communication between the elbow 10 and the internal flow channels of the liquid cooling plate 20, and ensures a tight seal between the first quick-connect fitting 150 and the inlet or outlet.

[0029] The male connector can be fixed to the liquid inlet and outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20 by welding. In this embodiment, the female connector can be a CQC14 type, and the male connector can be a compatible type.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first quick-connect fitting 150, the elbow 10, and the multi-port fitting are integrally injection molded.

[0031] Understandably, using plastic material for direct one-piece injection molding of the interconnected first quick-connect fitting 150, elbow 10, and multi-port fitting facilitates the rapid assembly of the piping structure onto the liquid cooling plate 20. Furthermore, the one-piece injection molding process is relatively simple and quick, improving production efficiency and reducing product weight and production costs. For example, the first quick-connect fitting 150, elbow 10, and multi-port fitting are all made of nylon plastic. Nylon plastic has characteristics such as a low melting point, making it easy to perform one-piece injection molding, and resulting in a lightweight, low-cost, and easy-to-assemble product.

[0032] The first quick-connect fitting 150, elbow 10 and multi-way fitting are formed into a pipeline structure by integral injection molding. Compared with metal pipelines, its production process is simple, lightweight and low cost, and it meets the pipeline burst pressure requirements of current application scenarios.

[0033] In some embodiments, the elbow 10 includes a first straight section 110 and a second straight section 120 arranged at an angle, and a bent section 130 disposed between the first straight section 110 and the second straight section 120. The first straight section 110 is configured to connect to the liquid inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20. The second straight section 120 communicates with a multi-port connector. At least a portion of the first straight section 110 and / or the second straight section 120 is provided with a reinforcing structure 140.

[0034] It is understandable that the elbow 10 achieves its bend through the bending section 130, thereby changing the direction of the flow channel. The reinforcing structure 140 can structurally reinforce the first straight section 110 and / or the second straight section 120 to ensure the structural strength of the elbow 10.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first straight segment 110 and the second straight segment 120 are set at an acute angle. Alternatively, the first straight segment 110 and the second straight segment 120 are set at an obtuse angle. Alternatively, the first straight segment 110 and the second straight segment 120 are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the first straight segment 110 is perpendicular to the second straight segment 120.

[0036] In some embodiments, a reinforcing structure 140 may be constructed on the outer surface of the first straight segment 110. The reinforcing structure 140 may cover all regions along the extension direction of the first straight segment 110. Alternatively, the reinforcing structure 140 may cover only a portion of the regions along the extension direction of the first straight segment 110.

[0037] In some embodiments, a reinforcing structure 140 may be constructed on the outer surface of the second straight segment 120. The reinforcing structure 140 may cover all regions along the extension direction of the second straight segment 120. Alternatively, the reinforcing structure 140 may cover only a portion of the extension direction of the second straight segment 120.

[0038] In some embodiments, a reinforcing structure 140 may be simultaneously constructed on the outer surfaces of both the first straight segment 110 and the second straight segment 120. The reinforcing structure 140 may cover all regions along the extending directions of the first straight segment 110 and the second straight segment 120. Alternatively, the reinforcing structure 140 may cover only a portion of the extending directions of the first straight segment 110 and the second straight segment 120.

[0039] In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure 140 is a reinforcing rib disposed on the outer surface of the first straight segment 110 and / or the second straight segment 120. The reinforcing rib is disposed around the outer surface of the first straight segment 110 and / or the second straight segment 120.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the multi-port connector includes a two-port connector 50. The two-port connector 50 has a first connection port 910 and a second connection port 920. The first connection port 910 communicates with the second end of the elbow 10. The second connection port 920 communicates with a conduit 40. The conduit 40 is configured to connect to a multi-port connector adjacent to the two-port connector 50.

[0041] It is understandable that when the multi-port connector is a two-port connector 50, it has two connection ports, namely a first connection port 910 and a second connection port 920. The first connection port 910 is connected to the second end of the elbow 10 to achieve mutual conduction between the two-port connector 50 and the elbow 10, thereby delivering coolant from the first connection port 910 of the two-port connector 50 and the elbow 10 to the interior of the liquid cooling plate 20, or allowing coolant to be discharged from the elbow 10 and the first connection port 910 of the two-port connector 50 from the interior of the liquid cooling plate 20. The second connection port 920 is connected to the guide pipe 40, and through the guide pipe 40, it is connected to a multi-port connector adjacent to the two-port connector 50, thereby achieving parallel connection of two adjacent multi-port connectors. Thus, multiple liquid cooling plates 20 are connected in parallel. The parallel arrangement of multiple liquid cooling plates 20 can result in a smaller coolant pressure drop, a larger flow rate, and better uniformity.

[0042] In this design, the first connection port 910 of the two-way connector 50 is integrally formed with the second end of the elbow 10. The second connection port 920 of the two-way connector 50 can be integrally formed with the guide pipe 40. Alternatively, the guide pipe 40 can be sealed to the second connection port 920 by means of bonding, flange connection, etc. Since both the guide pipe 40 and the second connection port 920 of the two-way connector 50 are straight pipes, there are no bends between them, and the non-integral injection molding connection method has a relatively small impact on the dimensions of the pipeline structure.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the multi-way connector includes a tee connector 60. The tee connector 60 has a first connection port 910, a second connection port 920, and a third connection port 930. The first connection port 910 communicates with the second end of the elbow 10. Both the second connection port 920 and the third connection port 930 are connected to a conduit 40. The conduit 40 is configured to connect to a multi-way connector adjacent to the tee connector 60.

[0044] Understandably, when the multi-way connector is a tee connector 60, it has three connection ports: a first connection port 910, a second connection port 920, and a third connection port 930. The first connection port 910 connects to the second end of the elbow 10, enabling mutual conduction between the tee connector 60 and the elbow 10. This allows coolant to be delivered from the first connection port 910 of the tee connector 60 and the elbow 10 to the interior of the liquid-cooled plate 20, or to be discharged from the elbow 10 and the first connection port 910 of the tee connector 60 into the liquid-cooled plate 20. The second connection port 920 and the third connection port 930 connect to the guide pipe 40, and through the guide pipe 40, connect to the two adjacent multi-way connectors of the tee connector 60, thus achieving parallel connection of three adjacent multi-way connectors. This allows multiple liquid-cooled plates 20 to be connected in parallel. The parallel arrangement of multiple liquid-cooled plates 20 results in a smaller coolant pressure drop, a larger flow rate, and better uniformity.

[0045] In this design, the first connection port 910 of the tee fitting 60 is integrally formed with the second end of the elbow 10. Both the second connection port 920 and the third connection port 930 of the tee fitting 60 can be integrally formed with a guide pipe 40. Alternatively, the guide pipe 40 can be sealed to the second connection port 920 or the third connection port 930 through bonding, flange connection, or other methods. Since the guide pipe 40 and the second and third connection ports 920 and 930 of the tee fitting 60 are straight pipes without bends, the non-integral injection molding connection method has minimal impact on the dimensions of the pipeline structure.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, in some embodiments, the multi-port connector includes a tee connector 60. The tee connector 60 has a first connection port 910, a second connection port 920, and a third connection port 930. The first connection port 910 communicates with the second end of the elbow 10. The second connection port 920 communicates with a guide tube 40. The guide tube 40 is configured to connect to a multi-port connector adjacent to the tee connector 60. The third connection port 930 is connected to a second quick-connect connector 820 via an adapter tube 810. The second quick-connect connector 820 is configured to connect to the inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20.

[0047] Understandably, when the multi-way connector is a tee connector 60, it has three connection ports: a first connection port 910, a second connection port 920, and a third connection port 930. The first connection port 910 connects to the second end of the elbow 10, enabling mutual communication between the tee connector 60 and the elbow 10. This allows coolant to be delivered from the first connection port 910 of the tee connector 60 and the elbow 10 to the interior of the liquid-cooled plate 20, or to be discharged from the elbow 10 and the first connection port 910 of the tee connector 60 into the liquid-cooled plate 20. The second connection port 920 connects to the guide pipe 40, and through the guide pipe 40 connects to a multi-way connector adjacent to the tee connector 60, thus achieving parallel connection between two adjacent multi-way connectors. This allows multiple liquid-cooled plates 20 to be connected in parallel. The parallel arrangement of multiple liquid-cooled plates 20 results in a smaller coolant pressure drop, a larger flow rate, and better uniformity. The third connection port 930 is connected to the second quick-connect plug via the adapter pipe 810. The second quick-connect plug can be connected to the inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20. Thus, coolant can be supplied from the third connection port 930 of the tee connector 60 and the elbow 10 into the liquid cooling plate 20, or coolant can be discharged from the liquid cooling plate 20 from the elbow 10 and the third connection port 930 of the tee connector 60.

[0048] In this design, the first connection port 910 of the tee fitting 60 is integrally formed with the second end of the elbow 10. The second connection port 920 of the tee fitting 60 can be integrally formed with a guide pipe 40. Alternatively, the guide pipe 40 can be sealed to the second connection port 920 by means of adhesive bonding, flange connection, etc. Since both the guide pipe 40 and the second connection port 920 of the tee fitting 60 are straight pipes, there are no bends, and the non-integral injection molding connection method has a relatively small impact on the dimensions of the pipeline structure.

[0049] In some embodiments, the adapter pipe 810 is a bend, and the bending direction of the adapter pipe 810 is opposite to the bending direction of the elbow 10.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second quick-connect fitting 820, the adapter pipe 810, and the tee fitting 60 are integrally formed.

[0051] Understandably, the adapter pipe 810 can and needs to be bent. The one-piece molded second quick-connect fitting 820, adapter pipe 810, and tee fitting 60 can reduce the overall size of the three components. As a result, the size of the pipeline structure can be reduced.

[0052] The shape of the second quick-connector 820 is adapted to the shape of the liquid inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate 20, so that after the second quick-connector 820 is inserted into the liquid inlet or outlet, the three-way connector 60 and the internal flow channel of the liquid cooling plate 20 are connected, and the sealing between the second quick-connector 820 and the liquid inlet or outlet is ensured.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, in some embodiments, the multi-way connector includes a four-way connector 70. The four-way connector 70 has a first connection port 910, a second connection port 920, a third connection port 930, and a fourth connection port 940. The first connection port 910 communicates with the second end of the elbow 10. Both the second connection port 920 and the third connection port 930 are connected to a guide tube 40. The guide tube 40 is configured to connect to a multi-way connector adjacent to the four-way connector 70. The fourth connection port 940 is configured to communicate with either the inlet pipe 310 or the return pipe 320.

[0054] It is understandable that when the multi-way connector is a four-way connector 70, it has four connection ports: a first connection port 910, a second connection port 920, a third connection port 930, and a fourth connection port 940. The first connection port 910 connects to the second end of the elbow 10, enabling mutual conduction between the four-way connector 70 and the elbow 10. This allows coolant to be delivered from the first connection port 910 of the four-way connector 70 and the elbow 10 to the interior of the liquid-cooled plate 20, or to be discharged from the elbow 10 and the first connection port 910 of the four-way connector 70 from the interior of the liquid-cooled plate 20. The second connection port 920 and the third connection port 930 connect to the guide pipe 40, and through the guide pipe 40, connect to two adjacent multi-way connectors of the four-way connector 70, thus achieving parallel connection of three adjacent multi-way connectors. This allows multiple liquid-cooled plates 20 to be connected in parallel. The parallel arrangement of multiple liquid-cooled plates 20 results in a smaller coolant pressure drop, a larger flow rate, and better uniformity. The fourth connection port 940 is configured to connect to the inlet pipe 310 or the return pipe 320 to allow coolant to flow into the piping structure and to allow coolant to be discharged from the piping structure, thus enabling the circulation of coolant.

[0055] In this design, the first connection port 910 of the four-way connector 70 is integrally formed with the second end of the elbow 10. Both the second connection port 920 and the third connection port 930 of the four-way connector 70 can be integrally formed with a guide pipe 40. Alternatively, the guide pipe 40 can be sealed to the second connection port 920 or a guide pipe 920 via bonding, flange connection, or other methods. Since both the guide pipe 40 and the second connection port 920 of the four-way connector 70 are straight pipes, there are no bends, and the non-integral injection molding connection method has minimal impact on the dimensions of the pipeline structure. The fourth connection port 940 can be connected to the inlet pipe 310 or the return pipe 320 via bonding, flange connection, or other methods.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive tube 40 is configured as a bellows 830.

[0057] It is understandable that by setting at least a portion of the conductive tube 40 as a corrugated tube 830, the conductive tube 40 can have a certain degree of expansion and contraction, which can absorb dimensional tolerances in the height direction, facilitate the assembly of the pipeline structure, and prevent the pipeline structure from being unable to be quickly inserted with the liquid cooling plate 20 due to manufacturing errors.

[0058] In some embodiments, the two ends of the conductive tube 40 are configured as corrugated tubes 830, and the middle position is configured as a light tube, so that the conductive tube 40 has sufficient strength. The length of the corrugated tube 830 can be selected based on the battery pack model, and the length and setting position of the corrugated tube 830 are not limited in this embodiment.

[0059] On the other hand, this application also provides a liquid cooling mechanism. This liquid cooling mechanism includes the piping structure as described in the foregoing embodiments, and at least two spaced-apart liquid cooling plates 20. Each pair of adjacent liquid cooling plates 20 is connected via the piping structure.

[0060] In this embodiment of the application, by integrally molding the connector and the multi-port joint, the product can be directly assembled between two adjacent liquid cooling plates 20 after manufacturing, which can simplify the assembly process between the pipeline structure and the liquid cooling plate 20 and improve the assembly efficiency of the pipeline structure.

[0061] The liquid cooling plate 20 is configured to hold the battery module. Coolant flows into the piping structure from the inlet pipe 310 and is distributed to each liquid cooling plate 20 through the piping structure to cool the battery module. After heat exchange, the coolant can flow into the return pipe 320 through the piping structure to achieve coolant recycling.

[0062] As shown in Figure 1, five liquid cooling plates 20 are configured. Each liquid cooling plate 20 has one liquid inlet and one liquid outlet. The liquid inlets of the five liquid cooling plates 20 are connected by a piping structure. The liquid outlets of the five liquid cooling plates 20 are also connected by a piping structure. Thus, the five liquid cooling plates 20 can be connected in parallel. The parallel configuration of the five liquid cooling plates 20 results in a smaller cooling pressure drop, a larger flow rate, and better uniformity.

[0063] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, five liquid cooling plates 20 are arranged alternately from top to bottom. A battery module can be placed between every two adjacent liquid cooling plates 20, thus forming a four-layer stacked battery pack structure. The five liquid cooling plates 20 distributed from top to bottom are plate 1, plate 2, plate 3, plate 4, and plate 5. The liquid inlet of plate 1 and the liquid inlet of plate 2 are connected by a pipe structure with a three-way connector 60. The liquid outlet of plate 1 and the liquid outlet of plate 2 are connected by a pipe structure with a three-way connector 60. The liquid inlet of plate 2 and the liquid inlet of plate 3 are connected by a pipe structure with a four-way connector 70. The liquid inlet pipe 310 is connected at this position to ensure that the liquid inlet pipe 310 is at a suitable height for easy pipe layout. The outlets of plates two and three can be connected via a piping structure with a four-way connector 70. The return pipe 320 is connected at this location to ensure it is at a suitable height for easy pipework layout. The inlets of plates three and four can be connected via a piping structure with a three-way connector 60. The outlets of plates three and four can be connected via a piping structure with a three-way connector 60. The inlets of plates four and five can be connected via a piping structure with a two-way connector 50. The outlets of plates four and five can be connected via a piping structure with a two-way connector 50.

[0064] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a battery pack. This battery pack includes the liquid cooling mechanism described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0065] In this embodiment of the application, by integrally molding the connector and the multi-port joint, the product can be directly assembled between two adjacent liquid cooling plates 20 after manufacturing, which can simplify the assembly process between the pipeline structure and the liquid cooling plate 20 and improve the assembly efficiency of the pipeline structure.

Claims

1. A piping structure comprising a connector and a multi-port joint, wherein a first end of the connector is configured to connect to an inlet or outlet of a liquid cooling plate, and the multi-port joint has at least two connection ports, one of which communicates with a second end of the connector, and the remaining connection ports are configured to communicate with an adjacent multi-port joint, or to communicate with an inlet pipe or a return pipe, or to connect to the inlet or outlet of another liquid cooling plate, wherein... The connector is integrally formed with the multi-port joint.

2. The pipeline structure according to claim 1, wherein, The connector includes: The elbow has a first end configured to connect to the inlet or outlet of a liquid cooling plate, and a second end connected to one of the connection ports of the multi-port connector, wherein the elbow and the multi-port connector are integrally formed.

3. The pipeline structure according to claim 2, wherein, The connector also includes: The first quick-connector is connected to the first end of the elbow. The first quick-connector is configured to connect to the liquid inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate. The first quick-connector, the elbow, and the multi-port connector are integrally formed.

4. The pipeline structure according to claim 3, wherein, The first quick-connect connector, the elbow, and the multi-port connector are integrally injection molded.

5. The pipeline structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The elbow includes a first straight section and a second straight section arranged at an angle, and a bent section disposed between the first straight section and the second straight section. The first straight section is configured to connect to the liquid inlet or liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate, and the second straight section communicates with one of the connection ports of the multi-port connector. At least a portion of the first straight section and / or the second straight section is constructed with a reinforcing structure.

6. The pipeline structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The multi-port connector includes a two-port connector, which has a first connection port and a second connection port. The first connection port is connected to the second end of the elbow, and the second connection port is connected to a guide pipe. The guide pipe is configured to connect to the multi-port connector adjacent to the two-port connector.

7. The pipeline structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The multi-port connector includes a tee connector, which has a first connection port, a second connection port and a third connection port. The first connection port is connected to the second end of the elbow, and the second connection port and the third connection port are both connected to a guide tube. The guide tube is configured to connect to the multi-port connector adjacent to the tee connector.

8. The pipeline structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The multi-port connector includes a tee connector, which has a first connection port, a second connection port, and a third connection port. The first connection port is connected to the second end of the elbow. The second connection port is connected to a guide tube, which is configured to connect to the multi-port connector adjacent to the tee connector. The third connection port is connected to a second quick-connect connector via an adapter tube, which is configured to connect to the liquid inlet or outlet of the liquid cooling plate.

9. The pipeline structure according to claim 8, wherein, The second quick-connector, the adapter pipe, and the tee connector are integrally formed.

10. The pipeline structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The multi-port connector includes a four-port connector, which has a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port and a fourth connection port. The first connection port is connected to the second end of the elbow. The second connection port and the third connection port are both connected to a guide tube. The guide tube is configured to connect to the multi-port connector adjacent to the four-port connector. The fourth connection port is configured to connect to the inlet pipe or the return pipe.

11. The pipeline structure according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, At least a portion of the conductive tube is configured as a corrugated tube.

12. A liquid cooling mechanism, comprising: The piping structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; At least two spaced liquid cooling plates; Each pair of adjacent liquid cooling plates is connected by the piping structure.

13. A battery pack including the liquid cooling mechanism as described in claim 12.

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