Liquid cooling plate and battery pack

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a liquid cooling plate and a battery pack. The liquid cooling plate comprises, sequentially stacked: a body having a first plate surface and a second plate surface which are arranged opposite each other, the first plate surface being configured to connect to a battery module, and the body being internally provided with a flow channel groove for transmitting a cooling medium; reinforcing plates connected to the second plate surface; and a support member, the side of the support member close to the second plate surface being at least partially connected to the reinforcing plates.

Description

Liquid cooling plate and battery pack

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202520052296.5, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on January 9, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of liquid cooling plate technology, such as a liquid cooling plate and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0003] In related technologies, liquid cooling plates provide efficient heat dissipation and stable load-bearing for the entire energy storage cabinet. Typically, liquid cooling plates are welded to enclose the entire liquid cooling plate structure. Invention Overview

[0004] The structural strength of the liquid cooling plate cannot be guaranteed. In particular, it is prone to deformation under abnormal conditions such as stone impact, collision, and bumps, which reduces its service life and fails to meet the requirements of the device.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a liquid cooling plate, which includes: a body having a first plate surface and a second plate surface disposed opposite to each other, the first plate surface being used to connect with a battery module, and a flow channel groove for transmitting a cooling medium being provided in the body; a reinforcing plate being connected to the second plate surface; and a support member having at least a portion of its side near the second plate surface connected to the reinforcing plate.

[0006] Secondly, this application provides a battery pack, which includes the aforementioned liquid cooling plate. Beneficial effects

[0007] The liquid cooling plate provided in this application consists of a main body, a reinforcing plate, and a support member stacked sequentially. At least part of the support member is connected to the reinforcing plate on the side closest to the second plate. This allows the force to be transferred to the reinforcing plate in a timely manner when the main body is subjected to external pressure. Simultaneously, since the support member is located below the reinforcing plate, the force on the liquid cooling plate can be transferred to the support member through the reinforcing plate when the main body is subjected to external pressure. Through the double buffering of the reinforcing plate and the support member, the probability of deformation of the main body under external force can be reduced, thereby improving the structural strength of the main body and making it less prone to deformation to meet the usage requirements of the device.

[0008] The battery pack provided in this application consists of a main body, a reinforcing plate, and a support member stacked sequentially. At least part of the support member is connected to the reinforcing plate on the side closest to the second plate. This allows the force to be transferred to the reinforcing plate in a timely manner when the main body is subjected to external pressure. At the same time, since the support member is provided below the reinforcing plate, the probability of deformation of the main body when subjected to external forces is reduced, thereby improving the structural strength of the main body and making it less prone to deformation to meet the usage requirements of the device. This enhances the overall structural strength of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the liquid cooling plate provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the liquid cooling plate provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the liquid cooling plate provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the body provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the reinforcing plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 3.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0016] Body 10, first plate 11, second plate 12, first plate 13, liquid outlet 131, liquid inlet 132, second plate 14, flow channel 141, reinforcing plate 20, protrusion 21, support member 30, first section 31, second section 32, third section 33, fourth section 34, fifth section 35, length direction X, width direction Y. Embodiments of the present invention

[0017] Example 1

[0018] This embodiment provides a liquid cooling plate, as shown in Figures 1 to 6. The liquid cooling plate includes the following components stacked in sequence: a body 10 having a first plate surface 11 and a second plate surface 12 disposed opposite to each other, the first plate surface 11 being used to connect with a battery module; a reinforcing plate 20 connected to the second plate surface 12; and a support member 30, the side of the support member 30 near the second plate surface 12 being at least partially connected to the reinforcing plate 20.

[0019] By applying the technical solution of this application, the body 10, the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 are stacked in sequence, and the side of the support member 30 closest to the second plate surface 12 is at least partially connected to the reinforcing plate 20. In this way, when the body 10 is subjected to external pressure, the force can be transferred to the reinforcing plate 20 in a timely manner. At the same time, since the support member 30 is provided below the reinforcing plate 20, the probability of deformation of the body 10 when subjected to external force can be reduced, thereby improving the structural strength of the body 10 and making the body 10 less prone to deformation, so as to meet the usage requirements of the device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate includes multiple reinforcing plates 20, which are spaced apart along the length of the body 10 or spaced apart along the width of the body. This design, with the reinforcing plates spaced apart along the length of the body 10, significantly improves the overall strength and rigidity of the liquid cooling plate, preventing deformation or damage during use. This is crucial for maintaining the long-term stability and reliability of the liquid cooling plate. The reinforcing plates 20 not only provide structural support but also serve as auxiliary channels for heat dissipation. By rationally designing the shape and arrangement of the reinforcing plates 20, the heat dissipation path can be further optimized, improving heat dissipation efficiency. In some special applications, such as within the battery packs of new energy vehicles, the liquid cooling plate needs to withstand significant vibration and impact. The presence of the reinforcing plates 20 can significantly improve the adaptability of the liquid cooling plate to these harsh environments. The reinforcing plates 20 can typically be manufactured together with the liquid cooling plate body 10, simplifying the production process. Simultaneously, the design of the reinforcing plates 20 facilitates subsequent assembly and installation.

[0021] Multiple reinforcing plates 20 are arranged at intervals along the width of the body 10. This design significantly improves the overall strength and rigidity of the liquid cooling plate, preventing deformation or damage during use. This is crucial for maintaining the long-term stability and reliability of the liquid cooling plate. The reinforcing plates 20 not only provide structural support but also serve as auxiliary channels for heat dissipation. By rationally designing the shape and arrangement of the reinforcing plates 20, the heat dissipation path can be further optimized, improving heat dissipation efficiency. In some special applications, such as within the battery packs of new energy vehicles, the liquid cooling plate needs to withstand significant vibration and impact. The presence of the reinforcing plates 20 significantly improves the adaptability of the liquid cooling plate to these harsh environments. The reinforcing plates 20 can typically be manufactured together with the liquid cooling plate body 10, simplifying the production process. Simultaneously, the design of the reinforcing plates 20 also facilitates subsequent assembly and installation.

[0022] In this application, the material of the body 10 can be copper, aluminum, or stainless steel, etc. Copper is an excellent thermal conductor with high thermal conductivity and good processing performance. Copper liquid cooling plates are widely used in high heat density applications such as data centers, effectively reducing equipment temperature and improving operational stability. Although aluminum has a lower thermal conductivity than copper, it is more affordable and has good corrosion resistance. Aluminum also has a lower density, resulting in better weight reduction, making it suitable for applications where weight is a concern. Furthermore, aluminum has good plasticity, making it easy to process into various shapes to meet different installation requirements. Stainless steel liquid cooling plates have attracted attention due to their excellent durability and stability. Stainless steel has high corrosion resistance and can maintain stable performance over long periods in harsh environments. It also has high strength, enabling it to withstand significant pressure.

[0023] In one embodiment, the reinforcing plates have a first end and a second end arranged opposite each other in the width direction of the body. The first ends of multiple reinforcing plates are connected to each other to form a first connecting segment, and the second ends of multiple reinforcing plates are connected to each other to form a second connecting segment. These advantages are mainly reflected in structural strength, stability, and design flexibility. By setting the above structure, the load-bearing capacity of the body in the width or length direction can be significantly increased. At the same time, the above connection method makes the originally dispersed reinforcing plates form a whole, thereby jointly resisting external loads and improving the overall structural strength and stability. After the reinforcing plates are connected into segments, the deformation or torsion of the structure under stress can be more effectively prevented. Especially when subjected to large lateral loads or torsional moments, the first and second connecting segments can significantly enhance the stability of the structure, ensuring that the structure can maintain its original shape and size. Connecting the reinforcing plates into segments can also optimize the stress distribution in the structure.

[0024] During stress distribution, the first and second connecting sections can distribute stress more evenly throughout the entire structure, thus avoiding structural failure caused by localized stress concentration. This optimized stress distribution helps extend the service life of the structure and improve safety. The reinforcing plates using this configuration can be flexibly designed according to actual needs. For example, different load-bearing requirements can be met by adjusting the number, size, and connection method of the reinforcing plates. This design flexibility makes this configuration suitable for a variety of different application scenarios and conditions. Compared to using reinforcing plates individually, connecting them into sections simplifies the construction and maintenance process. During construction, it is easier to assemble the reinforcing plates into a complete structure; during maintenance, it is easier to inspect and replace damaged reinforcing plates or connecting sections.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 20 extends along the width direction of the body 10 in a length less than or equal to the width of the body 10. Since the reinforcing plate 20 fully covers the width of the body 10, the structural strength and stability of the liquid cooling plate in the width direction can be significantly improved. This helps prevent the liquid cooling plate from deforming or being damaged under lateral pressure or vibration. Simultaneously, the reinforcing plate 20 not only provides structural support but also serves as an auxiliary channel for heat dissipation. When the reinforcing plate 20 fully covers the width of the body 10, heat can be more effectively dispersed and transferred, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, the increased contact area between the reinforcing plate 20 and the body 10 also contributes to improved heat conduction efficiency. Moreover, the full coverage of the body 10 by the reinforcing plate 20 significantly improves the overall rigidity of the liquid cooling plate. This is particularly important for applications requiring the resistance to large loads or vibrations, such as in the battery packs of new energy vehicles. Furthermore, when the width of the reinforcing plate 20 is equal to that of the body 10, the manufacturing process can be simplified, reducing production costs. For example, during processing, precise alignment and fixation of the reinforcing plate 20 and the body 10 can be achieved more easily.

[0026] In one embodiment, the thickness of the reinforcing plate 20 is H, where 1.2 mm ≤ H ≤ 2 mm. Within this thickness range, the reinforcing plate 20 provides sufficient structural support for the liquid cooling plate, preventing deformation or damage during use due to stress. Thicker reinforcing plates 20 (closer to 2 mm) typically have higher strength and rigidity, suitable for applications requiring greater loads or vibrations. The thickness of the reinforcing plate 20 also affects its heat exchange efficiency with the coolant. Within this thickness range, the reinforcing plate 20 provides sufficient heat dissipation area while maintaining good thermal conductivity. It should be noted that excessively thick reinforcing plates 20 may increase thermal resistance, thus affecting heat dissipation. Therefore, when selecting the thickness of the reinforcing plate 20, both heat dissipation requirements and structural strength must be considered. Furthermore, the thickness of the reinforcing plate 20 directly affects the weight and manufacturing cost of the liquid cooling plate. Thicker reinforcing plates 20 increase the weight of the liquid cooling plate and may increase material costs. Under the premise of meeting structural strength and heat dissipation performance requirements, selecting thinner reinforcing plates 20 (closer to 1.2 mm) helps reduce the weight and cost of the liquid cooling plate. In this application, H can be set to 1.2mm, 1.4mm or 2mm, etc.

[0027] In one embodiment, the contact surface between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 extends along the width direction of the body 10 by a length L1, and the reinforcing plate 20 extends along the width direction of the body 10 by a length L2, where 4% ≤ L1:L2 ≤ 7%. Within this ratio range, the contact area between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 is moderate, ensuring the structure remains stable under load. An appropriate contact area provides sufficient friction to prevent slippage or displacement of the structure under load. By controlling the ratio of L1 to L2, the amount of material used can be optimized while ensuring structural strength, avoiding excessive material waste and reducing manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, at this ratio, the reinforcing plate 20 can effectively distribute the load borne by the support member 30, allowing the overall structure to maintain good stability and safety even under large loads. In this application, the value of L1:L2 can be 4%, 5%, or 7%.

[0028] In one embodiment, the contact surface between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 extends along the length of the body 10 by a length of L3, and the reinforcing plate 20 extends along the length of the body 10 by a length of L4, where 9% ≤ L3 : L4 ≤ 15%. Within this ratio range, the sufficient contact between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 in the length direction provides better longitudinal support, which helps to enhance the longitudinal stability of the entire structure. At the same time, a suitable L3 to L4 ratio helps to distribute stress more evenly between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30, reducing local stress concentration and thus improving the overall strength and durability of the structure. Furthermore, by ensuring sufficient contact area between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 in the length direction, the structure can withstand greater longitudinal loads, enhancing the overall load-bearing capacity.

[0029] Under stress, structural deformation is better controlled because the reinforcing plate 20 provides stronger constraint in the length direction, reducing unnecessary deformation. Simultaneously, by precisely controlling the ratio of L3 to L4, material usage can be optimized while ensuring structural performance, reducing unnecessary waste. Within this ratio range, the connection design between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 can be simpler and more direct, reducing the complexity of the connection and manufacturing costs. The above structural design makes installation, disassembly, and routine maintenance easier because the connection between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 is more intuitive and easier to operate. In this application, the value of L3:L4 can be 9%, 10%, or 15%.

[0030] In one embodiment, the contact surface between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 extends along the width direction of the body 10 by a length L1, where 30mm ≤ L1 ≤ 50mm. Within this range, the contact surface L1 is sufficiently large to provide adequate contact area to ensure a robust connection between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30. This robust connection is crucial for improving the overall strength and stability of the structure. Simultaneously, a suitable L1 dimension helps to distribute stress more evenly between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30, reducing stress concentration and thus improving the durability of the structure. Furthermore, a larger contact area enhances the interaction between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30, making the structure more stable under external forces and less prone to deformation or damage.

[0031] Standardized L1 dimensions simplify the manufacturing process, as standardized tools and molds can be used to produce these components, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing costs. Furthermore, appropriate L1 dimensions facilitate the installation and removal of the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30, while also simplifying future maintenance and inspection. Moreover, precise control of the L1 dimension optimizes material usage and reduces unnecessary waste while ensuring structural performance. This range of L1 dimensions can accommodate various applications, providing suitable combinations of reinforcing plate 20 and support member 30 for both light and heavy-duty structures. In this application, the value of L1 can be 30mm, 40mm, or 50mm.

[0032] In one embodiment, the contact surface between the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 extends along the length of the body 10 by a length of L3, where 100mm ≤ L3 ≤ 160mm. Enhanced structural stability: An appropriate L3 length allows the reinforcing plate 20 to more effectively distribute the load borne by the support member 30, avoiding stress concentration and thus improving the overall structural stability. By increasing the contact area and extension length, the reinforcing plate 20 can better resist external pressure or tension, preventing deformation or bending of the support member 30. Standardized dimensions: The standardization of the L3 length makes the installation of the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 more convenient, reducing adjustment and adaptation work during installation. Furthermore, standardized dimensions mean that when maintenance or replacement is needed, a suitable reinforcing plate 20 can be found more quickly, reducing maintenance costs and time. A reasonable L3 length design can fully utilize material properties, avoid material waste, and reduce production costs. Standardized reinforcing plate 20 dimensions facilitate production automation and large-scale production, thereby improving production efficiency. In this application, the value of L3 can be 100mm, 130mm, or 160mm.

[0033] In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 20 has a protrusion 21 facing the body 10, and the side of the protrusion 21 near the body 10 is used to connect with the body 10. This arrangement allows for a sufficient gap between the reinforcing plate 20 and the body 10 to prevent the reinforcing plate 20 from contacting the body 10 and damaging the structure of the body 10 when subjected to external impact, thereby protecting the structure of the body 10.

[0034] In one embodiment, the support member 30 includes a first segment 31, a second segment 32, a third segment 33, a fourth segment 34, and a fifth segment 35 that are sequentially connected and bent in sequence; wherein the first segment 31 and the fifth segment 35 are connected, and a cavity is formed between the first segment 31, the second segment 32, the third segment 33, and the fourth segment 34. This arrangement can improve the structural strength of the support member 30 to meet the usage requirements of the device.

[0035] In one embodiment, the support member 30 is integrally formed by roll forming. By setting the above structure, the processing difficulty of the component can be reduced. The above structure can be processed using only a single steel beam. This not only saves processing materials and reduces the processing cost of the device, but also improves the processing efficiency of the device, which is conducive to the mass production of the device.

[0036] In one embodiment, the body 10 includes: a first plate 13 having an outlet 131 and an inlet 132; and a second plate 14 having a flow channel 141. The first plate 13 covers the second plate 14, so that the outlet 131, the inlet 132, and the flow channel 141 are interconnected. The side of the first plate 13 facing away from the second plate 14 forms a first plate surface 11, and the side of the second plate 14 facing away from the first plate 13 forms a second plate surface 12. The combination of the first plate 13 and the second plate 14 forms a compact and small-sized liquid transfer device. This design not only saves space but also improves the overall aesthetics of the system. Due to the close connection between the outlet 131, the inlet 132, and the flow channel 141, liquid can be transferred quickly and efficiently within the system. This is particularly important for applications requiring rapid response or efficient liquid transfer. Because the first plate 13 and the second plate 14 are separable, they can be easily disassembled and reinstalled when the system needs maintenance or cleaning, reducing maintenance difficulty and cost. This body structure 10 can be applied to a variety of different liquid transfer systems, such as cooling systems, lubrication systems, and chemical treatment systems. By adjusting the size and shape of the outlet 131, inlet 132, and flow channel 141, the needs of different application scenarios can be met.

[0037] In this application, the flow channel 141 is U-shaped. U-shaped liquid cooling plates typically employ a double-layer flow channel design, achieving one layer for temperature uniformity and the other for heat dissipation. This design allows the coolant to make more thorough contact with the heat-generating elements within the flow channel, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. The U-shaped flow channel design increases the contact area between the coolant and the heat-generating elements, thus improving heat exchange efficiency. This helps to quickly reduce the temperature of the heat-generating elements, ensuring stable equipment operation. Optimizing the flow channel structure: By rationally designing the shape and size of the U-shaped flow channel, the flow distribution of the coolant within the channel can be made more uniform. This helps to avoid localized overheating and coolant waste, improving the efficiency of the entire liquid cooling system. Furthermore, the U-shaped flow channel design can reduce the flow resistance of the coolant, allowing it to flow more smoothly, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0038] The U-shaped liquid cooling plate design allows for a more compact structure, providing a larger heat dissipation area within a limited space. This is especially important for space-constrained electronic devices, servers, and other equipment. The compact structure also makes it easier to integrate with other components, simplifying system design and installation. The wide environmental adaptability of the U-shaped liquid cooling plate ensures stable heat dissipation performance under various operating conditions. Due to its excellent isothermal properties, variable heat flux density, and reversible heat flow direction, the U-shaped liquid cooling plate maintains stable heat dissipation during long-term use, extending the equipment's lifespan. The U-shaped liquid cooling plate typically employs a modular design, making it easy to disassemble and reinstall. This simplifies maintenance and cleaning processes, reducing maintenance costs. The U-shaped flow channel design allows the coolant to make more thorough contact with the heat-generating elements, making it easier to remove accumulated dirt and heat, thus keeping the system clean and operating efficiently.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] An embodiment of this application provides a battery pack, which includes the liquid cooling plate described above.

[0041] By applying the technical solution of this application, the body 10, the reinforcing plate 20 and the support member 30 are stacked in sequence, and the side of the support member 30 closest to the second plate surface 12 is at least partially connected to the reinforcing plate 20. In this way, when the body 10 is subjected to external pressure, the force can be transferred to the reinforcing plate 20 in a timely manner. At the same time, since the support member 30 is provided below the reinforcing plate 20, the probability of deformation of the body 10 when subjected to external force can be reduced, thereby improving the structural strength of the body 10 and making the body 10 less prone to deformation, so as to meet the usage requirements of the device.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling plate, the liquid cooling plate comprising: sequentially stacked layers: The body has a first plate and a second plate that are arranged opposite to each other. The first plate is used to connect with the battery module. The body is provided with a flow channel groove for transmitting cooling medium. A reinforcing plate is connected to the second plate surface; A support member, the side of which is at least partially connected to the reinforcing plate near the second plate surface.

2. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, wherein the liquid cooling plate comprises a plurality of reinforcing plates, the plurality of reinforcing plates being arranged at intervals along the length direction of the body or the plurality of reinforcing plates being arranged at intervals along the width direction of the body.

3. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcing plate has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in the width direction of the body, the first ends of the plurality of reinforcing plates are connected to each other to form a first connecting segment, and the second ends of the plurality of reinforcing plates are connected to each other to form a second connecting segment.

4. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 3, wherein, The support member is used to support the first connecting segment and / or the second connecting segment.

5. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the reinforcing plate extending along the width direction of the body is less than or equal to the width of the body.

6. The liquid-cooled plate according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The thickness of the reinforcing plate is H, where 1.2mm ≤ H ≤ 2mm.

7. The liquid-cooled plate according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The contact surface between the reinforcing plate and the support member extends along the width direction of the body by a length of L1, and the reinforcing plate extends along the width direction of the body by a length of L2, where 4% ≤ L1 and L2 ≤ 7%.

8. The liquid-cooled plate according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The contact surface between the reinforcing plate and the support member extends along the length of the body for a length of L3, and the reinforcing plate extends along the length of the body for a length of L4, where 9% ≤ L3 and L4 ≤ 15%.

9. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 7, wherein, The contact surface between the reinforcing plate and the support member extends along the width direction of the body by a length L1, where 30mm ≤ L1 ≤ 50mm.

10. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 8, wherein, The contact surface between the reinforcing plate and the support member extends along the length of the body by L3, where 100mm ≤ L3 ≤ 160mm.

11. The liquid cooling plate according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the reinforcing plate has a protrusion disposed toward the body, the side of the protrusion near the body being used for connection with the body.

12. The liquid-cooled plate according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the support member comprises a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, a fourth segment, and a fifth segment that are sequentially connected and bent in sequence; wherein, The first segment is connected to the fifth segment, and a cavity is formed between the first segment, the second segment, the third segment, and the fourth segment.

13. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 12, wherein, The support component is integrally formed by roll forming.

14. The liquid-cooled plate according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the body comprises: The first plate has a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet; The second plate has the flow channel groove, and the first plate covers the second plate so that the liquid outlet, the liquid inlet and the flow channel groove are interconnected. The side of the first plate away from the second plate forms the first plate surface, and the side of the second plate away from the first plate forms the second plate surface.

15. A battery pack comprising a liquid cooling plate as claimed in any one of claims 1-14.

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