Charging device
By employing two independent cooling circuits in the charging device to cool the positive and negative wires respectively, the flow resistance and short-circuit risk caused by insulation requirements are resolved, achieving efficient cooling and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
In existing charging equipment, the insulation requirements between the positive and negative wires increase the flow resistance of the cooling medium, which increases the energy required for the cooling medium to flow and poses a short circuit risk.
Two independent cooling circuits are used to cool the positive and negative conductors respectively. The first and second cooling media are driven by the first and second driving components to circulate in their respective channels to ensure insulation and reduce the risk of short circuit through insulation design.
It meets the insulation requirements between the positive and negative conductors, reduces the flow resistance of the cooling medium, reduces energy consumption, improves cooling efficiency, and reduces the risk of short circuits.
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Figure CN2025113819_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Charging equipment
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202510068392.3, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 15, 2025, entitled “Charging Equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] This application relates to the field of charging technology, and more particularly to a charging device. Background Technology
[0003] Because the cooling medium in immersion liquid cooling technology comes into direct contact with the heat-generating elements, it offers superior cooling performance and is therefore one of the better heat dissipation methods for charging devices. In immersion liquid cooling, the positive wire of the cable (the charging gun's cable) is immersed in the positive cooling pipe, and the negative wire is immersed in the negative cooling pipe. The cooling media in the positive and negative cooling pipes converge in a manifold. This converged cooling media is then driven by a drive device and undergoes heat exchange in a heat exchanger. After heat exchange, the cooling media then re-enters the positive and negative cooling pipes respectively to cool the positive and negative wires. Since both the positive and negative wires are in contact with the cooling medium, and the cooling medium converges in the manifold, the insulation requirements between the positive and negative wires must be considered.
[0004] In related technologies, both the positive and negative cooling pipes are connected to the manifold via corresponding connecting pipes. To meet the insulation requirements between the positive and negative conductors, the resistance within the connecting pipe needs to be sufficiently high. Since the resistance within the connecting pipe is equal to the product of the resistivity of the cooling medium and the length of the connecting pipe, divided by the cross-sectional area of the connecting pipe, under the premise that the resistivity of the cooling medium remains constant (e.g., the same cooling medium), the length of the connecting pipe needs to be longer or the diameter smaller to meet the insulation requirements between the positive and negative conductors. However, a longer connecting pipe or a smaller connecting pipe diameter will increase the flow resistance of the cooling medium, thus increasing the energy required to drive the cooling medium to flow. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides a charging device that, while meeting the insulation requirements between the positive and negative conductors, can reduce the flow resistance of the cooling medium.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] This application provides a charging device, which includes a charging connector, a cable, and a cooling assembly. The charging connector is used to connect to a device to be charged. The cable includes a positive wire, a negative wire, a positive flow channel, and a negative flow channel. Both the positive and negative wires are connected to the charging connector. The positive wire is at least partially located within the positive flow channel, and the negative wire is at least partially located within the negative flow channel. The positive and negative flow channels are not interconnected. The cooling assembly includes a first driving member and a second driving member that are insulated from each other. The first driving member is connected to the positive flow channel and is used to drive a first cooling medium to flow within the positive flow channel and the first driving member. The second driving member is connected to the negative flow channel and is used to drive a second cooling medium to flow within the negative flow channel and the second driving member.
[0008] A charging connector (e.g., a charging gun) can draw electrical energy from a power source to charge a device (e.g., an electric vehicle) via a cable (e.g., the charging gun's cable). The electrical energy is delivered to the charging connector through positive and negative wires, which are the parts of the cable that generate the most heat. The positive wire is partially or completely submerged in a positive flow channel, and the negative wire is partially or completely submerged in a negative flow channel. Driven by a first and a second driving element, a first cooling medium flows in the positive flow channel to cool the positive wire, and a second cooling medium flows in the negative flow channel to cool the negative wire. This immersion liquid cooling technology improves the cable's cooling effect and increases its current-carrying capacity.
[0009] In this application, the positive and negative flow channels are not interconnected. Furthermore, the first cooling medium circulates between the positive flow channel and the first driving element, while the second cooling medium circulates between the negative flow channel and the second driving element. That is, the first and second cooling media belong to two independent cooling circuits and do not merge, reducing the risk of short circuits between the positive and negative wires. In addition, the first and second driving elements are mutually insulated, preventing the positive wire from conducting to the negative wire through the first cooling medium, the first driving element, the second driving element, and the second cooling medium, thus reducing the risk of short circuits between the positive and negative wires. Through the above technical solution, the insulation requirements between the positive and negative wires in the charging device are met, and the hydrogen-related safety of the charging device is also satisfied.
[0010] Furthermore, since the charging device cools the positive and negative wires through two independent cooling circuits, the insulation requirements between the positive and negative wires are already met. Therefore, there is no need to increase the resistance value inside the pipe by extending the pipe length or reducing the pipe diameter. This allows the two cooling circuits to be designed in a way that is most conducive to the flow of the cooling medium (the first cooling medium or the second cooling medium), reducing the flow resistance of the cooling medium, reducing the energy required to drive the cooling medium to flow (reducing energy consumption), and also facilitating the selection of the driving component (the first driving component or the second driving component).
[0011] In one embodiment of this application, both the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium are water-based cooling media.
[0012] Water-based cooling media, or water-based solutions (solutions using water as a solvent), have good cooling capacity. However, water-based solutions have high conductivity, which poses a risk of short circuits between the positive and negative conductors when the first or second cooling medium is a water-based solution. However, in this application, since the first and second cooling media belong to two independent cooling circuits and do not merge, the insulation requirements between the positive and negative conductors are already met. Therefore, the first or second cooling medium can be a water-based solution, which is beneficial for cooling the positive or negative conductors and improving the cooling efficiency of the cable.
[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the cooling assembly further includes a heat exchanger, which includes a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are insulated from each other. The first driving member and the positive electrode channel are both connected to the first heat exchange channel, and the second driving member and the negative electrode channel are both connected to the second heat exchange channel.
[0014] Under the action of the first driving component, both the first and second cooling media can flow to the heat exchanger for heat exchange. For example, the first cooling media flows into the first heat exchange channel to exchange heat with air, and the second cooling media flows into the second heat exchange channel to exchange heat with air. After heat exchange, the temperatures of the first and second cooling media decrease, and the cooler first and second cooling media flow back to the positive and negative channels respectively, cooling the positive and negative wires and thus achieving cable cooling.
[0015] The first and second heat exchange channels are insulated from each other. For example, the first and second heat exchange channels can be located in a separate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can also include a first sub-heat exchanger and a second sub-heat exchanger that are insulated from each other, with the first heat exchange channel located in the first sub-heat exchanger and the second heat exchange channel located in the second sub-heat exchanger. This prevents the positive electrode wire from conducting through the heat exchanger to the negative electrode wire, thus reducing the risk of a short circuit between the positive and negative electrode wires.
[0016] In one embodiment of this application, the cooling assembly further includes an expansion chamber, which includes a first cavity and a second cavity that are insulated from each other. The first cavity is connected to a positive electrode flow channel, and the second cavity is connected to a negative electrode flow channel. The expansion chamber also includes a first vent connected to the first cavity and a first sealing cap located at the first vent. The first sealing cap is used to open the first vent under the action of gas pressure in the first cavity. The expansion chamber also includes a second vent connected to the second cavity and a second sealing cap located at the second vent. The second sealing cap is used to open the second vent under the action of gas pressure in the second cavity.
[0017] Because both the first and second cooling media exhibit thermal expansion and contraction, an expansion tank is required for buffering. For example, after the first cooling media expands, a portion of it enters the first cavity of the expansion tank; after it contracts, the expansion tank replenishes the cooling circuit containing the first cooling media. Similarly, after the second cooling media expands, a portion enters the second cavity of the expansion tank; after it contracts, the expansion tank replenishes the cooling circuit containing the second cooling media. Furthermore, gas in the cooling circuit, after entering the expansion tank, will also be discharged through it. For instance, gas entering the first cavity will push open the first sealing cap and then exit from the first vent. Similarly, gas entering the second cavity will push open the second sealing cap and then exit from the second vent.
[0018] The first cavity and the second cavity are insulated from each other. For example, the first cavity and the second cavity can be located in a separate expansion box. The expansion box can also include a first sub-expansion box and a second sub-expansion box that are insulated from each other, with the first cavity located in the first sub-expansion box and the second cavity located in the second sub-expansion box. This prevents the positive wire from conducting through the expansion box to the negative wire, thus reducing the risk of a short circuit between the positive and negative wires.
[0019] In one embodiment of this application, the cooling assembly further includes a deionizer, which includes a first channel and a second channel that are insulated from each other. The first driving member and the positive electrode channel are both connected to the first channel, and the second driving member and the negative electrode channel are both connected to the second channel.
[0020] Under the action of the first driving component, the first cooling medium flows through the first channel and then through the ion exchange structure within the first channel; under the action of the second driving component, the second cooling medium flows through the second channel and then through the ion exchange structure within the second channel. The ion exchange structure adsorbs charged ions within both the first and second cooling media, thereby reducing their conductivity and lowering the risk of leakage in the cooling circuits containing both media, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the charging equipment.
[0021] In this design, the first and second channels are mutually insulated. For example, the first and second channels can be located within a separate deionizer. The deionizer can also include a first sub-deionizer and a second sub-deionizer that are mutually insulated, with the first channel located within the first sub-deionizer and the second channel located within the second sub-deionizer. This prevents the positive electrode wire from conducting through the deionizer to the negative electrode wire, thus reducing the risk of a short circuit between the positive and negative electrode wires.
[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the pipe for the flow of the first cooling medium is grounded, or the pipe for the flow of the second cooling medium is grounded.
[0023] Static electricity buildup occurs when electrical charges accumulate due to the inability to discharge them promptly. This buildup can shorten the lifespan of cables and pose safety hazards during operation. Grounding the pipes supplying either the first or second cooling medium can be achieved by, for example, inserting a probe into either the first or second cooling medium, bringing the probe into contact with the medium, and then grounding the probe. Alternatively, grounding the metal components (e.g., drive units, heat exchangers) within the cooling circuit containing the first or second cooling medium can also help. This releases the charge in the cooling circuit to the ground, reducing the likelihood of static electricity buildup.
[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the pipe for the flow of the first cooling medium is grounded through a resistor or a switching device, or the pipe for the flow of the second cooling medium is grounded through a resistor or a switching device.
[0025] In some cases, if both the first and second cooling media are directly connected to ground (real-time electrostatic discharge), it may cause a short circuit between the positive and negative conductors through ground. Therefore, connecting either the pipe supplying the first or second cooling media to ground via a resistor enables slow electrostatic discharge. Alternatively, connecting either pipe to ground via a switching device allows for electrostatic discharge by closing the device when needed and opening it when not. This reduces the risk of a short circuit between the positive and negative conductors through ground.
[0026] One of the pipes supplying the first cooling medium and the pipes supplying the second cooling medium is grounded via a switching device; the switching device is used to disconnect when the charging connector is charging the device to be charged; the switching device is used to close when the charging connector stops charging the device to be charged.
[0027] When the charging connector is charging the device, if both the pipes supplying the first and second cooling media are directly connected to ground, it could lead to a short circuit between the positive and negative wires. Therefore, when the charging connector is charging the device, the switching device is opened. One of the pipes supplying the first and second cooling media is grounded, while the other is not connected to ground. For example, the pipe supplying the first cooling media is grounded (through real-time electrostatic discharge), and the pipe supplying the second cooling media is grounded through the switching device. When the switching device is open, the pipe supplying the second cooling media is not grounded. This reduces the risk of a short circuit between the positive and negative wires. When the charging connector stops charging, no current flows through either the positive or negative wires, preventing a short circuit. This causes the switching device to close, and both the pipes supplying the first and second cooling media are grounded and can perform electrostatic discharge.
[0028] In one embodiment of this application, the cable includes a first inlet pipe and a first outlet pipe, each with one end located inside a charging connector. The end of the first inlet pipe inside the charging connector is connected to the end of the first outlet pipe inside the charging connector. The end of the first inlet pipe outside the charging connector is connected to the outlet of the first driving component, and the end of the first outlet pipe outside the charging connector is connected to the inlet of the first driving component. The positive electrode channel includes an internal channel of the first inlet pipe and an internal channel of the first outlet pipe. The positive electrode wire is at least partially located inside the first inlet pipe or the first outlet pipe.
[0029] Both the first inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe can supply the flow of the first cooling medium. When the first driving member drives the flow of the first cooling medium, the first cooling medium flows from the outlet of the first driving member into the first inlet pipe, then into the first outlet pipe, and finally back to the inlet of the first driving member, realizing the circulation of the first cooling medium (an independent cooling circuit). Since the positive electrode wire is at least partially located inside the first inlet pipe or the first outlet pipe, the first cooling medium flowing through the first inlet pipe or the first outlet pipe can cool the positive electrode wire. In addition, the connection point between the first inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe is located inside the charging connector, so that the first cooling medium can also dissipate heat from the charging connector.
[0030] In one embodiment of this application, the cable further includes a second inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe, each with one end located inside the charging connector. The end of the second inlet pipe inside the charging connector is connected to the end of the second outlet pipe inside the charging connector. The end of the second inlet pipe outside the charging connector is connected to the outlet of the second driving component, and the end of the second outlet pipe outside the charging connector is connected to the inlet of the second driving component. The negative electrode flow channel includes the internal channel of the second inlet pipe and the internal channel of the second outlet pipe. The negative electrode wire is at least partially located inside the second inlet pipe or the second outlet pipe.
[0031] Similar to the flow pattern of the first cooling medium, driven by the second driving element, the second cooling medium flows out from the outlet of the second driving element, then flows sequentially through the second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe before returning to the inlet of the second driving element, achieving a circulating flow of the second cooling medium (another independent cooling circuit). Furthermore, since the negative electrode wire is at least partially located within the second inlet pipe or the second outlet pipe, the second cooling medium flowing through it can cool the positive electrode wire. Additionally, the connection point between the second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe is located within the charging connector, allowing the second cooling medium to also dissipate heat from the charging connector.
[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the cooling assembly further includes a mounting base, and both the first driving member and the second driving member are fixed on the mounting base.
[0033] By mounting both the first and second drive components on the mounting base, the integration of the first and second drive components is improved, thereby increasing the utilization rate of the internal space of the charging device.
[0034] In one embodiment of this application, the charging device further includes a power conversion device, wherein the positive wire and the negative wire are both electrically connected to the output terminal of the power conversion device, and the power conversion device is used to convert the input AC power into DC power and output it to the positive wire and the negative wire.
[0035] The power conversion device converts AC power to DC power and outputs it to the positive and negative leads. Both the positive and negative leads are electrically connected to the charging connector, allowing the charging connector to draw power from the power source. When the power conversion device is located inside an equipment cabinet, the equipment cabinet refers to the entire charging equipment. When the power conversion device is located outside the equipment cabinet (e.g., inside the main unit of the charging equipment), the equipment cabinet refers to the terminal unit of the charging equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a charging device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of another charging device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cable provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a charging device in the related technology;
[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another cable structure provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0042] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of an expansion box provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0043] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a deionizer provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a cooling assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0045] Figure 10 is a grounding structure diagram of a charging device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0046] Figure 11 is a grounding structure diagram of another charging device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0047] Figure 12 is a grounding structure diagram of another charging device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0048] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of an equipment cabinet provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0049] Reference numerals: 100-Charging equipment; 10-Equipment cabinet; 20-Power conversion device; 30-AC power distribution device; 40-DC power distribution device; 50-Charging connector; 60-Connecting cable; 70-Main cabinet; 80-Adapter device; 1-Cable; 11-Positive electrode wire; 12-Negative electrode wire; 13-Positive electrode flow channel; 131-Positive electrode liquid inlet section; 132-Positive electrode liquid outlet section; 14-Negative electrode flow channel; 141-Negative electrode liquid inlet section; 142-Negative electrode liquid outlet section; 15-First liquid inlet pipe; 151-First internal channel; 16-First liquid outlet pipe; 161-Second internal channel; 17-The... Second inlet pipe; 171-Third internal channel; 18-Second outlet pipe; 181-Fourth internal channel; 19-Protective sleeve; 101-Pipe connector; 2-Cooling assembly; 21-First drive component; 22-Second drive component; 23-Heat exchanger; 231-First heat exchange channel; 232-Second heat exchange channel; 233-First sub-heat exchanger; 234-Second sub-heat exchanger; 24-Fan; 25-Expansion tank; 251-First cavity ; 252-Second cavity; 253-First sub-expansion box; 254-Second sub-expansion box; 255-First gas port; 256-First sealing cap; 257-Second gas port; 258-Second sealing cap; 26-Deionizer; 261-First channel; 262-Second channel; 263-First sub-deionizer; 264-Second sub-deionizer; 265-Ion exchange structure; 27-Mounting base; 28-Support base; 3-First cooling circuit; 31-First cooling medium; 4-Second cooling circuit; 41-Second cooling medium; 51-First conductive structure; 52-Second conductive structure; 53-Third conductive structure; 54-Fourth conductive structure; 6-Resistor; 7-Switching device; 8-First probe; 9-Second probe; 200-Power supply; 01-Positive cooling tube; 02-Negative cooling tube; 03-Connecting tube; 04-Manifold; 05-Drive pump. Detailed Implementation
[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.
[0051] In this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only to distinguish one element from another, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.
[0052] In this application, unless otherwise expressly stated and limited, "multiple" means two or more.
[0053] Furthermore, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.
[0054] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application, solid structures such as components and assemblies are represented by guide lines; structures composed of multiple components are represented by guide lines with parentheses or solid arrows; and hollow structures such as openings, holes, spaces, and cavities are represented by guide lines with hollow arrows.
[0055] This application provides a charging device 100. Figure 1 illustrates the structure of a charging device 100. Referring to Figure 1, the charging device 100 is an integrated charging pile. The charging device 100 includes an equipment cabinet 10, a power conversion device 20, an AC power distribution device 30, and a DC power distribution device 40, all of which are housed within the equipment cabinet 10.
[0056] In some examples, the AC power distribution device 30 includes AC switches (e.g., relays, contactors, etc.), protective devices (e.g., fuses, surge protectors, etc.), copper busbars, etc., wherein the input and output terminals of the AC switches are electrically connected to different copper busbars. Referring to Figure 1, the input terminal of the AC power distribution device 30 (the copper busbar electrically connected to the input terminal of the AC switch) is electrically connected to a power source 200, which may be a power grid. The output terminal of the AC power distribution device 30 (the copper busbar electrically connected to the output terminal of the AC switch) is electrically connected to a power conversion device 20. The AC power distribution device 30 is used to control the on / off state of the circuit between the power source 200 and the power conversion device 20. The power conversion device 20 is used to convert the current input to the AC power distribution device 30 (from the power source 200) into DC power before outputting it. For example, the power conversion device 20 is used to convert AC power input from the power grid into DC power before outputting it. The output terminal of the power conversion device 20 is connected to the input terminal of the DC power distribution device 40. The DC power distribution device 40 can be used for power distribution. For example, the DC power distribution device 40 includes multiple DC switches (relays, contactors, etc.). The DC switches control the on / off state of the circuit to achieve the distribution of the output power of the power conversion device 20.
[0057] In addition, the charging device 100 also includes a charging connector 50 (e.g., a charging gun) and a cable 1. Referring to Figure 1, there are two charging connectors 50 and two cables 1, with each charging connector 50 connected to one cable 1. In some other examples, there are one or more charging connectors 50 and two or more cables 1. This application does not impose a specific limitation on the number of charging connectors 50 and cables 1. The charging connector 50 is located outside the equipment cabinet 10 and is used to connect the device to be charged (e.g., an electric vehicle). The charging connector 50 is connected to the output terminal of the DC power distribution device 40 via the cable 1, enabling the charging connector 50 to access the power output of the power conversion device 20 through the DC power distribution device 40. For example, the power conversion device 20 includes multiple AC-DC modules, and the charging connector 50 can access the power output of one AC-DC module through the DC power distribution device 40, or the charging connector 50 can access the power output of several AC-DC modules through the DC power distribution device 40. In some other examples, the DC power distribution device 40 is used only to control the on / off of the circuit between the charging connector 50 and the power conversion device 20, and cannot control the amount of power that the charging connector 50 can draw upon.
[0058] Figure 2 illustrates the structure of another charging device 100. Referring to Figure 2, the charging device 100 is a split-type charging pile, wherein the charging device 100 includes a main unit, a terminal unit, and a connecting cable 60.
[0059] Referring to Figure 2, the main unit of the charging device 100 includes a main unit cabinet 70, a power conversion device 20, an AC power distribution device 30, and a DC power distribution device 40, all of which are housed within the main unit cabinet 70. The input terminal of the AC power distribution device 30 is electrically connected to the power supply 200, the output terminal of the AC power distribution device 30 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the power conversion device 20, and the output terminal of the power conversion device 20 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the DC power distribution device 40.
[0060] Referring to Figure 2, the terminal portion of the charging device 100 includes a cabinet 10, a charging connector 50, and a cable 1. An adapter 80 (e.g., the adapter 80 includes a DC switch, protection devices, copper busbars, etc.) is installed inside the cabinet 10, while the charging connector 50 is located outside the cabinet 10. The output of the DC power distribution device 40 is connected to the input of the adapter 80 inside the cabinet 10 via a connecting cable 60. The output of the adapter 80 is connected to the input of the charging connector 50 via the cable 1. In other words, the charging connector 50 is electrically connected to the power supply 200 via the cable 1, the adapter 80, the connecting cable 60, the DC power distribution device 40, the power conversion device 20, and the AC power distribution device 30.
[0061] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, cable 1 is responsible for transmitting power. Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of cable 1 provided in this application, which also shows a cross-sectional view of cable 1 at the dotted line. Referring to Figure 3, cable 1 includes a positive conductor 11 and a negative conductor 12. Both the positive conductor 11 and the negative conductor 12 are used to connect to the charging connector 50. For example, one end of the positive conductor 11 is connected to the positive input terminal (e.g., the positive terminal) of the charging connector 50, and the other end of the positive conductor 11 is connected to the DC power distribution device 40 in Figure 1 or to the adapter device 80 in Figure 2. One end of the negative conductor 12 is connected to the negative input terminal (e.g., the negative terminal) of the charging connector 50, and the other end of the negative conductor 12 is connected to the DC power distribution device 40 in Figure 1 or to the adapter device 80 in Figure 2.
[0062] Because cable 1 generates significant heat, it needs to be cooled. Referring to Figure 3, cable 1 also includes a positive electrode channel 13 and a negative electrode channel 14. A first cooling medium 31 (e.g., a water-based cooling medium, or a water-based solution) flows within the positive electrode channel 13, and a second cooling medium 41 (e.g., a water-based cooling medium, or a water-based solution) flows within the negative electrode channel 14. The positive electrode channel 13 and the negative electrode channel 14 are not interconnected; that is, the first cooling medium 31 in the positive electrode channel 13 does not flow into the negative electrode channel 14, and the second cooling medium 41 in the negative electrode channel 14 does not flow into the positive electrode channel 13. In other words, the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 do not intersect. The positive electrode wire 11 is at least partially (partially or entirely) located within the positive electrode channel 13, and is cooled by the first cooling medium 31. The negative electrode wire 12 is at least partially located within the negative electrode channel 14, and is cooled by the second cooling medium 41.
[0063] The positive electrode channel 13 and the negative electrode channel 14 are two independent channels, which can be formed in any suitable manner. In one example, referring to FIG3, the cable 1 includes a first inlet pipe 15 and a first outlet pipe 16, each having one end located within a charging connector 50. The end of the first inlet pipe 15 within the charging connector 50 is connected to the end of the first outlet pipe 16 within the charging connector 50 (e.g., both the first inlet pipe 15 and the first outlet pipe 16 are connected to a first cooling channel within the charging connector 50). The positive electrode channel 13 includes an internal channel (first internal channel 151) of the first inlet pipe 15 and an internal channel (second internal channel 161) of the first outlet pipe 16. A portion of the positive electrode wire 11 is located within the first outlet pipe 16 (in some other examples, a portion of the positive electrode wire 11 is located within the first inlet pipe 15). In addition, the cable 1 also includes a second liquid inlet pipe 17 and a second liquid outlet pipe 18, each with one end located inside the charging connector 50. The end of the second liquid inlet pipe 17 inside the charging connector 50 is connected to the end of the second liquid outlet pipe 18 inside the charging connector 50 (for example, both the second liquid inlet pipe 17 and the second liquid outlet pipe 18 are connected to the second cooling channel inside the charging connector 50). The negative electrode channel 14 includes an internal channel of the second liquid inlet pipe 17 (a third internal channel 171) and an internal channel of the second liquid outlet pipe 18 (a fourth internal channel 181). A portion of the negative electrode wire 12 is located inside the second liquid outlet pipe 18 (in some other examples, a portion of the negative electrode wire 12 is located inside the first liquid inlet pipe 15).
[0064] The connection points of the first liquid inlet pipe 15 and the first liquid outlet pipe 16, as well as the connection points of the second liquid inlet pipe 17 and the second liquid outlet pipe 18, are all located inside the charging connector 50, so that the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 can both dissipate heat from the charging connector 50.
[0065] In the example shown in FIG3, the end of the positive lead 11 for connecting to the DC power distribution device 40 in FIG1 or for connecting to the adapter 80 in FIG2 is located outside the positive current channel 13, and the end of the negative lead 12 for connecting to the DC power distribution device 40 in FIG1 or for connecting to the adapter 80 in FIG2 is located outside the negative current channel 14. Furthermore, the end of the positive lead 11 for connecting to the positive input terminal (e.g., the positive terminal) of the charging connector 50 can be located outside the positive current channel 13 (e.g., the end of the positive lead 11 extends outside the positive current channel 13 and connects to the positive input terminal of the charging connector 50), or the end of the positive lead 11 for connecting to the positive input terminal of the charging connector 50 can be located inside the positive current channel 13 (e.g., a portion of the positive input terminal of the charging connector 50 is located inside the positive current channel 13 so as to connect to the positive lead 11 within the positive current channel 13). The end of the negative lead 12 for connecting to the negative input terminal (e.g., negative terminal) of the charging connector 50 may be located outside the negative flow channel 14 (e.g., the end of the negative lead 12 extends outside the negative flow channel 14 and is connected to the negative input terminal of the charging connector 50). Alternatively, the end of the negative lead 12 for connecting to the negative input terminal of the charging connector 50 may be located inside the negative flow channel 14 (e.g., a portion of the negative input terminal of the charging connector 50 is located inside the negative flow channel 14 so as to connect to the negative lead 12 within the negative flow channel 14).
[0066] In some other examples, the positive lead 11 is entirely located inside the first outlet pipe 16 (or the positive lead 11 is entirely located inside the first inlet pipe 15), and an exposed first connection terminal is provided at the end of the first outlet pipe 16 (or the first inlet pipe 15) away from the charging connector 50, so that the positive lead 11 inside the first outlet pipe 16 (or the first inlet pipe 15) is connected to the first connection terminal, which is used to connect to the DC power distribution device 40 in FIG1 or to the adapter device 80 in FIG2. Furthermore, the negative electrode wire 12 can also be entirely located inside the second inlet pipe 17 (or, the negative electrode wire 12 can be entirely located inside the second outlet pipe 18), and an exposed second connection terminal is provided at the end of the second inlet pipe 17 (or the second outlet pipe 18) away from the charging connector 50, so that the negative electrode wire 12 inside the second inlet pipe 17 (or the second outlet pipe 18) is connected to the second connection terminal. The second connection terminal is used to connect to the DC power distribution device 40 in FIG1 or to connect to the adapter device 80 in FIG2.
[0067] In addition, cable 1 also includes a protective sleeve 19, which covers the first liquid inlet pipe 15, the first liquid outlet pipe 16, the second liquid inlet pipe 17 and the second liquid outlet pipe 18.
[0068] In some other examples, cable 1 includes a protective sleeve 19, a positive conductor 11, and a negative conductor 12. By processing the interior of the protective sleeve 19 (which can be understood as the unprocessed protective sleeve 19 being a solid structure), a positive flow channel 13 and a negative flow channel 14 are formed inside the protective sleeve 19. The positive conductor 11 is at least partially installed in the positive flow channel 13, and the negative conductor 12 is at least partially installed in the negative flow channel 14.
[0069] In some other examples, cable 1 includes a protective sleeve 19, a positive cooling tube, and a negative cooling tube. The protective sleeve 19 covers the positive and negative cooling tubes, which are two complete (uncut) tubes. The positive flow channel 13 includes an internal channel of the positive cooling tube, and the negative flow channel 14 includes an internal channel of the negative cooling tube. Both the positive and negative cooling tubes are bent, and the bent portions of both tubes are close to the charging connector 50, so that the liquid inlet and outlet of the positive and negative cooling tubes are opposite to the charging connector 50. The positive lead 11 extends from the bent portion of the positive cooling tube to the outside of the tube and connects to the positive input terminal of the charging connector 50. The negative lead 12 extends from the bent portion of the negative cooling tube to the outside of the tube and connects to the negative input terminal of the charging connector 50.
[0070] To enable the first cooling medium 31 in the positive electrode channel 13 and the second cooling medium 41 in the negative electrode channel 14 to circulate, referring to FIG3, the charging device 100 further includes a cooling assembly 2, wherein the cooling assembly 2 is disposed in the device cabinet 10. The cooling assembly 2 includes a first driving member 21 (e.g., a liquid pump) and a second driving member 22 (e.g., a liquid pump). The inlet and outlet of the first driving member 21 are both connected to the positive electrode channel 13. The first driving member 21 is used to drive the first cooling medium 31 to circulate between the positive electrode channel 13 and the first driving member 21. The inlet and outlet of the second driving member 22 are both connected to the negative electrode channel 14. The second driving member 22 is used to drive the second cooling medium 41 to circulate between the negative electrode channel 14 and the second driving member 22.
[0071] In the example where cable 1 includes a first inlet pipe 15 and a first outlet pipe 16, referring to Figure 3, the end of the first inlet pipe 15 located outside the charging connector 50 is connected to the outlet of the first drive member 21, and the end of the first outlet pipe 16 located outside the charging connector 50 is connected to the inlet of the first drive member 21. When the first drive member 21 drives the first cooling medium 31 to flow, the first cooling medium 31 flows from the outlet of the first drive member 21 into the first inlet pipe 15, then from the first inlet pipe 15 into the first outlet pipe 16, and then from the first outlet pipe 16 back to the inlet of the first drive member 21, realizing the circulation of the first cooling medium 31. Since the positive electrode wire 11 is at least partially located inside the first inlet pipe 15 or the first outlet pipe 16, the first cooling medium 31 flowing through the first inlet pipe 15 or the first outlet pipe 16 can cool the positive electrode wire 11.
[0072] In the example where cable 1 includes a second inlet pipe 17 and a second outlet pipe 18, referring to Figure 3, the end of the second inlet pipe 17 located outside the charging connector 50 is connected to the outlet of the second drive member 22, and the end of the second outlet pipe 18 located outside the charging connector 50 is connected to the inlet of the second drive member 22. Driven by the second drive member 22, the second cooling medium 41 flows out from the outlet of the second drive member 22, then flows sequentially through the second inlet pipe 17 and the second outlet pipe 18 before flowing back to the inlet of the second drive member 22, thus achieving the circulation of the second cooling medium 41. Furthermore, since the negative electrode wire 12 is at least partially located within the second inlet pipe 17 or the second outlet pipe 18, the second cooling medium 41 flowing through the second inlet pipe 17 or the second outlet pipe 18 can cool the negative electrode wire 12.
[0073] The first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 belong to two independent cooling circuits. For example, the first cooling medium 31 flows in the first cooling circuit 3, and the second cooling medium 41 flows in the second cooling circuit 4. That is, the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 do not merge, which reduces the risk of short circuit between the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12, meets the insulation requirements between the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12 in the charging device 100, and also meets the hydrogen safety requirements of the charging device 100.
[0074] In addition, the first driving element 21 and the second driving element 22 are insulated from each other, so the positive wire 11 cannot conduct the negative wire 12 through the first cooling medium 31, the first driving element 21, the second driving element 22 and the second cooling medium 41, which reduces the risk of short circuit between the positive wire 11 and the negative wire 12.
[0075] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary charging device of the related art. In this related art, both the positive cooling pipe 01 (containing a positive conductor 11) and the negative cooling pipe 02 (containing a negative conductor 12) are connected to the manifold 04 via corresponding connecting pipes 03, and the drive pump 05 is connected to the manifold 04. To meet the insulation requirements between the positive conductor 11 and the negative conductor 12, the resistance within the connecting pipe 03 needs to be sufficiently high. Since the resistance value within the connecting pipe 03 is equal to the product of the resistivity of the cooling medium and the length of the connecting pipe 03 divided by the cross-sectional area of the connecting pipe 03, under the premise that the resistivity of the cooling medium remains constant, the length of the connecting pipe 03 needs to be relatively long or the diameter of the connecting pipe 03 needs to be relatively small to meet the insulation requirements between the positive conductor 11 and the negative conductor 12.
[0076] However, as shown in Figure 4, if the length of the connecting pipe 03 is longer or the diameter of the connecting pipe 03 is smaller, the flow resistance of the cooling medium will increase, which in turn increases the energy required to drive the cooling medium to flow.
[0077] By adopting the technical solution of this application, referring back to Figure 3, the charging device 100 cools the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12 respectively through two independent cooling circuits (the first cooling circuit 3 and the second cooling circuit 4), which already meets the insulation requirements between the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12. Therefore, it is not necessary to extend the length of a certain section of the pipe or reduce the diameter of a certain section of the pipe in order to increase the resistance value inside the pipe. The two cooling circuits can be designed in a way that is most conducive to the flow of the cooling medium (the first cooling medium 31 or the second cooling medium 41), which reduces the flow resistance of the cooling medium, reduces the energy required to drive the cooling medium to flow, and is also beneficial to the selection of the first driving member 21 and the second driving member 22.
[0078] Furthermore, since the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12 have already met the insulation requirements, the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 can be selected from water-based solutions with better cooling capacity (water-based solutions have high conductivity, and there is a risk of short circuit if related technologies are used). The technical solution of this application not only meets the insulation requirements of the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12, but also takes into account the cooling capacity of the water-based solution.
[0079] Figure 5 illustrates an alternative cable 1 structure. In some examples, to facilitate communication between the positive electrode flow channel 13 and other devices (e.g., the first drive unit 21) in the first cooling circuit 3, the cable 1 also includes a pipe connector 101 (e.g., a quick connector for connecting to a pipe structure). The positive electrode flow channel 13 includes a positive electrode liquid inlet portion 131 (e.g., the first liquid inlet pipe 15 in Figure 3) and a positive electrode liquid outlet portion 132 (e.g., the first liquid outlet pipe 16 in Figure 3). The inlet of the positive electrode liquid inlet portion 131 and the outlet of the positive electrode liquid outlet portion 132 are both located away from the charging connector 50. A pipe connector 101 is provided at the inlet of the positive electrode liquid inlet portion 131 and the outlet of the positive electrode liquid outlet portion 132. Similar to the positive electrode channel 13, the negative electrode channel 14 includes a negative electrode liquid inlet section 141 (e.g., the second liquid inlet pipe 17 in FIG3) and a negative electrode liquid outlet section 142 (e.g., the second liquid outlet pipe 18 in FIG3). The inlet of the negative electrode liquid inlet section 141 and the outlet of the negative electrode liquid outlet section 142 are both located away from the charging connector 50. A pipe connector 101 is provided at the inlet of the negative electrode liquid inlet section 141 and the outlet of the negative electrode liquid outlet section 142.
[0080] In some examples, the cooling assembly 2 also includes a heat exchanger 23. Figure 6 exemplarily illustrates the structure of a heat exchanger 23. Referring to Figure 6, the heat exchanger 23 includes a first heat exchange channel 231 and a second heat exchange channel 232. For example, the heat exchanger 23 includes a first sub-heat exchanger 233 and a second sub-heat exchanger 234, wherein the first heat exchange channel 231 is located within the first sub-heat exchanger 233, and the second heat exchange channel 232 is located within the second sub-heat exchanger 234. In the case where the heat exchanger 23 is an air-cooled heat exchanger (as shown in Figure 6), both the first sub-heat exchanger 233 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 include structures such as heat dissipation fins. The cooling assembly 2 also includes a fan 24, which blows air onto the first sub-heat exchanger 233 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234, which facilitates heat exchange between the first heat exchange channel 231 and the second heat exchange channel 232 and the air.
[0081] When heat exchanger 23 is a liquid-cooled heat exchanger, both the first sub-heat exchanger 233 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 include coolant channels for coolant flow. The coolant channel of the first sub-heat exchanger 233 exchanges heat with the first heat exchange channel 231 of the first sub-heat exchanger 233, and the coolant channel of the second sub-heat exchanger 234 exchanges heat with the second heat exchange channel 232 of the second sub-heat exchanger 234. In this case, the cooling assembly 2 does not need to be equipped with an additional fan 24.
[0082] Referring to Figure 6, the first heat exchange channel 231 connects the positive electrode channel 13 and the first driving member 21. For example, the outlet of the first driving member 21 and the inlet of the positive electrode channel 13 are both connected to the first heat exchange channel 231. After the first cooling medium 31 flows out of the first driving member 21, it exchanges heat with the air (the heat exchanger 23 is an air-cooled heat exchanger) through the first heat exchange channel 231 before flowing back into the positive electrode channel 13. Alternatively, the inlet of the first driving member 21 and the outlet of the positive electrode channel 13 are both connected to the first heat exchange channel 231. After the first cooling medium 31 flows out of the positive electrode channel 13, it exchanges heat with the air through the first heat exchange channel 231 before flowing through the first driving member 21 and back into the positive electrode channel 13. Under the action of the first driving member 21, the first cooling medium 31 can flow to the first sub-heat exchanger 233 for heat exchange. For example, the first cooling medium 31 flows into the first heat exchange channel 231 to exchange heat with air or coolant. After heat exchange, the temperature of the first cooling medium 31 decreases, and the cooler first cooling medium 31 flows back into the positive electrode channel 13 to cool the positive electrode wire 11.
[0083] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6, the second heat exchange channel 232 connects the negative electrode channel 14 and the second drive member 22. For example, the outlet of the second drive member 22 and the inlet of the negative electrode channel 14 are both connected to the second heat exchange channel 232. After the second cooling medium 41 flows out from the second drive member 22, it exchanges heat with the air (heat exchanger 23 is an air-cooled heat exchanger) through the second heat exchange channel 232 before flowing into the negative electrode channel 14. Alternatively, the inlet of the second drive member 22 and the outlet of the negative electrode channel 14 are both connected to the second heat exchange channel 232. After the second cooling medium 41 flows out from the negative electrode channel 14, it exchanges heat with the air through the second heat exchange channel 232 before flowing through the second drive member 22 and then back into the negative electrode channel 14. In this way, the negative electrode wire 12 is cooled.
[0084] In some examples, the first heat exchange channel 231 and the second heat exchange channel 232 are insulated from each other. For instance, the first sub-heat exchanger 233 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 are both fixed to the cabinet plate of the equipment cabinet 10 by insulating pads, thus insulating the first sub-heat exchanger 233 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 from each other. The first heat exchange channel 231 is located inside the first sub-heat exchanger 233, and the second heat exchange channel 232 is located inside the second sub-heat exchanger 234, thereby also insulating the first heat exchange channel 231 and the second heat exchange channel 232 from each other. The positive electrode wire 11 cannot conduct through the heat exchanger 23 to the negative electrode wire 12, reducing the risk of a short circuit between the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12.
[0085] Since both the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 have the characteristic of thermal expansion and contraction, in some examples, the cooling assembly 2 also includes an expansion chamber 25 to buffer the thermal expansion and contraction of the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41. Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary structure of an expansion chamber 25. Referring to Figure 7, the expansion chamber 25 includes a first cavity 251 and a second cavity 252. For example, the expansion chamber 25 includes a first sub-expansion chamber 253 and a second sub-expansion chamber 254. The first cavity 251 is located within the first sub-expansion chamber 253, and the second cavity 252 is located within the second sub-expansion chamber 254.
[0086] Furthermore, referring to Figure 7, the expansion chamber 25 (first sub-expansion chamber 253) also includes a first air port 255 communicating with the first cavity 251 and a first sealing cover 256 located at the first air port 255. The first sealing cover 256 is movable relative to the first air port 255. When the gas pressure in the first cavity 251 is high, the first sealing cover 256 is used to open the first air port 255 to exhaust gas under the action of the gas pressure in the first cavity 251. The expansion chamber 25 (second sub-expansion chamber 254) also includes a second air port 257 communicating with the second cavity 252 and a second sealing cover 258 located at the second air port 257. The second sealing cover 258 is movable relative to the second air port 257. When the gas pressure in the second cavity 252 is high, the second sealing cover 258 is used to open the second air port 257 to exhaust gas under the action of the gas pressure in the second cavity 252.
[0087] Referring to Figure 7, the first cavity 251 is connected to the positive electrode channel 13. For example, the first sub-expansion tank 253 is connected between the first drive unit 21 and the first sub-heat exchanger 233. After the first cooling medium 31 expands, a portion of the first cooling medium 31 enters the first cavity 251 of the expansion tank 25. After the first cooling medium 31 contracts, the expansion tank 25 also replenishes the first cooling circuit 3 to which the first cooling medium 31 belongs. Furthermore, if gas accumulates in the first cooling circuit 3, the gas in the first cooling circuit 3 will push open the first sealing cover 256 after entering the first cavity 251, and then be discharged from the first gas port 255 to the outside of the first sub-expansion tank 253.
[0088] Referring to Figure 7, the second cavity 252 is connected to the negative electrode flow channel 14. For example, the second sub-expansion tank 254 is connected between the second drive member 22 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234. After the second cooling medium 41 expands, a portion of the second cooling medium 41 enters the second cavity 252 of the expansion tank 25. After the second cooling medium 41 contracts, the expansion tank 25 also replenishes the second cooling circuit 4 to which the second cooling medium 41 belongs. Furthermore, if gas accumulates in the second cooling circuit 4, the gas in the second cooling circuit 4 will push open the second sealing cover 258 after entering the second cavity 252, and then be discharged from the second gas port 257 to the outside of the second sub-expansion tank 254.
[0089] In other examples, the expansion tank 25 may also be connected to the positive electrode channel 13 and the negative electrode channel 14 in other ways. For example, Figure 8 shows an exemplary expansion tank 25 in which the first sub-expansion tank 253 is connected to the pipe or channel between the first drive unit 21 and the first sub-heat exchanger 233 (the pipe or channel indicated by arrow a), and the second sub-expansion tank 254 is connected to the pipe or channel between the second drive unit 22 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 (the pipe or channel indicated by arrow b). Furthermore, referring to Figure 8, the first heat exchange channel 231 of the first sub-heat exchanger 233 is connected to the first cavity 251, and the second heat exchange channel 232 of the second sub-heat exchanger 234 is connected to the second cavity 252. In this way, the gas in the first heat exchange channel 231 (the first heat exchange channel 231 is usually serpentine and easily accumulates gas) can flow into the first sub-expansion tank 253 and be discharged, and the gas in the second heat exchange channel 232 (the second heat exchange channel 232 is usually serpentine and easily accumulates gas) can flow into the second sub-expansion tank 254 and be discharged.
[0090] In some examples, the first cavity 251 and the second cavity 252 are insulated from each other. For instance, the first sub-expansion box 25 and the second sub-expansion box 25 are insulated from each other (both are fixed to the cabinet panel of the equipment cabinet 10 by insulating pads). The first cavity 251 is located inside the first sub-expansion box 25, and the second cavity 252 is located inside the second sub-expansion box 25, thereby making the first cavity 251 and the second cavity 252 insulated from each other. In this way, the positive wire 11 cannot conduct through the expansion box 25 to the negative wire 12, thus reducing the risk of a short circuit between the positive wire 11 and the negative wire 12.
[0091] In some examples, the cooling assembly 2 also includes a deionizer 26. Figure 8 also exemplarily illustrates a deionizer 26. Referring to Figure 8, the deionizer 26 includes a first channel 261 and a second channel 262. For example, the deionizer 26 includes a first sub-deionizer 263 and a second sub-deionizer 264, with the first channel 261 located within the first sub-deionizer 263 and the second channel 262 located within the second sub-deionizer 264. Both the first channel 261 and the second channel 262 have an ion exchange structure 265, which includes an ion exchange resin, an inorganic ion exchange absorbent, a carbon-based ion exchange absorbent, or an ion exchange membrane, etc. The ion exchange structure 265 can adsorb charged ions within the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 to reduce the conductivity of the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41.
[0092] Referring to Figure 8, the first sub-deionizer 263 belongs to the first cooling circuit 3. The first channel 261 connects the positive electrode channel 13 and the first driving member 21. For example, the outlet of the first driving member 21 and the inlet of the positive electrode channel 13 are both connected to the first channel 261. After the first cooling medium 31 flows out from the first driving member 21, it will pass through the ion exchange structure 265 in the first channel 261. The ion exchange structure 265 adsorbs the charged ions in the first cooling medium 31 to reduce the conductivity of the first cooling medium 31, thereby reducing the risk of leakage in the first cooling circuit 3 where the first cooling medium 31 is located. The charging device 100 can operate safely and stably. The first cooling medium 31 flowing out from the first sub-deionizer 263 then flows into the positive electrode channel 13. For example, the inlet of the first driving element 21 and the outlet of the positive electrode channel 13 are both connected to the first channel 261. After the first cooling medium 31 flows out of the positive electrode channel 13, it will pass through the ion exchange structure 265 in the first channel 261, then flow through the first driving element 21, and then flow back to the positive electrode channel 13.
[0093] Furthermore, referring to Figure 8, the second sub-deionizer 264 belongs to the second cooling circuit 4. The second channel 262 connects the negative electrode channel 14 and the second driving member 22. For example, the outlet of the second driving member 22 and the inlet of the negative electrode channel 14 are both connected to the second channel 262. Alternatively, the inlet of the second driving member 22 and the outlet of the negative electrode channel 14 are both connected to the first channel 261. After the second cooling medium 41 passes through the ion exchange structure 265 in the second channel 262, the ion exchange structure 265 can adsorb charged ions in the second cooling medium 41, thereby reducing the conductivity of the second cooling medium 41 and reducing the risk of leakage in the second cooling circuit 4 where the second cooling medium 41 is located.
[0094] In some examples, the first channel 261 and the second channel 262 are insulated from each other. For instance, the deionizer 26 includes a first sub-deionizer 263 and a second sub-deionizer 264 that are insulated from each other. The first channel 261 is located within the first sub-deionizer 263, and the second channel 262 is located within the second sub-deionizer 264, thus making the first channel 261 and the second channel 262 insulated from each other. This design prevents the positive electrode wire 11 from conducting through the deionizer 26 to the negative electrode wire 12, thereby reducing the risk of a short circuit between the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12.
[0095] In other examples, the cooling assembly 2 can also be integrated, that is, devices with the same function or role in the first cooling circuit 3 and the second cooling circuit 4 (e.g., the first drive unit 21 and the second drive unit 22) can be integrated into a single module, presenting only the interface (e.g., pipe interface or wire interface) to the outside. This improves the integration of the cooling assembly 2, reduces its complexity, and increases the space utilization within the equipment cabinet 10.
[0096] For example, Figure 9 exemplarily shows a schematic diagram of a cooling assembly 2. Referring to Figure 9, the cooling assembly 2 further includes a mounting base 27. The first driving member 21 and the second driving member 22 are both fixed to the mounting base 27, and the first driving member 21 and the second driving member 22 are insulated from each other. For example, the mounting base 27 is made of an insulating material, or an insulating pad is provided on the mounting base 27, and the first driving member 21 and the second driving member 22 are both fixed to the insulating pad of the mounting base 27. Without affecting the mutual insulation between the first mounting base 27 and the second mounting base 27, the integration of the first driving member 21 and the second driving member 22 is higher, improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the charging device 100.
[0097] Referring to Figure 9, when the cooling assembly 2 also includes a heat exchanger 23, in one example, the first sub-heat exchanger 233 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 are fixed to each other or both are fixed to the support 28. In another example, the heat exchanger 23 does not distinguish between the first sub-heat exchanger 233 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234; the heat exchanger 23 is an independent and complete heat exchanger. The first heat exchange channel 231 and the second heat exchange channel 232 can be located within one heat exchanger 23, and the first heat exchange channel 231 and the second heat exchange channel 232 are insulated from each other. Through the above design, the integration of the heat exchanger 23 can be improved, facilitating the installation and maintenance of the heat exchanger 23.
[0098] When the cooling assembly 2 also includes an expansion chamber 25, referring to FIG9, the first cavity 251 and the second cavity 252 can be located within a separate expansion chamber 25 (which can be understood as a single chamber with two cavities, without distinguishing between the first sub-expansion chamber 253 and the second sub-expansion chamber 254), and the first cavity 251 and the second cavity 252 are insulated from each other (for example, the expansion chamber 25 is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic) to improve the integration of the expansion chamber 25. In some other examples, the first sub-expansion chamber 253 and the second sub-expansion chamber 254 are fixed to each other or both are fixed to a bracket. In some other examples, the cooling assembly 2 may not include the expansion chamber 25.
[0099] Referring to Figure 9, in the case where the cooling assembly 2 also includes a deionizer 26, in one example, the deionizer 26 is a complete device (without distinguishing between the first sub-deionizer 263 and the second sub-deionizer 264), the first channel 261 and the second channel 262 are located within the deionizer 26, and the first channel 261 and the second channel 262 are insulated from each other. In other examples, the first sub-deionizer 263 and the second sub-deionizer 264 are fixed to each other or both are fixed to a mounting plate. In other examples, since the first cooling circuit 3 and the second cooling circuit 4 are insulated from each other, the insulation between the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 is high (e.g., already maintained insulated, meeting insulation requirements), therefore, the cooling assembly 2 may not need to include the deionizer 26 and the conductivity sensor (to monitor the insulation state of the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 to determine whether to turn on the deionizer 26), reducing the complexity of the cooling assembly 2, lowering costs, and reducing maintenance requirements.
[0100] Furthermore, the charging device 100 suffers from static electricity buildup during use. This buildup occurs because the charge cannot be discharged in time, affecting the lifespan of the cable 1 and posing safety hazards during operation. In some examples, the pipe supplying the first cooling medium 31 is grounded, and the pipe supplying the second cooling medium 41 is also grounded. The pipe supplying the first cooling medium 31 includes all structures in the first cooling circuit 3 through which the first cooling medium 31 can flow. For example, the pipe supplying the first cooling medium 31 includes the channel structure inside the first drive member 21 through which the first cooling medium 31 flows; another example is the wall of the heat exchanger 233 surrounding the first heat exchange channel 231; yet another example is the connecting pipe connecting the first drive member 21 and the first heat exchange channel 231, and so on. Similarly, the pipes for the flow of the second cooling medium 41 include all structures in the second cooling circuit 4 through which the second cooling medium 41 can flow. For example, the pipes for the flow of the second cooling medium 41 include the channel structure inside the second drive member 22 through which the second cooling medium 41 flows. For another example, the pipes for the flow of the second cooling medium 41 also include the wall of the heat exchanger 23 that forms the second heat exchange channel 232. For yet another example, the pipes for the flow of the second cooling medium 41 also include the connecting pipe for connecting the second drive member 22 and the second heat exchange channel 232, and so on.
[0101] In some other examples, the pipe flowing through the first cooling medium 31 is grounded, while the pipe flowing through the second cooling medium 41 is not grounded. Alternatively, the pipe flowing through the first cooling medium 31 is not grounded, while the pipe flowing through the second cooling medium 41 is grounded.
[0102] At least one of the pipes supplying the first cooling medium 31 and the pipes supplying the second cooling medium 41 is grounded, making at least one of the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 conductive to the ground. This allows the charge in the cooling circuit (first cooling circuit 3 or second cooling circuit 4) to be released to the ground, reducing the possibility of static electricity buildup. For example, in the example shown in Figure 10, the first sub-heat exchanger 233 (metallic) is grounded through a first conductive structure 51 (e.g., a wire or metal busbar), and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 (metallic) is grounded through a second conductive structure 52 (e.g., a wire or metal busbar), thus grounding both the pipes supplying the first cooling medium 31 and the pipes supplying the second cooling medium 41.
[0103] In some cases, if both the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 are directly connected to ground (real-time electrostatic discharge), it may cause a short circuit between the positive conductor 11 and the negative conductor 12. Therefore, referring to FIG10, at least one of the pipes supplying the first cooling medium 31 and the pipes supplying the second cooling medium 41 can be grounded through resistor 6. For example, the first sub-heat exchanger 233 can be directly grounded through the first conductive structure 51 to achieve real-time electrostatic discharge, and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 can be grounded through resistor 6 (for example, by cutting off the second conductive structure 52 and placing resistor 6 at the cut-off point of the second conductive structure 52) to achieve slow electrostatic discharge. Figure 11 illustrates an exemplary grounding structure for another charging device 100. Referring to Figure 11, at least one of the pipes supplying the first cooling medium 31 and the pipes supplying the second cooling medium 41 can be grounded via a switching device 7. For example, the first sub-heat exchanger 233 can be directly grounded via the first conductive structure 51 to achieve real-time electrostatic discharge, and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 can be grounded via the switching device 7 (for example, by cutting off the second conductive structure 52 and placing the switching device 7 at the cut-off point of the second conductive structure 52). When electrostatic discharge is required (when the charging connector 50 is not charging), the switching device 7 is closed to perform electrostatic discharge, and when electrostatic discharge is not required, the switching device 7 is opened. This design reduces the risk of a short circuit between the positive electrode wire 11 and the negative electrode wire 12.
[0104] In some other examples, the second sub-heat exchanger 234 is directly grounded through the second conductive structure 52 to achieve real-time electrostatic discharge, while the first sub-heat exchanger 233 is grounded through resistor 6 or switching device 7 to achieve slow electrostatic discharge (grounded through resistor 6) or electrostatic discharge as needed (grounded through switching device 7). In some other examples, both the first sub-heat exchanger 233 and the second sub-heat exchanger 234 are grounded through resistor 6 or switching device 7.
[0105] In some other examples, the first drive element 21 (metallic) and the second drive element 22 (metallic) may be grounded, or any metallic structure in the first cooling circuit 3 or the second cooling circuit 4 (which contacts the first cooling medium 31 or the second cooling medium 41) may be grounded.
[0106] In some other examples, FIG12 exemplarily illustrates the grounding structure of another charging device 100. Referring to FIG12, the charging device 100 further includes a first probe 8 and a second probe 9. The first probe 8 extends into a pipe (any section of the pipe structure) through which the first cooling medium 31 flows and is in contact with the first cooling medium 31. The second probe 9 extends into a pipe (any section of the pipe structure) through which the second cooling medium 41 flows and is in contact with the second cooling medium 41. Both the first probe 8 and the second probe 9 are grounded. For example, the first probe 8 is grounded through a third conductive structure 53 (e.g., a wire or a metal busbar), and the second probe 9 is grounded through a fourth conductive structure 54 (e.g., a wire or a metal busbar).
[0107] In the example shown in Figure 12, both the first probe 8 and the second probe 9 are grounded through resistor 6 to achieve slow electrostatic discharge. For example, both the third conductive structure 53 and the fourth conductive structure 54 are cut off, and resistors 6 are placed at the cut-off points of the third conductive structure 53 and the fourth conductive structure 54. In some other examples, both the first probe 8 and the second probe 9 are grounded through switching device 7 to achieve electrostatic discharge as needed. In some other examples, one of the first probe 8 and the second probe 9 is directly grounded to achieve real-time electrostatic discharge, while the other is grounded through resistor 6 or switching device 7 to achieve slow electrostatic discharge or electrostatic discharge as needed.
[0108] In some examples, if a switching device 7 is used for auxiliary grounding, the opening and closing of the switching device 7 needs to be controlled. For instance, if one of the pipes supplying the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 is grounded through the switching device 7, and both the pipes supplying the first cooling medium 31 and the second cooling medium 41 are directly connected to ground when the charging connector 50 is charging the device to be charged, it may cause a short circuit between the positive conductor 11 and the negative conductor 12. Therefore, the switching device 7 is used to disconnect when the charging connector 50 is charging the device to be charged. In this way, one of the pipes supplying the first cooling medium 31 (e.g., the pipe supplying the first cooling medium 31) is grounded, while the other (e.g., the pipe supplying the second cooling medium 41) cannot be connected to ground, thus reducing the risk of a short circuit between the positive conductor 11 and the negative conductor 12. Furthermore, the switching device 7 is used to close when the charging connector 50 stops charging the device to be charged. At this time, no current flows through the positive wire 11 and the negative wire 12, and the positive wire 11 and the negative wire 12 will not be short-circuited. Both the pipes supplying the first cooling medium 31 and the pipes supplying the second cooling medium 41 can be electrostatically discharged.
[0109] For example, the pipe supplying the first cooling medium 31 is grounded through a switching device 7 (first switching device), and the pipe supplying the second cooling medium 41 is also grounded through a switching device 7 (second switching device). To reduce the possibility of a short circuit between the positive wire 11 and the negative wire 12 through ground, the first and second switching devices are switched on and off alternately. That is, when the first switching device is open, the second switching device is closed, and when the second switching device is open, the first switching device is closed. In this way, the pipe supplying the first cooling medium 31 and the pipe supplying the second cooling medium 41 cannot be connected to ground simultaneously.
[0110] Figure 13 illustrates an exemplary structure of a device cabinet 10, which can be used for a split-type charging pile and serves as the cabinet for the terminal portion of the charging device 100. Referring to Figure 13, the cooling assembly 2 and the adapter 80 are both housed within the device cabinet 10. A portion of the cable 1 is located inside the device cabinet 10 and connected to the adapter 80, while another portion of the cable 1 is located outside the device cabinet 10 and connected to the charging connector 50 outside the device cabinet 10.
[0111] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A charging device, characterized in that, include: A charging connector for connecting a device to be charged; The cable includes a positive conductor, a negative conductor, a positive current channel, and a negative current channel. The positive conductor and the negative conductor are both connected to the charging connector. The positive conductor is at least partially located within the positive current channel, and the negative conductor is at least partially located within the negative current channel. The positive current channel and the negative current channel are not connected to each other. A cooling assembly includes a first driving member and a second driving member that are insulated from each other. The first driving member is connected to the positive electrode channel and is used to drive a first cooling medium to flow within the positive electrode channel and the first driving member. The second driving member is connected to the negative electrode channel and is used to drive a second cooling medium to flow within the negative electrode channel and the second driving member.
2. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling assembly further includes a heat exchanger, which includes a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are insulated from each other. The first driving member and the positive electrode channel are both connected to the first heat exchange channel, and the second driving member and the negative electrode channel are both connected to the second heat exchange channel.
3. The charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cooling assembly further includes an expansion tank, which comprises a first cavity and a second cavity that are insulated from each other. The first cavity is connected to the positive electrode channel, and the second cavity is connected to the negative electrode channel. The expansion chamber further includes a first air port communicating with the first cavity and a first sealing cap located at the first air port. The first sealing cap is used to open the first air port under the action of gas pressure in the first cavity. The expansion chamber further includes a second air port communicating with the second cavity and a second sealing cap located at the second air port. The second sealing cap is used to open the second air port under the action of gas pressure in the second cavity.
4. The charging device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The cooling assembly further includes a deionizer, which includes a first channel and a second channel that are insulated from each other. The first driving element and the positive electrode channel are both connected to the first channel, and the second driving element and the negative electrode channel are both connected to the second channel.
5. The charging device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The pipe supplying the first cooling medium is grounded, or the pipe supplying the second cooling medium is grounded.
6. The charging device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pipe supplying the first cooling medium is grounded via a resistor or a switching device, or the pipe supplying the second cooling medium is grounded via a resistor or a switching device.
7. The charging device according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the pipes supplying the first cooling medium and the pipes supplying the second cooling medium is grounded via the switching device; The switching device is used to disconnect when the charging connector is charging the device to be charged. The switching device is used to close when the charging connector stops charging the device to be charged.
8. The charging device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The cable includes a first inlet pipe and a first outlet pipe, each with one end located inside the charging connector. The end of the first inlet pipe inside the charging connector is connected to the end of the first outlet pipe inside the charging connector. The end of the first inlet pipe outside the charging connector is connected to the outlet of the first drive unit. The end of the first outlet pipe outside the charging connector is connected to the inlet of the first drive unit. The positive electrode channel includes the pipe of the first inlet pipe and the pipe of the first outlet pipe, and the positive electrode wire is at least partially located in the first inlet pipe or the first outlet pipe.
9. The charging device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The cable also includes a second inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe, each with one end located inside the charging connector. The end of the second inlet pipe inside the charging connector is connected to the end of the second outlet pipe inside the charging connector. The end of the second inlet pipe outside the charging connector is connected to the outlet of the second drive unit. The end of the second outlet pipe outside the charging connector is connected to the inlet of the second drive unit. The negative electrode channel includes the pipe of the second inlet pipe and the pipe of the second outlet pipe, and the negative electrode wire is at least partially located in the second inlet pipe or the second outlet pipe.
10. The charging device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The charging device also includes a power conversion device. The positive wire and the negative wire are both electrically connected to the output terminal of the power conversion device. The power conversion device is used to convert the input AC power into DC power and output it to the positive wire and the negative wire.