LIQUID COOLING PLATE AND BATTERY PACK

The present disclosure provides a liquid cooling plate and a battery pack. The liquid cooling plate includes a first cooling plate, a second cooling plate and at least one reinforcement member. The first cooling plate includes a first bent part. The second cooling plate is arranged side by side with the first cooling plate and is connected with the first cooling plate in a sealed manner. A cooling flow passage is formed between the second cooling plate and the first cooling plate. The second cooling plate includes a second bent part, and the second bent part corresponds to the first bent part. The at least one reinforcement member is disposed in the cooling flow passage between the first bent part and the second bent part.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of battery cooling technology, and specifically to a liquid cooling plate and a battery pack.

BACKGROUND

An independent battery module usually contains multiple cells. During the charging and discharging processes of the battery module, the chemical reactions of the multiple cells inside the battery module will generate a large amount of heat. Currently, a liquid cooling plate is often used to exchange heat with the battery module. However, at present, a battery pack is usually composed of multiple battery modules so as to form a high-power battery, and when the liquid cooling plate is used to perform heat exchange with the multiple battery modules, it is often necessary to perform bending process on the liquid cooling plate to increase the heat exchange area between the liquid cooling plate and the battery modules and improve the efficiency of the heat exchange between the liquid cooling plate and the battery modules. When the liquid cooling plate is bent, however, a flow passage at the bent part is easy to deform, causing the flow passage at the bend to crack.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a liquid cooling plate and a battery pack.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid cooling plate, the liquid cooling plate includes a first cooling plate, a second cooling plate and at least one reinforcement member. The first cooling plate includes a first bent part. The second cooling plate is arranged side by side with the first cooling plate and is connected with the first cooling plate in a sealed manner. A cooling flow passage is formed between the second cooling plate and the first cooling plate. The second cooling plate includes a second bent part. The second bent part corresponds to the first bent part. The at least one reinforcement member is disposed in the cooling flow passage between the first bent part and the second bent part.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack, the battery pack includes at least one battery module and the liquid cooling plate described in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The liquid cooling plate is configured to perform heat exchange with the at least one battery module.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, but not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

The embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating specific embodiments of the present disclosure that can be implemented. The directional terms mentioned herein, such as “up”, “down”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “side”, etc., are only with reference to the orientations of the drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for the purpose of better and clearer description and understanding of the present disclosure and do not indicate or imply that any device or component referred to must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as any limitation on the present disclosure.

In addition, the serial numbers assigned to components herein, such as “first”, “second”, etc., are only used to distinguish the described objects and do not have any sequential or technical meaning. The terms “connecting” and “coupling” mentioned in the present disclosure include direct and indirect connecting (coupling) unless otherwise specified.

Referring toFIG.1andFIG.2, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid cooling plate100. The liquid cooling plate100includes a first cooling plate10, a second cooling plate30and at least one reinforcement member70. The first cooling plate10includes a first bent part117. The second cooling plate30is arranged side by side with the first cooling plate10and is connected with the first cooling plate10in a sealed manner. A cooling flow passage50is formed between the second cooling plate30and the first cooling plate10. The second cooling plate30includes a second bent part317. The second bent part317corresponds to the first bent part117. The at least one reinforcement member70is disposed in the cooling flow passage50between the first bent part117and the second bent part317.

An independent battery module usually contains multiple cells. During the charging and discharging process of the battery module, the chemical reactions of the multiple cells inside the battery module will generate a large amount of heat. Currently, a liquid cooling plate is often used to exchange heat with the battery module. However, at present, a battery pack is usually composed of multiple battery modules so as to form a high-power battery, and when the liquid cooling plate is used to exchange heat with the multiple battery modules, it is often necessary to perform bending process on the liquid cooling plate to increase the heat exchange area between the liquid cooling plate and the battery modules and improve the efficiency of the heat exchange between the liquid cooling plate and the battery modules. When the liquid cooling plate is bent, however, a flow passage at the bent part is easy to deform, causing the flow passage at the bend to crack.

In the liquid cooling plate100of the present disclosure, at least one reinforcement member70is provided between the first bent part117of the first cooling plate10and the second bent part317of the second cooling plate30. The at least one reinforcement member70can provide supporting force for side walls of the cooling flow passage50between the first bent part117and the second bent part317, thereby preventing the cooling flow passage50at the bent part from deforming and breaking, and ensuring the consistency of the cooling flow passage50.

Referring toFIG.2, the first cooling plate10and the second cooling plate30are a pair of components, and the number of the first cooling plates10is consistent with the number of the second cooling plates30. The first cooling plate10and the second cooling plate30are together formed with an accommodating space90, the accommodating space90is used to place the battery modules300therein, and the cooling flow passage50surrounds the accommodating space90. Specifically, the second cooling plate30is arranged side by side with the first cooling plate10on a side of the first cooling plate10closer to the accommodating space90.

The number of the first cooling plates10and the number of the second cooling plates30may be one or more so as to perform heat exchange for a larger number of battery modules300.

The first cooling plate10and the second cooling plate30are of the same material, which can be a metal material, or a non-metallic material with good thermal conductivity. The specific material is not limited herein. In an example, the first cooling plate10and the second cooling plate30can be made of aluminum, which can reduce the weight of the liquid cooling plate100, thereby reducing the overall weight of the battery pack1000.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, in an embodiment, a passage71is formed in the reinforcement member70. The passage71penetrates the reinforcement member70along the extension direction of the cooling flow passage50and is connected with the cooling flow passage50.

In an example, the reinforcement member70may be made of metal material, thereby increasing the strength of the reinforcement member70.

The reinforcement member70can be fixedly installed on the side wall of the first bent part117through welding connection, and then the second cooling plate30is connected with the first cooling plate10through welding connection in a sealed manner; or the reinforcement member70is fixedly installed on the side wall of the second bent part317through welding connection, and then the second cooling plate30is connected with the first cooling plate10through welding connection in a sealed manner.

Specifically, the reinforcement member70has an arc-shaped structure as a whole, and a curvature in which the reinforcement member70is bent is the same as the curvature in which the first bent part117is bent and the curvature in which the second bent part317is bent, so that when the reinforcement member70is disposed in the cooling flow passage50between the first bent part117and the second bent part317, the side surfaces of the reinforcement member70can be attached to the side walls on both sides of the cooling flow passage50, thereby providing support force for the cooling flow passage50between the first bent part117and the second bent part317, preventing the side walls of the cooling flow passage50between the first bent part117and the second bent part317from deforming and breaking, ensuring the consistency of the cooling flow passage50, and ensuring the safety of the liquid cooling plate100.

By providing the passage71, it ensures the smoothness of the cooling flow passage50after the reinforcement member70is added. When the heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage50flows through the reinforcement member70between the first bent part117and the second bent part317, the heat exchange medium can flow into the remaining of the cooling flow passage50through the passage71of the reinforcement member70.

The number of passages71is one, as shown inFIG.3. The height of the passage71(the height refers to the distance extending in the Y direction shown inFIG.3) is within a preset range of the height of the reinforcement member70. For example, the height of the passage71is 80% to 90% of the height of the reinforcement member70, if the height of the reinforcement70is noted as H, the height of the passage71can be 80% H, 81% H, 82% H, 83% H, 84%, 85% H, 86% H, 87% H, 88% H, 89% H, or 90% H, thereby keeping the volumes of the heat exchange medium before and after flowing through the reinforcement70as consistent as possible to avoid the large lateral impact force generated by the heat exchange medium at the bent part due to the large change in flow rate, thereby preventing the first bent part117of the first cooling plate10from breaking. In addition, it can also improve the cooling or preheating efficiency of the battery modules300by the liquid cooling plate100.

Referring toFIGS.2and4, in another embodiment, the number of passages71may be multiple. The multiple passages71are arranged side by side in the Y direction, and the cross-sectional projection of the reinforcement member70is square-wave-shaped. The side walls of two of the passages71are respectively attached to the first bent part117of the first cooling plate10, and the side walls of the passage71located in the middle position are attached to the second bent part317of the second cooling plate30. In this way, the thickness of the first cooling plate10at the first bent part117(the distance extended in the X direction as shown inFIG.4) is increased, which prevents the first bent part117of the first cooling plate10from breaking due to a too large lateral impact force generated by the heat exchange medium when flowing through passage71.

Referring toFIG.5, in another embodiment, the reinforcement member70further includes a plurality of spacer sheets73. The plurality of spacer sheets73are disposed in the passage71along the extension direction of the passage71and divide the passage71into a plurality of sub passages711, and the plurality of sub passages711are all connected with the cooling flow passage50(shown inFIG.2).

The spacer sheets73may be metal reinforcement ribs, thereby effectively preventing the spacer sheets73from breaking due to the spacer sheets73being impacted by the heat exchange medium for a long time.

For example, as shown inFIG.5, a plurality of spacer sheets73can be arranged side by side and in parallel in the height direction of the reinforcement member70(the Y direction shown inFIG.5), and the intervals between two adjacent spacer sheets73are the same, so that the passage71is divided into a plurality of sub passages711in the height direction. In this way, the entire side wall of the passage71can be attached to the side wall of the first bent part117. Compared with the reinforcement member70described in the previous embodiment, the reinforcement member70in the present embodiment can allow the first cooling plate10as a whole to be thickened at the first bent part117, and the lateral impact force generated by the heat exchange medium when flowing through the plurality of sub passages711can all be forced on the first side of the reinforcement member70to prevent the heat exchange medium from directly impacting the first cooling plate10, thereby avoiding the crack of the first cooling plate10at the first bent part117, and effectively increasing the service life of the first cooling plate10.

For another example, as shown inFIG.6, the plurality of spacer sheets73are arranged side by side in the passage71in the height direction of the passage71, the plurality of spacer sheets73are divided into multiple groups, each group includes two spacer sheets73. The two spacer sheets73of each group are arranged in a V shape in the passage71, and the spacer sheets73in different groups are not connected with each other.

For another example, as shown inFIG.7, the plurality of spacer sheets73are arranged side by side in the passage71in the height direction of the passage71. Except for the two spacer sheets73located outermost in the height direction of the passage71, the remaining spacer sheets73are connected end to end, so that four adjacent spacers73form an M shape.

Referring toFIG.8, in yet another embodiment, the reinforcement member70includes a first subpart75, a second subpart76and at least one third subpart77. The first subpart75and the second subpart76are arranged oppositely, and two ends of the at least one third subpart77are connected with the first subpart75and the second subpart76respectively. The at least one third subpart77divides the passage71into at least two sub passages711. The number of the third subparts77may be one or more. When the number of the third subparts77is one, the structure of the reinforcement member70is as shown inFIG.8. When the number of third subparts77is multiple, the multiple third subparts77are arranged in parallel between the first subpart75and the second subpart76, dividing the passage71into a plurality of sub passages711.

Referring toFIG.8, in another embodiment, the reinforcement member70may be made of foam metal. The foam metal is formed with a plurality of air holes72, and the plurality of air holes72are connected with the cooling flow passage50to allow the heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage50to pass through. The heat exchange medium can enter the cooling flow passage50through the plurality of air holes72. The foam metal is arranged between the first bent part117and the second bent part317, which can slow down the flow rate of the heat exchange medium flowing through the reinforcement member70, thereby reducing the lateral impact force generated by the heat exchange medium when flowing through the reinforcement member70, and avoiding cracking of the first bent part117of the first cooling plate10.

The heat exchange medium includes a liquid (such as water, water-alcohol mixture) medium. For example, in an example, the heat exchange medium may be water.

Referring toFIGS.2and17, it should be noted that the heat exchange medium can cool or preheat the battery modules300. When the battery modules300need to be heat exchanged, the heat exchange medium is input into the cooling flow passage50. Since the battery modules300are attached to the liquid cooling plate100, the heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage50can perform heat exchange through the liquid cooling plate100. The battery modules300can be cooled or preheated by adjusting the temperature of the input heat exchange medium.

In some embodiments, in a low-temperature environment, the battery modules300have reduced charging and discharging performance due to the reduced activity of positive and negative electrode materials and the reduced conductivity of the electrolyte of the battery cells in the battery modules300. In this case, it needs to introduce the heat exchange medium with higher temperature into the cooling flow passage50so as to allow the battery modules300to reach a suitable temperature. At the same time, the liquid cooling plate100can be attached to multiple battery modules300, so that the liquid cooling plate100can exchange heat with the multiple battery modules300, effectively improving the preheating efficiency of the liquid cooling plate100for the battery pack1000.

In some embodiments, in a high-temperature environment, the charging efficiency of the cells in the battery modules300will be low and the battery capacity will be reduced, and the battery modules300will dissipate heat during operation, resulting in the temperature of the battery modules300too high, and thus the heat of the battery modules300needs to be dissipated through the liquid cooling plate100. In this case, it needs to introduce the heat exchange medium with a lower temperature into the cooling flow passage50so that the heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage50can take away the heat dissipated by the battery module300to allow the temperature of the battery module300to be reduced to a suitable temperature. At the same time, the liquid cooling plate100is attached to multiple battery modules300, so that the liquid cooling plate100can exchange heat with the multiple battery modules300at the same time, effectively improving the cooling efficiency of the liquid cooling plate100for the battery pack1000.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple columns of battery modules300are placed in the accommodating space90so that the liquid cooling plate100is attached to the multiple columns of battery modules300, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the liquid cooling plate100for the battery modules300.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, in an embodiment, the first cooling plate10includes a first body11and a first flow passage13provided on the first body11. The first flow passage13extends along the length direction of the first body11and is formed by recessing from the first body11in a direction away from the accommodating space90. The second cooling plate30is connected with the first body11in a sealed manner, and the first flow passage13and the second cooling plate30are matched to form the cooling flow passage50surrounding the accommodating space90.

The first flow passage13includes a first sub flow passage131and a second sub flow passage133distributed in the first body11. The first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133are connected with each other, and the connected first sub flow passage131and second sub flow passage133together form the first flow passage13in an annular shape. The first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133are connected at the ends112of the first body11, and other part of the first sub flow passage131and other part of the second sub flow passage133are arranged in parallel at intervals in the height direction Y of the first body11, that is, the interval part space therebetween is not provided with any flow passage. In addition, the first flow passage13is not provided on the peripheral edge portion of the first body11, and the portion of the first body11that is not provided with the first flow passage13is used to abut against the second cooling plate30.

The surface of the second cooling plate30is flat. In this case, the cooling flow passage50of the liquid cooling plate100is the first flow passage13. The peripheral edge portion of the first body11that is not provided with the first flow passage13abuts against the second cooling plate30, and the interval part between the first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133abuts against the second cooling plate30. The first body11and the second cooling plate30are fixedly connected by welding, and the first flow passage13on the first body11is sealed, which can effectively prevent the cooling medium in the first flow passage13from leaking.

Referring toFIGS.9and11, in another embodiment, the second cooling plate30includes a second body31and a second flow passage33provided in the second body31. The second body31is arranged side by side with the first body11on the side of the first body11facing the accommodating space90. The second flow passage33extends along the length direction of the second body31and is formed by recessing from the second body31in a direction toward the accommodating space90. The second flow passage33corresponds to the first flow passage13, and the width of the second flow passage33is equal to the width of the first flow passage13. In a case where the first body11and the second body31are connected with each other in a sealed manner, the second flow passage33and the second flow passage33are matched to together form the cooling flow passage50surrounding the accommodating space90.

Similarly, the first flow passage13includes a first sub flow passage131and a second sub flow passage133distributed in the first body11. The first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133are connected with each other, and the connected first sub flow passage131and second sub flow passage133together form the first flow passage13in an annular shape.

Specifically, the first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133are connected at the ends112of the first body11, and the other part of the first sub flow passage131and the other part of the second sub flow passage133are arranged in parallel at intervals in the height direction Y, that is, the interval part spaced therebetween is not provided with any flow passage. The second flow passage33includes a third sub flow passage331and a fourth sub flow passage333distributed in the second body31. The third sub flow passage331and the fourth sub flow passage333are connected with each other, and the connected third sub flow passage331and fourth sub flow passage333together form the second flow passage33in an annular shape. Therefore, the cooling flow passage50formed jointly by the matched first passage13and second passage33is in an annular shape as a whole. Similarly, the third sub flow passage331and the fourth sub flow passage333are connected at the ends312of the second body31, and the other part of the third sub flow passage331and the other part of the fourth sub flow passage333are arranged in parallel at intervals in the height direction Y. As such, one of the sub flow passages (for example, the first sub flow passage131or the third sub flow passage331) can be used to be connected with a liquid inlet pipe60to input heat exchange medium into the flow passage, and another one of the sub flow passages (such as the second sub flow passage133or the fourth sub flow passage333) can be used to connect the heat exchange medium after heat exchange to a liquid outlet pipe80to discharge it out of the cooling flow passage50. There is no flow passage provided in the interval part, and the interval part between the third sub flow passage331and the fourth sub flow passage333and the interval part between the first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133abut against each other

The first flow passage13and the second flow passage33being matched to form the cooling flow passage50means that when the first body11and the second body31are attached and welded to each other to form the liquid cooling plate100, the part of the first body11that is not provided with the first flow passage13and the part of the second body31that is not provided with the second flow passage33abut against each other, the first flow passage13and the second flow passage33are opposite in the thickness direction of the liquid cooling plate100, and the first flow passage13and the second flow passage33together form the cooling flow passage50.

Specifically, the first flow passage13is not provided on the peripheral edge of the first body11, and the second flow passage33is not provided on the peripheral edge of the second body31. When the first body11and the second body31are welded, the peripheral edge of the first body11and the peripheral edge of the second body31can be welded so that the first body11and the second body31are connected in a sealed manner, and thus first flow passage13and the second flow passage33are sealed, which can effectively prevent the heat exchange medium in the first flow passage13from leaking.

Alternatively, when the peripheral edges of the first body11and the second body31are weld, the interval part between the third sub flow passage331and the fourth sub flow passage333and the interval part between the first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133can also abut against each other and then welded with each other so as to strengthen the stability of the welding between the first cooling plate10and the second cooling plate30.

Compared with the cooling flow passage50formed by the first flow passage13, the cooling flow passage50jointly formed by the matched second flow passage33and first flow passage13, with the addition of the second flow passage33, results in a larger volume of the cooling flow passage50, and more heat exchange medium can be input into the cooling flow passage50at one time, which effectively improves the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange medium and the battery modules300. In the present disclosure, the structure of the liquid cooling plate100is described in detail in an example where the first cooling plate10is formed with the first flow passage13and the second cooling plate30is formed with the second flow passage33.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a width of the second flow passage33is equal to a width of the first flow passage13. When the first body11and the second body31are opposite and attached to each other, the side wall of the first flow passage13can abut against the side wall of the second flow passage13, sealing the first flow passage13and the second flow passage33.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, the first cooling plate10further includes a first flow disturbing part15provided on the first flow passage13along the extension direction of the first flow passage13. The first flow disturbing part15is formed to protrude from the side wall of the first flow passage13in the direction toward the accommodating space70.

The number of first flow disturbing parts15is multiple, and the multiple first flow disturbing parts15may be evenly distributed on the side wall of the first flow passage13, or the multiple first flow disturbing parts15may be unevenly spaced on the side wall of the first flow passage13. By providing the first flow disturbing parts15, the heat exchange medium input into the first flow passage13can be diverted, which increases the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the first flow passage13, and effectively prolongs the time duration of the heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the battery modules300, thereby achieving higher heat exchange efficiency.

The first flow disturbing part15has a hemispherical structure. When the heat exchange medium in the first flow passage13passes the surface of the first flow disturbing part15, the heat exchange medium can flow around the first flow disturbing part15, so as to form a reverse flow around the first flow disturbing part15, prolonging the time duration of the heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the battery modules300, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

Similarly, the second cooling plate30also includes a second flow disturbing part35provided on the second flow passage33along the extension direction of the second flow passage33. The second spoiler35is formed to protrude from the side wall of the second flow passage33in a direction away from the accommodating space90. The structure of the second flow disturbing part35is the same as that of the first flow disturbing part15. The number of the second flow disturbing parts35is the same as the number of the first flow disturbing parts15, which will not be described again.

In an embodiment, when the first body11and the second body31are connected in a sealed manner, the first flow disturbing parts15and the second flow disturbing parts35may be arranged to be staggered, and the first flow disturbing parts15and the second flow disturbing parts35are both used to divert the heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage50so as to increase the fluidity of the heat exchange medium in the flow passage50, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange medium and the battery modules300.

In another embodiment, when the first body11and the second body31are connected in a sealed manner, the first flow disturbing parts15and the second flow disturbing parts35abut against each other.

The depth that the first flow passage13is recessed is equal to the height that the first flow disturbing part15protrudes, and the depth that the second flow passage33is recessed is equal to the height that the second flow disturbing part35protrudes. Therefore, when the peripheral edge surface of the first body11and the peripheral edge surface of the second body31are welded, both of the first flow disturbing parts15and the second flow disturbing parts35will not affect the sealing of the connection between the first body11and the second body31, ensuring the sealing of the connection between the first body11and the second body31.

Referring toFIG.9, the first body11includes a first segment111, two first bent parts117, a second segment113and a third segment115. Two ends of one of the first bent parts117are connected with the first segment111and the second segment113respectively, and two ends of the other first bent part117are connected with the third segment115and the second segment113respectively. The second segment113is located between the first segment111and the third segment115.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first segment111, the two first bent parts117, the second segment113and the third segment115are of an integral structure, and the first body11is obtained through stamping and bending process using a profiling mold. The first segment111, the two first bent parts117, the second segment113and the third segment115are connected without a connecting structure such as a quick-connect connector, and there is no interface for connection through a quick-connect connector between the three, and there is no leakage failure of the heat exchange medium in the first flow passage13, so that the liquid cooling plate100has high safety performance. Moreover, the first segment111, the two first bent parts117, the second segment113and the third segment115do not need any connection structure such as quick-plug connectors for connection, which can effectively reduce the cost.

Referring toFIG.17, the first segment111, the two first bent parts117, the second segment113and the third segment115connected in sequence form a U-shaped structure. The first segment111and the third segment115are opposite. The length of the first segment111and the length of the third segment115can be set according to the length of the battery module300. Specifically, the length of the first segment111and the length of the third segment115are slightly larger than the length of one column of battery modules300. The second segment113corresponds to the width of the two columns of battery modules300, and the length of the second segment113is slightly larger than the width of the battery modules300, ensuring that two columns of battery modules300can be placed in the accommodating space90.

Referring toFIGS.9and11, similarly, the second body31includes a fourth segment311, two second bent parts317, a fifth segment313and a sixth segment315. The fourth segment311corresponds to the first segment111and is matched and connected with the first segment111. Two ends of one of the two second bent parts317are respectively connected with the fifth segment313and the fourth segment311, and the fifth segment313corresponds to and is matched and connected with the second segment113. Two ends of the other one of the two second bent parts317are respectively connected with the sixth segment315and the fifth segment313. The sixth segment315corresponds to and is matched and connected with the third segment115. The fifth segment313is located between the fourth segment311and sixth segment315.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth segment311, the two second bent parts317, the fifth segment313and the sixth segment315are of an integral structure, and the second body31is obtained through stamping and bending process using a profiling mold. The fourth segment311, the two second bent parts317, the fifth segment313and the sixth segment315do not need to be connected through a connection structure such as a quick-connect connector, there is no interface for connection through a quick connector between the three, and there is no leakage failure of the heat exchange medium in the first flow passage13, so that the liquid cooling plate100has high safety performance. Moreover, the fourth segment311, the two second bent parts317, the fifth segment313, and the sixth segment315do not need a connection structure such as a quick-plug connector for connection, which can effectively reduce the cost.

Referring toFIG.17, the fourth segment311, the two second bent parts317, the fifth segment313and the sixth segment315connected in sequence form a U-shaped structure. The fourth segment311and the sixth segment315are opposite. The length of the fourth segment311and the length of the sixth segment315can be set according to the length of a column of battery modules300and can be equal to the length of the first segment111and the length of the third segment115respectively. Specifically, the length of the fourth segment311and the length of the sixth segment315are both slightly larger than the length of the battery modules300. The fifth segment313corresponds to the width of the two columns of battery modules300, and the length of the fifth segment313is greater than the width of the two columns of battery modules300, ensuring that the two columns of battery modules300can be placed in the accommodating space90.

It should be noted that the first segment111, the two first bent parts117, the second segment113, and the third segment115may be in separate structures. The first segment117, the two first bent parts117, the second segment113, and the third segment115are connected by welding. Similarly, the fourth segment311, the two second bent parts317, the fifth segment313, and the sixth segment315may be in separate structures. The fourth segment311, the two second bent parts317, the fifth segment313and the sixth segment315are connected by welding. Specifically, when the first body11and the second body31are welded to form the liquid cooling plate100, the first segment111and the fourth segment311are attached to each other, the first bent part117and the second bent part317are attached to each other, the second segment113and the fifth segment313are attached to each other, and the third segment115and the sixth segment315are attached to each other. When the liquid cooling plate100exchanges heat with the four columns of battery modules300, the first segment111and the fourth segment311are respectively located between the third column of battery modules300and the fourth column of battery modules300, and the first segment111and the fourth segment311are used to exchange heat with the third column of battery modules300and the fourth column of battery modules300. The third segment115and the sixth segment315are located between the first column of battery modules300and the second column of battery modules300, and the third segment115and the sixth segment315are used to exchange heat with the first column of battery modules300and the second column of battery modules300. When the heat exchange medium is introduced into the cooling flow passage50, the heat dissipated by the four columns of battery modules300is exchanged with the heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage50through the first segment111, the fourth segment311, the third segment115and the sixth segment315.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the first flow disturbing parts15on the first segment111and the third segment115is greater than the number of the first flow disturbing parts15on the second segment113, and the number of the second flow disturbing parts35on the fourth segment311and the sixth segment315is greater than the number of the second flow disturbing parts35on the fifth segment313, ensuring a longer time duration of the heat exchange between the heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage50of the liquid cooling plate100and the battery modules300, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

Referring toFIG.7andFIG.9, the first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133extend through the first segment111, the second segment113and the third segment115. The third sub flow passage331and the fourth sub flow passage333extend through the fourth segment311, the fifth segment313and the sixth segment315. The first sub flow passage131corresponds to the third sub flow passage331, the width of the first sub flow passage131is equal to the width of the third sub flow passage331, the second sub flow passage133corresponds to the fourth sub flow passage333, and the width of the second sub flow passage133is equal to the width of the fourth sub flow passage333.

Referring toFIG.3, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of reinforcement members70is multiple. The multiple reinforcement members70are disposed in the first sub flow passage131and the third sub flow passage331between the first bent part117and the second bent part317, and the multiple reinforcement members70are disposed in the second sub flow passage133and the fourth sub flow passage333between the first bent part117and the second bent part317.

The width of the first sub flow passage131at the first segment111and the width of the first sub flow passage131at the third segment115are both greater than or equal to the width of the first sub flow passage131at the second segment113. The width of the second sub flow passage133of the first segment111and the width of the second sub flow passage133of the third segment115are both greater than or equal to the width of the second sub flow passage133of the second segment113. The width of the first sub flow passage131at the first segment111and the width of the first sub flow passage131at the third segment115are both greater than or equal to the width of the first sub flow passage131at the first bent part117. The width of the second sub flow passage133at the first segment111and the width of the second sub flow passage133at the third segment115are both greater than or equal to the width of the second sub flow passage133at the first bent part117. In the present disclosure, the first sub flow passage131and the second sub flow passage133with a larger width are provided in the part where the first cooling plate10and the battery module300(shown inFIG.17) have a larger contact area, which can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency.

The width of the third sub flow passage331of the fourth segment311and the width of the third sub flow passage331of the sixth segment315are both greater than or equal to the width of the third sub flow passage331of the fifth segment313. The width of the fourth sub flow passage333of the fourth segment311and the width of the fourth sub flow passage333of the sixth segment315are both greater than or equal to the width of the fourth sub flow passage333of the fifth segment313. The width of the third sub flow passage331of the fourth segment311and the width of the third sub flow passage331of the sixth segment315are both greater than or equal to the width of the third sub flow passage331of the second bent part317. The width of the fourth sub flow passage333of the fourth segment311and the width of the fourth sub flow passage333of the sixth segment315are both greater than or equal to the width of the fourth sub flow passage333of the second bent part317. In the present disclosure, the third sub flow passage331and the fourth sub flow passage333with a larger width are provided in the part where the second cooling plate30has a larger contact area with the battery modules300, which can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency.

It should be noted that the width of each of the sub flow passages mentioned above refers to the length of the sub flow passage extending in the Y direction shown inFIG.2.

Referring toFIG.14, in an embodiment, the second segment113is provided with a first through-hole20connected with the first sub flow passage131, and the second segment113is provided with a second through-hole40connected with the second sub flow passage133. The first through-hole20is used to connect one of the liquid inlet pipe60and the liquid outlet pipe80, and the second through-hole40is used to connect the other of the liquid inlet pipe60and the liquid outlet pipe80. For example, the first through-hole20is used to connect the liquid inlet pipe60, and the second through-hole40is used to connect the liquid outlet pipe80. In this case, when the heat exchange medium is input into the liquid inlet pipe60, the heat exchange medium flows into the sub flow passage formed by the first sub flow passage131and the third sub flow passage331through the first through-hole20, and then flows into the sub flow passage jointly formed by the second sub flow passage133and the fourth sub flow passage333, and is finally discharged from the liquid outlet pipe80connected to the second through-hole40. In this embodiment, in the Y direction, the center of the first through-hole20and the center of the second through-hole40are located on a straight line; or, in the Y direction, the center of the first through-hole20and the center of the second through-hole40are located on different straight lines.

Referring toFIG.15, in another embodiment, the fifth segment313is provided with a first through-hole20connected with the third sub flow passage331, and the fifth segment313is provided with a second through-hole40connected with the fourth sub flow passage333. The first through-hole20is used to connect one of the liquid inlet pipe60and the liquid outlet pipe80, and the second through-hole40is used to connect the other of the liquid inlet pipe60and the liquid outlet pipe80. The present embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiments in that the first through-hole20and the second through-hole40are provided on the fifth segment313of the second body31. In this case, the liquid inlet pipe60and the liquid outlet pipe80extend into the accommodating space90from the bottom of the liquid cooling plate100and are connected with the first through-hole20and the second through-hole40.

Referring toFIG.16, in yet another embodiment, the first cooling plate10further includes a first connection part12and a second connection part14disposed on the second segment113. The first connection part12is spaced apart from the second connection part14. The first connection part12is provided with a first opening121. The second connection part14is provided with a third flow passage141connected with the first sub flow passage131. The third flow passage141is formed by recessing from the second connection part14in a direction away from the accommodating space90. The second connection part14is provided with a second opening143that is connected with the third flow passage141.

The second cooling plate30further includes a third connection part32and a fourth connection part34provided on the fifth segment313. The third connection part32is spaced apart from the fourth connection part34, the third connection part32is matched with the first connection part12, and the fourth connection part34is matched with the second connection part14. The third connection part32is provided with a third opening321, and the third opening321corresponds to the first opening121. The fourth connection part34is provided with a fourth flow passage341connected with the third sub flow passage331. The fourth flow passage341is formed by recessing from the fourth connection part34in the direction toward the accommodating space90. The fourth flow passage341corresponds to and is matched with the third flow passage141to form a branch flow passage connected with the cooling flow passage50, and the branch flow passage is used to be connected with the liquid inlet pipe60or the liquid outlet pipe80.

By providing the first connection part12, the second connection part14, the third connection part32and the fourth connection part34, the liquid inlet pipe60and the liquid outlet pipe80can extend out at the same height.

Specifically, the fifth segment313is provided with a first through-hole20connected with the fourth sub flow passage333. When the first cooling plate10and the second cooling plate30are connected in a sealed manner, the first opening121and the third opening321are coaxially arranged. The first through-hole20, the first opening121and the third opening321are jointly used to connect one of the liquid inlet pipe60and the liquid outlet pipe80, and the second opening143is used to connect the other of the liquid inlet pipe60and the liquid outlet pipe80. For example, the first through-hole20, the first opening121and the third opening321are jointly used to connect the liquid inlet pipe60, and the second opening143is used to connect the liquid outlet pipe80. The liquid inlet pipe60has a U-shaped structure, one end of the liquid inlet pipe60is connected with the first through-hole20, and the other end of the liquid inlet pipe60extends out from the accommodating space90to be connected to the first opening121and the third opening321. The liquid outlet pipe80is connected to the second opening143, and connected with the third flow passage141and the fourth flow passage341.

Referring toFIG.16andFIG.17, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery pack1000. The battery pack1000includes at least one battery module300and the liquid cooling plate100described in any embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid cooling plate100is used to perform heat exchange with the at least one battery module300.

The battery pack1000includes one or more battery modules300. When multiple battery modules300are included, the multiple battery modules300are arranged in parallel. Each battery module300can be placed in the accommodating space90of a liquid cooling plate100. Therefore, multiple surfaces of each of the battery module300can be attached to the liquid cooling plate100, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the battery module300and the liquid cooling plate100, and thus improving the heat exchange efficiency.

The battery pack1000includes one or more battery modules300. When multiple battery modules300are included, the multiple battery modules300are arranged in parallel. For example, a battery pack1000includes four columns of battery modules300. The first column of battery modules300is placed on one side of the liquid cooling plate100, the second column of battery modules300and the third column of battery modules300are both placed in the accommodating space90, and the fourth column of battery modules300is placed on the other side of the liquid cooling plate100, as shown inFIG.17. Part of the structure of the liquid cooling plate100is located between the first column of battery modules300and the second column of battery modules300, and this part of the liquid cooling plate100performs heat exchange with both the first column of battery modules300and the second column of battery modules300. Part of the structure of the liquid cooling plate100is located between the third column of battery modules300and the fourth column of battery modules300, and this part of the liquid cooling plate100performs heat exchange with both the third column of battery modules300and the fourth column of battery modules300. The heat exchange processing for the multiple battery modules300is realized through one liquid cooling plate100, which improves the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling plate100with the battery pack1000, and can effectively reduce the cost at the same time. Moreover, the first cooling plate10and the second cooling plate30do not need to be connected through quick-plug connectors, and thus the assembling of the liquid cooling plate100is simple.

Of course, in the battery pack1000, one liquid cooling plate100can be used to exchange heat with a plurality of battery modules300. For example, when the battery pack1000includes one column of battery modules300, the column of battery modules300can be placed in the accommodating space90of the liquid cooling plate100, so that multiple surfaces of the column of battery modules300all can be attached to the liquid cooling plate100, which increases the heat exchange area between the battery modules300and the liquid cooling plate100, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

The battery module300includes a plurality of battery cells. Specifically, the battery cell may be a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a ternary battery. The battery cell may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped or a cylinder, and the shape of the battery cell is not limited here.

The battery pack1000may also include an upper cover400and a lower box body500. The upper cover400and the lower box body500are used to encapsulate and protect the battery modules300and the liquid cooling plate100.

In a possible implementation, a passage is formed in the reinforcement member, and the passage penetrates the reinforcement member along an extension direction of the cooling flow passage and is connected with the cooling flow passage.

It can be seen that providing the passage ensures the smoothness of the cooling flow passage after the reinforcement member is added. When a heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage flows through the reinforcement member between the first bent part and the second bent part, the heat exchanger medium can flow into the remaining of the cooling flow passage through the passage71of the reinforcement member.

In a possible implementation, the reinforcement member further includes a plurality of spacer sheets, the plurality of spacer sheets are provided in the passage along an extension direction of the passage, and divide the passage into a plurality of sub passages that are all connected with the cooling flow passage.

It can be seen that the spacer sheets can be metal reinforcement ribs, thereby effectively preventing the spacer sheets from breaking due to the spacer sheets being impacted by the heat exchange medium for a long time. The plurality of sub passages can also allow the heat exchange medium between the first bent part and the second bent part to be diverted.

In a possible implementation, the reinforcement member includes a first subpart, a second subpart and at least one third subpart. The first subpart and the second subpart are arranged oppositely, and two ends of the at least one third subparts are connected with the first subpart and the second subpart, respectively, and the at least one third subpart divides the passage into at least two sub passages.

It can be seen that the reinforcement member can also be in an “I” shape, and the third subpart divides the passage into a plurality of sub passages, so that the heat exchange medium is diverted in the sub f passages between the first bent part and the second bent part.

In a possible implementation, the reinforcement member may be made of foam metal.

It can be seen that the reinforcement member made of foam metal can slow down the flow rate of the heat exchange medium flowing through the reinforcement member, thereby reducing the lateral impact force generated by the heat exchange medium when flowing through the reinforcement member, and avoiding crack of the first bent part of the first cooling plate.

In a possible implementation, the reinforcement member is formed with a plurality of air holes, and the air holes are connected with the cooling flow passage to allow the heat exchange medium in the cooling flow passage to pass through.

It can be seen that when the heat exchange medium flows through the foam metal, it can flow through the air holes connected with the cooling flow passages, ensuring the circulation of the heat exchange medium between the first bent part and the second bent part.

In a possible implementation, the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate are formed with an accommodating space. The first cooling plate includes a first body and a first flow passage provided on the first body. The first flow passage extends along the length direction of the first body and is formed by recessing from the first body in a direction away from the accommodating space. The second cooling plate includes a second body and a second flow passage provided on the second body. The second body is arranged side by side with the first body on a side of the first body facing the accommodating space. The second flow passage extends along the length direction of the second body and is formed by recessing from the second body in a direction toward the accommodating space. The second flow passage corresponds to the first flow passage. The first body is connected with the second body in a sealed manner, and the second flow passage and the first flow passage are matched to together form the cooling flow passage surrounding the accommodating space.

It can be seen that the cooling flow passage jointly formed by the matched second flow passage and first flow passage allows a larger volume of the cooling flow passage, and more heat exchange medium can be input into the cooling flow passage at one time, effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange medium and the battery modules.

In a possible implementation, the first flow passage includes a first sub flow passage and a second sub flow passage distributed in the first body, and the first sub flow passage and the second sub flow passage are connected with each other. The second flow passage includes a third sub flow passage and a fourth sub flow passage distributed in the second body, and the third sub flow passage and the fourth sub flow passage are connected with each other. The first sub flow passage corresponds to the third sub flow passage.

It can be seen that by dividing the first flow passage into the first sub flow passage and the second sub flow passage that are arranged side by side, the diversion path of the heat exchange medium in the first flow passage is increased, which can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency; by dividing the second flow passage into the third sub flow passage and the fourth sub flow passage that are arranged side by side and connected with each other, the diversion path of the heat exchange medium in the second flow passage is increased, which can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency.

In a possible implementation, the liquid cooling plate includes a plurality of reinforcement members, and the plurality of reinforcement members are disposed in the first sub flow passage and the third sub flow passage between the first bent part and the second bent part. The plurality of reinforcement members are disposed in the second sub flow passage and the fourth sub flow passage between the first bent part and the second bent part.

It can be seen that by providing the plurality of reinforcement members within the first sub flow passage and the third sub flow passage between the first bent part and the second bent part and within the second sub flow passage and the fourth sub flow passage between the first bent part and the second bent part, the side wall of each of the sub flow passages is reinforced to prevent the cooling flow passage between the first bent part and the second bent part from breaking.

In another example, there is provided a battery pack, the battery pack includes at least one battery module and the liquid cooling plate described in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The liquid cooling plate is configured to perform heat exchange with the at least one battery module.

In the liquid cooling plate and battery pack of the present disclosure, at least one reinforcement member is provided in the cooling flow passage between the first bent part of the first cooling plate and the second bent part of the second cooling plate, and the at least one reinforcement member can provide supporting force for the side wall of the cooling flow passage between the first bent part and the second bent part, thereby preventing the cooling flow passage from deforming and breaking, and ensuring the consistency of the cooling flow passage.

Those described above are only the some of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that improvements and modifications can also be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles of the present disclosure, which are also considered as falling within the protection scope of the present disclosure.