CN113725521A

CN113725521A - Flow control device, battery pack, and method for controlling cooling of battery pack

Info

Publication number: CN113725521A
Application number: CN202111013896.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田天宇; 江海令; 卜凡; 江天保; 赵威; 陶铨明; 董红莉
Original assignee: Chery New Energy Automobile Co Ltd
Current assignee: Chery New Energy Automobile Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-31
Filing date: 2021-08-31
Publication date: 2021-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2041-08-31
Also published as: CN113725521B

Abstract

The invention discloses a flow control device, a battery pack and a cooling control method of the battery pack, wherein the flow control device comprises: pipeline unit, a plurality of regulating unit, drive unit and the control unit, pipeline unit include pressure manifold and a plurality of shunt tubes, and the one end of a plurality of shunt tubes all communicates the pressure manifold, and every regulating unit all communicates a shunt tube one-to-one, and the regulating unit includes valve casing and case, and the case rotationally establishes in the valve casing, drive unit includes the driving piece, and the driving piece can drive the case and rotate for the valve casing to change regulating unit's aperture and flow, the steerable driving piece of control unit is the biggest when judging to break down the aperture of control regulating unit. According to the flow control device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the liquid can be supplied to the plurality of assemblies simultaneously by arranging the plurality of flow dividing pipes, the flow passing through the adjusting unit can be controlled independently, the maximum flow passing through the adjusting unit can be ensured when the adjusting unit breaks down, and the control is simple and accurate.

Description

Flow control device, battery pack, and method for controlling cooling of battery pack

Technical Field

The invention belongs to the technical field of cooling, and particularly relates to a flow control device, a battery pack and a cooling control method of the battery pack.

Background

A plurality of groups of battery modules are generally arranged in a battery pack of the existing electric automobile. In order to ensure that the battery pack has good safety performance and prolong the service life of the battery pack, the prior art carries out partition cooling on a plurality of groups of battery modules, so that the temperature of the battery modules is kept within a proper temperature range (about 30 ℃), and the temperature difference between the battery modules is controlled within a small range (about 3 ℃).

Specifically, a plurality of two-way proportional valves are arranged in a certain order and mounted on a bracket mounted on a vehicle body cross member near a passenger compartment. The two-way proportional valve is connected with the corresponding battery module through a cooling pipeline, and the flow of the cooling liquid is adjusted by adjusting the opening size of the ball valve hole in the two-way proportional valve, so that the cooling requirement of the battery pack is met.

However, the existing structure needs a large arrangement space, is high in cost and difficult to install, and meanwhile, when the two-way proportional valve or the driving unit breaks down, the two-way proportional valve cannot automatically adjust the opening degree of the two-way proportional valve, so that the safety performance of the battery pack cannot be effectively guaranteed.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to solving at least one of the problems of the prior art. Therefore, the invention provides the flow control device which is small in size, simple to install and capable of automatically adjusting the flow when a fault occurs, and solves the technical problems of high cost and difficulty in installation caused by the fact that a plurality of two-way proportional valves are arranged in the prior art.

The second objective of the invention is to provide a battery pack.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a cooling control method for a battery pack.

A flow control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: the pipeline unit comprises a collecting pipe and a plurality of shunt pipes, and one ends of the shunt pipes are communicated with the collecting pipe; the regulating units are communicated with the shunt tubes one by one, and each regulating unit comprises a valve shell and a valve core, and the valve core is rotatably arranged in the valve shell; the driving unit comprises a driving piece, and the driving piece can drive the valve core to rotate relative to the valve shell so as to adjust the opening of the adjusting unit and change the flow passing through the adjusting unit; and the control unit is used for controlling the driving piece and controlling the opening of the adjusting unit to be maximum when the adjusting unit is judged to have a fault.

According to the flow control device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the plurality of flow dividing pipes are arranged on one side of the collecting pipe and can be simultaneously connected with the plurality of assemblies, so that the aim of simultaneously supplying liquid to the plurality of assemblies by one flow control device is fulfilled, each flow dividing pipe is communicated with one adjusting unit, and the driving unit is used for adjusting the opening degree of the adjusting unit, so that the flow passing through the adjusting unit is independently adjusted, the flow passing through each assembly is ensured to be adjustable, and the requirements of each assembly on different flows are met; when the adjusting unit fails, the control unit controls the opening degree of the adjusting unit to be maximum, namely, the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing through the adjusting unit is ensured to be maximum, so as to provide the cooling liquid with the maximum flow rate.

According to the flow control device provided by one embodiment of the invention, an overflowing cavity, a liquid inlet flow channel and a liquid outlet flow channel are arranged in the valve shell, the overflowing cavity is respectively communicated with the liquid inlet flow channel and the liquid outlet flow channel, the valve core is arranged in the overflowing cavity, an overflowing channel is arranged in the valve core, and the valve core rotates relative to the valve shell to switch between an initial state, a flow limiting state and a stopping state; in the initial state, the overflowing channel is completely communicated with the liquid inlet flow channel and the liquid outlet flow channel, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit is maximum; when the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel are in the flow limiting state, the overflowing channel is partially communicated with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit is reduced; and when the valve core is in the cut-off state, the liquid inlet flow channel and the liquid outlet flow channel are closed by the valve core, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit is zero.

Optionally, the adjusting unit includes a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe, the liquid inlet pipe is communicated with the liquid inlet flow channel, the liquid outlet pipe is communicated with the liquid outlet flow channel, and an extending direction of the liquid inlet flow channel coincides with an extending direction of the liquid outlet flow channel; and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet are formed at two ends of the overflowing channel respectively, and a connecting line of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet is a straight line.

Optionally, the adjusting unit further includes a reset member, the valve core is rotatably connected in the valve housing through a rotating portion, an extending direction of the rotating portion is perpendicular to a rotating surface of the valve core, and a connecting line of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet is parallel to or coincides with the rotating surface; the reset piece is sleeved on the outer side of the rotating portion, one end of the reset piece is fixedly connected to the valve core, the other end of the reset piece is fixedly connected to the driving unit, and the reset piece is used for driving the valve core to reset towards the initial state.

Optionally, the valve core includes a special-shaped groove, the reset member is a torsion spring, the torsion spring is arranged in the special-shaped groove, and one end of the torsion spring is clamped on a groove wall of the special-shaped groove.

Optionally, one of the valve housing and the valve core is provided with a rotation limiting portion, the other is provided with a rotation limiting groove, when the valve core rotates relative to the valve housing, the rotation limiting portion rotates relative to the rotation limiting groove, and the rotation limiting portion, the rotation limiting groove and the rotation portion are coaxially arranged.

Optionally, the drive unit comprises: the motor shell is internally provided with a plurality of driving pieces, and the output torque of the driving pieces is adjustable; the output torque of every driving medium is less than when resetting the moment of return of piece, reset the piece and drive the case resumes to initial condition.

Optionally, the adjusting unit further comprises a sealing cover, a communication opening is formed in the sealing cover, and the rotating portion extends outwards through the communication opening; the sealing cover is detachably covered on the valve shell, one of the sealing cover and the valve core is provided with an angle limiting piece, the other is provided with an angle limiting groove, and the angle limiting piece can be arranged in the angle limiting groove in a swinging mode.

Optionally, the two ends of the valve core are provided with a top surface and a bottom surface which are parallel, a limiting boss is arranged on the top surface and protrudes towards the sealing cover, the limiting boss is arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotating portion, and the limiting boss is limited in the communication port.

Optionally, a plurality of positioning portions are formed at one end of the sealing cover facing the valve housing, a plurality of first positioning grooves matched with the positioning portions are formed on a cavity wall of the flow passage cavity of the valve housing, the first positioning grooves are opened towards the sealing cover, and the positioning portions are inserted into the first positioning grooves from the openings; and the two positioning parts are provided with avoidance ports for avoiding the liquid inlet flow channel or the liquid outlet flow channel.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow control device further includes an angle sensor, the angle sensor is disposed in the adjusting unit, the angle sensor is configured to detect a current rotation angle of the valve element, so as to output a value of the current rotation angle to the control unit, the control unit is configured to determine whether the value of the current rotation angle is consistent with a preset angle value, and if not, determine that a fault occurs.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the flow control device further comprises a housing and a wiring harness assembly, the pipeline unit, the adjusting unit, the driving unit and the control unit are arranged in the housing, a first through hole and a plurality of second through holes are formed in the housing, a water inlet end of the collecting pipe extends outwards from the first through hole, and output ends of the adjusting units respectively extend out of the housing from the second through holes; the wire harness assembly supplies power to the drive unit and the control unit.

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of groups of battery modules; the cooling system comprises a cooling source and a plurality of cooling terminals, and the cooling terminals are used for cooling different battery modules; the flow control device is the flow control device, the collecting pipe is communicated with the cold supply source, and the output end of each adjusting unit is communicated with one cold supply terminal.

According to the battery pack provided by the embodiment of the invention, the flow control device is arranged, and the flow control device is arranged as a cooling source for supplying liquid to the flow control device and a cooling terminal for cooling the battery modules, in the working process of the battery pack, the flow control device can be used for independently cooling the multiple groups of battery modules in the battery pack so as to ensure that the temperatures of the multiple groups of battery modules are kept in a proper temperature range, and the temperature difference between the multiple groups of battery modules is controlled in a small range.

The method for controlling the cooling of the battery pack comprises the following steps: detecting temperature information of the battery module; judging whether the temperature difference between the battery modules is within a preset threshold range or not; if so, judging whether a preset opening corresponding to a driving signal of the driving unit is consistent with the actual opening of the valve core; when the flow control devices are consistent, the flow control devices keep the original working state; if the difference is not consistent, adjusting the opening of the adjusting unit to be maximum; if not, controlling the flow control device to change the working state, and adjusting the opening degree of the adjusting unit corresponding to the two groups of battery modules with the maximum temperature difference.

According to the cooling control method of the battery pack of the embodiment of the invention, firstly, the temperature information of a plurality of groups of battery modules is detected, whether the temperature difference between the plurality of groups of battery modules is within the range of the preset threshold value is judged according to the detected result, when the temperature difference between the battery modules is within the range of the preset threshold value, whether the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit is consistent with the actual opening of the valve core is detected, if so, the opening of the adjusting unit is not changed, the adjusting unit at the moment keeps the original working state to cool the battery modules, when the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit is detected to be inconsistent with the actual opening of the valve core, the adjusting unit or the driving unit is indicated to be in fault, and at the moment, the control unit controls the opening of the adjusting unit to be maximum, so that the flow of the cooling liquid flowing through the adjusting unit is ensured to be maximum, and the purpose of rapidly cooling the battery modules is achieved, the safety of the battery pack is improved; if detect the difference in temperature between the multiunit battery module when not in presetting the threshold value within range, drive unit control adjusts the aperture of the regulating element that the battery module corresponds to change the flow of flowing through the regulating element, adjust the flow of the coolant liquid of flowing through the battery module, make the difference in temperature between the multiunit battery module be located and preset the threshold value within range, prolong the life of battery package.

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Drawings

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a flow control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a flow control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the structure between the valve housing, the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic structural view between the core and the rotating portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the ball core, the rotating part and the sealing cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a rotating portion provided on a core according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view between the driving unit and the control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a first housing according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the second transmission member according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a driving member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a front view of a motor housing of one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a partial enlarged view of the area i in fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a schematic structural view of a wire harness assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a schematic structural view of a piping unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is an exploded view of the housing of one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a top view of a total plug according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of a cooling control method of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart of a cooling control method of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numerals:

1000. a flow control device;

100. a piping unit; 110. a header pipe; 120. a shunt tube; 130. clamping a hoop; 140. a limiting bulge;

200. an adjustment unit;

210. a valve housing;

211. a flow-through chamber; 212. a first positioning groove; 213. rotating the limiting groove;

214. a second mounting ear; 2141. mounting grooves; 215. a fixing member;

220. a valve core;

2212. a liquid outlet;

222. a special-shaped groove; 223. an angle limiting groove; 224. a rotation limiting part; 225. a limiting boss;

230. a rotating part; 240. a liquid inlet pipe; 250. a liquid outlet pipe; 260. a reset member;

270. a sealing cover; 271. a communication port; 272. an angle limiting member; 273. a positioning part;

280. a first gasket; 290. a second gasket; 291. a third fastener;

300. a drive unit;

310. a motor housing;

311. a first housing;

3111. a first avoidance hole; 3112. a first mounting hole; 3113. a plug-in hole;

3114. mounting a boss; 3115. a mounting frame; 3116. a second positioning groove;

312. a second housing;

313. a first fastener;

320. a drive member; 321. a limiting table; 322. connecting a bracket;

330. a transmission member; 331. a first transmission member;

332. a second transmission member; 3321. an output shaft; 3322. a mating groove;

340. a second fastener;

400. a control unit;

800. a housing;

810. an upper cover; 811. a main plug connector;

820. a lower case; 821. a first through hole; 822. a second through hole; 823. a first mounting ear;

830. a fourth fastener;

900. a wire harness assembly; 910. a first wire harness; 920. a second wire harness; 930. a third wire harness; 940. and a fourth wire harness.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar function throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are illustrative only for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the terms "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "circumferential," and the like are used in the orientations and positional relationships indicated in the drawings for convenience in describing the present invention and simplicity in description, and do not indicate or imply that the referenced device or element must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and thus, are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

A flow control device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings attached hereto.

A flow control device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 2, includes: a piping unit 100, a plurality of regulating units 200, a driving unit 300, and a control unit 400 (the specific structure of the control unit 400 can be seen in fig. 8).

As shown in fig. 2, the pipeline unit 100 includes a header 110 and a plurality of branch pipes 120, and one end of each of the plurality of branch pipes 120 is connected to the header 110. That is, a plurality of shunt tubes 120, which is two or more, are connected to one header 110.

As shown in fig. 2, each of the adjusting units 200 communicates with one of the shunt tubes 120 in a one-to-one correspondence.

As shown in fig. 3, the adjusting unit 200 includes a valve housing 210 and a valve spool 220, the valve spool 220 being rotatably provided in the valve housing 210.

The driving unit 300 includes a driving member 320 (the specific structure of the driving member 320 can be seen in fig. 8), and the driving member 320 can drive the valve core 220 to rotate relative to the valve housing 210 to adjust the opening degree of the regulating unit 200, so as to change the flow rate flowing through the regulating unit 200.

The control unit 400 is used for controlling the driving member 320 and controlling the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 to be maximum when the adjusting unit 200 is judged to be failed. In a specific example, the control unit 400 controls the driving member 320 according to an external input signal and determines whether the adjusting unit 200 malfunctions.

As can be seen from the above structure, the flow control device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention connects the plurality of flow dividing pipes 120 to the collecting pipe 110, the flow dividing pipes 120 of the present invention can be used for transmitting media (liquid, gas or other fluids), taking the flow dividing pipes 120 as an example for transmitting liquid, and the plurality of flow dividing pipes 120 can be arranged to realize independent liquid supply to a plurality of assemblies (for example, battery modules) requiring liquid, and the arrangement can reduce the number of collecting pipes 110, save the production cost and reduce the occupied area of the pipeline unit 100 on the premise of satisfying the liquid supply for the plurality of assemblies.

In some examples, the flow control device 1000 of the present application can be applied to a cooling system of a battery pack, and when the flow control device 1000 is applied to the cooling system of the battery pack, each shunt tube 120 is connected to a corresponding battery module, that is, each shunt tube 120 can separately supply liquid to one battery module, so as to realize the separate cooling of the battery modules, and each battery module obtains a targeted cooling and thermal balance effect, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery module and improving the safety performance of the battery module.

In other examples, flow control device 1000 may be applied to a fire protection system of a battery pack, when flow control device 1000 is applied to a fire protection system of a battery pack, each shunt tube 120 is disposed corresponding to one battery pack, when a thermal runaway occurs in a certain battery pack, shunt tubes 120 in pipeline unit 100 may independently supply liquid for the battery pack in which the thermal runaway occurs to extinguish a fire and cool, thereby effectively controlling the temperature of the battery pack, and not causing an influence on other battery packs in which the thermal runaway does not occur, improving the safety performance of the battery pack, and reducing the loss of lives and properties.

Of course, the flow rate control device 1000 is not limited to the structure provided in the battery pack described above, and the flow rate control device 1000 of the present application may be used in other liquid supply devices.

By connecting one regulating unit 200 to each shunt tube 120, the regulating unit 200 is used to regulate the liquid flow rate flowing through the regulating unit 200, thereby outputting the liquid flow rate in a targeted manner. For example, the flow control device 1000 is applied to a cooling system of a battery pack, and when it is detected that the temperature of the battery module exceeds a preset threshold value, the flow of the liquid can be increased through the adjusting unit 200, so that the battery module is rapidly cooled; when it is detected that the temperature of the battery module is less than the preset threshold, the flow rate of the liquid may be reduced by the adjusting unit 200, so as to prevent the battery from being too cold.

It should be noted that, this application sets up a plurality of shunt tubes 120, and all communicates an adjusting unit 200 on every shunt tube 120, carries out refrigerated in-process to multiunit battery module, adjusts the flow of output liquid through adjusting unit 200, can realize the temperature of every battery module in the battery package of independent regulation for the battery module is worked in suitable temperature range, and the difference in temperature between each battery module is in presetting the threshold value, prolongs the life of battery package.

It can be understood that, because of setting up a plurality of shunt tubes 120 and all communicate a regulatory unit 200 on every shunt tube 120, the flow control device 1000 of this application forms a multi-ported valve to reduce flow control device 1000's volume, reduce flow control device 1000's manufacturing cost, when installing flow control device 1000, flow control device 1000 still can not occupy too much space, and simultaneously, flow control device 1000 of this application has still simplified cooling system pipeline design and has arranged the degree of difficulty, easily cooling line assembles, has good suitability.

By providing a rotatable valve element 220 in the valve housing 210, the valve element 220 may control the opening degree of the modulator block 200, thereby varying the flow rate through the modulator block 200. The valve core 220 is disposed in the valve housing 210, and the valve housing 210 can also protect the valve core 220, thereby preventing external foreign matters or dust from falling on the valve core 220, prolonging the service life of the valve core 220, and ensuring smooth rotation of the valve core 220.

Through setting up drive unit 300, and drive unit 300 includes driving piece 320, and driving piece 320 is used for driving valve core 220 and rotates for valve casing 210 to realize the automatic rotation of valve core 220, reduce the manual intervention degree, degree of automation is high. In a specific example, the driving element 320 may be a driving motor, an output end of the driving motor is connected to the valve core 220, and the driving motor drives the valve core 220 to rotate relative to the valve housing 210 during operation, so as to achieve the purpose of adjusting the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200.

Through setting up the control unit 400, in the process of flow control device 1000 work, if when judging that the regulating unit 200 breaks down, the control unit 400 controls the aperture of the regulating unit 200 to be the biggest, namely the flow that flows through the regulating unit 200 is the biggest, when flow control device 1000 is applied to the cooling system of battery package, can guarantee that all battery modules in the battery package are not too warm, avoid the protection of whole car limit power, improve the security performance.

The control unit 400 may be a chip connected to the driving unit 300, the chip is used to send an adjustment signal to the driving element 320, and the driving element 320 is started after receiving the signal to drive the valve element 220 to rotate relative to the valve housing 210 to adjust the opening of the adjustment unit 200.

The above-mentioned control of the maximum opening degree of the regulating unit 200 when determining that the regulating unit 200 is in failure means that the opening degrees of the plurality of regulating units 200 are all controlled to be maximum so as to ensure that the flow rates of the liquids received by the plurality of liquid-requiring modules are the maximum.

It can be understood that compare in prior art, flow control device 1000 of this application forms the multi-ported valve, when guaranteeing to carry out transmission medium to a plurality of subassemblies, but reduction in production cost still, reduce the volume, the installation of the flow control device 1000 of being convenient for, make flow control device 1000 have good arrangement flexibility, and when the regulating unit 200 broke down, regulating unit 200's aperture is the biggest, it is the biggest to guarantee to flow through regulating unit 200's flow, use flow control device 1000 on the battery package, can guarantee that all battery module are not too warm in the battery package, and the safety performance is improved.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 2, the plurality of shunt tubes 120 are respectively clamped on the header 110 by a clamp 130, so that the shunt tubes 120 are tightly connected with the header 110, and it is ensured that the pipeline unit 100 does not leak in the process of conveying the medium.

For convenience of description, the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the flow control device 1000 is provided on the cooling system of the battery pack and a medium circulating in the pipe unit 100 is a coolant.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, a flow-through cavity 211, a liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet channel are formed in the valve housing 210, the flow-through cavity 211 is respectively communicated with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, the valve element 220 is disposed in the flow-through cavity 211, and a flow-through channel is formed in the valve element 220. Through setting up feed liquor runner, play liquid runner and overflowing the passageway, establish case 220 in overflowing chamber 211, can guarantee feed liquor runner, play liquid runner and the intercommunication that overflows the passageway, play the effect of transmission coolant liquid, and then effectively cool off the battery module.

It should be noted that, because the valve element 220 is disposed in the valve casing 210, in order to effectively protect the valve element 220, the side wall of the valve casing 210 of the present application has a certain thickness, and the above-mentioned liquid inlet channel and liquid outlet channel actually refer to channels opened along the side wall of the valve casing 210 on the valve casing 210, and it can also be understood that the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the valve casing 210. The valve core 220 is arranged in the overflowing cavity 211 in the valve casing 210, and the overflowing channel is arranged in the valve core 220, when the overflowing channel is communicated with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, the cooling liquid flowing in from the liquid inlet channel can flow into the liquid outlet channel through the overflowing channel and flows out from the liquid outlet channel, so that the aim of cooling the battery pack is fulfilled.

Alternatively, the valve core 220 is rotated relative to the valve housing 210 to switch between the initial state, the restricted state, and the blocked state. That is, the valve body 220 has three states, and the states of the valve body 220 can be switched during the rotation.

In a specific example, when the valve element 220 is in the initial state, the valve element 220 is rotated clockwise, the valve element 220 is switched from the initial state to the current limiting state, the valve element 220 is rotated clockwise again, and the valve element 220 is switched from the current limiting state to the cut-off state; accordingly, when the spool 220 is in the cut-off state, the spool 220 is rotated counterclockwise, the spool 220 is switched from the cut-off state to the flow restricting state, and the spool 220 is again rotated counterclockwise, and the spool 220 is switched from the flow restricting state to the initial state.

Optionally, in an initial state, the overflow channel is completely communicated with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 is the maximum. That is, when the valve core 220 is in the initial state, the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing through the adjusting unit 200 is the largest, so that when the temperature of the battery module exceeds the preset threshold value more, the valve core 220 can be switched to the initial state, the battery module can be rapidly cooled, the temperature of the battery module can be within the preset threshold value within the shortest time, and the safety of the battery module is improved; or, when it is determined that the adjustment unit 200 has a fault, the valve element 220 is switched to the initial state, so that all battery modules in the battery pack are not overheated, and the safety performance is improved.

Since the air in the flow rate control device 1000 needs to be discharged before the coolant is charged into the battery module, it is easy to discharge the air and charge the coolant from the flow rate control device 1000 even when the opening degree of the valve body 220 is at the maximum value in the initial state.

Optionally, in a current limiting state, the overflowing channel is partially communicated with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 is reduced. That is to say, when the valve core 220 is in the current-limiting state, there is coolant circulation in the regulating unit 200, but the flow of coolant can reduce, and like this, when the temperature of battery module surpassed preset threshold value less, can switch over the valve core 220 to the current-limiting state, realize cooling the battery module, avoid the battery to work under the subcooling operating mode simultaneously.

Optionally, in a cut-off state, the valve element 220 closes the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 is zero. That is, when the valve body 220 is in the cut-off state, no coolant flows through the regulating unit 200, so that when the temperature of the battery module is within the preset threshold range, the valve body 220 can be switched to the cut-off state, and the current temperature of the battery module is maintained.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 3, the adjusting unit 200 includes a liquid inlet pipe 240 and a liquid outlet pipe 250, the liquid inlet pipe 240 communicates with the liquid inlet flow channel, the liquid outlet pipe 250 communicates with the liquid outlet flow channel, and an extending direction of the liquid inlet flow channel coincides with an extending direction of the liquid outlet flow channel. The liquid inlet pipe 240 is used for conveying cooling liquid in the liquid inlet flow channel, the liquid outlet flow channel is used for conveying cooling liquid in the liquid outlet pipe 250, and the extending direction of the liquid inlet flow channel is coincident with the extending direction of the liquid outlet flow channel, so that the cooling liquid flowing through the liquid inlet flow channel can flow out of the liquid outlet flow channel, and the cooling liquid flowing into the liquid inlet pipe 240 can smoothly flow out of the liquid outlet pipe 250.

It will also be appreciated that the inlet pipe 240 and the outlet pipe 250 are disposed on opposite sides of the valve housing 210, respectively, such that the inlet pipe 240 communicates with the inlet flow channel and the outlet pipe 250 communicates with the outlet flow channel.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 3, a first gasket 280 is disposed at the connection position of the valve housing 210 and the liquid inlet pipe 240 and the liquid outlet pipe 250, and the first gasket 280 ensures that the coolant does not leak during the transportation process, thereby ensuring the reliability of the adjustment unit 200.

Optionally, one end of the liquid inlet pipe 240 communicates with the liquid inlet flow channel, and the other end of the liquid inlet pipe 240 communicates with the shunt pipe 120, and the shunt pipe 120 is used for conveying the cooling liquid to the liquid inlet pipe 240.

Optionally, one end of the liquid outlet pipe 250 is communicated with the liquid outlet channel, and the other end of the liquid outlet pipe 250 is used for connecting a cooling pipeline on the battery module, so that the battery module can be cooled through the liquid outlet pipe 250.

Optionally, the two ends of the flow-passing channel form an inlet (not shown) and an outlet 2212, respectively, and the line connecting the inlet and the outlet 2212 is a straight line. In an initial state, the liquid flowing from the liquid inlet channel can flow into the liquid outlet flow channel from the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet 2212 respectively.

Alternatively, when the valve element 220 is in the initial state, a connecting line of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet 2212 coincides with an extending direction of the liquid inlet flow passage. The cooling liquid is ensured to flow smoothly, so that the aim of cooling the battery module is fulfilled.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 3, the valve core 220 is rotatably coupled in the valve housing 210 by a rotating portion 230. That is, the rotating portion 230 serves to rotate the valve core 220 in the valve housing 210.

Alternatively, the rotating portion 230 and the valve core 220 are formed by an integral molding process, and when the rotating portion 230 rotates, the valve core 220 is driven to rotate, so that the valve core 220 can rotate in the valve housing 210.

Of course, in other examples, the rotating portion 230 may also be connected to the valve core 220 by a fixed connection manner, that is, the rotating portion 230 and the valve core 220 form two independent structures, where the fixed connection may be an undetachable connection such as welding, bonding, or a detachable connection such as bolt connection or clamping, and the specific connection form is not limited as long as the rotating portion 230 can drive the valve core 220 to rotate together in the rotating process.

Alternatively, the extending direction of the rotating portion 230 is perpendicular to the rotating surface of the valve core 220, which ensures that the valve core 220 rotates smoothly during the rotation of the rotating portion 230, thereby switching between the initial state, the current limiting state and the cut-off state.

Optionally, the line connecting the inlet and outlet ports 2212 is parallel to or coincident with the plane of rotation. It is ensured that the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing through the regulating unit 200 can be precisely controlled during the rotation of the valve core 220.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 3, the adjusting unit 200 further includes a resetting member 260, the resetting member 260 is sleeved outside the rotating portion 230, one end of the resetting member 260 is fixedly connected to the valve element 220, the other end of the resetting member 260 is fixedly connected to the driving unit 300, and the resetting member 260 is configured to drive the valve element 220 to reset toward the initial state. Because the two ends of the reset piece 260 are fixedly connected, in the rotating process of the valve core 220, the valve core 220 can drive the reset piece 260 to rotate together, so that the reset piece 260 generates a reset torque on the valve core 220, so that the reset piece 260 generates a trend of resetting towards the initial state on the valve core 220, if the reset torque is greater than the output torque applied on the valve core 220, the valve core 220 resets towards the initial state, the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 is increased, so that the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing through the adjusting unit 200 is increased until the valve core 220 resets to the initial position, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 and the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing through the adjusting unit 200 reach the maximum.

It should be noted that, this application is because of setting the piece 260 that resets, when judging that regulating unit 200 breaks down, the output moment of the steerable driving piece 320 of chip for the output moment of driving piece 320 is zero, and the moment that resets that the piece 260 that resets produced at this moment can drive case 220 and reset towards initial condition, makes the coolant flow through regulating unit 200 the biggest, guarantees that all battery modules in the battery package are all not too warm, improves the security performance of battery package.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, the valve core 220 includes a shaped groove 222, the restoring member 260 is a torsion spring, the torsion spring is disposed in the shaped groove 222, and one end of the torsion spring is clamped on a groove wall of the shaped groove 222. The installation that dysmorphism groove 222 resets piece 260 improves dodges the space, ensures that the one end of piece 260 that resets can be fixed connection on case 220, and at the in-process that resets 260 installation, dysmorphism groove 222 still can play the effect of reminding the installer, and installer accessible dysmorphism groove 222 fixes a position the mounted position that resets piece 260 fast reduces the installation degree of difficulty to promote the installation effectiveness.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 7, a projection of one side of the special-shaped groove 222 on the horizontal plane forms an arc, a projection of one side of the special-shaped groove 222 on the horizontal plane forms a straight line, one end of the reset element 260 is clamped on a groove wall of the special-shaped groove 222 forming the straight line, and the one side formed into the arc also ensures that the reset element 260 rotates smoothly, so that the valve element 220 can be driven smoothly to reset towards the initial state.

Optionally, the reset element 260 is a torsion spring, and when the valve element 220 rotates, the torsion spring twists to generate a reset torque to the valve element 220, and when the output torque of the driving element 320 is reduced, the torsion spring can drive the valve element 220 to reset.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 9, a first mounting hole 3112 is formed at one side of the driving unit 300, and the other end of the reset piece 260 is fixedly connected to the driving unit 300 through the first mounting hole 3112.

Alternatively, one of the valve housing 210 and the valve core 220 is provided with a rotation limiting portion 224, and the other is provided with a rotation limiting groove 213, and when the valve core 220 rotates relative to the valve housing 210, the rotation limiting portion 224 rotates relative to the rotation limiting groove 213, and the rotation limiting portion 224, the rotation limiting groove 213, and the rotation portion 230 are coaxially provided. The rotation-limiting portion 224 is engaged with the rotation-limiting groove 213 to provide a rotation center point for the rotation of the valve element 220 and limit the rotation direction of the valve element 220, thereby ensuring smooth rotation of the valve element 220 and adjusting the opening of the adjusting unit 200.

In a specific example, as shown in fig. 4 and 5 in conjunction, the bottom of the valve core 220 is provided with a rotation-restricting portion 224, the bottom of the valve housing 210 is provided with a rotation-restricting groove 213 that engages with the rotation-restricting portion 224, and the rotation-restricting portion 224 engages in the rotation-restricting groove 213 when the valve core 220 is mounted in the valve housing 210.

When the rotation-restricting portion 224 is provided on the valve body 220, the rotation-restricting portion 224 may be formed as a part of the rotation portion 230 to ensure that the rotation portion 230 does not deviate during rotation. However, it should be emphasized that even though the rotation-limiting portion 224 is formed as a part of the rotation portion 230, the rotation axes of the rotation-limiting portion 224 and the upper portion of the rotation portion 230 are not communicated, that is, the rotation-limiting portion 224 is spaced from the rotation axis to avoid the liquid inlet flow channel, so as to ensure that the coolant flows only along the extending direction of the liquid inlet flow in the flowing process, and no liquid leakage occurs.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 3, a second gasket 290 is disposed between the rotation limiting portion 224 and the rotation limiting groove 213, and the second gasket 290 can ensure that the medium does not leak during the transportation process, thereby ensuring the reliability of the adjusting unit 200 in adjusting the opening degree.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 8, the driving unit 300 includes a motor housing 310 and a plurality of transmission pieces 330, and a plurality of driving pieces 320 are provided in the motor housing 310. The plurality of driving members 320 are arranged in the motor housing 310, on one hand, the plurality of driving members 320 are ensured not to occupy the external space of the motor housing 310, the volume of the driving unit 300 is reduced, and therefore the occupied space of the driving unit 300 is reduced; on the other hand, the motor housing 310 may protect the driving member 320, and prolong the service life of the driving member 320.

In a specific example, the output end of the driving element 320 transmits power to the rotating portion 230 through the transmission element 330, and the driving element 320 drives the rotating portion 230 to rotate in the working process, so as to drive the valve element 220 to rotate relative to the valve housing 210, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200.

Optionally, the output torque of the driver 320 is adjustable. The output torque adjustable driver 320 is configured to cooperate with the reset 260 to switch the valve spool 220 between an initial state, a flow restricting state, and a blocking state, thereby varying the flow rate of the cooling fluid through the drive unit 300.

In a specific example, the control unit 400 may control the operating voltage and the rotational speed of the driver 320 to increase the output torque of the driver 320, the control unit 400 may also control the operating voltage and the rotational speed of the driver 320 to decrease the output torque of the driver 320, or the control unit 400 may control the operating voltage and the rotational speed of the driver 320 to be zero, when the output torque of the driver 320 is zero.

It should be noted that when the output torque of the driver 320 is zero, the reset member 260 can drive the valve core 220 to reset toward the initial state.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 8, the motor casing 310 includes a first casing 311 and a second casing 312, the first casing 311 is connected to the second casing 312 by a first fastener 313, so as to achieve detachable connection between the first casing 311 and the second casing 312, reduce difficulty in mounting the motor casing 310, and facilitate replacement or maintenance of the driving member 320 inside the motor casing 310.

Optionally, the first fastening member 313 may be a bolt, the first casing 311 and the second casing 312 are respectively provided with a threaded hole, and the bolt sequentially passes through the two threaded holes to connect the first casing 311 to the second casing 312, so that the motor casing 310 forms a closed structure, and the driving member 320 can be effectively protected.

Alternatively, one end of each transmission member 330 is connected to the output end of one driving member 320, and the other end of each transmission member 330 extends out of the motor casing 310 and is connected to the rotating part 230. That is, the driving member 320 is connected to the rotating portion 230 through the transmission member 330, and the driving member 320 is used for changing the driving direction of the driving member 320, so as to ensure that the rotating portion 230 rotates smoothly, and the valve element 220 is switched among the initial state, the current limiting state and the cut-off state.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 8, the transmission member 330 includes a first transmission member 331 and a second transmission member 332, one end of the first transmission member 331 is connected to the output end of the driving member 320, the other end of the first transmission member 331 is engaged with the second transmission member 332 for transmission, an output shaft 3321 is disposed on the second transmission member 332, and the output shaft 3321 extends out of the motor casing 310 to connect with the rotating part 230. In the operation process of the driving member 320, the driving member 320 first drives the first transmission member 331 to rotate, and the first transmission member 331 drives the second transmission member 332 to rotate synchronously, so as to drive the rotating portion 230 to rotate, and the valve element 220 is rotatably disposed in the valve housing 210.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 8, the first transmission member 331 can be a small bevel gear, the second transmission member 332 can be a large bevel gear, wherein the small bevel gear is a driving gear, the large bevel gear is a driven gear, and the number of teeth of the driving gear should be smaller than that of the driven gear, and the driving gear and the driven gear are in meshing transmission, so that after the first transmission member 331 rotates several turns, the second transmission member 332 can rotate one turn, so that the transmission member 330 plays a role in reducing speed and increasing torque.

Of course, in other examples, the first transmission member 331 and the second transmission member 332 may be driven by multiple gear sets or belts or chains, and the specific type of transmission member is not limited, and only the transmission member 330 is ensured to perform the functions of reducing speed and increasing torque.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 9, a plurality of first avoiding holes 3111 are formed in a side wall of the first casing 311, the output shaft 3321 of each second transmission member 332 extends out of the motor casing 310 through one first avoiding hole 3111 to connect to the rotating portion 230, and the first avoiding hole 3111 provides an avoiding space for the output shaft 3321, so as to ensure that the output end of the second transmission member 332 can connect to the rotating portion 230 through the motor casing 310 to drive the rotating portion 230 to rotate.

Alternatively, when the output torque of the transmission member 330 is smaller than the reset torque of the reset member 260, the reset member 260 resets and drives the valve element 220 to return to the initial state. Since the transmission member 330 is connected to the driving member 320, that is, when the driving member 320 controls the rotation torque of the transmission member 330 to be smaller than the reset torque of the reset member 260, the reset member 260 is reset, and the opening degree of the control adjustment unit 200 is maximized.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 6 and 10, an output shaft 3321 of the transmission member 330 is provided with a fitting groove 3322, a projection of the fitting groove 3322 on a horizontal plane is similar to a trapezoid, a side of the rotating portion 230 facing the output shaft 3321 is provided with a fitting post that fits with the fitting groove 3322, a projection of the fitting post on the same horizontal plane as the fitting groove 3322 is also similar to a trapezoid, and the fitting post is inserted into the fitting groove 3322, so that the transmission member 330 and the rotating portion 230 form a detachable connection, and the fitting post and the fitting groove 3322 cooperate to effectively transmit torque, thereby ensuring that the transmission member 330 can drive the rotating portion 230 to rotate together in a rotating process.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 9, a mounting boss 3114 is disposed inside the first housing 311, the driving members 320 are mounted on the mounting boss 3114, a side wall of the mounting boss 3114 is spaced apart from a side wall of the first housing 311, and a bottom wall of the mounting boss 3114 is spaced apart from a bottom wall of the first housing 311. Because the driving member 330 is connected to the driving member 320, the driving member 320 is connected to the mounting boss 3114, and the output end of the driving member 320 can be spaced from the bottom wall and the side wall of the first housing 311, so as to provide an avoiding space for the setting of the driving member 330, and the driving member 330 can be stably arranged at the output end of the driving member 320.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 9 and 11, a plurality of mounting brackets 3115 are disposed on the mounting boss 3114, a second positioning groove 3116 is disposed on the mounting bracket 3115, a limiting table 321 is disposed at an end of the driving member 320, the driving member 320 is mounted on the mounting bracket 3115, an outer surface of the limiting table 321 is matched with an inner surface of the second positioning groove 3116, and the mounting bracket 3115 is used for limiting the driving member 320, so that the driving member 320 is stable in position in the motor housing 310.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 11, a connecting bracket 322 is further disposed at the bottom of the driving member 320, and the connecting bracket 322 is fixed on the mounting boss 3114 by a second fastener 340, so as to further stabilize the position of the driving member 320 in the motor housing 310.

Optionally, the connecting bracket 322 may be a cushion bracket, and during the movement or shaking of the driving unit 300, the cushion bracket cushions and absorbs shock, so as to reduce the damage to the driving member 320 and prolong the service life of the driving member 320.

Optionally, a second mounting hole is formed in the connecting bracket 322, the second fastener 340 is a bolt, and the bolt passes through the second mounting hole and is connected to the mounting boss 3114 to form a fixed connection between the driving member 320 and the mounting boss 3114.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 3, the adjusting unit 200 further includes a sealing cover 270, and the sealing cover 270 detachably covers the valve housing 210. The sealing cover 270 allows the valve housing 210 to form a closed structure, and the valve element 220 is disposed in the valve housing 210 to protect the valve element 220, thereby prolonging the service life of the valve element 220.

Optionally, a plurality of third mounting holes are formed in the sealing cover 270, a fourth mounting hole matched with the third mounting hole is formed in the valve housing 210, and the third fastening piece 291 sequentially penetrates through the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole to connect the sealing cover 270 to the valve housing 210, so that detachable connection between the sealing cover 270 and the valve housing 210 is achieved, the mounting difficulty of the adjusting unit 200 is reduced, and the valve element 220 inside the valve housing 210 is convenient to replace or maintain.

In the description of the invention, features defined as "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features for distinguishing between the described features, whether sequential or not.

Alternatively, the third fastening member 291 may be a bolt, and after the bolt sequentially passes through the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole, nuts are screwed into both ends of the bolt to ensure that the relative position between the sealing cover 270 and the valve housing 210 is stable.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 3, the sealing cover 270 is provided with a communication port 271, and the rotating portion 230 protrudes outward through the communication port 271. The communication port 271 provides an escape space for the rotation portion 230, and ensures that the rotation portion 230 connected to the valve core 220 can be connected to the output shaft 3321 of the second transmission member 332, thereby driving the valve core 220 to rotate.

Optionally, the communication port 271 also provides a relief space for the reset member 260, such that the other end of the reset member 260 can be fixedly connected to the drive unit 300 in preparation for resetting of the subsequent valve element 220.

Alternatively, the communication port 271, the first avoidance hole 3111 and the rotating portion 230 are coaxially arranged in the same direction, ensuring that the rotating portion 230 can smoothly protrude from the communication port 271, and the rotating portion 230 protruding from the communication port 271 can smoothly connect to the output shaft 3321 of the second transmission 332 protruding from the first avoidance hole 3111.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 6, one of the sealing cover 270 and the valve core 220 is provided with an angle limiting member 272, and the other is provided with an angle limiting groove 223, and the angle limiting member 272 is in sliding contact with the angle limiting groove 223. The angle limiting member 272 and the angle limiting groove 223 are matched to limit the maximum rotation amount of the valve element 220, so that when the valve element 220 is reset, the valve element can rotate to an initial state at the highest speed, the battery module is cooled at the highest speed, and the safety of the battery module is improved.

Alternatively, the length of the angle stopper 272 extending in the circumferential direction of the seal cover 270 is smaller than the length of the angle stopper groove 223 extending in the circumferential direction of the valve body 220. The valve core 220 is ensured to have a certain rotation amount, that is, the valve core 220 is ensured to be rotatably connected in the valve housing 210 for switching the state of the valve core 220, and the valve core 220 is ensured to have an initial state, a flow limiting state and a cut-off state, and simultaneously, the distance between the initial state and the cut-off state of the valve core 220 is also ensured to be short, and the valve core 220 can rotate from the cut-off state to the initial state at the fastest speed.

Alternatively, both ends of the valve body 220 have parallel top and bottom surfaces, and as shown in fig. 3, a limit boss 225 is provided on the top surface to project toward the seal cover 270, the limit boss 225 is provided in the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 230, and the limit boss 225 is limited in the communication port 271. The limiting boss 225 is matched with the communication port 271, so that on one hand, the contact area between the valve shell 210 and the sealing cover 270 can be increased, and the relative positions of the valve shell 210 and the sealing cover 270 are stable; on the other hand, the limiting boss 225 and the communication port 271 cooperate to limit the rotation direction of the valve element 220, so as to ensure that the valve element 220 rotates smoothly and rotates along a predetermined rotation direction, thereby adjusting the opening of the adjusting unit 200.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 4 and 6, the sealing cover 270 is formed with a plurality of positioning portions 273 at one end facing the valve housing 210, a plurality of first positioning grooves 212 matched with the positioning portions 273 are formed on the wall of the flow passage cavity 211 of the valve housing 210, the first positioning grooves 212 are opened toward the sealing cover 270, and the positioning portions 273 are inserted into the first positioning grooves 212 from the opened portions. The positioning part 273 and the first positioning groove 212 cooperate to increase a contact area of the valve housing 210 with the sealing cover 270, so that the valve housing 210 is stable in relative position to the sealing cover 270.

Optionally, two of the positioning portions 273 are provided with an avoidance port avoiding the liquid inlet flow channel or the liquid outlet flow channel. Ensuring the normal circulation of the cooling liquid.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 4, the outer surface of the valve housing 210 is further provided with a second mounting ear 214, the outer end of the second mounting ear 214 is provided with a mounting groove 2141, the fixing member 215 is coaxially mounted in the mounting groove 2141, and a bolt passes through the fixing member 215 to connect the adjusting unit 200 to the housing 800 below, thereby preventing vibration from being directly transmitted to the adjusting unit 200.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow control device 1000 further includes an angle sensor (not shown) provided in the adjusting unit 200 for detecting a current rotation angle of the valve core 220 and outputting a value of the current rotation angle to the control unit 400. The control unit 400 is configured to determine whether a value of the current rotation angle is consistent with a preset angle value, and determine that a fault occurs if the value of the current rotation angle is not consistent with the preset angle value. It can also be understood that the angle sensor is used for accurately detecting the current state of the valve element 220, and is matched with the control unit 400 to determine whether the regulating unit 200 has a fault, so as to determine whether to reset the valve element 220, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow control device 1000 further includes a housing 800, and the piping unit 100, the adjusting unit 200, the driving unit 300, and the control unit 400 are disposed in the housing 800. Through setting up shell 800, pipeline unit 100, regulating unit 200, drive unit 300 and the control unit 400 of this application all set up in shell 800, shell 800 can play the effect of protection pipeline unit 100, regulating unit 200, drive unit 300 and the control unit 400 to prolong flow control device 1000's life, and shell 800 still can make flow control device 1000's compact structure, as shown in fig. 1, when guaranteeing to install flow control device 1000 on electric automobile, flow control device 1000 can not occupy too much space, can arrange on automobile body or crossbeam, easy assembly, and have good arrangement flexibility.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 16, the housing 800 includes an upper cover 810 and a lower housing 820, the upper cover 810 is connected to the lower housing 820 by a fourth fastener 830, so that the upper cover 810 and the lower housing 820 are detachably connected, the difficulty in mounting the housing 800 is reduced, and the pipeline unit 100, the adjusting unit 200, the driving unit 300 and the control unit 400 inside the housing 800 are conveniently replaced or maintained.

Optionally, the fourth fastener 830 may be a bolt, the upper cover 810 and the lower shell 820 are respectively provided with a threaded hole, and the bolt sequentially passes through the two threaded holes to connect the upper cover 810 to the lower shell 820, so that the housing 800 forms a closed structure, and the pipeline unit 100, the adjusting unit 200, the driving unit 300, and the control unit 400 can be effectively protected.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 16, the housing 800 is provided with a first through hole 821 and a plurality of second through holes 822, and the water inlet end of the collecting main 110 extends out from the first through hole 821. The first through hole 821 provides an avoiding space for the water inlet end of the collecting main 110, and ensures that the pipeline unit 100 can be connected to an external cold supply source.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 15, one end of the collecting pipe 110, which is away from the shunt tube 120, is provided with a limiting protrusion 140, and the limiting protrusion 140 is used to limit an installation position of the collecting pipe 110 and an external cooling source when the collecting pipe is connected to the external cooling source, so as to perform a limiting function.

In the specific assembling process, if the output end of the external cold supply source is also tubular, the limiting protrusion 140 abuts against the bottom wall of the output end of the cold supply source.

Optionally, the liquid inlet pipe 240 and the liquid outlet pipe 250 are also provided with a limiting protrusion 140, respectively, which plays a role of limiting during the connection process.

Alternatively, the output ends of the plurality of adjusting units 200 respectively protrude from the housing 800 through the respective second through holes 822. The second through hole 822 provides an avoiding space for the output ends of the adjusting units 200, so that the output ends of the adjusting units 200 can be connected to a cooling terminal, and cooling of different battery modules is realized.

It should be noted that the output ends of the plurality of adjusting units 200 described herein can be understood as the water outlet ends of the liquid outlet pipes 250, and the water outlet ends of the liquid outlet pipes 250 extend out of the housing 800 from the second through holes 822, so as to cool different battery modules.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 16, a plurality of first mounting lugs 823 are arranged on the outer side of the lower casing 820, and the lower casing 820 is mounted on the vehicle body through the first mounting lugs 823, that is, it is ensured that the flow control device 1000 can be mounted on the vehicle body through the first mounting lugs 823, so that the flow control device 1000 is stable in position relative to the vehicle body, and the battery module can be effectively cooled.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in fig. 2, the flow control device 1000 further includes a wire harness assembly 900, the wire harness assembly 900 supplies power to the driving unit 300 and the control unit 400, so as to automate the flow control device 1000, ensure that the driving unit 300 can automatically drive the valve element 220 to rotate, and the control unit 400 can automatically control the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 to be maximum, thereby reducing the degree of manual intervention.

Optionally, the wire harness assembly 900 is disposed in the housing 800, and the housing 800 is used to protect the wire harness assembly 900, so as to ensure that the wire harness assembly 900 is not directly exposed in the outside air, thereby improving the power utilization safety.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 16 and 17, the upper portion of the upper cover 810 is provided with a main connector 811, the main connector 811 is provided with three ports, namely 12V, GND and LIN ports, and the 12V, GND and LIN ports are respectively a power port, a ground port and a communication port, and are connected with an external control component through the main connector 811.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 12 and 13, a plurality of plug holes 3113 are provided at one side of the first housing 311, three ports, namely 12V, GND and LIN ports, are provided in the plug holes 3113, and all the ports are connected to the control unit 400.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 14, the wire harness assembly 900 includes a first wire harness 910, a second wire harness 920, a third wire harness 930, and a fourth wire harness 940. Each pencil all includes three electric wires, and the both ends of every electric wire are connected respectively on total plug connector 811 and plug-in components hole 3113, and external control subassembly sends the signal to the control unit 400 through pencil subassembly 900, and the control unit 400 is connected with driving piece 320, and the control unit 400 is after receiving the signal adjustment driving piece 320's duty cycle, the output torque of control driving piece 320.

The following describes a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of sets of battery modules, a cooling system, and a flow control device 1000.

Wherein, cooling system includes cooling source and a plurality of cooling terminal, and the cooling terminal is the battery module cooling of difference.

The flow control device 1000 is the aforementioned flow control device 1000, the collecting pipe 110 is communicated with a cooling source, and an output end of each adjusting unit 200 is communicated with a cooling terminal.

It can be known from the above structure that the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a cooling system for cooling the battery modules, and the flow control device 1000 is connected between the cooling source and the cooling terminal, the flow control device 1000 does not occupy too much space, and is convenient to arrange, and in the process of using the battery pack, the flow control device 1000 can be used to cool the plurality of sets of battery modules in the battery pack, so as to ensure that the temperatures of the plurality of sets of battery modules are all kept within a proper temperature range, and ensure that the temperature difference between the plurality of sets of battery modules is controlled within a small range, and when the adjusting unit 200 fails, the control unit 400 controls the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 to be maximum, that is, the flow of the cooling liquid flowing through the adjusting unit 200 is ensured to be maximum, thereby ensuring that all the battery modules in the battery pack are not over-heated, and improving the safety performance of the battery pack.

A cooling control method of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A method for controlling cooling of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling cooling of a battery pack, as shown in fig. 18 and 19, and includes the following steps:

and detecting the temperature information of the battery module.

And judging whether the temperature difference between the battery modules is within a preset threshold range.

If so, judging whether the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 is consistent with the actual opening of the valve element 220; when the two are consistent, the flow control device 1000 keeps the original working state; if not, the opening of the adjusting unit 200 is adjusted to be maximum.

If not, the flow control device 1000 is controlled to change the working state and adjust the opening of the adjusting unit 200 corresponding to the two groups of battery modules with the largest temperature difference.

As can be seen from the above method, in the cooling control method for a battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the flow control device 1000 is disposed on the battery pack, in the working process of the battery pack, the temperature information of the plurality of sets of battery modules is detected, and whether the temperature difference between the plurality of sets of battery modules is within the preset threshold range is determined according to the detected result, when the temperature difference between the battery modules is within the preset threshold range, it is detected whether the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 is consistent with the actual opening of the valve element 220, if so, the opening of the adjusting unit 200 is not changed, the adjusting unit 200 at this time keeps the original working state to cool the battery modules, and when it is detected that the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 is inconsistent with the actual opening of the valve element 220, it can also be understood that the driving unit 300 sends the driving information to drive the valve element 220 to rotate, however, when the actual opening degree of the valve core 220 indicates that the valve core 220 does not rotate, it indicates that the adjusting unit 200 or the driving unit 300 has a fault, and at this time, the control unit 400 controls the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 to be maximum, so that the flow of the cooling liquid flowing through the adjusting unit 200 is ensured to be maximum, all battery modules of the battery pack are ensured not to be over-heated, and the safety of the battery pack is improved; if the temperature difference between the multiple groups of battery modules is not detected within the preset threshold range, the driving unit 300 controls the opening of the adjusting unit 200 corresponding to the battery modules to change the flow passing through the adjusting unit 200 and adjust the flow of the cooling liquid passing through the battery modules, so that the temperature difference between the multiple groups of battery modules is within the preset threshold range, and the purpose of cooling the battery modules is achieved.

It should be noted that, according to the cooling control method for the battery pack, independent cooling of the battery modules can be achieved by supplying liquid for one battery module, so that each battery module obtains targeted cooling and heat balance effects, the service life of the battery modules is prolonged, the safety performance of the battery modules is improved, the temperature difference between the battery modules is ensured within a preset range, and the safety of the battery pack is improved.

Optionally, a temperature sensor is arranged on each battery module, and the temperature sensor is used for accurately detecting the temperature information of the battery modules and preparing whether the temperature difference between the plurality of battery modules is within a preset threshold range for subsequent judgment.

The cooling control method of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below.

In some specific examples, in addition to detecting the temperature information of the battery module, the water inlet temperature, the water outlet temperature, and the like of the flow control device 1000 are also detected, when the flow control device 1000 is installed on an electric vehicle to cool the battery pack, after the electric vehicle is powered on, the flow control device 1000 starts self-checking, and sends the current state of the valve element 220 to the external control component; after the electric vehicle is started, the temperature sensor collects temperature information, water inlet temperature, water outlet temperature and the like of the battery module at intervals, and the flow control device 1000 sends the current state of the valve element 220 to the external control assembly at intervals.

After the electric vehicle is started, the preset opening degree of the valve element 220 and the actual opening degree of the valve element 220 corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 are also sent to the external control component, so as to determine whether the preset opening degree corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 and the actual opening degree of the valve element 220 are consistent.

If the collected temperature of a certain battery module is too low and the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 is consistent with the actual opening of the valve element 220, the external control assembly sends a PWM signal to the driving unit 300, the corresponding control unit 400 increases the pulse width after receiving the signal, the working voltage and the rotating speed of the driving element 320 are increased, the output torque is increased and overcomes the reset torque of the reset element 260, the valve element 220 is adjusted to be in a current-limiting state, so that the flow passage is partially communicated with the liquid inlet flow passage and the liquid outlet flow passage, and the flow of the flow regulating unit 200 is reduced; when the valve core 220 is detected to rotate to the current-limiting state, the external control component sends a PWM signal to the driving unit 300, the corresponding control unit 400 receives the PWM signal and then reduces the pulse width, the operating voltage and the rotation speed of the driving member 320 are reduced, the output torque is reduced, and is equal to the reset torque of the reset member 260, and the valve core 220 stops rotating and maintains the existing state, so as to cool the battery module.

If the temperature of a certain battery pack is too high and the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 is consistent with the actual opening of the valve core 220, the external control assembly sends a PWM signal to the driving unit 300, the corresponding control unit 400 reduces the pulse width after receiving the signal, the working voltage and the rotating speed of the driving element 320 are reduced, the output torque is reduced and is smaller than the reset torque of the reset element 260, the valve core 220 is reset towards the initial state under the action of the reset element 260, the flow passage is completely communicated with the liquid inlet flow passage and the liquid outlet flow passage, and the flow of the flow regulating unit 200 is increased; when the valve core 220 is detected to rotate to the initial state, the external control component sends a PWM signal to the driving unit 300, the control unit 400 increases the pulse width after receiving the PWM signal, the operating voltage and the rotation speed of the driving member 320 increase, the output torque increases and is equal to the reset torque of the reset member 260, and the valve core 220 stops rotating and maintains the existing state to cool the battery module.

If it is detected that the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 is inconsistent with the actual opening of the valve element 220, the external control component sends a PWM signal to the driving unit 300, the corresponding control unit 400 receives the PWM signal and adjusts the pulse width to zero, the driving element 320 stops operating, the output torque is zero, and the valve element 220 rotates to the initial position under the action of the reset torque of the reset element 260, so as to ensure the maximum flow of the cooling liquid flowing through the adjusting unit 200, cool the battery module in the shortest time, and improve the safety performance of the battery pack.

Alternatively, if it is detected that the preset opening corresponding to the driving signal of the driving unit 300 is inconsistent with the actual opening of the valve element 220, the fault information is reported to the driver, so that the user can know the working state of the flow control device 1000 in time and maintain the flow control device 1000.

The structure of the flow rate control device 1000 according to one specific example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A flow control device 1000, as shown in connection with fig. 3 and 8, comprising: a piping unit 100, an adjusting unit 200, a driving unit 300, a control unit 400, an angle sensor, a housing 800, and a wire harness assembly 900.

As shown in fig. 15, the pipe unit 100 includes a header 110 and four shunt tubes 120, and one ends of the four shunt tubes 120 are connected to the header 110 through a clamp 130.

Each regulating unit 200 is communicated with one shunt tube 120 in a one-to-one correspondence manner.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the adjusting unit 200 includes a valve housing 210, a valve element 220, a liquid inlet pipe 240, a liquid outlet pipe 250, a torsion spring, and a sealing cover 270, wherein a flow passage 211 is disposed in the valve housing 210, the flow passage 211 is communicated with the liquid inlet flow passage and the liquid outlet flow passage, the liquid inlet pipe 240 is communicated with the liquid inlet flow passage, the liquid outlet pipe 250 is communicated with the liquid outlet flow passage, an extending direction of the liquid inlet flow passage coincides with an extending direction of the liquid outlet flow passage, the valve element 220 is rotatably disposed in the flow passage 211 through a rotating portion 230, a flow passage is disposed in the valve element 220, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet 2212 are respectively formed at two ends of the flow passage, and a connecting line of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet 2212 is a straight line.

The flow passage on the valve element 220 may be completely communicated with the liquid inlet flow passage and the liquid outlet flow passage, or partially communicated with the liquid inlet flow passage and the liquid outlet flow passage, and the valve element 220 may further seal the liquid inlet flow passage and the liquid outlet flow passage to change the flow rate flowing through the regulating unit 200.

The sealed lid 270 lid is established on valve casing 210, is equipped with the intercommunication mouth 271 on the sealed lid 270, and the torsional spring cover is in the outside of rotation portion 230, and case 220 includes dysmorphism groove 222, and the one end fixed connection of torsional spring is in dysmorphism groove 222, and the other end of torsional spring stretches out to stretch out sealed lid 270 fixed connection through intercommunication mouth 271 on drive unit 300, and the torsional spring is used for driving case 220 towards initial state and resets.

The sealing cover 270 is provided with an angle limiting member 272, the valve core 220 is provided with an angle limiting groove 223, and the angle limiting member 272 is swingably provided in the angle limiting groove 223.

As shown in fig. 8, the driving unit 300 includes four driving motors, a motor housing 310, and four engaging gears, which are all disposed in the motor housing 310, and the output torque of the driving motors is adjustable, so that the driving valve core 220 is rotated relative to the valve housing 210 to adjust the opening degree of the regulating unit 200, thereby changing the flow rate flowing through the regulating unit 200.

One end of the meshing gear is connected with the output end of a driving motor, the other end of the meshing gear extends out of the first shell 311 to be connected with the rotating part 230, and when the output torque of the transmission piece 330 is smaller than the reset torque of the reset piece 260, the reset piece 260 resets and drives the valve core 220 to restore to the initial state.

The angle sensor is disposed in the adjusting unit 200, and the angle sensor is configured to detect a current rotation angle of the valve element 220 to output a value of the current rotation angle to the control unit 400, and the control unit 400 is configured to determine whether the value of the current rotation angle is consistent with a preset angle value, and determine that a fault occurs if the value of the current rotation angle is inconsistent with the preset angle value. The control unit 400 is used to control the opening degree of the adjusting unit 200 to be maximum when the adjusting unit 200 is failed.

The pipe unit 100, the adjusting unit 200, the driving unit 300, the control unit 400, and the wire harness assembly 900 are provided in the housing 800.

As shown in fig. 16, the housing 800 is provided with a first through hole 821 and four second through holes 822, a water inlet end of the collecting pipe 110 extends outward from the first through hole 821, and a water outlet end of the liquid outlet pipe 250 extends out of the housing 800 from each of the second through holes 822, respectively, so as to supply cooling to different battery modules.

The wire harness assembly 900 supplies power to the driving unit 300 and the control unit 400.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms "mounted" and "connected" are to be interpreted broadly, e.g., as being either fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected; either mechanically or electrically. The specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.

Four shunt tubes 120 are shown in fig. 15 for illustrative purposes, but it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill after reading the above disclosure that it is within the scope of the present invention to apply this configuration to two, three, or more shunt tubes 120.

Other configurations of the flow control device 1000, the battery pack, and the cooling control method of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention, such as the driving principle of the driving member 320 and the control principle of the control unit 400, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

In the description herein, references to the description of the terms "embodiment," "example," etc., mean that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the terms used above do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that: various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flow control device, comprising:

the pipeline unit comprises a collecting pipe and a plurality of shunt pipes, and one ends of the shunt pipes are communicated with the collecting pipe;

the regulating units are communicated with the shunt tubes one by one, and each regulating unit comprises a valve shell and a valve core, and the valve core is rotatably arranged in the valve shell;

the driving unit comprises a driving piece, and the driving piece can drive the valve core to rotate relative to the valve shell so as to adjust the opening of the adjusting unit and change the flow passing through the adjusting unit;

and the control unit is used for controlling the driving piece and controlling the opening of the adjusting unit to be maximum when the adjusting unit is judged to have a fault.

2. The flow control device according to claim 1, wherein a flow passage chamber, a liquid inlet passage and a liquid outlet passage are provided in the valve housing, the flow passage chamber communicates with the liquid inlet passage and the liquid outlet passage, respectively, the valve element is provided in the flow passage chamber, a flow passage is provided in the valve element, and the valve element rotates relative to the valve housing to switch between an initial state, a flow-restricted state and a cut-off state;

in the initial state, the overflowing channel is completely communicated with the liquid inlet flow channel and the liquid outlet flow channel, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit is maximum;

when the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel are in the flow limiting state, the overflowing channel is partially communicated with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit is reduced;

and when the valve core is in the cut-off state, the liquid inlet flow channel and the liquid outlet flow channel are closed by the valve core, and the opening degree of the adjusting unit is zero.

3. The flow control device according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting unit comprises a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe, the liquid inlet pipe is communicated with the liquid inlet flow channel, the liquid outlet pipe is communicated with the liquid outlet flow channel, and the extending direction of the liquid inlet flow channel is coincident with the extending direction of the liquid outlet flow channel; and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet are formed at two ends of the overflowing channel respectively, and a connecting line of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet is a straight line.

4. A flow control device according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment unit further comprises a reset member, the valve element is rotatably connected in the valve housing through a rotating portion, the extending direction of the rotating portion is perpendicular to the rotating surface of the valve element, and the connecting line of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet is parallel to or coincides with the rotating surface;

the reset piece is sleeved on the outer side of the rotating portion, one end of the reset piece is fixedly connected to the valve core, the other end of the reset piece is fixedly connected to the driving unit, and the reset piece is used for driving the valve core to reset towards the initial state.

5. A flow control device according to claim 4, wherein the valve cartridge includes a profiled slot, the return member is a torsion spring disposed in the profiled slot, and one end of the torsion spring is captured on a slot wall of the profiled slot.

6. A flow control device according to claim 4 wherein one of said valve housing and said valve core is provided with a rotation restricting portion and the other is provided with a rotation restricting groove, said rotation restricting portion rotating relative to said rotation restricting groove when said valve core rotates relative to said valve housing, said rotation restricting portion, said rotation restricting groove and said rotating portion being coaxially disposed.

7. A flow control device according to claim 5, wherein the drive unit comprises:

the motor shell is internally provided with a plurality of driving pieces, and the output torque of the driving pieces is adjustable;

the output torque of every driving medium is less than when resetting the moment of return of piece, reset the piece and drive the case resumes to initial condition.

8. A flow control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said adjusting unit further includes a sealing cap provided with a communication port through which said rotary portion is outwardly protruded;

the sealing cover is detachably covered on the valve shell, one of the sealing cover and the valve core is provided with an angle limiting piece, the other is provided with an angle limiting groove, and the angle limiting piece can be arranged in the angle limiting groove in a swinging mode.

9. The flow control device according to claim 8, wherein both ends of the spool have parallel top and bottom surfaces, and a stopper boss is provided on the top surface to project toward the sealing cap, the stopper boss being provided in a circumferential direction of the rotating portion, the stopper boss being stopped in the communication port.

10. A flow control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the sealing cap is formed with a plurality of positioning portions at an end thereof facing the valve housing, a plurality of first positioning grooves engaged with the positioning portions are formed in a wall of the flow-through chamber of the valve housing, the first positioning grooves being opened toward the sealing cap, and the positioning portions being inserted into the first positioning grooves from the opening; and the two positioning parts are provided with avoidance ports for avoiding the liquid inlet flow channel or the liquid outlet flow channel.

11. The flow control device according to claim 1, further comprising an angle sensor, the angle sensor being provided in the adjusting unit, the angle sensor being configured to detect a current rotation angle of the valve element to output a value of the current rotation angle to the control unit, the control unit being configured to determine whether the value of the current rotation angle is consistent with a preset angle value, and determine that a fault occurs if the value of the current rotation angle is inconsistent with the preset angle value.

12. The flow control device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing and a wire harness assembly, wherein the pipeline unit, the adjusting unit, the driving unit and the control unit are disposed in the housing, a first through hole and a plurality of second through holes are formed in the housing, a water inlet end of the collecting pipe extends outwards from the first through hole, and output ends of the adjusting units extend out of the housing from the second through holes respectively;

the wire harness assembly supplies power to the drive unit and the control unit.

13. A battery pack, comprising:

a plurality of groups of battery modules;

the cooling system comprises a cooling source and a plurality of cooling terminals, and the cooling terminals are used for cooling different battery modules;

the flow control device is the flow control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the collecting pipe is communicated with the cooling source, and the output end of each regulating unit is communicated with one cooling terminal.

14. A cooling control method of a battery pack according to claim 13, comprising the steps of:

detecting temperature information of the battery module;

judging whether the temperature difference between the battery modules is within a preset threshold range or not;

if so, judging whether a preset opening corresponding to a driving signal of the driving unit is consistent with the actual opening of the valve core; when the flow control devices are consistent, the flow control devices keep the original working state; if the difference is not consistent, adjusting the opening of the adjusting unit to be maximum;

if not, controlling the flow control device to change the working state, and adjusting the opening degree of the adjusting unit corresponding to the two groups of battery modules with the maximum temperature difference.