Battery packs and vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle. The battery pack includes a first battery module and a second battery module formed by stacking multiple cell units, and a cooler. The cooler is disposed between the first battery module and the second battery module and is configured to cool the first battery module and the second battery module, and includes conductive components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery packs and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 4374947 discloses a technique for cooling a single cell by installing air-cooled cooling lugs at both ends of at least one single cell in a stacked bipolar secondary cell formed by connecting and stacking multiple single cells in series. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In secondary batteries, cooling is considered by placing coolers between battery modules that are composed of multiple stacked cell units. However, if coolers are only placed between battery modules, the battery modules may become non-conductive.

[0004] This disclosure provides a battery pack and a vehicle that enable battery modules to conduct to each other even when a cooler is configured between the battery modules.

[0005] The battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure includes: a first battery module and a second battery module formed by stacking multiple cell cells; and a cooler disposed between the first battery module and the second battery module and configured to cool the first battery module and the second battery module, and including conductive components.

[0006] In the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler can be connected in contact with the first battery module and the second battery module.

[0007] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, since the cooler is connected in contact with the first battery module and the second battery module, the first battery module and the second battery module can be directly cooled.

[0008] Furthermore, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler may include multiple flow paths for internally circulating refrigerant. These multiple flow paths may be configured within the projected area of ​​the first battery module and the second battery module when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of the multiple cell units.

[0009] According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, since multiple flow paths are arranged within the projection area of ​​the first battery module and the second battery module when projected onto a surface perpendicular to the stacking direction of the multiple stacked cell cells, the battery pack can be miniaturized.

[0010] Furthermore, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler can be stacked on top of the first battery module. The second battery module can be stacked on top of the cooler.

[0011] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, since the cooler is stacked on the first battery module and the second battery module is stacked on the cooler, it is possible to use one cooler to cool multiple battery modules.

[0012] Furthermore, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the first battery module and the second battery module may include active material coating areas coated with active material. The area of ​​the cooler on the surface perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of cell units may be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the active material coating areas.

[0013] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, since the area of ​​the cooler on the surface perpendicular to the stacking direction of the multiple stacked cell cells is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the active material coating area, the heat-generating area of ​​the cell cells can be cooled.

[0014] In addition, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler can be connected to a cooling pipe configured to supply refrigerant via a connector made of a non-conductive material.

[0015] According to the battery pack of the first aspect of this disclosure, since the cooler is connected to the cooling pipe supplying the refrigerant via a connector made of a non-conductive material, the connector insulates the cooler from the cooling pipe, thereby enabling the vehicle to be insulated from the battery module.

[0016] Furthermore, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler can be connected to cooling piping configured to supply refrigerant. The cooling piping can be made of a non-conductive material.

[0017] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, since the cooler is connected to a cooling pipe configured to supply refrigerant, the cooling pipe is made of a non-conductive material and is insulated from the cooler, thus enabling the vehicle to be insulated from the battery module.

[0018] Furthermore, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler can be connected to cooling piping configured to supply refrigerant. The cooling piping can be connected to a heat exchanger via a connector made of a non-conductive material.

[0019] According to the battery pack of the first aspect of this disclosure, the cooler is connected to a cooling pipe configured to supply refrigerant, and the cooling pipe is connected to a heat exchanger via a connector made of a non-conductive material. Therefore, since the connector insulates the heat exchanger from the cooling pipe, the vehicle and the battery module can be insulated.

[0020] Furthermore, in the battery pack of the first aspect of this disclosure, the cooler can be connected to cooling piping configured to supply refrigerant. The cooling piping may include an insulating coating portion obtained by applying an insulating coating or an alumina film treatment to its surface.

[0021] According to the battery pack of the first aspect of this disclosure, since the cooler is connected to a cooling pipe configured to supply refrigerant, the cooling pipe has an insulating coating portion obtained by performing an insulating coating treatment or an aluminum oxide film treatment on its surface, which insulates the cooler from the refrigerant, thereby enabling the vehicle to be insulated from the battery module.

[0022] Additionally, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler may include multiple flow paths for circulating refrigerant internally.

[0023] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, since the cooler has multiple flow paths for circulating refrigerant internally, the multiple flow paths are able to cool the first battery module and the second battery module.

[0024] In addition, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler may include an insulating coating portion obtained by performing an insulating coating treatment or an aluminum oxide film treatment on the inner peripheral surface of each of the plurality of flow paths.

[0025] In addition, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the refrigerant may be an insulating refrigerant.

[0026] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, by making the refrigerant an insulating refrigerant, the cooling piping is insulated from the refrigerant, thereby enabling the vehicle to be insulated from the battery module.

[0027] Furthermore, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooler can be connected to cooling piping configured to supply the refrigerant. The cooling piping can be connected to a heat exchanger including an insulating coating portion obtained by applying an insulating coating or an alumina film treatment to the inner circumferential surface of the flow path supplying the refrigerant.

[0028] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, since the cooler is connected to a cooling pipe configured to supply refrigerant, and the cooling pipe is connected to a heat exchanger having an insulating coating portion obtained by performing an insulating coating treatment or an aluminum oxide film treatment on the inner peripheral surface of the flow path for refrigerant flow, the heat exchanger is insulated from the refrigerant, thereby enabling the vehicle to be insulated from the battery module.

[0029] Furthermore, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the conductive member may be configured to be in contact with the first battery module and the second battery module.

[0030] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, since the conductive component is in contact with the first battery module and the second battery module, the first battery module and the second battery module can be directly cooled and the battery pack can be miniaturized.

[0031] In addition, in the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the refrigerant may be a liquid.

[0032] According to the battery pack of the first embodiment of this disclosure, since the refrigerant is liquid, it can further cool the first battery module and the second battery module compared with air cooling.

[0033] In addition, the vehicle of the second embodiment of this disclosure has a battery pack, which includes: a first battery module and a second battery module formed by stacking multiple cell batteries; and a cooler disposed between the first battery module and the second battery module and configured to cool the first battery module and the second battery module, and includes conductive components.

[0034] According to this disclosure, by making the cooler a conductive component, the following effect is achieved: even when the cooler is arranged between battery modules, the battery modules can be made conductive. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line III-III.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a top view of a unit cell of a first or second battery module according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a sectional view along line V-V of the same 4, taken when the unit cells of the first and second battery modules in one embodiment adopt a bipolar structure.

[0041] Figure 6 This refers to the case where the unit cell of the first battery module in one embodiment adopts a unipolar structure. Figure 4 Sectional view along line V-V.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of the conduction path of a battery module including one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the second cooler in one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of the paths in the conduction paths of the first battery module and the second battery module, which include a variation of embodiment 1.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of the paths in the conduction paths of the first battery module and the second battery module, including a variation of embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this single embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same parts in the following description.

[0047] [General structure of the vehicle]

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment. Figure 1 The vehicle 1 shown is envisioned as an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) powered by a motor or the like.

[0049] Vehicle 1 includes a motor 2, a power control unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as "PCU3"), a battery pack 4, cooling piping 5, an electric pump 6, a heat exchanger 7, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 8, and a vehicle body 9.

[0050] Motor 2 uses electricity from battery pack 4 to output driving power. Motor 2 is electrically connected to battery pack 4 via PCU3. In vehicle 1, the power output from motor 2 is transmitted to drive wheels via a power transmission device.

[0051] PCU3 controls the drive of motor 2. PCU3 is configured to include at least a converter, a boost converter, and a DC / DC converter for driving motor 2. For example, PCU3 causes the converter to convert the DC power from battery pack 4 into AC power and supply it to motor 2.

[0052] The battery pack 4 stores the power supplied to the motor 2. Specifically, the battery pack 4 is an energy storage device capable of being charged with power supplied from an external power source. The battery pack 4 is electrically connected to the charging plug of an external charging device via a charging port (not shown) provided on the vehicle 1, and is charged with power supplied from the charging device. The battery pack 4 is constructed using battery modules formed by stacking multiple planar cell batteries in a vertical direction in a flat shape, and a cooler for cooling the battery modules. The detailed structure of the battery pack 4 will be described later.

[0053] Cooling piping 5 connects to battery pack 4, electric pump 6, and heat exchanger 7 in the flow path to circulate refrigerant for cooling the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 (described later). Here, any one of water, mineral oil, synthetic oil, silicone oil, and fluorinated oil is used as the refrigerant. In one embodiment, the case where water is used as the refrigerant will be described. Furthermore, cooling piping 5 is constructed using a conductive material. Specifically, cooling piping 5 is constructed using aluminum or the like.

[0054] The electric pump 6, controlled by the ECU 8, circulates the refrigerant within the cooling piping 5. Specifically, the electric pump 6 draws in refrigerant stored in the storage container and discharges it through the outlet toward the cooling piping 5. The refrigerant discharged by the electric pump 6 circulates through the cooling piping 5, the battery pack 4, and the heat exchanger 7 using the discharge pressure of the electric pump 6.

[0055] The heat exchanger 7 dissipates heat from the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the refrigerant circulating in the cooling pipe 5, controlled by the ECU 8. The heat exchanger 7 is constructed, for example, using a radiator and an electric fan.

[0056] ECU8 controls the drive of electric pump 6 and heat exchanger 7. ECU8 is constructed using a processor with hardware such as memory and CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0057] [Detailed structure of the battery]

[0058] Next, the detailed structure of battery pack 4 will be explained. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the general structure of battery pack 4. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line III-III.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the battery pack 4 includes a first cooler 41, a first battery module 42, a second cooler 43, a second battery module 44, and a third cooler 45. Additionally, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the battery pack 4 is constructed by stacking the layers in an electrically contacted state in the order of the first cooler 41, the first battery module 42, the second cooler 43, the second battery module 44 and the third cooler 45.

[0060] [Battery Module Structure]

[0061] First, the detailed structure of the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 will be described. The first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 are constructed by stacking multiple flat-shaped unit batteries 410 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cell 410 of the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 is constructed using either a bipolar structure or a unipolar structure.

[0062] [Bipolar Structure]

[0063] First, let’s explain the case where the unit cell 410 of the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 adopts a bipolar structure. Figure 4 This is a top view of the unit cell 410 of the first battery module 42 or the second battery module 44. Figure 5 This refers to the case where the unit cells 410 of the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 adopt a bipolar structure. Figure 4 Sectional view along line V-V.

[0064] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the bipolar cell 410 is constructed by sequentially stacking a first electrode foil 412 with a positive electrode active material 411 coated on the surface side (single side), a separator 413, an intermediate electrode foil 415 with a negative electrode active material 414 coated on the back side and a positive electrode active material 411 coated on the surface side, a separator 413, an intermediate electrode foil 415 with a negative electrode active material 414 coated on the back side and a positive electrode active material 411 coated on the surface side, a separator 413, and a second electrode foil 416 with a negative electrode active material 414 coated on the back side (single side). Furthermore, in Figure 5 In this design, the intermediate electrode foil 415 has two layers, but any number of separators 413 and intermediate electrode foils 415 can be stacked between the first electrode foil 412 and the second electrode foil 416. Furthermore, the first electrode foil 412, intermediate electrode foil 415, and second electrode foil 416 are each constructed using aluminum or the like. Moreover, the unit cell 410 has a sealing portion 417 formed of resin or the like to protect the outer periphery.

[0065] Furthermore, in the cell 410, the area in each of the first electrode foil 412, the intermediate electrode foil 415, and the second electrode foil 416 where the positive electrode active material 411 and the negative electrode active material 414 are respectively located opposite each other is called the active material coating area W1 (heating area). Moreover, in the cell 410, the area including the area where the positive electrode active material 411 and the negative electrode active material 414 are not coated and the area of ​​the sealing portion 417 is called the active material uncoated area W2 (non-heating area).

[0066] [Monopolar Structure]

[0067] Next, we will explain the case where the unit cell 410 of the first battery module 42 adopts a unipolar structure. Figure 6 This refers to the case where the unit cell 410 of the first battery module 42 adopts a unipolar structure. Figure 4 Sectional view along line V-V.

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the unipolar cell 410A is constructed by stacking multiple electrode foils in a group, consisting of a first electrode foil 412 coated with a positive electrode active material 411 on one side and a separator 413, and a second electrode foil 418 coated with a negative electrode active material 414 on the back side. The first electrode foil 412 is made of aluminum or the like. The second electrode foil 418 is made of copper or the like. Furthermore, the cell 410A has a sealing portion 417 formed of resin or the like to protect the outer periphery.

[0069] Furthermore, in the cell 410A, the area in each of the first electrode foil 412 and the second electrode foil 418 where the positive electrode active material 411 and the negative electrode active material 414 are respectively located opposite each other is called the active material coating area W1 (heating area). Moreover, in the cell 410A, the area including the area where the positive electrode active material 411 and the negative electrode active material 414 are not coated and the area of ​​the sealing portion 417 are called the active material uncoated area W2 (non-heating area).

[0070] [Construction of the cooler]

[0071] Next, the construction of the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 will be described. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 are connected to the cooling pipe 5 via the connector 10. Furthermore, the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 have multiple flow paths 420 for internal circulation of the refrigerant Wa supplied from the electric pump 6 via the cooling pipe 5 and the connector 10. The first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 are formed using conductive materials, such as aluminum, and are in the form of plates with thickness.

[0072] Furthermore, the areas of the surfaces of the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 that are perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stacked multiple cell units 410 are greater than or equal to the areas of the active material coating regions W1 of the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44. Moreover, the multiple flow paths 420 are disposed within the projection area M1 when the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 are projected onto the surface perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stacked multiple cell units 410 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0073] Furthermore, each of the first cooler 41 and the third cooler 45 is formed with a free conductive component, thus being electrically connected to the first battery module 42, the second cooler 43, and the second battery module 44 in the stacking direction of the multiple stacked unit cells 410 (see reference). Figure 3 (arrow Y1). Thus, the first cooler 41 and the third cooler 45 each function as electrodes (current collectors) for the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44, respectively. That is, the conductive members forming the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 are connected to the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 in the stacking direction of the multiple stacked unit batteries 410. As a result, the battery pack 4 can be miniaturized because it does not require additional terminals for extracting power from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0074] [Regarding the status of the conduction path]

[0075] Next, the states of the conduction paths, including the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44, will be described in detail. Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically showing the state of the conduction path including the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, vehicle 1 has paths A and B that enable energization from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 to the vehicle body 9. Therefore, vehicle 1... Figure 7 Any part within path A and any part within path B are respectively insulated from the vehicle body 9 by non-conductive materials, thereby isolating the vehicle body 9 from the high-voltage first battery module 42 and second battery module 44.

[0077] First, let's explain route A. Vehicle 1, as... Figure 7 As shown in path A, the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 are each connected to the cooling pipe 5 via a connector 10 made of a non-conductive material. That is, the vehicle 1 can... Figure 7The first cooler 41, the second cooler 43 and the third cooler 45 are insulated from the cooling pipe 5 by means of connector 10 on path A.

[0078] Next, path B will be explained. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the second cooler 43. Furthermore, the first cooler 41 and the third cooler 45 have the same structure as the second cooler 43; therefore, the second cooler 43 will be described below. Vehicle 1 as follows... Figure 7 Path B and Figure 8 As shown, the second cooler 43 has multiple flow paths 420, each with an insulating coating portion 430 obtained by applying an insulating coating or an aluminum oxide film treatment to its inner circumferential surface. Therefore, the vehicle 1 can... Figure 7 The surface of the flow path 420 in the second cooler 43 is insulated from the refrigerant Wa by the insulating film part 430 on path B.

[0079] Thus, vehicle 1 is Figure 7 Within path A shown, connector 10 is used to insulate the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 from the cooling pipe 5, respectively. Figure 7 In path B shown, the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 are each insulated from the refrigerant Wa by the insulating film 430 of each of them. As a result, the vehicle 1 is able to insulate the vehicle body 9 from the high-voltage battery pack 4.

[0080] According to one embodiment described above, by forming the second cooler 43 with a conductive member, the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 can be made conductive even when the liquid-cooled second cooler 43 is arranged between the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0081] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, natural discharge from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 can be suppressed.

[0082] In addition, according to one embodiment, since the second cooler 43 is connected to the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 in contact, the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 can be directly cooled, thereby reducing the thermal resistance from the refrigerant Wa to the battery module.

[0083] In addition, according to one embodiment, since the multiple flow paths 420 of the second cooler 43 are arranged within the projection area M1 when the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 are projected onto a surface perpendicular to the stacking direction of the multiple stacked cell batteries 410, the battery pack 4 can be miniaturized.

[0084] In addition, according to one embodiment, since the second cooler 43 is stacked on the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 is stacked on the second cooler 43, the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 can be cooled by the second cooler 43.

[0085] In addition, according to one embodiment, since the area of ​​the second cooler 43 on the surface perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stacked multiple cell batteries 410 is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the active material coating region W1, the heat-generating region of the cell battery 410 can be cooled.

[0086] In addition, according to one embodiment, since the second cooler 43 is connected to the cooling pipe 5 supplying refrigerant Wa via a connector portion 10 made of a non-conductive material, and the connector portion 10 insulates the second cooler 43 from the cooling pipe 5, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0087] In addition, according to one embodiment, since the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43 and the third cooler 45 each have an insulating coating portion 430 obtained by performing an insulating coating treatment or an aluminum oxide film treatment on the inner peripheral surface of the flow path 420, the insulating coating portion 430 insulates the surface of the flow path 420 from the refrigerant Wa, thus enabling the vehicle body 9 to be insulated from the high voltage first battery module 42 and second battery module 44.

[0088] In addition, according to one embodiment, since the conductive members forming the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43 and the third cooler 45 are respectively connected to the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44, the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 can be directly cooled and the battery pack 4 can be miniaturized.

[0089] In addition, according to one embodiment, since the refrigerant Wa is a liquid, the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 can be further cooled compared to air cooling.

[0090] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 by making the cooling pipes 5 from a non-conductive material, such as rubber. That is, in Figure 7 Along path A, vehicle 1 can insulate the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 from the heat exchanger 7 using cooling pipes 5 made of non-conductive material. As a result, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the high-voltage first battery module 42 and second battery module 44.

[0091] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 by connecting the heat exchanger 7 and the cooling pipe 5 via the connector 10. That is, in Figure 7 On path A, vehicle 1 can insulate the cooling pipe 5 from the heat exchanger 7 using a connector portion 10 made of a non-conductive material. As a result, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the high-voltage first battery module 42 and second battery module 44.

[0092] In another embodiment, water is used as the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45, but this is not a limitation; an insulating refrigerant can be used as the refrigerant Wa. Specifically, insulating refrigerants such as R134a, which replace Freon-based refrigerants, and insulating oils are used as insulating refrigerants. Therefore, in Figure 7 Along path B, the flow path 420 surfaces of the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 can be insulated from the refrigerant Wa. As a result, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the high-voltage first battery module 42 and second battery module 44.

[0093] In another embodiment, an insulating coating portion obtained by insulating coating treatment or alumina film treatment can be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the flow path for refrigerant Wa in the heat exchanger 7. Thus, in Figure 7 Along path B, the flow path surface of heat exchanger 7 can be insulated from refrigerant Wa. As a result, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the high-voltage first battery module 42 and second battery module 44.

[0094] (Variation Example 1)

[0095] In one embodiment, the vehicle body 9 is insulated from the high-voltage first battery module 42 and second battery module 44 by passing non-conductive materials at any point in path A and path B, but this is not limited to this, as long as insulation can be achieved in either direction in path A and path B.

[0096] Figure 9 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of path A in the conduction path of a modified embodiment 1, including the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0097] like Figure 9 As shown in path A, vehicle 1 connects the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43, and the third cooler 45 to the cooling pipe 5 via a connector portion 10 made of a non-conductive material. That is, vehicle 1 is able to... Figure 9The connector 10 is used to insulate the first cooler 41, the second cooler 43 and the third cooler 45 from the cooling pipe 5 on path A.

[0098] According to a variation of the above-described embodiment, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 along path A.

[0099] Furthermore, in a variation of one embodiment, it is also possible to configure the... Figure 9 The cooling pipe 5 on path A is made of a non-conductive material, such as rubber, thereby insulating the vehicle body 9 from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0100] Alternatively, in a variation of embodiment 1, it is also possible to... Figure 9 The heat exchanger 7 and the cooling pipe 5 are connected via the connector 10 on path A, thereby insulating the vehicle body 9 from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0101] (Variation Example 2)

[0102] Figure 10 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of path B in the conduction path of a modified embodiment 2, including the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0103] like Figure 10 As shown in path B, vehicle 1 is able to Figure 10 The insulating film portion 430 (see reference) is used on path B. Figure 8 The surface of the flow path 420 in the second cooler 43 is insulated from the refrigerant Wa.

[0104] According to a variation of the above-described embodiment, the vehicle body 9 can be insulated from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44 along path B.

[0105] Furthermore, in a variation of one embodiment, 2, it is also possible to... Figure 10 An insulating refrigerant, Wa, is used as the refrigerant in path B to insulate the vehicle body 9 from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0106] Alternatively, in a variation of one embodiment, 2, it is also possible to... Figure 10 An insulating coating portion, obtained by applying an insulating coating or an alumina film treatment, is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the flow path of the heat exchanger 7 where the refrigerant Wa flows, thereby insulating the vehicle body 9 from the first battery module 42 and the second battery module 44.

[0107] (Other implementation methods)

[0108] Further effects and variations can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. The invention is not limited to the specific, detailed, and representative embodiments shown and described above. Therefore, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The first battery module and the second battery module are composed of multiple stacked cell units; A cooler is disposed between the first battery module and the second battery module, and cools the first battery module and the second battery module; Cooling piping that allows refrigerant to circulate; Heat exchanger; First connector section, and Second connector section, The cooler is formed of a conductive component and has multiple flow paths through which the refrigerant flows. The heat exchanger is electrically connected to the vehicle body and circulates the refrigerant inside it. The first battery module and the second battery module are in contact with the cooler and are electrically connected through the cooler. The cooler is connected to the cooling piping via the first connector. The heat exchanger is connected to the cooling piping via the second connector. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are formed using non-conductive components. An insulating coating or alumina film treatment is applied to the inner circumferential surface of the plurality of flow paths, or an insulating coating or alumina film treatment is applied to the interior of the heat exchanger, or the refrigerant is an insulating refrigerant.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of flow paths are configured within the projected area of ​​the first battery module and the second battery module when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of cell units.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cooler is stacked on top of the first battery module. The second battery module is stacked on top of the cooler.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first battery module and the second battery module include active material coating areas coated with active materials. The area of ​​the cooler on the surface perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of cell units is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the active material coating region.

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