Battery cooling device

Abstract

A battery cooling device is provided that can cool the entire battery more uniformly. The battery cooling device (30) includes a side heat exchanger (40) configured to cool one side surface (20u) and a side heat exchanger (50) configured to cool the other side surface (20d), the other side surface being the surface facing the one side surface (20u). The side heat exchanger (40) includes heat exchange units arranged in the order of refrigerant flow, from a first heat exchange unit (41, 41A) to an nth heat exchange unit (44, 44A) on one side. The side heat exchanger (50) includes heat exchange units arranged in the order of refrigerant flow, from an nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side to a first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) on the other side. The first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) to the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side are respectively located at positions where the first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) to the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side face the first heat exchange unit (41, 41A) to the nth heat exchange unit (44, 44A) on one side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery cooling device that cools the battery by exchanging heat with a refrigerant. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles that typically use electric motors as a drive source are known. Such vehicles are equipped with batteries for operating the motors and battery cooling devices for cooling the batteries. PTL 1 discloses a technology for a battery cooling device that uses a refrigerant to cool the battery.

[0003] The battery cooling device disclosed in PTL 1 is configured to divide the flow path of the refrigerant into multiple channels and use the refrigerant flowing through each channel to cool the battery.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] PTL 1: JP-A-2015-096416 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The refrigerant flowing through the channel can further cool the battery on the upstream side, while the energy used for cooling on the downstream side is reduced, resulting in a decrease in cooling performance. Therefore, the cooling surface of the battery contains a mixture of more cooled and uncooled portions.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery cooling device that can cool the entire battery more evenly.

[0010] Problem Solution

[0011] In the following description, reference numerals in the drawings are enclosed in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the invention, but the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

[0012] According to the present invention, a battery cooling device (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) is provided, the battery cooling device being connected to a refrigeration cycle (10), the refrigeration cycle including a compressor (12) for compressing refrigerant, a condenser (13) for condensing the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (12), and a refrigerant reservoir (15a) capable of storing excess refrigerant.

[0013] The battery cooling device (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) includes: an expansion device (14) configured to expand refrigerant flowing out of the refrigeration cycle (10); a refrigerant distribution device (31) configured to distribute the refrigerant flowing out of the expansion device (14) to a side channel (11a) and a side channel (11b); and a side heat exchanger (40, 40A) including a plurality of heat exchange units, and flowing through the side channel (11a) Refrigerant flows through one side heat exchanger; another side heat exchanger (50, 50A), which includes multiple heat exchange units, and refrigerant flowing through the other side flow channel (11b) flows through the other side heat exchanger; and a refrigerant combining device (34), which is configured to combine the refrigerant flowing out of the one side heat exchanger (40, 40A) with the refrigerant flowing out of the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A), and allow the combined refrigerant to flow out into the refrigeration cycle (10).

[0014] The battery cooling devices (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) cool the battery (20) through the heat exchangers on one side (40, 40A) and the heat exchangers on the other side (50, 50A), wherein,

[0015] The heat exchangers (40, 40A) are disposed on one side surface (20u, 20r, 20f), which is any surface of the battery (20).

[0016] The other heat exchanger (50, 50A) is disposed on the other side surface (20d, 20l, 20b), which is the surface facing the first side surface (20u, 20r, 20f).

[0017] Regarding the heat exchange units constituting the heat exchangers (40, 40A) on one side, when the refrigerant flowing through the flow channel (11a) first flows through the first heat exchange unit (41, 41A), and the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange unit (41, 41A) next flows through the second heat exchange unit (42, 42A), the heat exchangers (40, 40A) on one side include heat exchange units from the first heat exchange unit (41, 41A) to the nth heat exchange unit (44, 44A) on one side in the order of refrigerant flow.

[0018] Regarding the heat exchange units constituting the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A), the heat exchange unit through which the refrigerant flowing through the other side flow channel (11b) first flows is the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side, and the heat exchange unit through which the refrigerant flowing out from the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side next flows is the (n-1)th heat exchange unit (53, 53A) on the other side. The other side heat exchanger (50, 50A) includes heat exchange units from the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side to the first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) on the other side, in the order of refrigerant flow.

[0019] The first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) to the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side are respectively located at positions where the first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) to the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side face the first heat exchange unit (41, 41A) to the nth heat exchange unit (44, 44A) on one side.

[0020] Preferably, the side surface (20u) is the upper surface (20u) of the battery (20).

[0021] Preferably, the battery (20) is used by being mounted on a vehicle, and the side surface (20r) is the right side surface (20r) of the battery (20) in the vehicle's orientation.

[0022] Preferably, the battery (20) is used by being mounted on a vehicle, and the side surface (20r) is the right side surface (20r) of the battery (20) in the vehicle's orientation.

[0023] Preferably, the battery (20) is used by being mounted on a vehicle, and the side surface (20f) is the front side surface (20f) of the battery (20) in the vehicle posture.

[0024] Preferably, the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchange units (41 to 44, 41A to 44A) constituting one side heat exchanger (40, 40A) flows in the opposite direction to the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchange units (51 to 54, 51A to 54A), the heat exchange units (51 to 54, 51A to 54A) being arranged facing the heat exchange units (41 to 44, 41A to 44A) with the battery (20) inserted between them, forming the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A).

[0025] Preferably, the heat exchange units (41 to 44, 41A to 44A) constituting one side heat exchanger (40, 40A) and the heat exchange units (51 to 54, 51A to 54A) constituting the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A) are arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0026] Preferably, the refrigeration cycle (10) and the battery cooling devices (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) are connected at the branch point D between the condenser (13) and the expansion device (14) and at the merging point (J) between the refrigerant combining device (34) and the compressor (12), and the refrigeration cycle (10) includes an air conditioning expansion device (114) and an air conditioning evaporator (130) between the branch point (D) and the merging point (J).

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to the present invention, a battery cooling device capable of cooling the entire battery more uniformly can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0029] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cooling device according to the first embodiment.

[0030] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 It is a demonstration Figure 1 The diagram shows a refrigerant distributor, a flow channel on one side, a flow channel on the other side, a heat exchanger on one side, and a refrigerant combining device.

[0031] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the battery cooling device according to the second embodiment.

[0032] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a battery cooling device according to a third embodiment.

[0033] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the battery cooling device according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of the invention will now be described based on the accompanying drawings. In the description, right refers to the right of the direction of travel of the vehicle on which the battery cooling device is mounted, left refers to the left of the same direction of travel, front refers to the front of the direction of travel of the vehicle on which the battery cooling device is mounted, and rear refers to the rear of the same direction of travel. In the figures, Fr indicates front, Rr indicates rear, Le indicates left, Ri indicates right, Up indicates up, and Dn indicates down.

[0035] <First Embodiment>

[0036] Reference Figure 1 The battery cooling device 30 is used, for example, to cool the battery 20 installed in the vehicle. The battery 20 stores electricity supplied to the motor that drives the vehicle; therefore, the battery 20 is capable of being charged and has the characteristic of generating heat during charging. When the battery 20 generates excessive heat, it deteriorates. Furthermore, the battery cooling device 30 is used by connecting to a refrigeration cycle 10 through which refrigerant circulates. The refrigeration cycle 10 may share a portion of the components used in the vehicle's air conditioner. The refrigeration cycle 10 and the battery cooling device 30 are connected at a branch point D and a merging point J.

[0037] The refrigeration cycle 10 connected to the battery cooling device 30 is provided with: a compressor 12 for compressing refrigerant, a condenser 13 for cooling the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the compressor 12, an air conditioning expansion device 114, and an air conditioning evaporator 130 on the flow channel 11 through which the refrigerant flows.

[0038] Accumulator 15a is arranged upstream of compressor 12 as a refrigerant reservoir capable of storing excess refrigerant. The refrigerant reservoir may be arranged as a liquid tank (not shown) between condenser 13 and branch point D.

[0039] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant in compressor 12 is cooled by condenser 13 under high pressure. The refrigerant passing through condenser 13 reaches branch point D and is divided into refrigerant that circulates only in refrigeration cycle 10 (i.e., flows in accumulator 15a via air conditioning expander 114 and air conditioning evaporator 130) and refrigerant that flows in battery cooling device 30. The refrigerant flowing from branch point D into battery cooling device 30 cools battery 20 (described below), reaches merging point J, and merges with the refrigerant passing through air conditioning evaporator 130. The merged refrigerant then flows into accumulator 15a and returns to compressor 12.

[0040] The high-pressure refrigerant flowing from branch point D into the air conditioning expansion unit 114 is expanded and flows into the air conditioning condenser 130, cooling the incoming air used for air conditioning. It then reaches the merging point J and merges with the refrigerant flowing through the battery cooling unit 30. The merged refrigerant then flows into the accumulator 15a and returns to the compressor 12.

[0041] The accumulator 15a of the refrigerant reservoir 15 has the functions of storing excess refrigerant, separating liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant, and discharging only gaseous refrigerant. The liquid tank has the functions of storing excess refrigerant, separating liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant, and discharging only gaseous refrigerant.

[0042] Also refer to Figure 2 The battery cooling device 30 includes: an expansion device 14 that expands high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the condenser 13 to form low-pressure refrigerant; a refrigerant distribution device 31 that distributes the low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the expansion device 14 to a side channel 11a and a side channel 11b; a side heat exchanger 40 that includes a plurality of side heat exchange units 41 to 44, and refrigerant flowing through side channel 11a flows through the side heat exchanger; a side heat exchanger 50 that includes a plurality of side heat exchange units 51 to 54, and refrigerant flowing through side channel 11b flows through the side heat exchanger; and a refrigerant combining device 34 that combines the refrigerant flowing from the side heat exchanger 40 with the refrigerant flowing from the side heat exchanger 50, and allows the combined refrigerant to flow out to the refrigeration cycle 10.

[0043] Although not shown, the expansion device 14 includes: an outflow refrigerant detection unit that detects the energy of the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant combining device 34; an adjustment unit that adjusts the degree of expansion of the refrigerant passing through the condenser 13 based on the energy of the refrigerant (refrigerant that has passed through the liquid tank in the case where the battery cooling device 30 is arranged in the refrigeration cycle 10 including the liquid tank) detected by the outflow refrigerant detection unit; and a valve body unit that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 13 according to the adjustment amount of the adjustment unit.

[0044] An external refrigerant detection unit is positioned between the refrigerant merging device 34 and the merging point J, and detects the temperature or temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant merging device 34. When the energy of the refrigerant detected by the external refrigerant detection unit is relatively high, the adjustment unit increases the refrigerant flow rate by relatively widening the valve opening of the valve body unit; conversely, when the energy of the refrigerant detected by the external refrigerant detection unit is relatively low, the adjustment unit decreases the refrigerant flow rate by relatively narrowing the valve opening of the valve body unit.

[0045] Preferably, by manufacturing an adjustment unit with electronic components that allow control of the valve opening adjustment amount of the valve body unit via external signals, the expansion device 14 can prevent refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 13 from flowing through the battery device 30. When the battery cooling device 30 is provided as part of the vehicle's air conditioner, an operating mode can be requested where only the vehicle's air conditioner operates and the battery cooling device 30 does not operate. However, regardless of the energy state of the refrigerant detected by the outflow refrigerant detection unit, the flow of refrigerant can be completely blocked in response to the request. Such an expansion device 14 can be referred to as an electronic expansion valve with a shut-off function.

[0046] A side heat exchanger 40 is arranged on the upper surface 20u (side surface 20u) of the battery 20. The side heat exchanger 40 includes, for example, four side heat exchange units 41 to 44. These side heat exchange units 41 to 44 are referred to as side first heat exchange unit 41, side second heat exchange unit 42, side third heat exchange unit 43, and side fourth heat exchange unit 44 in the order of refrigerant flow. Each of the side heat exchange units 41 to 44 has a flow channel through which the refrigerant can pass within a flat metal plate.

[0047] The number of heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side can be two or more. When the number of heat exchange units on one side is n, it can be said that the heat exchanger 40 on one side includes heat exchange units from the first heat exchange unit 41 on one side to the nth heat exchange unit on one side (the fourth heat exchange unit 44 on one side in this embodiment) in the order of refrigerant flow.

[0048] The heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side can have the same configuration or different configurations. However, if the heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side have the same configuration, the number of types of components to be prepared can be reduced, and thus the battery cooling device 30 can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0049] Here, although one side heat exchange unit 41 to 44 is in Figure 1 The heat exchange units 41 to 44 are arranged in a front-to-back direction (along the front-to-back direction), but the arrangement direction is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, one side of the heat exchange units 41 to 44 can be arranged in a left-to-right direction (along the left-to-right direction), or in any direction, as long as the heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side and the heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side are in the same arrangement direction.

[0050] The other heat exchanger 50 is disposed on the lower surface 20d (other side surface 20d) of the battery 20. The other heat exchanger 50 includes, for example, four other heat exchange units 51 to 54. The heat exchange unit disposed at the position of the first heat exchange unit 41 facing the heat exchange unit is called the other side first heat exchange unit 51. Similarly, the heat exchange unit disposed at the position of the second heat exchange unit 42 facing the heat exchange unit is called the other side second heat exchange unit 52, the heat exchange unit disposed at the position of the third heat exchange unit 43 facing the heat exchange unit is called the other side third heat exchange unit 53, and the heat exchange unit disposed at the position of the fourth heat exchange unit 44 facing the heat exchange unit is called the other side fourth heat exchange unit 54. Each of the other heat exchange units 41 to 44 has a flow channel through which refrigerant can pass within a flat metal plate.

[0051] In the other heat exchanger 50, the refrigerant flows in the order of the other side fourth heat exchange unit 54, the other side third heat exchange unit 53, the other side second heat exchange unit 52 and the other side first heat exchange unit 51.

[0052] The number of heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side can be two or more, and can be the same as the number of heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side. When the number of heat exchange units on the other side is n, it can be said that the refrigerant flows in the order of the nth heat exchange unit on the other side (the fourth heat exchange unit 54 on the other side in this embodiment) and the (n-1)th heat exchange unit on the other side (the third heat exchange unit 53 on the other side in this embodiment), and finally flows to the first heat exchange unit 51 on the other side.

[0053] Furthermore, it can be said that the first heat exchange unit 51 to the nth heat exchange unit on the other side (the fourth heat exchange unit 54 on the other side in this embodiment) are respectively located at the positions where the first heat exchange unit 51 to the nth heat exchange unit on the other side faces the first heat exchange unit 41 to the nth heat exchange unit on one side (the fourth heat exchange unit 44 on one side in this embodiment).

[0054] The heat exchange units 41 to 44 on the other side can have the same configuration or a different configuration. However, if the heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side have the same configuration, the number of component types to be prepared can be reduced, and thus the battery cooling device 30 can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. Furthermore, if the heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side have the same configuration as the heat exchange units 41 to 44 on the other side, the battery cooling device 30 can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner even further.

[0055] The heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side can be arranged in a left-right direction, or in any direction, as long as the heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side and the heat exchange units 41 to 44 on the other side are arranged in the same direction. Preferably, the heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side and the heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side are arranged in a horizontal direction. The reason will be described later.

[0056] The operation of the battery cooling device 30 will be described.

[0057] The refrigerant flowing through the flow channel 11 is expanded in the expansion device 14, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a gas-liquid mixed state, and flows into the refrigerant distribution device 31.

[0058] The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant distribution device 31 is distributed into two channels, namely, one channel 11a and the other channel 11b. The refrigerant flowing through the one channel 11a flows to the one heat exchanger 40, while the refrigerant flowing through the other channel 11b flows to the other heat exchanger 50.

[0059] The refrigerant flowing into the side heat exchanger 40 flows in the order of the first side heat exchange unit 41 to the fourth side heat exchange unit 44. The side heat exchanger 40 is arranged on the upper surface 20u of the battery 20. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing in the side heat exchange units 41 to 44 cools the upper surface 20u of the battery 20 by exchanging heat with the battery 20. As the refrigerant exchanges heat with the upper surface 20u of the battery 20, the proportion of liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture flowing into the side heat exchanger 40 decreases. That is, the refrigerant flowing into the first side heat exchange unit 41 has a high cooling capacity for the battery 20, while the cooling capacity gradually decreases as the refrigerant exchanges heat with the upper surface 20u of the battery 20. The refrigerant flowing into the fourth side heat exchange unit 44 flows from the side heat exchanger 40 to the refrigerant merging device 34.

[0060] The refrigerant flowing into the other heat exchanger 50 flows in the order of the fourth heat exchange unit 54 to the first heat exchange unit 51. The other heat exchanger 50 is arranged on the lower surface 20d of the battery 20. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing in the other heat exchange units 51 to 54 cools the lower surface 20d of the battery 20 by exchanging heat with it. As the refrigerant exchanges heat with the lower surface 20d of the battery 20, the proportion of liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture flowing into the other heat exchanger 50 decreases. That is, the refrigerant flowing into the fourth heat exchange unit 54 has a high cooling capacity for the battery 20, while the cooling capacity gradually decreases as the refrigerant exchanges heat with the lower surface 20d of the battery 20. The refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchange unit 51 flows from the other heat exchanger 50 to the refrigerant merging device 34.

[0061] The refrigerant flowing through one side channel 11a or the other side channel 11b is combined in the refrigerant combining device 34 and flows to the accumulator 15a included in the refrigeration cycle.

[0062] The refrigerant flowing through one side of the first heat exchange unit 41 flows from front to back. When this direction is set as the first direction, the refrigerant flowing through the other side of the first heat exchange unit 51 (located at the position where the other side of the first heat exchange unit 51 faces the first side of the first heat exchange unit 41) flows from back to front. The direction is then set as a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The refrigerant flowing through one side of the second heat exchange unit 42 flows from back to front. When this direction is set as the first direction, the refrigerant flowing through the other side of the second heat exchange unit 52 (located at the position where the other side of the second heat exchange unit 52 faces the first side of the second heat exchange unit 42) flows in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

[0063] In other words, when the direction in which the refrigerant flows through one side heat exchange unit 41 to 44 is the first direction, it can be said that the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the other side heat exchange unit 51 to 54 (arranged at the position where the other side heat exchange unit 51 to 54 faces the one side heat exchange unit 41 to 44) is the second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0064] The battery cooling device 30 described above achieves the following effects.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first to fourth heat exchange units 41 to 44 (the nth heat exchange unit on one side) forming one side heat exchanger 40 are arranged on the upper surface 20u of the battery. Meanwhile, the first to fourth heat exchange units 51 to 54 (the nth heat exchange unit on the other side) forming the other side heat exchanger 50 are arranged on the lower surface 20d of the other side heat exchange units 51 to 54, facing the first to fourth heat exchange units 41 to 44. The refrigerant flows through one side heat exchanger 40 in the order of the first to fourth heat exchange units 41 to 44, and the refrigerant flows through the other side heat exchanger 50 in the order of the fourth to first heat exchange units 54. The refrigerant flowing through the flow channel 11a has the highest cooling capacity for the battery 20 when flowing into the first heat exchange unit 41, and the lowest cooling capacity for the battery 20 when flowing out of the fourth heat exchange unit 44. On the other hand, the refrigerant flowing through the other side channel 11b has the highest cooling capacity for the battery 20 when it flows into the fourth heat exchange unit 54 on the other side, and has the lowest cooling capacity for the battery 20 when it flows out of the first heat exchange unit 51 on the other side.

[0066] As described above, focusing only on the upper surface 20u, the cooling capacity may vary from the first heat exchange unit 41 on one side to the fourth heat exchange unit 44 on the other side. Similarly, focusing only on the lower surface 20d, the cooling capacity may vary from the fourth heat exchange unit 54 on the other side to the first heat exchange unit 51 on the other side. However, since the first heat exchange units 41 to the fourth heat exchange unit 44 on one side and the fourth heat exchange unit 54 to the first heat exchange unit 51 on the other side are positioned facing each other, the first heat exchange unit 41 on one side of the heat exchanger 40, which has the highest cooling capacity, can compensate for the insufficient cooling capacity of the first heat exchange unit 51 on the other side of the heat exchanger 50, which has the lowest cooling capacity. Similarly, the second heat exchange unit 42 on one side of the heat exchanger 40, which has a second high cooling capacity, can compensate for the insufficient cooling capacity of the second heat exchange unit 52 on the other side of the heat exchanger 50, which has a second low cooling capacity. This also applies to the relationship between the cooling capacity of the third heat exchange unit 53 on the other side and the cooling capacity of the third heat exchange unit 43 on one side, as well as the relationship between the cooling capacity of the fourth heat exchange unit 54 on the other side and the cooling capacity of the fourth heat exchange unit 44 on one side. Therefore, the changes in the cooling capacity of one side heat exchanger 40 and the changes in the cooling capacity of the other side heat exchanger 50 can be mutually complementary by reversing the flow sequence of the refrigerant between the upper surface 20u and the lower surface 20d, and thus the entire battery 20 can be cooled without temperature changes.

[0067] Furthermore, the refrigerant flows in opposite directions (so-called countercurrent) between heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side and heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side. Therefore, the entire battery 20 can be cooled more evenly.

[0068] <Second Embodiment>

[0069] Next, the battery cooling device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Figure 3 A battery cooling device 30A according to a second embodiment is shown, which corresponds to the above-described Figure 2 The basic configuration is shown in the diagram. The battery cooling device 30 according to the first embodiment (see [reference]). Figure 1 The basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Parts common to the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071] The battery cooling device 30A cools two batteries 20X and 20Y (the first battery 20X and the second battery 20Y). The battery cooling device 30A can also be used to cool three or more batteries 20.

[0072] The one-sided heat exchanger 40A includes four sets of one-sided heat exchange units 41A to 44A. The configuration of each of the one-sided heat exchange units 41A to 44A is as follows: Figure 1 Each of the heat exchange units 41 to 44 shown is configured identically. In each of the heat exchange units 41A to 44A, two heat exchange units are arranged in parallel. The first heat exchange units 41A, 41A and the fourth heat exchange units 44A, 44A on one side are in contact with the upper surface 20Xu of the first battery 20X, and the second heat exchange units 42A, 42A and the third heat exchange units 43A, 43A on one side are in contact with the upper surface 20Yu of the second battery 20Y.

[0073] In the parallel arrangement of the first heat exchange units 41A and 41A on one side, the flow channel 11a branches upstream of the first heat exchange units 41A and 41A on one side, and the branched flow channel 11a merges downstream of the first heat exchange units 41A and 41A on one side. This also applies to the heat exchange units 42A to 44A on one side.

[0074] This also applies to the other side heat exchanger 50A. That is, the other side heat exchanger 50A includes four sets of other side heat exchange units 51A to 54A. The configuration of each of the other side heat exchange units 51A to 54A is similar to... Figure 1 Each of the heat exchange units 51 to 54 on the other side shown has the same configuration. In each of the heat exchange units 51A to 54A on the other side, two heat exchange units are arranged in parallel. The first heat exchange units 51A, 51A and the fourth heat exchange units 54A, 54A on the other side are in contact with the lower surface 20Xd of the first battery 20X, and the second heat exchange units 52A, 52A and the third heat exchange units 53A, 53A on the other side are in contact with the lower surface 20Yd of the second battery 20Y.

[0075] In the parallel arrangement of the other side's first heat exchange units 51A, 51A, the other side flow channel 11b branches upstream of the other side's first heat exchange units 51A, 51A, and the branched other side flow channel 11b merges downstream of the other side's first heat exchange units 51A, 51A. This also applies to the other side's heat exchange units 52A to 54A.

[0076] The heat exchange units 41A to 44A on one side and the heat exchange units 51A to 54A on the other side may each include three or more heat exchange units arranged in parallel.

[0077] The battery cooling device 30A described above also achieves the intended effect of the present invention.

[0078] <Third Embodiment>

[0079] The battery cooling device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Figure 4 A battery cooling device 30B according to a third embodiment is shown, which corresponds to the above-described Figure 1 The basic configuration is shown in the diagram. The battery cooling device 30 according to the first embodiment (see [reference]). Figure 1 The basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Parts common to the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0081] A heat exchanger 40 is disposed on the right side surface 20r of the battery 20, and a heat exchanger 50 is disposed on the left side surface 20l of the battery 20. That is, one side is the right side surface 20r, and the other side is the left side surface 20l.

[0082] The heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side and 51 to 54 on the other side can be arranged in a vertical direction, or in any direction based on the shape of the battery 20 and other factors. However, the refrigerant in a gas-liquid mixed state flows through the interior of the heat exchangers 40 and 50 on both sides. In particular, the liquid refrigerant is easily affected by gravity, and therefore, the heat exchangers 40 and 50 on both sides are preferably arranged as follows: Figure 4 The arrangement is shown in the front-to-back direction (arranged horizontally). Due to gravity, the liquid refrigerant accumulates on the inlet or outlet side of each heat exchange unit in one side heat exchange unit 41 to 44 and the other side heat exchange unit 51 to 54. By eliminating this cause, the temperature distribution when cooling the battery 20 can be reduced.

[0083] The battery cooling device 30B described above also achieves the intended effect of the present invention.

[0084] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0085] Next, the battery cooling device according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 5 A battery cooling device 30C according to a fourth embodiment is shown, which corresponds to the above-described Figure 1 The basic configuration is shown in the diagram. The battery cooling device 30 according to the first embodiment (see [reference]). Figure 1 The basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Parts common to the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0087] A heat exchanger 40 is disposed on the front surface 20f of the battery 20, and a heat exchanger 50 is disposed on the rear surface 20b of the battery 20. That is, one side is the front surface 20f, and the other side is the rear surface 20b.

[0088] The heat exchange units 41 to 44 on one side and 51 to 54 on the other side can be arranged in a vertical direction (along the vertical direction) based on the shape of the battery 20 and other conditions. However, the refrigerant in a gas-liquid mixed state flows through the interior of the heat exchangers 40 and 50 on both sides. In particular, the liquid refrigerant is easily affected by gravity, and therefore, the heat exchangers 40 and 50 on both sides are preferably arranged as follows: Figure 5 The arrangement is shown in the left-right direction (arranged horizontally). Due to gravity, the liquid refrigerant accumulates on the inlet or outlet side of each heat exchange unit in one side heat exchange unit 41 to 44 and the other side heat exchange unit 51 to 54. By eliminating this cause, the temperature distribution when cooling the battery 20 can be reduced.

[0089] The battery cooling device 30C described above also achieves the intended effect of the present invention.

[0090] The battery cooling device according to the present invention is not limited to installation on hybrid vehicles, but can also be installed on electric vehicles, straddle-type vehicles using electric motors, transportation vehicles other than vehicles, construction machinery, etc.

[0091] Cooling cycle 10 can be provided independently without needing to share a portion of the air conditioner.

[0092] These embodiments can be combined as needed. For example, a heat exchange unit on one side surface may include, for instance, […]. Figure 2 The single heat exchange unit shown can be replaced by a heat exchange unit on the other side surface, while the heat exchange unit on the other side surface can include, for example, a single heat exchange unit. Figure 3 The diagram shows a group of heat exchange units arranged in parallel. Furthermore, individual heat exchange units and groups of heat exchange units can also be combined and arranged on one side surface. Further, the group of heat exchange units arranged in parallel can also be arranged on the left and right side surfaces or the front and rear side surfaces of the battery.

[0093] This invention is not limited to these embodiments; any embodiment that achieves the operation and effects of this invention is acceptable.

[0094] Industrial applicability

[0095] The battery cooling device of the present invention is suitable for installation in vehicles that use an electric motor as a drive source.

[0096] List of reference numerals

[0097] 10 Refrigeration Cycle

[0098] 11 Flow channel, 11a One-side flow channel, 11b The other-side flow channel

[0099] 12 Compressors

[0100] 13 Condenser

[0101] 14. Expansion device

[0102] 15a Accumulator (Refrigerant Storage Unit)

[0103] 20 Battery, 20u Top surface (one side surface), 20d Bottom surface (the other side surface), 20r Right side surface (one side surface), 20l Left side surface (the other side surface), 20f Front surface (one side surface), 20b Rear surface (the other side surface)

[0104] 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Battery Cooling Device

[0105] 31 Refrigerant distribution device

[0106] 34 Refrigerant Combining Unit

[0107] 40, 40A One-sided heat exchanger

[0108] 41, 41A First heat exchange unit on one side

[0109] 44, 44A, Fourth heat exchange unit on one side (nth heat exchange unit on one side)

[0110] 50, 50A heat exchanger on the other side

[0111] 51, 51A, the first heat exchange unit on the other side

[0112] 53, 53A The third heat exchange unit on the other side (the (n-1)th heat exchange unit on the other side)

[0113] 54, 54A The fourth heat exchange unit on the other side (the nth heat exchange unit on the other side)

Claims

1. A battery cooling device (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) connected to a refrigeration cycle (10), the refrigeration cycle (10) including a compressor (12) for compressing refrigerant, a condenser (13) for condensing refrigerant discharged from the compressor (12), and a refrigerant reservoir (15a) capable of storing excess refrigerant. The battery cooling devices (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) include: An expansion device (14) is configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigeration cycle (10); A refrigerant distribution device (31) is configured to distribute refrigerant flowing from the expansion device (14) to a side channel (11a) and a side channel (11b); a side heat exchanger (40, 40A) comprising a plurality of heat exchange units (41, 42, 43, 44, 41A, 42A, 43A, 44A), and refrigerant flowing through the side channel (11a) flows through the side heat exchanger (40, 40A); and a other side heat exchanger (50, 50A). One side heat exchanger (50, 50A) includes multiple heat exchange units (51, 52, 53, 54, 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A), and refrigerant flowing through the other side flow channel (11b) flows through the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A); and a refrigerant combining device (34) configured to combine refrigerant flowing out of the one side heat exchanger (40, 40A) with refrigerant flowing out of the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A), and to allow the combined refrigerant to flow out into the refrigeration cycle (10). The battery cooling devices (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) cool the battery (20) through the heat exchangers on one side (40, 40A) and the heat exchangers on the other side (50, 50A), wherein, The heat exchanger (40, 40A) is disposed on one side surface (20u, 20r, 20f), which is any surface of the battery (20). The other heat exchanger (50, 50A) is disposed on the other side surface (20d, 20l, 20b), which is the surface facing the first side surface (20u, 20r, 20f). Regarding the heat exchange units (41, 42, 43, 44, 41A, 42A, 43A, 44A) that make up the side heat exchanger (40, 40A), when the refrigerant flowing through the side channel (11a) first flows through the side first heat exchange unit (41, 41A), and the refrigerant flowing out of the side first heat exchange unit (41, 41A) next flows through the side second heat exchange unit (42, 42A), the side heat exchanger (40, 40A) includes heat exchange units from the side first heat exchange unit (41, 41A) to the side nth heat exchange unit (44, 44A) in the order of refrigerant flow. Regarding the heat exchange units (51, 52, 53, 54, 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A) that make up the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A), the heat exchange unit through which the refrigerant flowing through the other side flow channel (11b) first flows is the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side, and the heat exchange unit through which the refrigerant flowing out from the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side next flows is the (n-1)th heat exchange unit (53, 53A) on the other side. The other side heat exchanger (50, 50A) includes heat exchange units from the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side to the first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) on the other side in the order of refrigerant flow. The first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) to the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side are respectively located at positions where the first heat exchange unit (51, 51A) to the nth heat exchange unit (54, 54A) on the other side face the first heat exchange unit (41, 41A) to the nth heat exchange unit (44, 44A) on one side.

2. The battery cooling device (30, 30A) according to claim 1, wherein, The side surface (20u) is the upper surface (20u) of the battery (20).

3. The battery cooling device (30B) according to claim 1, wherein, The battery (20) is used by being installed in the vehicle, and The side surface (20r) is the right side surface (20r) of the battery (20) in the vehicle posture.

4. The battery cooling device (30C) according to claim 1, wherein The battery (20) is used by being installed in the vehicle, and The side surface (20f) is the front side surface (20f) of the battery (20) in the vehicle posture.

5. The battery cooling device (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The refrigerant flowing into the heat exchange units (41, 42, 43, 44, 41A, 42A, 43A, 44A) constituting one side heat exchanger (40, 40A) flows in the opposite direction to the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchange units (51, 52, 53, 54, 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A), the heat exchange units (51, 52, 53, 54, 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A) being arranged facing the heat exchange units (41, 42, 43, 44, 41A, 42A, 43A, 44A) with the battery (20) inserted between them, forming the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A).

6. The battery cooling device (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange units (41, 42, 43, 44, 41A, 42A, 43A, 44A) constituting one side heat exchanger (40, 40A) and the heat exchange units (51, 52, 53, 54, 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A) constituting the other side heat exchanger (50, 50A) are all arranged in a horizontal direction.

7. The battery cooling device (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The refrigeration cycle (10) and the battery cooling devices (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) are connected at the branch point D between the condenser (13) and the expansion device (14) and at the junction point (J) between the refrigerant combining device (34) and the compressor (12), and The refrigeration cycle (10) includes an air conditioning expansion device (114) and an air conditioning evaporator (130) between the branch point (D) and the merging point (J).

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