Temperature adjustment device

Abstract

Suppressing the degradation of batteries in the battery pack. The temperature adjustment device (100, 100a) includes: an insulating layer (400) configured to contact the bottom of a plurality of batteries (Bt); and a flow path forming member (110) located on the opposite side of the plurality of batteries across the insulating layer, forming a flow path (112) for the cooling medium. The flow path includes: a plurality of cooling flow paths (f1-f10) facing the bottom surfaces of at least one different battery among the plurality of batteries across the insulating layer; a common inflow path (112a) connected to the plurality of cooling flow paths, allowing the cooling medium to flow in; and a common discharge path (112b) collecting and discharging the cooling medium discharged from the plurality of cooling flow paths. In the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of cooling flow paths, which is a cross-sectional area parallel to the surface of the insulating layer that contacts the bottom surface, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the first battery among the plurality of batteries is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the second battery whose temperature is lower than that of the first battery under operating conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature adjustment device for adjusting the temperature of multiple cells in a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Regarding battery packs with multiple cells, cooling is sometimes performed to extend battery life. Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling system for cooling a battery pack (battery assembly). This cooling system utilizes two cooling plates arranged at a predetermined interval to form an outlet for venting gases generated in each cell during abnormal temperature rise, and allows a working fluid such as refrigerant or ethylene glycol to flow between the two cooling plates to cool each cell.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-129149 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, the cooling system in Patent Document 1 cools each battery in the same way, thus failing to eliminate temperature differences between the batteries when temperature fluctuations occur. Consequently, the internal resistance of batteries with relatively higher temperatures decreases, potentially leading to a larger current flowing into such batteries and accelerating degradation. The aforementioned "temperature fluctuations among the batteries" could arise for reasons such as batteries located surrounded by other batteries having relatively higher temperatures, while batteries at the ends of the battery pack have relatively lower temperatures. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in suppressing battery degradation within the battery pack.

[0005] The present invention is proposed to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following manner.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a temperature adjustment device is provided for adjusting the temperature of a plurality of batteries in a battery pack having a plurality of batteries arranged in an axially aligned configuration. The temperature adjustment device comprises: an insulating layer configured to contact the bottom of the plurality of batteries; and a flow path forming member located on the opposite side of the plurality of batteries, separated by the insulating layer, forming a flow path for a cooling medium. The flow path comprises: a plurality of cooling flow paths, which are at least separated by the insulating layer and face the bottom surfaces of the plurality of batteries, and are separated by the insulating layer and face the bottom surfaces of one or more distinct batteries among the plurality of batteries; a common inflow path connected to the plurality of cooling flow paths, into which the cooling medium flows; and a common outflow path for collecting and discharging the cooling medium discharged from the plurality of cooling flow paths. In the cross-sectional area of ​​the insulating layer relative to the plane in contact with the bottom surface, which is the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of cooling flow paths, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the first battery among the plurality of batteries is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the second battery among the plurality of batteries whose temperature in the usage state is lower than that of the first battery.

[0007] According to this temperature adjustment device, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the first battery (whose operating temperature is higher than that of the second battery) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the second battery. Therefore, the amount of heat received from the cooling flow path at the bottom of the first battery can be increased, thereby improving cooling performance. Consequently, the temperature difference between the first and second batteries during operation can be suppressed, thus inhibiting the degradation of the entire battery pack.

[0008] (2) In the temperature adjustment device described above, there may also be a heat-conducting layer formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating layer, which is sandwiched between the insulating layer and the cooling flow path.

[0009] The temperature adjustment device according to this method has a heat-conducting layer formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating layer, which is sandwiched between an insulating layer and a cooling flow path. Therefore, compared with a structure in which the insulating layer forms a layer with the same thickness as the heat-conducting layer, it is able to conduct the heat of the battery to the cooling medium in the flow path in a short time.

[0010] (3) In the temperature adjustment device of the above method, the flow path forming component may be formed of a material with a thermal conductivity lower than that of the thermally conductive layer.

[0011] According to this temperature adjustment device, the flow path forming component is formed of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the heat-conducting layer. Therefore, it can suppress the heat exchange between the cooling medium in the flow path and heat different from the battery heat, such as the heat exchange with the atmosphere in the external space of the flow path forming component, and enable the cooling medium to absorb more heat from the battery.

[0012] (4) In the temperature adjustment device of the above manner, a plurality of batteries may be arranged along each of the cooling flow paths, and the plurality of batteries are arranged symmetrically along each of the cooling flow paths with the center position of each cooling flow path from the common inlet path to the common outlet path as the center position. Each cooling flow path has a cross-sectional area that is orthogonal to the direction in which the cooling medium flows in each cooling flow path and gradually decreases in the direction from the common inlet path and the common outlet path toward the center position.

[0013] According to this temperature adjustment device, each cooling flow path has a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases in the direction of the cooling medium's flow in each cooling flow path, with the cross-sectional area decreasing gradually from the common inlet and common outlet paths towards the center position. Therefore, the flow rate of the cooling medium can gradually increase towards the center position, improving cooling performance. Here, multiple batteries are symmetrically arranged along each cooling flow path with the center position as the center. Therefore, the higher the battery temperature in use, the closer to the center position, the better. Thus, the flow rate of the cooling medium can be further increased in areas where the battery temperature is high, improving cooling performance and further suppressing battery degradation.

[0014] (5) In the temperature adjustment device of the above manner, the common inflow path and the common outflow path are arranged in a straight line parallel to each other, the plurality of batteries are included in a battery column arranged in a direction parallel to the common inflow path and the common outflow path, and the first battery is arranged at a position closer to the center of the battery column than the second battery.

[0015] According to this temperature adjustment device, in a configuration in which multiple batteries are arranged in a direction parallel to a common inflow path and a common outflow path, the first battery with a temperature higher than that of the second battery can be further cooled, thereby suppressing the degradation of the batteries in the entire battery pack.

[0016] This invention can also be implemented in various ways other than with a temperature adjustment device. For example, it can be implemented as a battery structure that integrates the battery pack and the temperature adjustment device, or as a method for adjusting the temperature of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a temperature adjustment device as an embodiment of the present invention, and a battery pack that is the object of temperature adjustment by the temperature adjustment device.

[0018] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view representing the busbar component.

[0019] Figure 3This is a top view showing the detailed structure of the flow path forming component.

[0020] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the flow path forming component at the IV-IV section line shown.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow path forming component.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the detailed structure of the heat-conducting layer with the heater.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a bottom view showing the detailed structure of the heat-conducting layer with heater.

[0024] Figure 8 It is an enlarged representation Figure 6 An explanatory diagram of the local area shown.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-sectional structure of the insulating layer, the heat-conducting layer with heater, and the flow path forming components.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the flow path forming component in the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a top view showing the detailed structure of the flow path forming component.

[0028] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the detailed structure of the flow path forming component.

[0029] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view showing the temperature adjustment device and battery pack of the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the temperature adjustment device according to the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a flowchart showing the sequence of temperature adjustment processes in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] A. Implementation Method 1:

[0033] A1. Overall device structure and detailed structure of battery pack 10:

[0034] Figure 1This is an exploded perspective view showing the temperature adjustment device 100 as an embodiment of the present invention and the battery pack 10 to which the temperature of the temperature adjustment device 100 is subject to temperature adjustment. The temperature adjustment device 100 is configured to contact the bottom of the battery pack 10 and adjust the temperature of the plurality of batteries Bt contained in the battery pack 10.

[0035] The battery pack 10 includes a battery array 500, an insulating component 600, a busbar assembly 700, and an upper housing 800. The battery pack 10 supplies power to the outside from multiple batteries Bt connected in parallel and in series using the busbar assembly 700.

[0036] Figure 1 The diagram shows the XYZ axes, which are orthogonal to each other. In this embodiment, the +X direction and the -X direction are collectively referred to as the "X-axis direction." Similarly, the +Y direction and the -Y direction are collectively referred to as the "Y-axis direction," and the +Z direction and the -Z direction are collectively referred to as the "Z-axis direction." The X-axis direction is also called the column direction of the battery. The Y-axis direction is orthogonal to the column direction of the battery. The Z-axis direction is parallel to the axis of the cylindrical battery Bt and is also called the "axial direction of the battery."

[0037] The battery array 500 consists of multiple batteries Bt arranged in an axially aligned configuration. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in the battery array 500, multiple batteries Bt are arranged in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, three rows of batteries in the X-axis direction are arranged in the Y-axis direction to form the battery array 500. Furthermore, as long as the effectiveness of this embodiment is not compromised, the number of battery rows in the battery array 500 is not limited to three rows and can be any number. The three battery rows are arranged such that the underside of the batteries in adjacent battery rows is located in a recess formed between the sides of two adjacent batteries in each battery row. Therefore, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the center points of the positive electrode Btp in adjacent battery rows are offset from each other in the X-axis direction by a length equivalent to the radius of the battery Bt when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0038] Each battery Bt has a cylindrical shape, with a positive electrode Btp formed at one axial end (the end in the +Z direction). In this embodiment, a negative electrode Btn is also formed at the outer periphery of the end of the battery Bt where the positive electrode Btp is formed. More specifically, the negative electrode is formed by continuously covering the entire other end opposite to the end where the positive electrode Btp is formed, the entire side surface of the battery Bt, and the outer periphery of one end. Furthermore, the negative electrode on the side of the battery Bt is covered by an insulating component such as resin. As shown in the figure, the orientation of each battery Bt is the same. In this embodiment, the multiple batteries Bt have a structure in which multiple battery cells consisting of two batteries Bt connected in parallel are connected in series. Each battery cell consists of two batteries Bt arranged in the column direction (X-axis direction). Figure 1 The example shown is two battery cells, Bsa and Bsb.

[0039] The insulating component 600 is a thin plate-shaped component made of insulating material, which is disposed at the boundary of adjacent battery cells and functions as an insulating wall. Therefore, the battery array 500 is divided into individual battery cells by the insulating component 600. The insulating component 600 is formed, for example, of resin, insulating paper, etc.

[0040] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the busbar assembly 700. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the busbar assembly 700 is configured to overlap with multiple battery cells Bt in the axial (+Z direction) direction. The busbar assembly 700 enables the electrical connection (parallel connection) between two battery cells Bt within the aforementioned battery cell, and also enables the electrical connection (series connection) of multiple battery cells. Figure 2 As shown, the busbar assembly 700 includes a busbar 710 and an insulator 720. The busbar 710 is formed from a thin sheet of metal. The busbar 710 is embedded in the insulator 720, which is made of resin material, by means of insertion molding, post-bonding, post-welding, or claw fitting, thereby manufacturing the busbar assembly 700. The insulator 720 may be formed, for example, from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a PBT-based polyester elastomer, etc. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 For ease of illustration, the busbar 710 is shown on the upper side of the insulator 720. For example, if the busbar assembly 700 is formed by insert molding, the vertical positional relationship between the busbar 710 and the insulator 720 in the axial direction may differ depending on the location of the area of ​​the busbar assembly 700. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the busbar assembly 700 has a combined positive electrode TP1 and a combined negative electrode TN1. The combined positive electrode TP1 is electrically connected to the positive terminal Btp of each battery Bt. Similarly, the combined negative electrode TN1 is electrically connected to the negative terminal Btn of each battery Bt. The combined positive electrode TP1 and the combined negative electrode TN1 function as terminals for extracting the electrical output of the battery pack 10.

[0041] Figure 1 The upper housing 800 shown covers the battery pack 500, which is assembled with insulating components 600 and busbar assembly 700. The upper housing 800, covering the battery pack 500, is bolted to a mounting plate (not shown) positioned in the -Z direction of the temperature regulating device 100. Thus, the battery pack 10 and the temperature regulating device 100 are integrated. Both the upper housing 800 and the mounting plate (not shown) are made of resin.

[0042] A2. Detailed structure of temperature adjustment device 100:

[0043] Regarding the temperature adjustment device 100, a cooling medium flows internally to regulate the temperature of the battery pack 500. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the temperature regulating device 100 includes a flow path forming component 110, a sealing component 200, a heat-conducting layer 300 with a heater, and an insulating layer 400. The cooling medium flowing in the temperature regulating device 100 can be, for example, pure water, coolant used in vehicles, or gases such as air and nitrogen.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the detailed structure of the flow path forming component 110. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow path forming component 110. Figure 4 express Figure 3 The cross-section of the flow path forming component 110 at the IV-IV section line shown is shown. Figure 5 express Figure 3 The flow path forming component 110 at the VV section line.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the flow path forming component 110 has a main body 111, an inflow portion 191, and an outflow portion 192. The main body 111 is composed of an approximately rectangular plate-shaped component with multiple ribs provided in the central part.

[0046] The main body 111 has an outer edge wall 113 and nine partitions P1 to P9. The outer edge wall 113 protrudes in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) and forms a flow path 112 for the cooling medium inside. Figure 5As shown, a sealing groove 114 recessed in the -Z direction is formed on the +Z direction end face of the outer edge wall portion 113. The sealing groove 114 accommodates the sealing member 200. Figure 3 As shown, the nine partitions P1 to P9 all have the same shape, extending in the Y-axis direction and curving at the center in the Y-axis direction. Figure 1 As shown, the shape described above is consistent with the arrangement at the bottom of the battery Bt. Figure 4 As shown, each partition P1 to P9 is composed of ribs protruding in the +Z direction. Figure 3 As shown, the Y-axis positions of the -Y direction ends of each partition P1 to P9 are approximately equal, all located further in the +Y direction than the -Y direction end of the outer edge wall 113. Therefore, a common inflow path 112a extending along the X-axis is formed between the -Y direction ends of each partition P1 to P9 and the outer edge wall 113. The common inflow path 112a allows the cooling medium to flow into the 10 cooling flow paths f1 to f10 described later. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the Y-axis positions of the +Y direction ends of each partition P1 to P9 are approximately equal, all located further in the -Y direction than the +Y direction end of the outer edge wall 113. Therefore, a common discharge path 112b extending along the X-axis is formed between the +Y direction ends of each partition P1 to P9 and the outer edge wall 113. The common discharge path 112b allows the cooling medium discharged from the 10 cooling flow paths f1 to f10 (described later) to collect and be discharged towards the outlet 192. The common inflow path 112a and the common discharge path 112b are arranged in a straight line parallel to each other.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, cooling flow paths f1 to f10 for the flow of cooling medium are formed between adjacent partitions. Specifically, as... Figure 4As shown, a first cooling flow path f1 is formed between the outer edge wall portion 113 and the first partition portion P1. Similarly, a second cooling flow path f2 is formed between the first partition P1 and the second partition P2; a third cooling flow path f3 is formed between the second partition P2 and the third partition P3; a fourth cooling flow path f4 is formed between the third partition P3 and the fourth partition P4; a fifth cooling flow path f5 is formed between the fourth partition P4 and the fifth partition P5; a sixth cooling flow path f6 is formed between the fifth partition P5 and the sixth partition P6; a seventh cooling flow path f7 is formed between the sixth partition P6 and the seventh partition P7; an eighth cooling flow path f8 is formed between the seventh partition P7 and the eighth partition P8; a ninth cooling flow path f9 is formed between the eighth partition P8 and the ninth partition P9; and a tenth cooling flow path f10 is formed between the ninth partition P9 and the outer edge wall portion 113. Each cooling flow path f1 to f10 can also be referred to as a "groove" between adjacent partitions.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the width of each partition P1 to P9 in the X-axis direction is constant along the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the width of each cooling flow path f1 to f10 in the X-axis direction is constant along the Y-axis direction. However, the width of each cooling flow path f1 to f10 in the X-axis direction may not be the same. Figure 4 As shown, the width of the first cooling flow path f1 in the X-axis direction is equal to the width of the tenth cooling flow path f10 in the X-axis direction by a width d1. Furthermore, the width of the second cooling flow path f2 in the X-axis direction is equal to the width of the ninth cooling flow path f9 in the X-axis direction by a width d2. Furthermore, the width of the third cooling flow path f3 in the X-axis direction is equal to the width of the eighth cooling flow path f8 in the X-axis direction by a width d3. Furthermore, the width of the fourth cooling flow path f4 in the X-axis direction is equal to the width of the seventh cooling flow path f7 in the X-axis direction by a width d4. Furthermore, the width of the fifth cooling flow path f5 in the X-axis direction is equal to the width of the sixth cooling flow path f6 in the X-axis direction by a width d5. In this embodiment, the size relationship shown in the following formula (1) holds for the aforementioned widths d1 to d5.

[0049] d1<d2<d3<d4<d5……(1)

[0050] The reason why the widths d1 to d5 of the cooling flow paths f1 to f10 in the X-axis direction are set to the relationship shown in equation (1) above is as follows. The widths d1 to d5 of the cooling flow paths f1 to f10 in the X-axis direction satisfy the relationship shown in equation (1) above, and thus the following equation (2) holds for the relationship of the cross-sectional area (hereinafter also referred to as "cross-sectional area") of each cooling flow path f1 to f10 parallel to the XY plane.

[0051] S1, S10<S2, S9<S3, S8<S4, S7<S5, S6…(2)

[0052] In equation (2) above, Sn (n is an integer from 1 to 10) represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the nth cooling flow path fn. That is, among the cooling flow paths f1 to f10, the 5th cooling flow path f5 and the 6th cooling flow path f6, located in the central part along the X-axis, have the largest cross-sectional area, and the cross-sectional area decreases as they are located closer to the ends. Here, among the cooling flow paths f1 to f10, the 5th cooling flow path f5 and the 6th cooling flow path f6, located in the central part along the X-axis, are positioned closer to the other cooling flow paths. Figure 1 The positions corresponding to the center positions of each battery column in the battery array 500 shown are as follows. In operation, the positions closer to the center of each battery column have higher temperatures due to heat dissipation from the batteries compared to the positions further away from the center, i.e., the ends of the battery columns. Therefore, the widths d1 to d5 of the cooling flow paths f1 to f10 in the X-axis direction are set according to the relationship shown in equation (1) above. This allows for the provision of cooling flow paths with larger cross-sectional areas corresponding to the higher-temperature positions, thereby further cooling the batteries Bt at the higher-temperature positions. On the other hand, the positions further away from the center of each battery column have lower temperatures compared to the positions closer to the center. Therefore, the widths d1 to d5 of the cooling flow paths f1 to f10 in the X-axis direction are set according to the relationship shown in equation (1) above. This allows for the provision of cooling flow paths with smaller cross-sectional areas corresponding to the lower-temperature positions, suppressing over-cooling of the batteries Bt and supplying more cooling medium to the higher-temperature positions. Thus, the widths d1 to d5 of the cooling flow paths f1 to f10 in the X-axis direction are set to the size relationship shown in the above formula (1). This can further increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the battery Bt at a higher temperature under the operating state, increase the heat received from the cooling flow path at the bottom of such battery Bt and improve the cooling performance, thereby suppressing the temperature difference between batteries Bt and suppressing the degradation of the entire battery pack 10.

[0053] The battery closer to the center of each battery array is equivalent to the "first battery" in this invention, and the battery further away from the center is equivalent to the "second battery" in this invention.

[0054] Figure 1 and Figure 3 The inlet section 191 shown is connected to the common inlet passage 112a, supplying cooling medium to the common inlet passage 112a. The outlet section 192 is connected to the common outlet passage 112b, discharging the cooling medium discharged from the common outlet passage 112b to the outside of the main body section 111.

[0055] The flow path forming component 110 is formed of a material with lower thermal conductivity than the thermally conductive layer 310 of the heat-conducting layer 300 with heater. As a result, heat exchange between the cooling medium in the flow path 112 and heat other than the heat of the battery Bt, such as the heat of the atmosphere in the external space of the flow path forming component 110, can be suppressed, and more heat of the battery Bt can be absorbed.

[0056] Figure 1 The sealing element 200 shown is pressed into the sealing groove 114 to prevent leakage of the cooling medium from the flow path 112. The sealing element 200 is formed, for example, from an elastomer such as butyl rubber.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the detailed structure of the heat-conducting layer 300 with heater. Figure 7 This is a bottom view showing the detailed structure of the heat-conducting layer 300 with a heater. The heat-conducting layer 300 with a heater has the function of conducting heat from the battery Bt to the cooling medium within the flow path 112 for cooling, and also has the function of heating the battery array 500. (For example...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the heat-conducting layer 300 with heater has a heat-conducting layer 310, a heater 320 and an insulating component 360.

[0058] The thermally conductive layer 310 is composed of a thin plate component formed of a material with excellent thermal conductivity. In this embodiment, the thermally conductive layer 310 is formed of aluminum. Alternatively, it can be formed of any type of material with higher thermal conductivity than the insulating layer 400, such as copper or silver, instead of aluminum.

[0059] Heater 320 heats the battery array 500 at the bottom of each battery Bt. In this embodiment, heater 320 is constructed of heating wires of uneven thickness. The variation in thickness will be described later. Figure 6 As shown, the heater 320 has an inlet heating section 331, an outlet heating section 332, and a total of 10 flow path heating sections 341 to 350.

[0060] An inlet heating unit 331 is positioned corresponding to the common inflow path 112a to heat the common inflow path 112a. An outlet heating unit 332 is positioned corresponding to the common discharge path 112b to heat the common discharge path 112b. A first flow path heating unit 341 is positioned corresponding to the first cooling flow path f1 to heat the first cooling flow path f1. Similarly, a second flow path heating unit 342 is positioned corresponding to the second cooling flow path f2 to heat the second cooling flow path f2. A third flow path heating unit 343 is positioned corresponding to the third cooling flow path f3 to heat the third cooling flow path f3. A fourth flow path heating unit 344 is positioned corresponding to the fourth cooling flow path f4 to heat the fourth cooling flow path f4. A fifth flow path heating unit 345 is positioned corresponding to the fifth cooling flow path f5 to heat the fifth cooling flow path f5. The sixth flow path heating unit 346 is positioned corresponding to the sixth cooling flow path f6 and heats the sixth cooling flow path f6. The seventh flow path heating unit 347 is positioned corresponding to the seventh cooling flow path f7 and heats the seventh cooling flow path f7. The eighth flow path heating unit 348 is positioned corresponding to the eighth cooling flow path f8 and heats the eighth cooling flow path f8. The ninth flow path heating unit 349 is positioned corresponding to the ninth cooling flow path f9 and heats the ninth cooling flow path f9. The tenth flow path heating unit 350 is positioned corresponding to the tenth cooling flow path f10 and heats the tenth cooling flow path f10.

[0061] Figure 8 It is an enlarged representation Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the local region Ar1. (See attached diagram.) Figure 8 As shown, when viewing the heat-conducting layer 300 with the heater in the -Z direction, the insulating member 360 is configured to surround the outer edge (side surface) of the heater 320. This prevents the heater 320 from energizing the heat-conducting layer 310. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, when the heat-conducting layer 300 with the heater is viewed in the +Z direction, the insulating member 360 is configured to cover the entire heater 320. This prevents the heater 320 from directly contacting the cooling medium within the flow path 112. In this embodiment, the insulating member 360 is formed of resin.

[0062] Here, the size relationship of the cross-sectional areas of the 10 flow path heating sections 341 to 350 (heating wires) will be explained. In this embodiment, the size relationship of the cross-sectional areas s1 to s10 of the flow path heating sections 341 to 350 shown in the following formula (3) is valid.

[0063] s4<s3, s5<s2, s6<s1, s7~s10…(3)

[0064] Cross-sectional area s1 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path heating section 341. Additionally, cross-sectional area s2 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path heating section 342, cross-sectional area s3 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path heating section 343, cross-sectional area s4 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth flow path heating section 344, cross-sectional area s5 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the fifth flow path heating section 345, cross-sectional area s6 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the sixth flow path heating section 346, cross-sectional area s7 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the seventh flow path heating section 347, cross-sectional area s8 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the eighth flow path heating section 348, cross-sectional area s9 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the ninth flow path heating section 349, and cross-sectional area s10 represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the tenth flow path heating section 350. By adopting this structure, it is possible to achieve... Figure 1 In the battery array 500 shown, the cross-sectional areas of the first flow path heating section 341 and the tenth flow path heating section 350 corresponding to batteries Bt positioned further away from the center, such as those positioned at the X-direction ends, are larger than the cross-sectional areas of the fourth flow path heating section 344, the fifth flow path heating section 345, the sixth flow path heating section 346, etc., corresponding to batteries Bt positioned closer to the center. This allows for the application of more heat to the batteries Bt at the X-direction ends. Here, batteries Bt positioned further away from the center in the battery array 500 are more easily cooled than those positioned closer to the center. Therefore, the above structure can suppress the temperature drop of these easily cooled batteries Bt, and can suppress the degradation of batteries Bt caused by excessive temperature drop.

[0065] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the insulating layer 400, the heat-conducting layer 300 with a heater, and the flow path forming component 110. The insulating layer 400 is composed of a thin plate component formed of resin. Figure 9 As shown, the insulating layer 400, the thermally conductive layer 310, the insulating component 360, and the second flow path heating section 342 are located along the Z-axis between the battery Bt and the cooling medium flowing in the second cooling flow path f2. Therefore, it can be said that the insulating layer 400, the thermally conductive layer 310, the insulating component 360, and the second flow path heating section 342 constitute the intermediate layer 450.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the second flow path heating section 342 is covered by a resin insulating member 360 in the -Z direction and the Z-axis direction, and is also covered by a resin insulating layer 400 in the +Z direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of electricity from the second flow path heating section 342 to the battery Bt or the cooling medium.

[0067] Furthermore, the battery Bt (not shown) is configured in the +Z direction. Figure 9The insulating layer 400 is shown. At this time, a thermally conductive adhesive can be disposed between the battery Bt and the insulating layer 400 to fix the battery Bt and the insulating layer 400 together. This suppresses misalignment of the structural elements of the battery pack 10 caused by vibrations and loads applied to it. For example, epoxy adhesives, silicone adhesives, etc., can be used as such adhesives.

[0068] According to the temperature adjustment device 100 of the first embodiment described above, among the plurality of batteries Bt, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the battery Bt that becomes hotter during use is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the battery Bt that becomes colder. Therefore, the heat received from the cooling flow path at the bottom of the battery Bt that becomes hotter can be increased, thereby improving cooling performance. Thus, the temperature difference between the plurality of batteries Bt during use can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the degradation of the entire battery pack 10.

[0069] In addition, the thermally conductive layer 310, which is sandwiched between the insulating layer 400 and the cooling flow paths f1 to f10 and is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the insulating layer 400, can conduct the heat of the battery Bt to the cooling medium in the flow path 112 in a short time compared to a structure in which the insulating layer 400 forms a layer of the same thickness as the thermally conductive layer 310.

[0070] In addition, the flow path forming component 110 is formed of a material with lower thermal conductivity than the thermally conductive layer 310, so it can suppress the exchange of heat between the cooling medium in the flow path 112 and heat different from the heat of the battery Bt, such as the heat of the atmosphere in the external space of the flow path forming component 110, and enable the cooling medium to absorb more heat from the battery Bt.

[0071] Furthermore, in the configuration of a battery column containing multiple batteries Bt arranged in a direction parallel to the common inflow path 112a and the common outflow path 112b, the batteries Bt with high operating temperatures can be further cooled, thereby suppressing the degradation of the batteries in the entire battery pack 10.

[0072] Furthermore, the flow path 112 can be formed by two components: the flow path forming component 110 with grooves and the intermediate layer 450. Therefore, compared to a structure formed by a single component, the flow path can be formed into a complex shape. This increases the freedom of shape for the flow path 112, making it easier to form flow paths suitable for temperature control. Specifically, the shapes of each cooling flow path f1 to f10 can be formed to correspond to the arrangement of the batteries in the battery array 500, enabling precise temperature control.

[0073] In addition, the heater 320 is configured to contact the flow path 112 while covered by an insulating component, thus suppressing the generation of short circuits via the heater 320, and enabling the temperature adjustment device 100 to be miniaturized compared to a structure in which the heater 320 is configured separately from the flow path 112.

[0074] In addition, the amount of heat generated when heating the bottom of a battery Bt that has reached a lower temperature during use is greater than the amount of heat generated when heating the bottom of a battery Bt that has reached a higher temperature, thus suppressing temperature fluctuations between multiple battery Bts.

[0075] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path heating section (heating wire) corresponding to the cooling flow path that faces the bottom of the battery Bt which becomes cooler during use, separated by the insulating layer 400, is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path heating section (heating wire) corresponding to the cooling flow path that faces the bottom of the battery Bt which becomes cooler during use, separated by the insulating layer 400. Therefore, the amount of heating for the battery Bt at the lower temperature is greater than the amount of heating for the battery Bt at the higher temperature, and temperature fluctuations between multiple batteries Bt can be suppressed.

[0076] B. Second implementation method:

[0077] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the flow path forming component 110a in the second embodiment. Figure 11 This is a top view showing the detailed structure of the flow path forming component 110a. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the detailed structure of the flow path forming component 110a. Figure 12 express Figure 11 The cross-section shown is XII-XII. The temperature adjustment device 100 of the second embodiment has, instead of the flow path forming member 110, a... Figure 10 The flow path forming component 110a shown differs from the temperature regulating device 100 of the first embodiment in this respect. The other structures of the temperature regulating device 100 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the temperature regulating device 100 of the first embodiment; therefore, the same structural elements are labeled with the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0078] Figures 10-12 The flow path forming member 110a of the second embodiment shown differs from the flow path forming member 110 of the first embodiment only in that it has a main body 111a instead of a main body 111. Regarding the main body 111 of the first embodiment, the portion corresponding to each cooling flow path f1 to f10 is as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, it is flat along the entire Y-axis direction. In contrast, the main body 111a of the second embodiment is as follows: Figure 10 and Figure 12The surface is not flat. The main body 111a has a pair of lower flat portions 121, a pair of beveled portions 122, and an upper flat portion 123 at its bottom in the -Z direction. The pair of lower flat portions 121 form a common inflow path 112a and a common discharge path 112b. The pair of beveled portions 122 are continuous with the pair of lower flat portions 121, and each is formed as a slope located in the +Z direction with respect to the center position in the Y-axis direction toward the cooling flow path. In addition, the pair of beveled portions 122 are separated from the upper flat portion 123. Therefore, each beveled portion 122 is continuous with the lower flat portion 121 at one end in the Y-axis direction and with the upper flat portion 123 at the other end. In this embodiment, the connection portions between each beveled portion 122 and the lower flat portion 121, as well as the connection portions between each beveled portion 122 and the upper flat portion 123, are chamfered to form a so-called chamfered portion. Such a structure, consisting of a pair of lower flat portions 121, a pair of inclined portions 122, and an upper flat portion 123, is formed, for example, by bending the main body portion 111a.

[0079] The main body 111a has the curved shape described above, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​each cooling flow path f1 to f10, orthogonal to the flow direction of the cooling medium, is not constant. Specifically, regarding the pair of inclined sections 122, such a cross-sectional area decreases from the common inlet passage 112a and the common outlet passage 112b (a pair of lower flat sections 121) toward the center position in the Y-axis direction of the cooling flow path. Moreover, it is smallest in the portion corresponding to the upper flat section 123. Here, when the same amount of cooling medium passes through, the smaller the cross-sectional area, the greater the flow velocity of the cooling medium. Therefore, regarding each cooling flow path f1 to f10, the flow velocity of the cooling medium increases with the center position in the Y-axis direction, and is largest in the portion corresponding to the upper flat section 123. The greater the flow velocity of the cooling medium, the higher the cooling performance. Moreover, as Figure 1 As shown, in a structure with three battery rows arranged along the Y-axis, the battery Bt located closer to the center of the Y-axis (the central battery row) has a higher temperature. Therefore, by forming the structure described above, cooling performance can be further improved for the higher-temperature battery Bt, thus suppressing the degradation of the entire battery pack 10.

[0080] In each cooling flow path f1 to f10, the portion corresponding to a pair of inclined surfaces 122 is equivalent to the "section with gradually decreasing cross-sectional area" in this invention.

[0081] The temperature adjustment device 100 of the second embodiment described above can achieve the same effect as the temperature adjustment device 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, each cooling flow path f1 to f10 has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area orthogonal to the flow direction of the cooling medium, which gradually decreases from the common inlet path 112a and the common outlet path 112b toward the center position of the cooling flow path f1 to f10. Therefore, the cooling performance can be improved by gradually increasing the flow rate of the cooling medium toward the center position. Here, multiple batteries Bt are symmetrically arranged along each cooling flow path f1 to f10 with the center position of the cooling flow path as the center. Therefore, the temperature of the battery Bt in the operating state can be increased further toward the center position. Thus, the cooling performance can be further improved by increasing the flow rate of the cooling medium in areas with higher battery temperatures, thereby further suppressing the degradation of the battery Bt.

[0082] In addition, chamfering is performed on the connection portions of each inclined portion 122 and the lower flat portion 121, as well as the connection portions of each inclined portion 122 and the upper flat portion 123, to form so-called chamfered portions, thereby reducing the flow path resistance of each connection portion.

[0083] C. Third implementation method:

[0084] C1. Device Structure:

[0085] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view showing the temperature adjustment device 100a and the battery pack 10 of the third embodiment. Figure 14 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the temperature regulating device 100a according to the third embodiment. The temperature regulating device 100a of the third embodiment differs from the temperature regulating device 100 of the first embodiment in that it additionally includes a control unit 30, a first temperature sensor 910, a second temperature sensor 920, a current / voltage sensor 930, a monitoring unit 900, an inlet valve V1, and an outlet valve V2. The other structures of the third embodiment 100a are the same as those of the temperature regulating device 100 of the first embodiment; therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same structural elements, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0086] The control unit 30 controls the opening degree of the inlet valve V1 and the outlet valve V2. The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the two valves V1 and V2, and is also electrically connected to the monitoring unit 900 and the pump 32 described later.

[0087] The first temperature sensor 910 is disposed near the battery array 500 and detects the temperature of the battery array 500. "Temperature of the battery array 500" refers to the temperature representing the battery array 500. For example, in a structure where the first temperature sensor 910 is disposed in contact with the side of a single battery Bt in the battery array 500, the temperature of the side of such battery is equivalent to the "temperature of the battery array 500". Furthermore, for example, in a structure where the first temperature sensor 910 is disposed near a battery approximately located in the center of the battery array 500, the temperature near such battery is equivalent to the "temperature of the battery array 500". Furthermore, the "temperature of the battery array 500" is simply referred to as "battery temperature". The first temperature sensor 910 is electrically connected to the monitoring unit 900. The second temperature sensor 920 detects the ambient temperature in the environment where the temperature adjustment device 100a is set. The second temperature sensor 920 is also electrically connected to the monitoring unit 900.

[0088] The current and voltage sensor 930 measures the output voltage (the inter-terminal voltage between the combined positive electrode TP1 and the combined negative electrode TN1) and the output current value of the battery pack 500. The current and voltage sensor 930 is electrically connected to the monitoring unit 900.

[0089] The monitoring unit 900 acquires the detection values ​​from each sensor 910, 920, and 930 and notifies the control unit 30. The control unit 30 uses the detection values ​​notified from the monitoring unit 900 to perform the temperature adjustment process described later. The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the monitoring unit 900 and is also electrically connected to the two valves V1 and V2, the pump 32, and the heater 320. The control unit 30 is, for example, a computer (e.g., a microcomputer) having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory.

[0090] An inlet valve V1 is provided at the inflow section 191 to adjust the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into the flow path 112 via the inflow section 191. An outlet valve V2 is provided at the outflow section 192 to adjust the flow rate of the cooling medium discharged from the flow path 112 to the outside (the circulation flow path 33 described later) via the outflow section 192. In this embodiment, both valves V1 and V2 are solenoid valves, and their opening is controlled by an electrically connected control unit 30.

[0091] In this embodiment, the inlet 191 and the outlet 192 are connected to the cooling medium circulation section 40. The cooling medium circulation section 40 includes a circulation path 33, a cooler 31 disposed in the circulation path 33, and a pump 32. The circulation path 33 is a flow path for the cooling medium, with one end connected to the inlet valve V1 and the other end connected to the outlet valve V2. The cooler 31 cools the cooling medium flowing in the circulation path 33. The cooler 31 can be, for example, a cooling device that cools the cooling medium by heat exchange with external air or by heat exchange with a cooling medium different from the cooling medium (cooling water). The pump 32 adjusts the flow rate of the cooling medium in the circulation path 33. The pump 32 is electrically connected to and controlled by the control unit 30.

[0092] Regarding the temperature adjustment device 100a of the third embodiment having the above-described structure, the battery pack 500 is prevented from becoming too high or too low in temperature by performing the temperature adjustment process described later.

[0093] C2. Temperature adjustment process:

[0094] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of temperature adjustment processes in the third embodiment. If the power to the control unit 30 (microcomputer) is turned on, the following steps are executed: Figure 15 The temperature adjustment process is shown.

[0095] The control unit 30 determines whether the battery temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 910 is lower than a predetermined first threshold temperature Tth1, and the ambient temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 920 is lower than the first threshold temperature Tth1 (step S105). In this embodiment, when the temperature decreases, the first threshold temperature Tth1 is set to the temperature before the battery array 500 becomes too low (e.g., -40°C). For example, it can be set to any temperature within the range of 0°C to 5°C. However, it is not limited to such a temperature range and can be set to any temperature before it becomes too low when the temperature decreases.

[0096] When both the battery temperature and the ambient temperature are below the first threshold temperature Tth1 (step S105: YES), the control unit 30 turns on the heater 320, completely closes the two valves V1 and V2, and disconnects the pump 32 (step S110). When both the battery temperature and the ambient temperature are below the first threshold temperature Tth1, the temperature of the battery pack 500 decreases further, and the battery temperature may drop excessively. Therefore, in this situation, the heater 320 is turned on to heat the battery pack 500. Furthermore, at this time, the two valves V1 and V2 are completely closed, and the pump 32 is disconnected, so the flow of cooling medium in the flow path 112 and the circulating flow path 33 is prevented. Therefore, the heat loss from the battery pack 500 by the cooling medium can be suppressed, and the heating effect can be improved based on the heater 320.

[0097] If the battery temperature is not below the first threshold temperature Tth1 and the ambient temperature is not below the first threshold temperature Tth1, that is, if at least one of the battery temperature and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold temperature Tth1 (step S105: NO), the control unit 30 determines whether the battery is in operation (step S115). "Battery in operation" means a state in which power is supplied from the battery pack 10. This state can be determined by the current and voltage sensor 930 based on the detected value. If it is determined that the battery is not in operation (step S115: NO), the process returns to step S105.

[0098] Conversely, if it is determined that the battery is in operation (step S115: YES), the control unit 30 determines whether the battery temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold temperature Tth1 and lower than a predetermined second threshold temperature Tth2 (step S120). The second threshold temperature Tth2 is a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature Tth1. For example, the second threshold temperature Tth2 is set to any temperature within the range of 10°C to 20°C. Furthermore, it is not limited to such a temperature range and can be set to any temperature higher than the first threshold temperature Tth1 and lower than an excessively high temperature (e.g., 100°C).

[0099] When the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold temperature Tth1 and lower than the second threshold temperature Tth2 (step S120: YES), the control unit 30 disconnects the heater 320, fully opens both valves V1 and V2, and controls the pump 32 to a minimal flow rate (step S125). When the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold temperature Tth1 and lower than the second threshold temperature Tth2, the need to heat the battery bank 500 is low. Furthermore, in this case, significant cooling of the battery bank 500 is not required, but cooling to maintain the current battery temperature is necessary. Therefore, in this case, both valves V1 and V2 are fully opened, and the pump 32 is controlled to a minimal flow rate.

[0100] If the battery temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to the first threshold temperature Tth1 and not lower than the second threshold temperature Tth2 (step S120: NO), the control unit 30 determines whether the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the second threshold temperature Tth2 and lower than a predetermined third threshold temperature Tth3 (step S130). The third threshold temperature Tth3 is a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature Tth2. For example, the third threshold temperature Tth3 is set to any temperature within the range of 20°C to 40°C. Furthermore, it is not limited to such a temperature range and can be set to any temperature higher than the second threshold temperature Tth2 and lower than an excessively high temperature (e.g., 100°C).

[0101] If the battery temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to the second threshold temperature Tth2 and lower than the third threshold temperature Tth3 (step S130: YES), the control unit 30 disconnects the heater 320, fully opens both valves V1 and V2, and controls the pump 32 to a "small" flow rate (step S135). When the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the second threshold temperature Tth2 and lower than the third threshold temperature Tth3, the need to heat the battery pack 500 is low. Furthermore, in this case, significant cooling of the battery pack 500 is not required, but cooling to maintain the current battery temperature or a slightly cooling level is necessary. Therefore, in this case, both valves V1 and V2 are fully opened, and the pump 32 is controlled to a "small" flow rate. Additionally, the opening degree of valves V1 and V2 at this time is greater than the opening degree in step S125.

[0102] If the battery temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to the second threshold temperature Tth2 and not lower than the third threshold temperature Tth3 (step S130: NO), the control unit 30 determines whether the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the third threshold temperature Tth3 and lower than a predetermined fourth threshold temperature Tth4 (step S140). The fourth threshold temperature Tth4 is a temperature higher than the third threshold temperature Tth3. For example, the fourth threshold temperature Tth4 is set to any temperature within the range of 40°C to 60°C. Furthermore, it is not limited to such a temperature range and can be set to any temperature higher than the third threshold temperature Tth3 and lower than an excessively high temperature (e.g., 100°C).

[0103] If the battery temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to the third threshold temperature Tth3 and lower than the fourth threshold temperature Tth4 (step S140: YES), the control unit 30 disconnects the heater 320, fully opens both valves V1 and V2, and controls the pump 32 to a "medium" flow rate (step S145). When the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the third threshold temperature Tth3 and lower than the fourth threshold temperature Tth4, the need to heat the battery bank 500 is low. Furthermore, in this case, it is necessary to cool the battery bank 500 to a moderate level. Therefore, in this case, both valves V1 and V2 are fully opened, and the pump 32 is controlled to a "medium" flow rate. In addition, the opening degree of valves V1 and V2 at this time is greater than the opening degree in step S135.

[0104] If the battery temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to the third threshold temperature Tth3 and not lower than the fourth threshold temperature Tth4 (step S140: NO), the control unit 30 determines whether the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature Tth4 (step S150).

[0105] If the battery temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature Tth4 (step S150: YES), the control unit 30 disconnects the heater 320, fully opens both valves V1 and V2, and controls the pump 32 to a "high" flow rate (step S155). When the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature Tth4, the need to heat the battery pack 500 is low. However, in this case, significant cooling of the battery pack 500 is required. Therefore, in this case, both valves V1 and V2 are fully opened, and the pump 32 is controlled to a "high" flow rate. Furthermore, the opening degree of valves V1 and V2 at this time is greater than the opening degree in step S145. If the battery temperature is determined to be not greater than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature Tth4 (step S150: NO), the process returns to step S105.

[0106] The temperature adjustment device 100a of the third embodiment described above achieves the same effect as the temperature adjustment device 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the heater 320 is operating (step S110), the opening degrees of the inlet valve V1 and the outlet valve V2 are smaller than those when the heater is not operating (steps S125, 135, 145, 155). Therefore, compared to a structure with opening degrees greater than those when the heater 320 is not operating, the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing in the flow path 112 can be reduced. Thus, it is possible to suppress the cooling medium flowing in the flow path 112 from absorbing heat from the heater 320, suppress the reduction in heating efficiency, and perform both heating and cooling of the battery Bt.

[0107] D. Other implementation methods:

[0108] (D1) In various embodiments, the heat-conducting layer 310 may be omitted. With such a structure, the portion corresponding to the heat-conducting layer 310 may be made of the same material as the insulating layer 400 and the insulating component 360.

[0109] (D2) In various embodiments, the flow path forming components 110, 110a are formed of a material with a thermal conductivity lower than that of the thermally conductive layer 310, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The flow path forming components 110, 110a may also be formed of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to that of the thermally conductive layer 310.

[0110] (D3) In the second embodiment, the portion with gradually decreasing cross-sectional area is configured such that the cross-sectional area gradually decreases in the direction from the common inflow path 112a and the common discharge path 112b toward the center position along the cooling flow paths f1 to f10, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the case where the battery Bt with the highest temperature among the batteries Bt arranged along each cooling flow path f1 to f10 is a battery Bt located off-center, the portion with gradually decreasing cross-sectional area can be configured as a portion with gradually decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction from the common inflow path 112a and the common discharge path 112b toward the position corresponding to such a battery.

[0111] (D4) In each embodiment, the fifth cooling flow path f5 and the sixth cooling flow path f6, located at the center along the X-axis direction, have the largest cross-sectional area among the cooling flow paths f1 to f10. The cross-sectional area decreases as the path approaches the end, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, regarding the structure where, since a heat source exists near the battery pack 500 in the +X direction, the temperature at the end of the battery pack 500 in the +X direction is the highest in the operating state, and the temperature gradually decreases along the -X direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cooling flow path f1 (the cross-sectional area parallel to the XY plane) is set to the maximum, and the cross-sectional area gradually decreases along the -X direction. In addition, the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow paths f1 to f10 in each embodiment has 5 levels, but it can also be any level greater than or equal to 2.

[0112] (D5) In the second embodiment, the connecting portions of each inclined portion 122 and the lower flat portion 121, as well as the connecting portions of each inclined portion 122 and the upper flat portion 123, are chamfered to form so-called chamfered portions, but the present invention is not limited thereto. At least a portion of the above-mentioned connecting portions may not be chamfered to form so-called chamfered portions.

[0113] (D6) In the second embodiment, the upper flat portion 123 may be omitted. That is, it may be a structure in which a pair of beveled portions 122 are continuous, and the lower flat portion 121 forms a mountain-shaped cross-section when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0114] (D7) In various embodiments, the flow path forming component 110 and the intermediate layer 450 are separately constructed from each other, but they can also be constructed from a single component instead. In such a structure, the sealing component 200 can be omitted.

[0115] (D8) In the third embodiment, both valves V1 and V2 are solenoid valves, but the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one of the two valves V1 and V2 may be a valve having a valve body made of bimetallic material. In such a structure, the valve body can be positioned relative to the flow path opening in such a way that the opening degree when the heater 320 is operating is smaller than the opening degree when the heater 320 is not operating.

[0116] (D9) In each embodiment, the cross-sectional areas (cross-sectional areas parallel to the XY plane, in other words, cross-sectional areas parallel to the insulating layer 400) of each cooling flow path f1 to f10 can be set to be equal to each other. In addition, in each embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path heating section (heating wire) corresponding to the cooling flow path that faces the bottom of the battery Bt, which becomes cooler in the use state, through the insulating layer 400 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path heating section (heating wire) corresponding to the cooling flow path that faces the bottom of the battery Bt, which becomes cooler in the use state, through the insulating layer 400, but they can also be made equal to each other.

[0117] (D10) In each embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​each flow path heating section (heating wire) is constant along each cooling flow path f1 to f10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The cross-sectional area can be configured to gradually increase from the center position along each cooling flow path f1 to f10 toward the common inflow path 112a and the common outflow path 112b. In each cooling flow path f1 to f10, the area near the common inflow path 112a and the common outflow path 112b is the lowest temperature region; therefore, by maximizing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path heating section (heating wire) in the aforementioned regions, each cooling flow path f1 to f10 can be heated more effectively.

[0118] (D11) In various embodiments, the insulating layer 400 may be formed of an insulating coating film. In such a structure, the insulating layer 400 may be formed by cationic coating of the +Z direction surface of the heat-conducting layer 300 with heater.

[0119] (D12) In the third embodiment, in step S110, both valves V1 and V2 are completely closed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the inlet valve V1 can be completely closed, and the outlet valve V2 can be set to an opening other than being completely closed. Alternatively, both valves V1 and V2 can be set to the open state. In such a structure, the opening degree of the two valves V1 and V2 in step S110 can be set to be less than the opening degree of the two valves V1 and V2 in steps S125, S135, S145, and S155. In such a structure, the flow of cooling medium in flow path 112 and circulation flow path 33 can also be suppressed, and the battery pack 500 can be effectively heated by heater 320.

[0120] (D13) In a structure in which the temperature adjustment device 100a is mounted on a vehicle, for example, in which the battery pack 10 supplies power to the traction motor to drive the vehicle, the temperature adjustment process can be performed in the following manner according to the vehicle's driving status and the battery temperature.

[0121] (i) Vehicle driving status: when stopped or in motion, battery temperature: when low temperature... turn on heater 320, completely close valves V1 and V2, and disconnect pump 32.

[0122] (ii) Vehicle driving status: During driving, battery temperature: At high temperature... Disconnect heater 320, fully open valves V1 and V2, and turn on pump 32. At this time, monitor the battery temperature and adjust the discharge rate of pump 32 to maintain the optimal temperature for suppressing battery Bt degradation.

[0123] (iii) Vehicle driving status: When stopped, battery temperature: when high temperature... disconnect heater 320, fully open valves V1 and V2, and disconnect pump 32.

[0124] In (i) above, the battery temperature is adjusted to a level that minimizes battery degradation by heating with heater 320. Furthermore, in (iii) above, the heat of the battery Bt is dissipated from the heat-conducting layer 310 and the cooling medium within the flow path 112 without the circulation of cooling water.

[0125] (D14) The temperature adjustment devices 100 and 100a in each embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways. For example, in each embodiment, the heater 320 is made of electric heating wire, but it can also be made of a surface heater.

[0126] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, technical features in each embodiment corresponding to the technical features described in the summary of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above problems or to achieve some or all of the above effects. In addition, if a technical feature is not described as an essential feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0127] Explanation of the label

[0128] 10…Battery pack, 30…Control unit, 31…Cooler, 32…Pump, 33…Circulation flow path, 40…Cooling medium circulation unit, 100…Temperature adjustment device, 100a…Temperature adjustment device, 110…Flow path forming component, 110a…Flow path forming component, 111…Main body, 111a…Main body, 112…Flow path, 112a…Common inflow path, 112b…Common outflow path, 113…External… 114… sealing groove, 121… lower flat portion, 122… inclined portion, 123… upper flat portion, 191… inlet portion, 192… outlet portion, 200… sealing component, 300… heat-conducting layer with heater, 310… heat-conducting layer, 320… heater, 331… inlet heating portion, 332… outlet heating portion, 341-350… flow path heating portion, 360… insulating component, 400… insulation Layer, 450…intermediate layer, 500…battery array, 600…insulating component, 700…busbar assembly, 710…busbar, 720…insulator, 800…upper housing, 900…monitoring unit, 910…first temperature sensor, 920…second temperature sensor, 930…current and voltage sensor, Ar1…local area, Bp…battery, Bsa…battery cell, Bsb…battery cell, Bt…battery, Btn…negative electrode, Btp…positive electrode, P1~P9…separator, TN1…combined negative electrode, TP1…combined positive electrode, Tth1…first threshold temperature, Tth2…second threshold temperature, Tth3…third threshold temperature, Tth4…fourth threshold temperature, V1…inlet valve, V2…outlet valve, d1~d5…width, f1~f10…cooling flow path, s1~s10…cross-sectional area.

Claims

1. A temperature adjustment device for adjusting the temperature of said plurality of batteries in a battery pack having a plurality of batteries arranged in an axially aligned configuration, wherein, The temperature adjustment device has: An insulating layer configured to contact the bottom of the plurality of batteries; and A flow path forming component, located on opposite sides of the plurality of batteries across the insulating layer, forms a flow path for the cooling medium. The flow path has: Multiple cooling flow paths, which are at least separated from the bottom surface of the multiple batteries by the insulating layer; A common inflow path is connected to the plurality of cooling flow paths, allowing the cooling medium to flow into the plurality of cooling flow paths; as well as A common discharge path is provided, which collects and discharges the cooling medium discharged from the plurality of cooling flow paths. In the cross-sectional area of ​​the insulating layer relative to the plane in contact with the bottom surface, which is the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of cooling flow paths, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the first battery among the plurality of batteries is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling flow path corresponding to the second battery among the plurality of batteries whose temperature in the usage state is lower than that of the first battery.

2. The temperature adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature adjustment device also has a heat-conducting layer formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating layer, which is sandwiched between the insulating layer and the cooling flow path.

3. The temperature adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein, The flow path forming component is formed of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the thermally conductive layer.

4. The temperature adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A plurality of batteries are arranged along each of the aforementioned cooling flow paths, and the plurality of batteries are arranged symmetrically along each of the aforementioned cooling flow paths with the center position of the common inlet path to the common outlet path as the center. Each of the cooling flow paths has a cross-sectional area that is orthogonal to the direction in which the cooling medium flows in each of the cooling flow paths, and the cross-sectional area gradually decreases in the direction from the common inlet path and the common outlet path toward the center position.

5. The temperature regulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The common inflow path and the common outflow path are arranged as straight lines parallel to each other. The plurality of batteries are contained in a battery column arranged in a direction parallel to the common inflow path and the common outflow path. The first battery is positioned closer to the center of the battery array than the second battery.

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