Storage battery device

Abstract

The invention provides a storage battery device which can reduce pressure loss of fluid flowing in a cooling part. A cooling unit of a storage battery device according to an embodiment includes: a plurality of cooling members thermally connected to a battery pack; one or more connecting members that connect the ends of two adjacent cooling members on the same side; and a joint provided with a second flow path. The cooling member is provided with a cooling flow path which is included in the first flow path and penetrates the cooling member in the first direction, and the connecting member is provided with a connecting flow path which is included in the first flow path and connects the cooling flow paths of two adjacent cooling members. The cooling section has at least one of a connecting flow path surface that forms a connecting flow path and is formed in a curved shape protruding in a direction away from two adjacent cooling members, and a second flow path surface that forms a first flow path side in the second flow path and is formed in a curved shape having a diameter increasing toward the first flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a storage battery device including a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells and a cooling unit which is thermally connected to the battery pack and has a flow path therein through which a fluid for cooling the battery pack flows.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-39178 Summary of the invention

[0004] In such a battery device, for example, it would be beneficial if the pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the cooling unit could be reduced.

[0005] The battery device of the embodiment includes one or more battery assemblies and a cooling unit. The battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells. The cooling unit is thermally connected to the battery assembly, and is provided with a first flow path for a fluid for cooling the battery assembly, and a second flow path connected to the first flow path. The cooling unit includes: a plurality of cooling members extending along a first direction, arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and thermally connected to the battery assembly; one or more connecting members connecting the ends of two adjacent cooling members on the same side; and a joint provided with the second flow path. The cooling member is provided with a cooling flow path, which is included in the first flow path and passes through the cooling member in the first direction. The connecting member is provided with a connecting flow path, which is included in the first flow path and connects the cooling flow paths of two adjacent cooling members. The above-mentioned cooling part has at least one of a connecting flow surface and a second flow surface. The above-mentioned connecting flow surface forms the above-mentioned connecting flow path, and is formed in a curved shape convex in a direction away from the above-mentioned two adjacent cooling parts, guiding the above-mentioned fluid. The above-mentioned second flow surface forms the above-mentioned first flow path side in the above-mentioned second flow path, and is formed in a curved shape with a diameter increasing as it approaches the above-mentioned first flow path, guiding the above-mentioned fluid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of the battery system according to the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the storage battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the storage battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4It is a perspective view showing the battery assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the battery pack according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a part of the storage battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a cooling unit and a supporting unit of the battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 It is a plan view showing a cooling unit and a supporting unit of the battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 9 It is a bottom view showing the cooling portion and the supporting portion of the battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing a part of a cooling unit and a supporting unit of the battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Fig.11 It is an exploded view showing a cooling member of the cooling unit according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing the joint member of the cooling unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig.13 It is an exploded perspective view showing the connection member of the cooling unit according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing a base member of the connecting member according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig.15 It is a figure which shows the attachment form of the connection member in 1st Embodiment.

[0021] Fig.16 It is a plan view showing a storage battery device according to a second embodiment.

[0022] Fig.17 It is an exploded perspective view showing a connection member according to a second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.18 It is a bottom view showing a battery assembly according to a third embodiment.

[0024] Fig.19 It is a plan view showing a storage battery device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 20It is an exploded perspective view showing a connection member according to a fourth embodiment.

[0026] Fig.21 It is a plan view showing a storage battery device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 22 It is an exploded plan view showing a connection member according to a fifth embodiment.

[0028] Fig.23 It is a top view showing a base member of a connecting member according to a fifth embodiment.

[0029] Fig.24 It is a bottom view showing the cover member of the connecting member according to the sixth embodiment.

[0030] Fig.25 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cover member of a connecting member according to a sixth embodiment.

[0031] Fig.26 It is a top view showing the inside of the connection component according to the seventh embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 27 It is a rear view showing the cooling unit of the seventh embodiment.

[0033] Fig.28 It is a perspective view showing a battery device according to an eighth embodiment.

[0034] Fig.29 It is a perspective view showing a storage battery device according to a ninth embodiment.

[0035] Fig.30 It is a plan view showing a storage battery device according to a tenth embodiment.

[0036] Description of reference numerals:

[0037] 10: battery device; 100: battery pack; 102: battery cell; 200: cooling part; 202a: first flow path; 202b: second flow path; 203: cooling component; 203A, 203b: end; 203c: cooling flow path; 204: connector component; 204c: connector; 205, 205A to 205E: connecting component; 205a: fixing part; 205b: folding part; 205c: connecting flow path; 205d: opening end; 205e: folding flow path; 205fa, 205fb: connecting flow path surface; 205m: second flow path surface; 205n: groove; 210: cooling component group; 221: base component; 222: cover component; 250: guide part; 300: support part; 400, 402: external thread components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed. The configurations of the embodiments described below and the operations and effects of the configurations are merely examples.

[0039] In addition, the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the dimensions of the elements, the ratio of the elements, etc. may be different from the actual. In addition, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers are only used to distinguish parts, components, parts, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0040] <First Embodiment>

[0041] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of the battery system according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The battery system 1 shown is mounted on various vehicles such as railway vehicles and automobiles, and can be used as a power source for the various vehicles.

[0042] The storage battery system 1 includes a plurality of storage battery devices 10. The plurality of storage battery devices 10 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, for example. The plurality of storage battery devices 10 are electrically connected in series or in parallel, for example.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the storage battery device according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a top view showing the battery device of the first embodiment. Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the battery device 10 includes a plurality of battery assemblies 100, a cooling unit 200 overlapping the battery assemblies 100, and a support unit 300. The battery assemblies 100 and the cooling unit 200 are fixed to the support unit 300 by external thread members 400 such as bolts. Figure 3 2 shows a state where a part of the assembled battery 100 is removed.

[0044] As shown in the drawings, in this specification, for convenience, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are defined. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is along the short side direction of the battery pack 100. The Y-axis is along the length direction of the battery pack 100. The Z-axis is along the height direction of the battery pack 100.

[0045] Furthermore, in this specification, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, including the +X direction indicated by the arrow of the X axis, and the -X direction which is the opposite direction of the arrow of the X axis. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, including the +Y direction indicated by the arrow of the Y axis, and the -Y direction which is the opposite direction of the arrow of the Y axis. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, including the +Z direction indicated by the arrow of the Z axis, and the -Z direction which is the opposite direction of the arrow of the Z axis. In this embodiment, the +Z direction coincides with the upper side of the vertical direction (the direction of the arrow D1).

[0046] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the battery assembly according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the battery pack according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a part of the storage battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0047] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the battery assembly 100 includes a housing 101 , a plurality of battery cells 102 , a plurality of bus bars 103 , and a monitoring substrate 104 .

[0048] The frame 101 contains a plurality of battery cells 102, a plurality of bus bars 103, and a monitoring substrate 104. The frame 101 includes a frame body 111 and a cover 112 that blocks an opening of the frame body 111. In addition, the frame 101 is provided with a middle cover 113 that divides and partitions the frame 101. Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the frame 101 has fixing parts 114 at four corners. The fixing parts 114 are provided with through holes 114 a into which the external thread members 400 are inserted, and the fixing parts 114 are fixed to the support part 300 by the external thread members 400 .

[0049] The battery cell 102 is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. In addition, the battery cell 102 may also be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery or other secondary batteries. Figure 5 As shown, the battery cell 102 includes a case 121 , a positive electrode terminal 122 , a negative electrode terminal 123 , and an open valve 124 .

[0050] The plurality of bus bars 103 electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 102. The bus bars 103 electrically connect the positive terminals 122 and the negative terminals 123 of the plurality of battery cells 102, and the bus bars 18 are joined to the positive terminals 14 and the negative terminals 15 by welding or the like. The number of battery cells 102 connected in series and in parallel is determined by the combination of the connection of the bus bars 18 to the positive terminals 14 and the negative terminals 15.

[0051] The monitoring substrate 104 electrically connects electronic components such as a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage of the battery cell 102 and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature. A circuit pattern formed of copper foil is formed on the surface of the monitoring substrate 104. The monitoring substrate 104 is fixed to the bus bar 103 by a plurality of bolts 131 and washers.

[0052] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the battery assembly 100 has a positive electrode terminal 141 and a negative electrode terminal 142. Of two adjacent battery assemblies 100, the positive electrode terminal 141 of one battery assembly 100 and the negative electrode terminal 142 of the other battery assembly 100 are electrically connected via a wiring 143.

[0053] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a cooling unit and a supporting unit of the battery device according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 It is a plan view showing a cooling unit and a supporting unit of the battery device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 It is a bottom view showing the cooling portion and the supporting portion of the battery device according to the first embodiment.

[0054] like Figure 7 to Figure 9 As shown, the support part 300 includes a shelf 301, a plurality of bases 302, and a plurality of beams 303. The shelf 301 is made of a high-rigidity steel plate such as SUS, and is, for example, several mm thick. The shelf 301 is not limited to the above.

[0055] A plurality of bases 302 and a plurality of beams 303 are fixed to the shelf 301 in a lattice shape. The plurality of bases 302 extend in the Y direction, respectively, and are arranged at intervals from each other in the X direction. The plurality of beams 303 are arranged between the plurality of bases 302 and the shelf 301. The plurality of beams 303 extend in the X direction, respectively, and are arranged at intervals from each other in the Y direction. The plurality of bases 302 and the plurality of beams 303 are fixed to the shelf 301 by an external thread component 400. Thus, the shelf 301 is strengthened by the base 302 and the beam 303, and the deflection of the shelf 301 can be suppressed. In addition, the battery pack 100 is fixed to the shelf 301 by the external thread component 400 (through bolt), thereby suppressing the increase in the number of the external thread components 400, and achieving lightweighting of the battery device 10.

[0056] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the cooling unit 200 has a plurality of cooling units 201. Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the cooling unit 200 is disposed between the support unit 300 and the battery pack 100 and is thermally connected to the battery pack 100. As an example, the cooling unit 200 is connected to the battery pack 100 via a flexible heat conducting member 410 ( Figure 6 ) overlaps with the frame 101 of the battery pack 100. The heat conducting member 410 is, for example, a silicon wafer having electrical insulation and high thermal conductivity. The heat conducting member 410 can reduce the contact thermal resistance between the cooling unit 200 and the battery pack 100. A flow path 202 ( Figure 6 ). The fluid is, for example, a coolant such as water. In addition, the fluid may also be a gas. The cooling unit 200 is also called a radiator.

[0057] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of cooling units 201 are arranged at intervals in the X direction. The cooling unit 201 is arranged between two adjacent bases 302. Figure 6 As shown, the cooling unit 201 is sandwiched between the frame 101 of the battery assembly 100 and the shelf 301 fixed to the base 302 and the shelf 301 by the external screw member 400. That is, the external screw member 400 fixes the battery assembly 100 and the cooling unit 201 (cooling unit 200) to the shelf 301.

[0058] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cooling unit 201 includes two cooling components 203A and 203B, a joint component 204, and a connecting component 205. The cooling component 203 is used as a general term for the cooling components 203A and 203B. The flow path 202 is provided throughout the cooling component 203, the joint component 204, and the connecting component 205. The flow path 202 includes a first flow path 202a ( Figure 6 ), and the second flow path 202b ( Fig.12 ).

[0059] Fig.10 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of a cooling unit and a supporting unit of a battery device according to a first embodiment. Figure 3 , Figure 7 as well as Fig.10 As shown, the two cooling components 203 of each cooling unit 201 extend respectively along the Y direction (first direction). The cooling component 203 is a flat tube formed in a flat shape in which the width in the X direction is smaller than the width (height) in the Z direction. The two cooling components 203 are arranged in the X direction (second direction) intersecting (orthogonal) with the Y direction (first direction) and are thermally connected to the battery pack 100. That is, the cooling unit 200 has a plurality of (six as an example) cooling components 203 arranged in the X direction. In addition, the two cooling components 203A and 203B constitute a cooling component group 210. Therefore, the cooling unit 200 has a plurality of cooling component groups 210 ( Figure 7 ). The cooling member 203 has two end portions 203A and 203b in the Y direction. The Y direction is an example of a first direction, and the X direction is an example of a second direction.

[0060] Fig.11 FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a cooling member of a cooling unit according to the first embodiment. Fig.11As shown, a plurality of cooling channels 203c are provided inside the cooling member 203. The cooling channels 203c extend along the Y direction and penetrate the cooling member 203 in the Y direction. The cooling channels 203c are included in the first channel 202a.

[0061] like Fig.11 As shown, the two cooling members 203A and 203B have the same shape. The two cooling members 203A and 203B are assembled to each other in a posture where one is rotated 180 degrees around the Y axis relative to the other.

[0062] The cooling member 203 is provided with a concave-convex portion 203d for interlocking. The concave-convex portion 203d includes a concave portion 203e and a convex portion 203f. The concave portion 203e is a cutout. The concave-convex portions 203d of the two cooling members 203 are interlocked. In addition, a temporary fixing hole 203p ( Fig.10 ). When the concave-convex parts 203d of the two cooling members 203 are fitted, fixing screws, flat head screws, etc. can be inserted into the temporary fixing holes 203p to temporarily fix the two cooling members 203. In addition, the end surfaces of the ends 203A and 203b of the cooling members 203 are ensured to be flat by machining or the like.

[0063] Furthermore, two grooves 203g are provided in each cooling member 203. The grooves 203g are provided at four corners of the cooling member group 210 in a state where two cooling members 203 are assembled. The grooves 203g extend in the Y direction.

[0064] The cooling member 203 is an extruded member. That is, the cooling member 203 is manufactured by extrusion molding, and the cross section perpendicular to the Y direction is constant (same) regardless of the position in the Y direction. The cooling member 203 is made of a metal material, for example.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the joint member 204 is fixed to the end 203b of the cooling member 203 by the external thread member 402. The external thread member 402 is coupled to the internal thread portion of the groove 203g provided in the cooling member 203. Alternatively, the joint member 204 may be fixed to the cooling member 203 by bonding.

[0066] Fig.12 1 is a perspective view showing a joint component of a cooling unit according to the first embodiment. Fig.12 As shown, the joint member 204 has a fixing portion 204a, two protruding portions 204b and two joints 204c. In addition, two flow paths 204f and two flow paths 204h are provided in the joint member 204. The joint member 204 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material. The joint member 204 is also called a joint resin block.

[0067] The fixing portion 204a is formed in a square plate shape and overlaps the end portion 203b of the cooling member 203. Openings 204g penetrating the fixing portion 204a are provided at the four corners of the fixing portion 204a. The openings 204g may be through holes or cutouts. The external thread member 402 is inserted into the openings 204g.

[0068] The two protrusions 204 b protrude from the fixing portion 204 a toward the side opposite to the cooling member 203 .

[0069] The two joints 204c protrude from the two protrusions 204b. The joint 204c has a base portion 202d connected to the protrusion 204b, and a coupling portion 204e ( Fig.10 ) Flow path components such as pipes are connected to the connection portion 204e.

[0070] The two flow paths 204f penetrate the fixing portion 204a and reach the two protruding portions. The two flow paths 204h penetrate the two joints 204c. The two flow paths 204f are connected to the two flow paths 204h. In addition, the two flow paths 204f are connected to the connecting flow paths 205c of the two cooling components 203. The two flow paths 204f are included in the first flow path 202a, and the two flow paths 204h are included in the second flow path 202b.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting member 205 is fixed to the end portions 203a on the same side of each of the two adjacent cooling members 203 by the external thread member 402, and the two end portions 203a are connected. The external thread member 402 is combined with the internal thread portion of the groove 203g provided in the cooling member 203. In addition, the connecting member 205 can also be fixed to the cooling member 203 by bonding. The connecting member 205 is an example of a first connecting member.

[0072] Fig.13 It is an exploded perspective view showing the connection member of the cooling unit according to the first embodiment. Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing a base member of the connecting member according to the first embodiment. Fig.15 It is a figure which shows the attachment form of the connection member in 1st Embodiment.

[0073] like Figure 13 to Figure 15 As shown, the connection member 205 has a fixing portion 205a and a return portion 205b. In addition, a connection flow path 205c is provided in the connection member 205. The connection member 205 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material. The connection member 205 is also called a U-turn resin block.

[0074] The fixing portion 205a is formed in a square plate shape and overlaps the end portion 203a of the cooling member 203. Openings 205g penetrating the fixing portion 205a are provided at the four corners of the fixing portion 205a. The openings 205g may be through holes or cutouts. The external thread member 402 is inserted into the openings 205g.

[0075] The folded portion 205 b extends from the fixing portion 205 a to the side opposite to the cooling member 203 .

[0076] The connecting flow path 205c is included in the first flow path 202a, and connects the cooling flow paths 203c of two adjacent cooling members 203. Specifically, the connecting flow path 205c has two opening ends 205d and a return flow path 205e. The connecting flow path 205c can be manufactured by cutting or injection molding, for example.

[0077] The two opening end portions 205 d penetrate the fixing portion 205 a and are connected to the cooling flow paths 203 c of the cooling members 203 which are different from each other.

[0078] The return flow path 205e is provided at the return portion 205b and connects the two opening ends 205d. The return flow path 205e is formed into a U-shaped return shape. That is, at least a portion of the return flow path 205e is formed into a curved shape that bulges away from the two adjacent cooling components 203.

[0079] In addition, the inner surface 205f of the connecting member 205 includes a connecting flow path surface 205fa ( Fig.14 ) and connecting flow path 205fb ( Fig.13 ). The connecting flow path surface 205fa is located on the outer peripheral side of the return flow path 205e, and the connecting flow path surface 205fb is located on the inner peripheral side of the return flow path 205e. The connecting flow path surface 205fa and the connecting flow path surface 205fb form the return flow path 205e. The connecting flow path surfaces 205fa and 205fb are respectively formed into a curved shape convex in a direction away from two adjacent cooling components 203 (+Y direction). That is, the connecting flow path surfaces 205fa and 205fb are formed into a U-shaped curved shape.

[0080] In addition, the connecting component 205 has a base component 221 and a cover component 222. The base component 221 includes a fixing portion 205a and a part of the return portion 205b. The cover component 222 includes a part of the return portion 205b. The base component 221 is provided with a fixing surface 221a that is approximately semicircular. An opening portion 221b that is partially opened to the connecting flow path 205c is formed on the fixing surface 221a. The cover component 222 is formed in an approximately semicircular shape and is fixed to the fixing surface 221a by bonding or the like. The cover component 222 blocks the opening portion 221b. The fixing surface 221a is also referred to as an adhesive structure. In addition, a convex portion that overlaps with the fixing surface 221a may also be formed on the cover component. The base component 221 is an example of the first base component, and the cover component 222 is an example of the first cover component.

[0081] In the cooling unit 200 configured as described above, for example, in the cooling unit 201, the fluid flows into the cooling flow path 203c of the cooling component 203A from one of the two joints 204c. Then, the fluid flows into the cooling flow path 203c of the cooling component 203B via the connecting flow path 205c of the connecting component 205. At this time, the fluid flows along the connecting flow path 205fa and the connecting flow path 205fb in the connecting component 205. Then, the fluid flows out from the other of the two joints 204c.

[0082] As described above, in the present embodiment, the cooling unit 200 has the connecting flow path surface 205fa and the connecting flow path surface 205fb, which form the connecting flow path 205c, and are formed in a curved shape convex in a direction away from the two adjacent cooling components 203, for guiding the fluid. According to such a configuration, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the connecting flow path 205c can be reduced compared to the case where the connecting flow path is a right-angle combination.

[0083] In addition, the connection member 205 is made of a synthetic resin material. According to such a configuration, compared with a case where the connection member 205 is made of a metal material, the curved connection flow path surfaces 205fa and 205fb of the connection member 205 can be easily formed.

[0084] Furthermore, the connection member 205 is fixed to the cooling member 203 by the external thread member 402. According to such a configuration, it is easy to reduce costs compared with a configuration in which the connection member 205 is brazed to the cooling member 203. This is because, for example, brazing needs to be performed in a facility dedicated to brazing.

[0085] In addition, the cooling member 203 is an extruded member. According to such a configuration, the length of the cooling member 203 can be easily set to various lengths.

[0086] <Second Embodiment>

[0087] Fig.16 It is a plan view showing a storage battery device according to a second embodiment. Fig.17 It is an exploded perspective view showing a connection member according to a second embodiment.

[0088] like Fig.16 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a connection member 205A is provided instead of the joint member 204 and the connection member 205 .

[0089] like Fig.17 As shown, the main difference between the connection member 205A and the connection member 205 is that the connection member 205A has a joint 204c. The joint 204c protrudes from the cover member 222 in the +Z direction. The structure of the joint 204c is the same as that of the joint 204c of the joint member 204.

[0090] In addition, if Fig.16 As shown, the joints 204 c of the plurality of connection members 205A fixed to the end portion 203 a of the cooling member 203 are connected to each other via the pipe 245 .

[0091] <Third Embodiment>

[0092] Fig.18 It is a bottom view showing a battery assembly according to a third embodiment.

[0093] like Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is the mounting posture of the connection member 205A. In this embodiment, the connection member 205A is mounted so that the joint 204c protrudes from the cover member 222 in the -Z direction.

[0094] <Fourth Implementation Method>

[0095] Fig.19 It is a plan view showing a storage battery device according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 20 It is an exploded perspective view showing a connection member according to a fourth embodiment.

[0096] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that a connection member 205B is provided instead of the connection member 205A.

[0097] like Fig. 20 As shown, the main difference between the connecting component 205B and the connecting component 205A is that the joint 204 c protrudes from the base component 221 of the cover component 222 in the Y direction.

[0098] In addition, if Fig.19As shown, the joints 204 c of the plurality of connection members 205B fixed to the end portion 203 a of the cooling member 203 are connected to each other via the pipe 245 .

[0099] <Fifth Implementation Method>

[0100] Fig.21 It is a plan view showing a storage battery device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 22 It is an exploded plan view showing a connection member according to a fifth embodiment. Fig.23 It is a top view showing a base member of a connecting member according to a fifth embodiment.

[0101] like Fig.21 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that a connecting member 205C is provided with respect to the end portion 203 b of the cooling member 203 instead of the connecting member 205B.

[0102] The connecting member 205C connects the other end 203 b of one connecting member 205 in one of two adjacent cooling member groups 210 to the other ends 203 b of two connecting members 205 in the other of the two cooling member groups 210 .

[0103] like Fig. 22 As shown in FIG. 23, the connection component 205C has two fixing parts 205a and a return part 205b. In addition, a connection flow path 205c is provided in the connection component 205C. The connection component 205C is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material. The connection component 205C is also called a U-turn resin block.

[0104] The fixing portion 205a is formed in a square plate shape and overlaps with the end portion 203b of the cooling member 203. As an example, the fixing portion 205a is connected to the cooling member 203 via a gasket 260 ( Figure 6 ) overlaps with the end 203b of the cooling member 203. Openings 205g penetrating the fixing member 205a are provided at the four corners of the fixing member 205a. The openings 205g may be through holes or cutouts. The external thread member 402 is inserted into the openings 205g.

[0105] The folded portion 205 b extends from the fixing portion 205 a to the side opposite to the cooling member 203 .

[0106] The connecting flow path 205c is included in the first flow path 202a, and connects the cooling flow paths 203c of the two adjacent cooling members 203. Specifically, the connecting flow path 205c has two opening end portions 205d and a return flow path 205e.

[0107] The two opening end portions 205 d penetrate the two fixing portions 205 a and are connected to the cooling flow paths 203 c of the cooling members 203 which are different from each other.

[0108] The return flow path 205e is provided at the return portion 205b and connects the two opening ends 205d. The return flow path 205e is formed into a U-shaped return shape. That is, at least a portion of the return flow path 205e is formed into a curved shape that bulges away from the two adjacent cooling components 203.

[0109] In addition, the inner surface 205f of the connecting component 205 includes a connecting flow surface 205fa and a connecting flow surface 205fb. The connecting flow surface 205fa is located on the outer peripheral side of the return flow path 205e, and the connecting flow surface 205fb is located on the inner peripheral side of the return flow path 205e. The connecting flow surface 205fa and the connecting flow surface 205fb form the return flow path 205e. The connecting flow surfaces 205fa and 205fb are respectively formed into a curved shape that bulges away from the two adjacent cooling components 203 (-Y direction). That is, the connecting flow surfaces 205fa and 205fb are formed into a U-shaped curved shape.

[0110] In addition, the connecting component 205C has a base component 221 and a cover component 222. The base component 221 includes a fixing portion 205a and a part of the folding portion 205b. The cover component 222 includes a part of the folding portion 205b. The base component 221 is provided with a fixing surface 221a. An opening portion 221b in which a part of the connecting flow path 205c is opened is formed on the fixing surface 221a. The cover component 222 is fixed to the fixing surface 221a by bonding or the like. The bonding can be performed, for example, by a double-sided tape, an adhesive, etc., and the cover component 222 blocks the opening portion 221b.

[0111] In the above configuration, for example, the fluid flows into the joint 204c of the connection component 205A of the middle cooling unit 201 among the plurality of cooling units 201. The fluid is branched from the joint 204c to the cooling components 203A and 203B of the middle cooling unit 201. The fluid that has passed through the cooling component 203A of the middle cooling unit 201 flows through the connection component 205C on the -X direction side of the two connection components 205C, flows through the cooling components 203A and 203B of the cooling unit 201 on the -X direction side, and flows out from the joint 204c of the connection component 205A on the -X direction side. Fig.21 The arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow.

[0112] On the other hand, the fluid that has passed through the cooling component 203B of the cooling unit 201 in the middle flows through the connecting component 205C on the +X direction side of the two connecting components 205C, flows through the cooling components 203A and 203B of the cooling unit 201 on the +X direction side, and flows out from the joint 204c of the connecting component 205A on the +X direction side.

[0113] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0114] Fig.24 It is a bottom view showing the cover member of the connecting member according to the sixth embodiment. Fig.25 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cover member of a connecting member according to a sixth embodiment.

[0115] like Fig.24 as well as Fig.25 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that a connecting member 205D is provided instead of the connecting member 205A. The connecting member 205D has a second flow path 205m. The second flow path 205m forms the first flow path 202a side of the second flow path 202b, and is formed into a curved shape with a larger diameter as it approaches the first flow path 202a, so as to guide the fluid.

[0116] According to such a configuration, compared with a case where the surfaces forming the second flow path 202b and the first flow path 202a are at right angles, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the second flow path 202b.

[0117] In addition, the second flow path surface 205m may be provided with respect to the second flow path 202b of other embodiments. In addition, at least one of the connecting flow path surfaces 205fa and 205fb and the second flow path surface 205m may be provided.

[0118] <Seventh Implementation Method>

[0119] Fig.26 It is a top view showing the inside of the connection component according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 27 It is a rear view showing the cooling unit of the seventh embodiment.

[0120] like Fig.26 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a connecting member 205E is provided instead of the connecting member 205. The connecting member 205E is different from the connecting member 205 in that a guide portion 250 is provided. The guide portion 250 is provided in the connecting flow path 205c and is formed in a curved shape along the connecting flow path surfaces 205fa and 205fb.

[0121] The guide portion 250 guides the fluid. By providing the guide portion 250, it is possible to suppress the sedimentation of the fluid in the connecting flow path 205c.

[0122] In addition, if Fig. 27 As shown, the fixing portion 205a of the connecting member 205E is fixed to the end 203a of the cooling member 203 by the external thread member 402 between the four corners and the two open ends 205d. In addition, the groove portion 205n is provided in the return portion 205b, and the external thread member 402 between the groove portion 205n and the two open ends 205d is arranged in the Y direction and extends along the Y direction. Thus, the connecting member 205E can be more firmly fixed to the cooling member 203, and the rigidity of the cooling unit 200 can be improved.

[0123] <Eighth Implementation Method>

[0124] Fig.28 It is a perspective view showing a battery device according to an eighth embodiment.

[0125] like Fig.28 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the battery device 10 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the battery pack 100 is along the vertical direction. Specifically, the battery device 10 is arranged so that the connecting member 205 is located above the tab member 204 in the vertical direction.

[0126] <Ninth Implementation Method>

[0127] Fig.29 It is a perspective view showing a storage battery device according to a ninth embodiment.

[0128] like Fig.29 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the battery device 10 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the battery pack 100 is along the vertical direction. Specifically, the battery device 10 is arranged so that the connecting member 205 is located vertically below the tab member 204.

[0129] <10th Implementation Method>

[0130] Fig.30 It is a plan view showing a storage battery device according to a tenth embodiment.

[0131] The main difference between this embodiment and the fifth embodiment is that a connection member 205B is provided instead of the connection member 205A.

[0132] Above, the embodiments of the present invention are illustrated, but the above-mentioned embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the main purpose of the invention. The above-mentioned embodiments are included in the scope and main purpose of the invention, and are included in the inventions recorded in the patent claims and the scope equivalent thereto. The present invention can also be implemented by the configurations other than those disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments, and various effects (including derived effects) obtained by the basic configuration (technical features) can be obtained. In addition, the specifications (structure, type, direction, shape, size, length, width, thickness, height, quantity, configuration, position, material, etc.) of each constituent element can be appropriately changed for implementation.

Claims

1. A battery device, characterized in that: have: One or more battery packs having a plurality of battery cells; and a cooling unit thermally connected to the battery pack, and provided with a first flow path for a fluid for cooling the battery pack and a second flow path connected to the first flow path; The cooling unit has: A plurality of cooling components, each extending along a first direction, arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and thermally connected to the battery pack; One or more connecting members connecting the ends of two adjacent cooling members on the same side; and The joint is provided with the second flow path mentioned above, The cooling member is provided with a cooling flow path, the cooling flow path being included in the first flow path and penetrating the cooling member in the first direction. The connecting member is provided with a connecting flow path, the connecting flow path being included in the first flow path and connecting the respective cooling flow paths of two adjacent cooling members. The above-mentioned cooling part has at least one of a connecting flow surface and a second flow surface. The above-mentioned connecting flow surface forms the above-mentioned connecting flow path, and is formed in a curved shape convex in a direction away from the above-mentioned two adjacent cooling parts, guiding the above-mentioned fluid. The above-mentioned second flow surface forms the above-mentioned first flow path side in the above-mentioned second flow path, and is formed in a curved shape with a diameter increasing as it approaches the above-mentioned first flow path, guiding the above-mentioned fluid.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling portion includes the connecting flow path surface.

3. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling portion includes the second flow path surface.

4. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two adjacent cooling members and the connecting member are fixed by an external thread member or bonding.

5. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting member is made of synthetic resin material.

6. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling component is an extrusion.

7. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling member is provided with a concave-convex portion. The concave and convex portions of two adjacent cooling members fit with each other.

8. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery device comprises: The first connecting member comprises: a first base member on which the connecting flow path is formed, a part of the connecting flow path being open; and a first cover member which blocks the opening of the connecting flow path and is fixed to the first base member; as well as The second connecting member comprises: a second base member on which the connecting flow path and the second flow path are formed, and a portion of the connecting flow path is open; and a first cover member that blocks the opening of the connecting flow path and is fixed to the second base member.

9. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery device comprises: A plurality of cooling component groups, each comprising two adjacent cooling components, arranged in the second direction; a plurality of first connecting members connecting one end portion on the same side of each of two cooling members of the cooling member group to form the second flow path; and The second connecting member connects the other end of one of the connecting members in one of the two adjacent cooling member groups to the other ends of the two connecting members in the other of the two cooling member groups.

10. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery device includes a guide portion provided in the connecting flow path and formed in a curved shape along the connecting flow path surface.

11. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting flow path has two opening ends connected to the cooling flow paths that are different from each other, and a return flow path connecting the two opening ends. The connecting member comprises: a square plate-shaped fixing portion, provided with the two opening ends, overlapping with the ends of the cooling member; and a return portion, extending from the fixing portion to the side opposite to the cooling member, forming the return flow path. The fixing portion is fixed to the end of the cooling member by an external thread member between the four corners and the two open ends. The folded portion is provided with a groove portion, the groove portion and the external thread members at the two open end portions are aligned in the first direction, and extend along the first direction.

12. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery device comprises: A plurality of battery packs arranged in a vertical direction; and The plurality of battery assemblies and the cooling unit are fixed to the support unit in a posture in which the first direction is along a vertical direction.

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