Tab cooling structure and tab cooling structure connector

Abstract

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to suppress a temperature rise of a tab during rapid charging and during discharging accompanying high-load traveling. In order to solve the problem, the tab cooling structure provided by the invention is used for cooling the tab in the storage battery monomer. The battery cells are stacked in the X direction, and each of the battery cells is provided with a cell main body and a tab protruding from the cell main body in the Y direction. The tab cooling structure includes a first cooling portion, a second cooling portion, a first supply pipe, a second supply pipe, a first discharge pipe, and a second discharge pipe. The first cooling portion is disposed closer to one side in the X direction than the tab to be cooled. The second cooling portion is disposed further toward the other side in the X direction than the tab to be cooled. The first supply pipe supplies a refrigerant to the first cooling unit. The second supply pipe supplies a refrigerant to the second cooling unit. The first discharge pipe discharges the refrigerant from the first cooling part. The second discharge pipe discharges the refrigerant from the second cooling part. And the first cooling part and the second cooling part are used for clamping the tab to be cooled in the X direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for cooling a tab of a battery cell and a connecting body thereof. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have become increasingly popular, driven by the desire to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate adverse environmental impacts. Some batteries used in EVs and other vehicles include multiple battery cells. Each battery cell is stacked in the X direction and consists of a main body and tabs protruding from the main body in the Y direction.

[0003] [Prior Art Literature]

[0004] (Patent Document)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-148244 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The inventors have noted the following issues with this type of battery. The tab temperature rises during rapid charging and discharge during high-load driving. When the tab temperature reaches the limit of the allowable range, further increases are prohibited, necessitating current limiting. Consequently, tab temperature can become a bottleneck during rapid charging and discharge during high-load driving.

[0008] Specifically, if the temperature of the tab reaches the limit of the allowable range before the temperature of any part of the cell body reaches the limit, the tab temperature may become a bottleneck in rapid charging and discharging during high-load driving.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to suppress a temperature increase of a tab during rapid charging and discharge associated with high-load running.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] The present inventors have discovered that the above-mentioned object can be achieved by providing a predetermined cooling structure for the tabs, and have thus completed the present invention. The present invention comprises the following tab cooling structures (1) to (8) and the tab cooling structure connections (9) and (10).

[0012] (1) A tab cooling structure for cooling tabs in battery cells, wherein the battery cells are stacked in a predetermined X direction and include a cell body and tabs projecting from the cell body in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction, and wherein the tab cooling structure comprises:

[0013] A first cooling portion is disposed on one side of the tab to be cooled in the X direction;

[0014] A second cooling portion is disposed on the other side of the tab to be cooled in the X direction;

[0015] a first supply pipe for supplying refrigerant to the first cooling unit;

[0016] a second supply pipe for supplying refrigerant to the second cooling unit;

[0017] A first discharge pipe discharges the refrigerant from the first cooling unit; and

[0018] a second discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant from the second cooling unit;

[0019] The first cooling portion and the second cooling portion sandwich the tab to be cooled in the X direction.

[0020] With this configuration, the tabs can be cooled by the first and second cooling units. This prevents tab temperature increases during rapid charging and discharge associated with high-load driving. This prevents tab temperature from becoming a bottleneck during rapid charging and discharge associated with high-load driving.

[0021] (2) The tab cooling structure according to (1), wherein the first cooling portion and the second cooling portion sandwich a portion of the cell body in the X direction.

[0022] This configuration not only cools the tabs but also a portion of the cell body, thereby preventing the temperature of this portion of the cell body from becoming a bottleneck during rapid charging or discharging during high-load driving.

[0023] (3) The tab cooling structure according to (2), wherein the single body has, at the end portion on the Y-direction side, a tab joint portion for electrically connecting a predetermined electrode body to the tab, and a protruding portion of an insulator covering at least a portion of the tab joint portion and a portion of the tab.

[0024] The first cooling portion and the second cooling portion sandwich the protruding portion in the X direction, thereby sandwiching at least a portion of the tab joint portion and at least a portion of the tab in the X direction.

[0025] According to this structure, the tab joint portion can be cooled in addition to the tab, thereby preventing the temperature of the tab joint portion from becoming a bottleneck during rapid charging and discharging associated with high-load running.

[0026] (4) The tab cooling structure according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the tab cooling structure comprises:

[0027] The first unit includes a first housing, the first supply pipe, the first cooling unit, and the first discharge pipe, wherein the first housing houses the first supply pipe, the first cooling unit, and the first discharge pipe; and

[0028] The second unit includes a second housing, the second supply pipe, the second cooling unit, and the second discharge pipe. The second housing houses the second supply pipe, the second cooling unit, and the second discharge pipe.

[0029] With this structure, the first housing section can be used to unitize the first supply pipe, first cooling section, and first discharge pipe. Furthermore, the second housing section can be used to unitize the second supply pipe, second cooling section, and second discharge pipe. This allows for simplified integration of the tab cooling structure.

[0030] (5) The tab cooling structure according to (4), wherein the longitudinal middle portion of the first unit and the longitudinal middle portion of the second unit are configured to be movable relative to each other in the X direction.

[0031] The tab is inserted between the longitudinal middle portion of the first unit and the longitudinal middle portion of the second unit.

[0032] According to this configuration, the tab can be easily inserted between the longitudinal middle portion in the first unit and the longitudinal middle portion in the second unit.

[0033] (6) The tab cooling structure according to (4), wherein a first engaging portion is formed in the first housing portion.

[0034] A second engaging portion is formed on the second housing portion.

[0035] The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage with each other, thereby engaging the first unit and the second unit with each other.

[0036] The tab is disposed between the first unit and the second unit.

[0037] According to this structure, the tab can be easily arranged between the first unit and the second unit by engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion with each other.

[0038] (7) The tab cooling structure according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the coolant is supplied from the first supply pipe to the lower portion of the first cooling portion and discharged from the upper portion of the first cooling portion to the first discharge pipe, so that the coolant flows from the bottom to the top in the first cooling portion.

[0039] The refrigerant is supplied from the second supply pipe to the lower portion of the second cooling portion and discharged from the upper portion of the second cooling portion to the second discharge pipe, so that the refrigerant flows from bottom to top in the second cooling portion.

[0040] With this structure, the first cooling unit is filled with refrigerant from the bottom, while the excess refrigerant is discharged only from the top. This makes it difficult for air to enter the first cooling unit. Similarly, it also makes it difficult for air to enter the second cooling unit.

[0041] (8) The tab cooling structure according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the battery cell is an all-solid-state battery having a solid electrolyte layer therein.

[0042] When the battery cell is an all-solid-state battery, the operating temperature range is expanded, so the temperature of the tab is likely to reach the limit of the allowable range before the temperature of any part of the cell body reaches that limit. Therefore, the temperature of the tab is likely to become a bottleneck during rapid charging and discharge accompanied by high-load driving. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect (1) of suppressing the increase in the tab temperature during rapid charging and discharge accompanied by high-load driving can be more significantly exerted.

[0043] (9) A tab cooling structure connection body comprising a plurality of tab cooling structures according to any one of (1) to (8) above arranged in the X direction.

[0044] The tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction are connected to each other.

[0045] The tabs of the battery cells are cooled by the tab cooling structures.

[0046] According to this structure, each tab in a plurality of battery cells can be cooled. In addition, by connecting the tab cooling structures adjacent in the X direction, the positional displacement of each battery cell in the X direction can be suppressed.

[0047] (10) The tab cooling structure assembly according to (9), wherein the tab cooling structure assembly comprises:

[0048] a first supply pipe connecting portion connecting the first supply pipes in the tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction;

[0049] a second supply pipe connecting portion connecting the second supply pipes in the tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction;

[0050] A first discharge pipe connecting portion connects the first discharge pipes in the tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction; and

[0051] The second discharge pipe connecting portion connects the second discharge pipes in the tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction.

[0052] According to this structure, by connecting the first supply pipes to each other, the refrigerant can be efficiently supplied to the multiple first cooling parts. In addition, by connecting the second supply pipes to each other, the refrigerant can be efficiently supplied to the multiple second cooling parts. In addition, by connecting the first discharge pipes to each other, the refrigerant can be efficiently discharged from the multiple first cooling parts. In addition, by connecting the second discharge pipes to each other, the refrigerant can be efficiently discharged from the second cooling parts. In addition, according to the structure connected in this way, the number of connections of the tab cooling structure can be adjusted according to the number of stacking layers of the battery cells, so it is easy to cope with the difference in the number of stacking layers. Therefore, the tab cooling structure connection body has high versatility.

[0053] (Effects of the Invention)

[0054] As described above, according to the structure of (1), the temperature rise of the tab can be suppressed during rapid charging and during discharge accompanying high-load driving. Furthermore, according to the structures of (2) to (10) cited from (1), additional effects can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the tab cooling structure connection body and its surroundings according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view showing the tab cooling structure connector and its surroundings.

[0057] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the tab cooling structure.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the first unit and the second unit on the left and the interior thereof on the right.

[0059] Figure 5 It is from Figure 1The three-dimensional diagram is illustrated by omitting the first shell portion and the second shell portion from the state of FIG.

[0060] Figure 6 It is a side view showing the tab cooling structure and its surroundings.

[0061] Figure 7 The figure shows a side view of a tab and its surroundings with a tab cooling structure installed.

[0062] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cooling circuit.

[0063] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing another example of a cooling circuit.

[0064] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a tab cooling structure according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the present invention.

[0066] [First embodiment]

[0067] This embodiment relates to a Figure 1 This technology cools a portion of the battery 100 shown. Hereinafter, two predetermined directions perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane are referred to as the "X direction" and the "Y direction." Furthermore, one side in the X direction is referred to as the "X-side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "X+ side." Furthermore, one side in the Y direction is referred to as the "Y-side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "Y+ side."

[0068] Figure 1 The battery 100 shown includes a plurality of battery cells 20, a plurality of tab cooling structures 90 on the Y-side, and a plurality of tab cooling structures on the Y+ side (not shown). The plurality of tab cooling structures 90 on the Y-side each constitute a portion of a tab cooling structure connection body 99 on the Y-side. For example, the tab cooling structure connection body 99 on the Y-side Figure 8 and Figure 9 The refrigerant is supplied through the refrigerant circuit 200 shown. Multiple Y+-side tab cooling structures (not shown) each form a portion of the Y+-side tab cooling structure assembly 99. This Y+-side tab cooling structure assembly 99 is also supplied with refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 200.

[0069] First, for Figure 1 The battery cells 20 are stacked in the X direction. Each battery cell 20 is a laminated all-solid-state battery. Figure 2 As shown, each battery cell 20 includes a cell body 25 , a Y-side tab 27 , and a Y+side tab (not shown).

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the single body 25 extends in the vertical direction and the Y direction. Figure 6 As shown, the single body 25 includes the Y-side tab joint 23 , one electrode body 22 , a solid electrolyte layer (not shown), another electrode body (not shown), the Y+ side tab joint (not shown), and a laminate 24 .

[0071] One electrode body 22 is one of the positive and negative electrode bodies and extends in the vertical and Y directions. The other electrode body (not shown) is the other of the positive and negative electrode bodies and is located closer to the X direction than the one electrode body 22 and extends in the vertical and Y directions. A solid electrolyte layer (not shown) extends in the vertical and Y directions between the one electrode body 22 and the other electrode body (not shown).

[0072] The Y-side tab 27 is a vertically extending conductor that projects from the cell body 25 toward the Y-side. The Y+ side tab (not shown) is a vertically extending conductor that projects from the cell body 25 toward the Y+ side.

[0073] The Y-side tab joint 23 is a vertically extending conductor that electrically connects the Y-side tab 27 to one of the electrode bodies 22. The Y+ side tab joint (not shown) is a vertically extending conductor that electrically connects the Y+ side tab (not shown) to the other electrode body (not shown). In summary, one of the Y-side tab 27 and the Y+ side tab (not shown) serves as the positive electrode, while the other serves as the negative electrode.

[0074] Figure 6 The laminate 24 shown is an insulator and includes a main portion 24a, a Y-side protrusion 24b that protrudes from the main portion 24a toward the Y-side, and a Y+-side protrusion (not shown) that protrudes from the main portion 24a toward the Y+ side. The main portion 24a covers the Y+-side portion of the Y-side tab joint 23, one of the electrode bodies 22, the solid electrolyte layer (not shown), the other electrode body (not shown), and the Y-side portion of the Y+-side tab joint (not shown).

[0075] The Y-side protrusion 24b covers the Y+ side portion of the Y-side tab 27 and the Y- side portion of the Y-side tab joint 23. The Y+ side protrusion (not shown) covers the Y- side portion of the Y+ side tab (not shown) and the Y+ side portion of the Y+ side tab joint (not shown). In summary, the Y-side tab 27 protrudes further toward the Y- side from the Y-side protrusion 24b, and the Y+ side tab (not shown) protrudes further toward the Y+ side from the Y+ side protrusion (not shown).

[0076] Inter-cell members 30, each containing a cushioning material or a heat-insulating material, are disposed between the battery cells 20. These inter-cell members 30 may extend to the sides of the Y-side tab 27 or the Y+ side tab (not shown) without interfering with the Y-side tab cooling structure 90 or the Y+ side tab cooling structure (not shown), or they may be confined to the sides of the cell body 25.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, a tab cooling structure 90 is attached to each tab 27 of the battery cell 20 . Then, the front ends of the tabs 27 of predetermined battery cells 20 adjacent in the X direction are electrically connected to each other via the bus bar 40 .

[0078] Next, for Figure 1 The Y-side tab cooling structures 90 will be described. One Y-side tab cooling structure 90 is provided for each Y-side tab 27 .

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, each tab cooling structure 90 on the Y-side includes a first unit 70 and a second unit 80. Both the first unit 70 and the second unit 80 are made of insulating material and extend vertically. The first unit 70 is positioned closer to the X-side of the tab 27 being cooled, while the second unit 80 is positioned closer to the X+ side of the tab 27 being cooled.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, the first unit 70 includes a first housing 72, a first supply pipe 74, a first cooling unit 75, and a first discharge pipe 76. The first housing 72 houses the first supply pipe 74, the first cooling unit 75, and the first discharge pipe 76. The first cooling unit 75 extends vertically within the first housing 72 and is configured to allow refrigerant to pass through the inside.

[0081] The first supply pipe 74 extends in the X direction near the lower end of the first cooling section 75. The middle portion of the first supply pipe 74 in the X direction communicates with the lower end of the first cooling section 75, supplying refrigerant into the first cooling section 75. The first discharge pipe 76 extends in the X direction near the upper end of the first cooling section 75. The middle portion of the first discharge pipe 76 in the X direction communicates with the upper end of the first cooling section 75, discharging refrigerant from the first cooling section 75.

[0082] The second unit 80 includes a second housing portion 82, a second supply pipe 84, a second cooling portion 85, and a second exhaust pipe 86. The description of the second unit 80 is the same as the description of the first unit 70 shown above, except that "first" is replaced by "second" and the symbols are replaced with corresponding symbols.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper end of the first housing portion 72 and the upper end of the second housing portion 82 are connected to each other. Furthermore, the lower end of the first housing portion 72 and the lower end of the second housing portion 82 are connected to each other. A first recess R1, which is recessed toward the X-side, is provided in the X+ side of the middle portion of the first housing portion 72 in the vertical direction. A second recess R2, which is recessed toward the X+ side, is provided in the X- side of the middle portion of the second housing portion 82 in the vertical direction. Thus, a gap G formed by the first recess R1 and the second recess R2 is formed between the first housing portion 72 and the second housing portion 82.

[0084] The first unit 70 and the second unit 80 are each flexible. Therefore, the vertical middle portion of the first unit 70 and the vertical middle portion of the second unit 80 are configured to be relatively displaceable in the X direction. Therefore, when assembling the battery 100, the gap G can be expanded in the X direction and the tab 27 can be inserted into the gap G. When the tab 27 is inserted into the gap G, Figure 6 As shown, the first cooling section 75 and the second cooling section 85 sandwich the protruding portion 24b of the cell body 25 in the X direction. Thus, the first cooling section 75 and the second cooling section 85 sandwich the Y+ side portion of the Y- side tab 27 and the Y- side portion of the Y- side tab joint 23 in the X direction.

[0085] Next, the Y+-side tab cooling structure (not shown) will be described. The description of the Y+-side tab cooling structure (not shown) is the same as the description of the Y--side tab cooling structure 90 described above, except that "Y-" and "Y+" are replaced with the other and the reference symbols for the tab cooling structure and its components are replaced with "(not shown)".

[0086] Next, for Figure 1The following describes the Y-side tab cooling structure coupling body 99. In the Y-side tab cooling structure coupling body 99, the Y-side tab cooling structures 90 adjacent in the X direction are coupled to each other.

[0087] Specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, a first supply pipe connection portion 74c, a second supply pipe connection portion 84c, a first exhaust pipe connection portion 76c, and a second exhaust pipe connection portion 86c are provided between adjacent tab cooling structures 90 in the X direction. Each of the first supply pipe connection portion 74c, the second supply pipe connection portion 84c, the first exhaust pipe connection portion 76c, and the second exhaust pipe connection portion 86c includes an O-ring.

[0088] The first supply pipe connecting portion 74c connects adjacent first supply pipes 74 in the X direction. The second supply pipe connecting portion 84c connects adjacent second supply pipes 84 in the X direction. The first discharge pipe connecting portion 76c connects adjacent first discharge pipes 76 in the X direction. The second discharge pipe connecting portion 86c connects adjacent second discharge pipes 86 in the X direction. The X+ end of the first supply pipe 74 on the most X+ side, the X+ end of the second supply pipe 84 on the most X+ side, the X+ end of the first discharge pipe 76 on the most X+ side, and the X+ end of the second discharge pipe 86 on the most X+ side are blocked.

[0089] The first supply pipe 74 on the most X-side is connected to the first supply portion 217 of the predetermined refrigerant supply pipe 210. The second supply pipe 84 on the most X-side is connected to the second supply portion 218 of the refrigerant supply pipe 210.

[0090] The first discharge pipe 76 on the most X-side is connected to the first discharge portion 227 of the predetermined refrigerant discharge pipe 220 . The second discharge pipe 86 on the most X-side is connected to the second discharge portion 228 of the refrigerant discharge pipe 220 .

[0091] The refrigerant is supplied from the first supply portion 217 to the first supply pipes 74 sequentially connected in the X direction. The refrigerant is supplied from the second supply portion 218 to the second supply pipes 84 sequentially connected in the X direction.

[0092] The first discharge portion 227 discharges the refrigerant from the first discharge pipes 76 sequentially connected in the X direction. The second discharge portion 228 discharges the refrigerant from the second discharge pipes 86 sequentially connected in the X direction.

[0093] In summary, Figure 5In each tab cooling structure 90 shown, refrigerant is supplied from the first supply pipe 74 to the lower portion of the first cooling section 75 and discharged from the upper portion of the first cooling section 75 to the first discharge pipe 76. Thus, refrigerant flows from the bottom to the top in the first cooling section 75. Similarly, in each tab cooling structure 90, refrigerant is supplied from the second supply pipe 84 to the lower portion of the second cooling section 85 and discharged from the upper portion of the second cooling section 85 to the second discharge pipe 86. Thus, refrigerant flows from the bottom to the top in the second cooling section 85.

[0094] In summary, the refrigerant flows in parallel from bottom to top through each of the first cooling sections 75 arranged in the X-direction. Similarly, the refrigerant flows in parallel from bottom to top through each of the second cooling sections 85 arranged in the X-direction. Thus, the Y-side tab cooling structure assembly 99 cools the Y-side tabs 27 of each of the battery cells 20 arranged in the X-direction via the Y-side tab cooling structures 90 arranged in the X-direction.

[0095] Next, for Figure 8 and Figure 9 The description of the Y+ side tab cooling structure assembly 99 is the same as the description of the Y- side tab cooling structure assembly 99, except that "Y-" is replaced by "Y+" and the symbols of the various components of the tab cooling structure assembly 99 are replaced by "(omitted from the illustration)".

[0096] Next, for Figure 8 and Figure 9 For example, the refrigerant circuit 200 shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the refrigerant circuit 200 includes a tank 250, a pump 260, and a heat exchanger 270. The tank 250 stores refrigerant. The pump 260 pressurizes the refrigerant so that the refrigerant circulates between the tank 250, the Y-side and Y+side tab cooling structure connection body 99, and the heat exchanger 270. This refrigerant circuit 200 can be, for example, Figure 8 As shown, it is set to be independent of the circuit 300 for supplying refrigerant to the refrigerant channel 101 below the battery 100, and can also be as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, it is formed as one piece with the circuit.

[0097] In addition, in these Figure 8 、 Figure 9 In the embodiment, the coolant is supplied in parallel to the Y-side tab cooling structure coupling body 99 and the Y+ side tab cooling structure coupling body 99, but it can also be supplied in series. Figure 9 In the figure, the coolant is supplied in parallel to the coolant passages 101 below the tab cooling structure coupling bodies 99 and the batteries 100, but a series supply structure may also be used.

[0098] Hereinafter, the configuration and effects of this embodiment will be summarized.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, the first cooling unit 75 is positioned closer to the X-side than the tab 27 to be cooled. The second cooling unit 85 is positioned closer to the X+side than the tab 27 to be cooled. The first supply pipe 74 supplies refrigerant to the first cooling unit 75. The second supply pipe 84 supplies refrigerant to the second cooling unit 85. The first discharge pipe 76 discharges refrigerant from the first cooling unit 75. The second discharge pipe 86 discharges refrigerant from the second cooling unit 85. The first and second cooling units 75 and 85 sandwich the tab 27 to be cooled in the X direction. Therefore, the tab 27 can be cooled by the first and second cooling units 75 and 85. This can suppress the temperature rise of the tab 27 during rapid charging and discharge associated with high-load running of the battery 100. This can prevent the tab 27 temperature from becoming a bottleneck during rapid charging and discharge associated with high-load running. This allows for the application of large currents and the handling of discharge associated with rapid charging and high-load running.

[0100] like Figure 6 As shown, the first cooling portion 75 and the second cooling portion 85 sandwich the protrusion 24b of the cell body 25 in the X direction, thereby sandwiching a portion of the tab joint 23 and a portion of the tab 27 in the X direction. Thus, the tab joint 23 can be cooled in addition to the tab 27. This also prevents the temperature of the tab joint 23 from becoming a bottleneck during rapid charging and discharging associated with high-load driving.

[0101] Figure 4 The first housing portion 72 shown houses a first supply pipe 74, a first cooling portion 75, and a first exhaust pipe 76. The first housing portion 72 can unitize the first supply pipe 74, the first cooling portion 75, and the first exhaust pipe 76. Furthermore, the second housing portion 82 houses a second supply pipe 84, a second cooling portion 85, and a second exhaust pipe 86. The second housing portion 82 can also unitize the second supply pipe 84, the second cooling portion 85, and the second exhaust pipe 86. This facilitates the integration of the tab cooling structure 90.

[0102] Figure 3 The vertically intermediate portion of the first unit 70 and the vertically intermediate portion of the second unit 80 are configured to be movable relative to each other in the X direction. Therefore, the tab 27 can be easily inserted between the vertically intermediate portion of the first unit 70 and the vertically intermediate portion of the second unit 80.

[0103] By Figure 5The first supply pipe 74 shown supplies refrigerant to the lower portion of the first cooling section 75 and discharges the refrigerant from the upper portion of the first cooling section 75 to the first discharge pipe 76, causing the refrigerant to flow from the bottom to the top within the first cooling section 75. Consequently, the first cooling section 75 is filled with refrigerant from the bottom, while only the excess refrigerant is discharged from the upper portion of the first cooling section 75. This prevents air from entering the first cooling section 75. A similar mechanism also prevents air from entering the second cooling section 85.

[0104] Figure 1 The battery cell 20 shown is an all-solid-state battery equipped with a solid electrolyte layer. Since the operating temperature range of the battery cell 20 is extended, the temperature of the tab 27 is likely to reach the upper limit of the allowable range before the temperature of any part of the cell body 25 reaches that limit. Consequently, the temperature of the tab 27 is likely to become a bottleneck during rapid charging and discharge during high-load driving. This significantly reduces the temperature rise of the tab 27 during rapid charging and discharge during high-load driving.

[0105] like Figure 1 As shown, the tab cooling structure connector 99 includes multiple tab cooling structures 90 arranged in the X-direction. Adjacent tab cooling structures 90 in the X-direction are interconnected. These multiple tab cooling structures 90 can cool each tab 27 in a plurality of battery cells 20. Furthermore, by interconnecting adjacent tab cooling structures 90 in the X-direction, misalignment of the battery cells 20 in the X-direction can be suppressed.

[0106] like Figure 2 As shown, the first supply pipe connecting portion 74c connects the first supply pipes 74 in the tab cooling structures 90 adjacent in the X direction. The second supply pipe connecting portion 84c connects the second supply pipes 84 in the tab cooling structures 90 adjacent in the X direction. The first exhaust pipe connecting portion 76c connects the first exhaust pipes 76 in the tab cooling structures 90 adjacent in the X direction. The second exhaust pipe connecting portion 86c connects the second exhaust pipes 86 in the tab cooling structures 90 adjacent in the X direction.

[0107] In this way, by connecting the first supply pipes 74 to each other, the refrigerant can be efficiently supplied to the multiple first cooling parts 75. In addition, by connecting the second supply pipes 84 to each other, the refrigerant can be efficiently supplied to the multiple second cooling parts 85. In addition, by connecting the first discharge pipes 76 to each other, the refrigerant can be efficiently discharged from the multiple first cooling parts 75. In addition, by connecting the second discharge pipes 86 to each other, the refrigerant can be efficiently discharged from the second cooling parts 85. In addition, according to the structure connected in this way, the number of connections of the tab cooling structure 90 can be adjusted in accordance with the number of stacking of battery cells 20, so it is easy to cope with the difference in the number of stacking. Therefore, the tab cooling structure connection body 99 has high versatility.

[0108] [Second embodiment]

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 10 This embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and the description will be focused on the differences therefrom, while the description of the same or similar aspects as the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

[0110] A first engaging portion 72a is formed at the upper and lower ends of the X+ side of the first housing portion 72. A second engaging portion 82a is formed at the upper and lower ends of the X- side of the second housing portion 82. In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 72a is a recessed portion and the second engaging portion 82a is a convex portion. However, this may be reversed, with the first engaging portion 72a being a convex portion and the second engaging portion 82a being a recessed portion.

[0111] The first engaging portion 72a and the second engaging portion 82a engage with each other, thereby engaging with each other the first unit 70 and the second unit 80. Between the first unit 70 and the second unit 80, a tab 27 is provided.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the tab 27 can be easily disposed between the first unit 70 and the second unit 80 by engaging the first engaging portion 72 a and the second engaging portion 82 a with each other.

[0113] [Other embodiments]

[0114] The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows, for example.

[0115] Figure 1 The battery cell 20 shown may be a battery other than an all-solid-state battery, such as a semi-solid-state battery or a liquid lithium-ion battery. In the battery cell 20 , if the temperature rise of only a specific tab 27 is a problem, the tab cooling structure 90 may be provided only for that specific tab 27 .

[0116] This embodiment can also be implemented by rotating the entire device in such a manner that the vertical direction mentioned in each embodiment is tilted relative to the vertical direction. In addition, this embodiment can also be implemented by rotating the entire device in such a manner that one of the X direction and Y direction mentioned in each embodiment becomes the vertical direction, or one of them is tilted relative to the vertical direction.

[0117] Without the need to Figure 4 The first housing portion 72 may be omitted when the first supply pipe 74, first cooling unit 75, and first exhaust pipe 76 are unitized. Similarly, the second housing portion 82 may be omitted when the second supply pipe 84, second cooling unit 85, and second exhaust pipe 86 do not need to be unitized.

[0118] exist Figure 5 In the first cooling unit 75 and the second cooling unit 85 shown, even if there is no particular problem in making the refrigerant flow in the upward or horizontal direction, it is also possible to flow in the upward or horizontal direction. Figure 6 When the tab joint 23 shown is cooled, the first cooling unit 75 and the second cooling unit 85 may sandwich only the tab 27 in the X direction. Alternatively, the first cooling unit 75 and the second cooling unit 85 may sandwich the entire tab 27 and the entire tab joint 23 in the X direction.

[0119] Reference numerals

[0120] 20 battery cells

[0121] 22 electrode body

[0122] 23 Tab joint

[0123] 25 monomer body

[0124] 27 tabs

[0125] 40 busbar

[0126] 70 Unit 1

[0127] 72 first housing portion

[0128] 74 first supply pipe

[0129] 74c First supply pipe connection portion

[0130] 75 first cooling unit

[0131] 76 first discharge pipe

[0132] 76c First discharge pipe connection portion

[0133] 80 Unit 2

[0134] 82 second housing portion

[0135] 84 second supply pipe

[0136] 84c Second supply pipe connection portion

[0137] 85 Second cooling section

[0138] 86 second discharge pipe

[0139] 86c Second discharge pipe connection part

[0140] 90-tab cooling structure

[0141] 99-tab cooling structure connector

[0142] 100 batteries

Claims

1. A tab cooling structure for cooling tabs in battery cells, wherein the battery cells are stacked in a predetermined X-direction and include a cell body and tabs projecting from the cell body in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, the tab cooling structure comprising: A first cooling portion is disposed on one side of the tab to be cooled in the X direction; A second cooling portion is disposed on the other side of the tab to be cooled in the X direction; a first supply pipe for supplying refrigerant to the first cooling unit; a second supply pipe for supplying refrigerant to the second cooling unit; A first discharge pipe discharges the refrigerant from the first cooling unit; and a second discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant from the second cooling unit; The first cooling portion and the second cooling portion sandwich the tab to be cooled in the X direction.

2. The tab cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first cooling portion and the second cooling portion sandwich a portion of the single body in the X direction.

3. The tab cooling structure according to claim 2, wherein: The single body includes, at the end portion on the Y direction side, a tab joint portion for electrically connecting a predetermined electrode body to the tab, and a protruding portion of an insulator covering at least a portion of the tab joint portion and a portion of the tab. The first cooling portion and the second cooling portion sandwich the protruding portion in the X direction, thereby sandwiching at least a portion of the tab joint portion and at least a portion of the tab in the X direction.

4. The tab cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The tab cooling structure has: The first unit includes a first housing, the first supply pipe, the first cooling unit, and the first discharge pipe, wherein the first housing houses the first supply pipe, the first cooling unit, and the first discharge pipe; and The second unit includes a second housing, the second supply pipe, the second cooling unit, and the second discharge pipe. The second housing houses the second supply pipe, the second cooling unit, and the second discharge pipe.

5. The tab cooling structure according to claim 4, wherein: The longitudinal middle portion of the first unit and the longitudinal middle portion of the second unit are configured to be movable relative to each other in the X direction. The tab is inserted between the longitudinal middle portion of the first unit and the longitudinal middle portion of the second unit.

6. The tab cooling structure according to claim 4, wherein: A first engaging portion is formed on the first housing portion. A second engaging portion is formed on the second housing portion. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage with each other, thereby engaging the first unit and the second unit with each other. The tab is disposed between the first unit and the second unit.

7. The tab cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: By supplying the refrigerant from the first supply pipe to the lower part of the first cooling part and discharging the refrigerant from the upper part of the first cooling part to the first discharge pipe, the refrigerant flows from the bottom to the top in the first cooling part. The refrigerant is supplied from the second supply pipe to the lower portion of the second cooling portion and discharged from the upper portion of the second cooling portion to the second discharge pipe, so that the refrigerant flows from bottom to top in the second cooling portion.

8. The tab cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The battery cell is an all-solid-state battery having a solid electrolyte layer inside.

9. A tab cooling structure assembly comprising a plurality of tab cooling structures according to any one of claims 1 to 3 arranged in the X direction. The tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction are connected to each other. The tabs of the plurality of battery cells are cooled by the plurality of tab cooling structures.

10. The tab cooling structure assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The tab cooling structure assembly comprises: a first supply pipe connecting portion connecting the first supply pipes in the tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction; a second supply pipe connecting portion connecting the second supply pipes in the tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction; a first discharge pipe connecting portion connecting the first discharge pipes in the tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction; and, The second discharge pipe connecting portion connects the second discharge pipes in the tab cooling structures adjacent to each other in the X direction.

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