Cooler, arrangement structure of supply and discharge unit, and power storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooler, an arrangement structure of a supply and discharge unit, and an electrical storage device. A cooler mounted on an electricity storage device is provided with: a cooler main body in which a flow path for a refrigerant is formed; and a supply and discharge part that communicates with the flow path of the cooler main body and is configured so as to be inserted into the cooler main body in order to supply the refrigerant to the flow path of the cooler main body or discharge the refrigerant from the flow path of the cooler main body. The supply and discharge portion includes a contact portion configured so that, in a state where the cooler is mounted on the power storage device, the supply and discharge portion is disposed at a preset position of the cooler main body by being in contact with a contacted portion of the power storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the configuration structure of coolers, feeders, and energy storage devices. Background Technology

[0002] Energy storage devices are equipped with coolers to cool the battery modules. For example, the cooler disclosed in Chinese patent application CN116848705A is a structure in which a feed section with a fixing cap is brazed onto a cooler body made of extruded aluminum material. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The cooler disclosed in Chinese patent application CN116848705A is a structure in which the feed section with a fixed cap is brazed onto the cooler body, making its manufacturing relatively complicated.

[0004] This disclosure provides a cooler that is easy to manufacture, a configuration structure for the feeder section, and an energy storage device.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure discloses a cooler mounted on an energy storage device. The cooler includes: a cooler body having a refrigerant flow path; and a refrigerant supply / discharge section communicating with the flow path of the cooler body and configured to be inserted into the cooler body for supplying or discharging refrigerant from the flow path. The refrigerant supply / discharge section includes a contact portion configured to, when the cooler is mounted on the energy storage device, contact a contactable portion of the energy storage device, thereby positioning the refrigerant supply / discharge section at a predetermined position on the cooler body.

[0006] In the cooler of the first aspect of this disclosure, the part of the energy storage device to be contacted may also be the housing of the energy storage device.

[0007] In the cooler of the first aspect of this disclosure, the feed section may also include: an insertion section configured to be inserted into the cooler body; and a first liner member configured to be fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the insertion section.

[0008] In the cooler of the first aspect of this disclosure, the insert and the first gasket component may also be integrally formed of resin.

[0009] In the cooler of the first aspect of this disclosure, the cooler body may also be made of extruded aluminum. The insertion portion may also be configured to be inserted into the end of the cooler body and include a cap-shaped insertion portion body.

[0010] In the cooler of the first aspect of this disclosure, the feed section may also include an engaging section configured to engage with a portion to be engaged formed in the cooler body.

[0011] In the cooler of the first aspect of this disclosure, the cooler body may also have a second liner member configured to contact the feed section.

[0012] The second aspect of this disclosure is a configuration structure for supplying or discharging refrigerant from a cooler body within a cooler. The cooler is mounted on an energy storage device. The configuration structure includes: the supply / discharge portion being inserted into the cooler body; and, when the cooler is mounted on the energy storage device, the supply / discharge portion being positioned at a predetermined location on the cooler body by contacting a contactable portion of the energy storage device.

[0013] The third-party energy storage device disclosed herein includes a cooler of the first type.

[0014] In the third-party energy storage device disclosed herein, the cooler may also be configured to be disposed between battery modules.

[0015] In the third-party energy storage device disclosed herein, the insertion portion may also include: an insertion portion body configured to be inserted into the cooler body; and a first connecting portion disposed on the insertion portion body and communicating with the flow path of the cooler body. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may also be configured to engage via a fitting structure. The second connecting portion may also be a connecting portion of a feed outlet in a specified cooler. The battery module may also be located between the cooler and the specified cooler. The cooler and the specified cooler may also be adjacent to each other.

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is possible to manufacture a simple cooler, a configuration structure for the feeder section, and an energy storage device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram showing the relationship between the battery module, cooler, and housing of the energy storage device in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the cooler body and the feed section on the Y-axis side of the cooler in the energy storage device of Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the Y-axis side of the cooler body of the cooler in the energy storage device of Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the feed section on the Y-axis side of the cooler in the energy storage device of Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the connecting pipe in the energy storage device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the Y-axis+ side.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the connecting pipe in the energy storage device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the X-axis side.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the engagement structure between the cooler body and the feed section on the Y-axis side of the energy storage device in Embodiment 2.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the Y-axis side of the cooler body in the energy storage device of Embodiment 2.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the feed section on the Y-axis side of the cooler in the energy storage device of Embodiment 2.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a simplified diagram showing the relationship between the battery module, cooler, and housing of the energy storage device in Embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of which this disclosure is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, for the sake of clarity, the following description and drawings have been appropriately simplified. It should be noted that in the following description, a three-dimensional (XYZ) coordinate system is used for the sake of clarity.

[0029] <Implementation Method 1>

[0030] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram showing the relationship between the battery module, cooler, and housing of the energy storage device according to this embodiment. The energy storage device 1 is suitable, for example, as an energy storage device mounted in a vehicle. The energy storage device 1 includes a battery module 2, a cooler 3, and a housing 4.

[0031] Battery module 2 is formed, for example, by electrically connecting battery cells stacked in the Y-axis direction. For example, as... Figure 1As shown, battery modules 2 are arranged at intervals along the X-axis. It should be noted that battery modules 2 are not limited to lithium-ion batteries, but can also be nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, or all-solid-state batteries, etc.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the cooler body and the feed section on the Y-axis side of the energy storage device of this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the Y-axis side of the cooler body of the cooler in the energy storage device of this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the feed section on the Y-axis side of the cooler in the energy storage device of this embodiment.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooler 3 includes a cooler body 3a and a feed / discharge section 3b. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the cooler body 3a is roughly rectangular when viewed from the Y-axis direction and extends along the Y-axis direction. The cooler body 3a can be made of extruded aluminum (including aluminum alloys).

[0034] That is, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ends of the cooler body 3a on the Y-axis+ side and the Y-axis- side are open. A flow path 3c for refrigerant circulation is formed inside the cooler body 3a. The flow path 3c extends along the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, multiple flow paths 3c are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Here, the refrigerant can be any flowing gas or liquid.

[0035] For example, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the feed section 3b includes an insertion section 3d and a gasket 3e. The insertion section 3d includes an insertion section body 3f and a connecting section 3g. The insertion section body 3f is a cap-shaped part that can be inserted into the Y-axis end of the cooler body 3a, and the Y-axis + side end or the Y-axis - side end is closed.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a through portion 3h is formed at least one of the ends of the insertion body 3f on the X-axis + side or the X-axis - side. The connecting portion 3g is generally cylindrical in shape and extends along the X-axis direction. The connecting portion 3g protrudes from the insertion body 3f outward from the insertion body 3f in a manner continuous with the through portion 3h of the insertion body 3f.

[0037] Such an insert 3d can be formed, for example, from a fiber-reinforced nylon mixed with glass wool in 66 nylon, or from a resin with high rigidity relative to the pad 3e. However, the insert 3d can also be made of metal, etc., and the material is not limited.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the liner 3e is arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the insertion body 3f. For example, as... Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the gasket 3e can be fixed to the Z-axis+ side, Z-axis- side, X-axis+ side, and X-axis- side portion of the inner circumferential surface of the insertion body 3f. Alternatively, the gasket 3e can also be fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 3g.

[0039] The pad 3e can be formed, for example, from a resin that is elastic relative to the insertion portion 3d, such as an elastomer. Here, when the insertion portion 3d and the pad 3e are formed from resin, for example, they can be integrally formed by two-color molding. This allows for the simple formation of the feed portion 3b.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the feeder portion 3b is inserted into the Y-axis+ side end and the Y-axis- side end of the cooler body 3a. That is, with the feeder portion 3b's insertion body 3f inserted into the cooler body 3a, the open end of the cooler body 3a is blocked.

[0041] Moreover, such as Figure 1 As shown, the feed section 3b inserted into the Y-axis+ side of the cooler body 3a and the feed section 3b inserted into the Y-axis- side of the cooler body 3a are symmetrical structures with the XZ plane as the plane of symmetry.

[0042] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown, the through portion 3h of the insertion body 3f in the feeder portion 3b is positioned in a position that does not interfere with the cooler body 3a. Furthermore, the gasket 3e of the feeder portion 3b contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cooler body 3a.

[0043] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, such a cooler 3 is arranged between battery modules 2 arranged along the X-axis direction, on the X-axis+ side relative to the battery module 2 arranged on the X-axis+ side, and on the X-axis- side relative to the battery module 2 arranged on the X-axis- side.

[0044] At this time, for example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the connecting portion 3g of the feed section 3b of the cooler body 3a, which is inserted into the cooler 3 located on the X-axis + side, protrudes from the insertion body 3f toward the X-axis - side, and the connecting portion 3g of the feed section 3b of the cooler body 3a, which is inserted into other coolers 3, protrudes from the insertion body 3f toward both the X-axis + side and the X-axis - side.

[0045] Moreover, for example, such as Figure 1As shown, the connecting portions 3g facing each other in the X-axis direction are connected to each other via connecting pipes 5 on the Y-axis+ and Y-axis- sides of the cooler 3, respectively. Furthermore, for example, a connecting portion 3g protruding from the insertion body 3f of the supply / discharge portion 3b disposed on the Y-axis+ side of the cooler 3 on the X-axis-side is connected to a refrigerant supply portion, and a connecting portion 3g protruding from the insertion body 3f of the supply / discharge portion 3b disposed on the Y-axis-side of the cooler 3 on the X-axis-side is connected to a refrigerant discharge portion.

[0046] Thus, for example, refrigerant supplied from the supply section is supplied from the Y-axis+ side of each cooler 3 to the cooler body 3a, moves towards the Y-axis- side in the flow path 3c of each cooler body 3a, and then is discharged from the Y-axis-side supply section 3b of each cooler 3 to the discharge section. At this time, the battery module 2 adjacent to each cooler 3 is cooled.

[0047] Here, Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the connecting pipe in the energy storage device of this embodiment as viewed from the Y-axis+ side. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the connecting pipes in the energy storage device of this embodiment, viewed from the X-axis side. For example, as... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the connecting pipe 5 includes a connecting pipe body 5a and a gasket 5b.

[0048] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the connecting tube body 5a is generally cylindrical in shape and extends along the X-axis. The connecting tube body 5a can be formed, for example, from a resin with high rigidity relative to the gasket 5b, such as fiber-reinforced nylon in which glass wool is mixed with 66 nylon.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the gasket 5b is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe body 5a. The gasket 5b can be formed of a resin that is elastic relative to the connecting pipe body 5a, such as an elastomer. However, the connecting pipe 5 only needs to be a structure that can connect the connecting portions 3g of the coolers 3 facing each other in the X-axis direction.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 4 covers the battery module 2 and the cooler 3. The housing 4 has, for example, an upper housing and a lower housing, and the battery module 2 and the cooler 3 are housed in the internal space of the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0051] At this time, the end of the Y-axis+ side of the insertion body 3f of the Y-axis+ side of the feed section 3b in the cooler 3 can be in approximately contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing 4, and the end of the Y-axis- side of the insertion body 3f of the Y-axis- side of the feed section 3b in the cooler 3 can be in approximately contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing 4.

[0052] Therefore, when the refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 3, the internal pressure of the cooler 3 rises, and in the Y-axis direction, the feeder portion 3b is pressed outward relative to the cooler body 3a. However, since the end of the feeder portion 3b located on the outside of the cooler body 3a is in approximately contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing 4, the movement of the feeder portion 3b outward relative to the cooler body 3a is restricted, and a configuration structure in which the feeder portion 3b is positioned at a predetermined position in the cooler body 3a can be realized.

[0053] That is, the end of the feeder 3b located on the outside of the cooler body 3a can function as a contact part 3i that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the housing 4 in order to place the feeder 3b in a predetermined position of the cooler body 3a, and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 4 can function as a contacted part 4a that contacts the contact part 3i.

[0054] Therefore, it is not necessary to configure the feed section 3b to the cooler body 3a by means of brazing or the like, and the cooler 3 can be manufactured simply, and thus the energy storage device 1 can be manufactured simply. It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 4 may have an EA (Energy Absorption) section 4b.

[0055] In this way, the configuration structure of the cooler 3, the feeder portion 3b, and the energy storage device 1 can be achieved by simply inserting the feeder portion 3b into the cooler body 3a and making it contact the housing 4, thus positioning the feeder portion 3b at a predetermined position in the cooler body 3a. Therefore, it is not necessary to configure the feeder portion 3b to the cooler body 3a by means of brazing or the like, and the cooler 3 and, consequently, the energy storage device 1 can be manufactured simply.

[0056] In particular, when the insertion body 3f of the feeder 3b is formed into a cap shape and the insertion body 3f is inserted into the cooler body 3a in such a way that it blocks the open end of the cooler body 3a, the housing 4 can withstand the force exerted by the refrigerant on the feeder 3b toward the outside of the cooler body 3a, and the feeder 3b can be configured in a very reasonable manner at a predetermined position in the cooler body 3a.

[0057] Furthermore, by placing the feed section 3b in contact with the housing 4 and positioning the feed section 3b at a predetermined position on the cooler body 3a, it is not necessary to process the housing 4 separately, and the energy storage device 1 can be easily manufactured.

[0058] Furthermore, when the insertion portion 3d and the gasket 3e of the feed portion 3b are formed from resin, they can be integrally formed, for example, by two-color molding. This allows for the simple formation of the feed portion 3b.

[0059] <Implementation Method 2>

[0060] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the engagement structure between the cooler body and the feed section on the Y-axis side of the energy storage device in this embodiment. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the Y-axis side of the cooler body in the energy storage device of this embodiment. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the feed section on the Y-axis side of the cooler in the energy storage device of this embodiment.

[0061] In the energy storage device of this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the cooler 21 has a structure that is substantially the same as that of the cooler 3 in Embodiment 1, but the cooler body 21a and the feed / discharge section 21b are engaged by a locking structure. It should be noted that in the following description, the same reference numerals are used to describe the same components as those in the energy storage device 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0062] In detail, such as Figure 8 As shown, the cooler body 21a has a structure that is substantially the same as that of the cooler body 3a in Embodiment 1. However, when the feed section 21b is inserted into the cooler body 21a, a groove 21c is formed in the cooler body 21a at the position where it overlaps with the feed section 21b, and a gasket 22 is embedded in the groove 21c.

[0063] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the groove 21c is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the cooler body 21a, and is disposed on the Y-axis+ side and the Y-axis- side of the cooler body 21a. The gasket 22 may be an annular gasket that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the cooler body 21a when embedded in the groove 21c.

[0064] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the cooler body 21a has a engaged portion 21e that engages with the engaged portion 21d of the supply outlet portion 21b. The engaged portion 21e is disposed, for example, on the inner side of the cooler body 21a relative to the groove portion 21c in the cooler body 21a in the Y-axis direction.

[0065] Moreover, for example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the engaging portion 21e is disposed facing each other in the Z-axis direction at both the Z-axis+ side end and the Z-axis- side end of the cooler body 21a. The engaging portion 21e is, for example, a generally rectangular groove extending along the X-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the groove 21c and the engaging portion 21e can be configured not to overlap with the flow path 3c. Therefore, the cooler body 21a can be easily formed by extrusion molding.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the feed section 21b has a structure that is substantially the same as the feed section 3b in Embodiment 1, but it has a locking section 21d. Here, in this embodiment, the portion of the gasket 3e that is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the insertion body 3f can be omitted.

[0067] For example, such as Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the engaging portion 21d includes a protrusion 21f and a claw portion 21g. The protrusion 21f protrudes in the Y-axis direction from the Z-axis+ side end and the Z-axis- side end of the insert body 3f, respectively, towards opposite sides of the insert body 3f. The protrusion 21f is, for example, generally rectangular when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0068] like Figure 9 As shown, the claw portion 21g protrudes from the front end of the protrusion 21f toward the other protrusion 21f side. For example, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the claw portion 21g is a roughly triangular shape that tilts toward the other claw portion 21g side as it moves toward the insertion body 3f side.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, such a feed section 21b is inserted into the Y-axis+ side end and the Y-axis- side end of the cooler body 21a. At this time, the gasket 22 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion part body 3f in the feed section 21b.

[0070] Next, the claw portion 21g of the engaging portion 21d of the feeder portion 21b engages with the engaged portion 21e of the cooler body 21a. This prevents the feeder portion 21b from detaching from the cooler body 21a.

[0071] At this time, the claw portion 21g of the engaging portion 21d of the feeder portion 21b, viewed from the X-axis direction, is a roughly triangular shape that tilts towards the other claw portion 21g as it moves towards the insertion body 3f. Therefore, this claw portion 21g can easily pass over the portion of the cooler body 21a that is on the outer side relative to the engaged portion 21e. Thus, the claw portion 21g of the engaging portion 21d of the feeder portion 21b can easily engage with the engaged portion 21e of the cooler body 21a.

[0072] <Implementation Method 3>

[0073] Figure 10 This is a simplified diagram showing the relationship between the battery module, cooler, and housing of the energy storage device in this embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 10As shown, the energy storage device 31 of this embodiment has a structure that is substantially the same as that of the energy storage device 1 of embodiment 1, but the connecting portions 32a and 32b facing each other in the X-axis direction are joined to each other by a fitting structure on the Y-axis+ side and the Y-axis- side of the cooler 32, respectively.

[0074] For example, the outer diameter of one connecting portion 32a can be smaller than the inner diameter of another connecting portion 32b, and one connecting portion 32a can be joined by embedding itself inside the other connecting portion 32b. Thus, adjacent coolers 32 in the X-axis direction can be easily connected without using the connecting pipe 5.

[0075] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the feeder is positioned at a predetermined position on the cooler body by making the feeder part substantially in contact with the housing 4. However, a contacted part may also be provided to make the contact part of the feeder part substantially in contact with the housing 4.

[0076] Furthermore, the contact portion of the discharge unit is not limited to the end face of the insertion body; any structure capable of contacting the contacted portion of the housing 4 is acceptable. Moreover, the contacted portion is not limited to the housing 4; any component of the energy storage device is acceptable.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the main body of the insertion part of the supply part is cap-shaped, but for example, the end of the cooler body on the Y-axis+ side and the end of the cooler body on the Y-axis- side are closed. In the case where a through hole for refrigerant to pass through is formed on the cooler body, it may also be a ring-shaped part that can be inserted into the cooler body in a manner that allows the through hole and the connecting part to be continuous.

[0078] In summary, the structure of the cooler body and the feed section in the above embodiment is an example. Any structure can be used to position the feed section in a predetermined position on the cooler body by making the contact portion of the feed section approximately in contact with the contact portion of the energy storage device.

[0079] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A cooler, mounted on an energy storage device, characterized in that, The cooler includes: A cooler body, wherein the cooler body forms a refrigerant flow path; and A refrigerant supply section is connected to the flow path of the cooler body and is configured to be inserted into the cooler body for supplying or discharging the refrigerant from the flow path of the cooler body. The feed section includes a contact section, which is configured such that, when the cooler is mounted on the energy storage device, the feed section is positioned at a predetermined position on the cooler body by contacting a part of the energy storage device to be contacted.

2. The cooler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The part of the energy storage device to be contacted is the housing of the energy storage device.

3. The cooler as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The feeder unit includes: An insertion portion, configured to be inserted into the cooler body; and A first padding component is configured to be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion.

4. The cooler as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The insertion portion and the first liner component are integrally formed from resin.

5. The cooler as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The main body of the cooler is made of extruded aluminum. The insertion part is configured to be inserted into the end of the cooler body and includes a cap-shaped insertion part body.

6. The cooler as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The feed section includes an engaging portion configured to engage with a portion to be engaged formed on the cooler body.

7. The cooler as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The cooler body includes a second liner component, which is configured to contact the feed section.

8. A configuration structure for a refrigerant supply section, the refrigerant supply section being disposed on a cooler body for supplying refrigerant to or discharging refrigerant from the cooler body, the cooler being mounted on an energy storage device, the configuration structure being characterized by comprising: The feed section is inserted into the cooler body; as well as When the cooler is mounted on the energy storage device, the feed section is positioned at a predetermined location on the cooler body by contacting the part of the energy storage device to be contacted.

9. An energy storage device, characterized in that, The energy storage device includes the cooler as described in claim 1 or 2.

10. The energy storage device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The cooler is configured to be positioned between the battery modules.

11. The energy storage device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The insertion part includes: An insertion part body, the insertion part body being configured to be inserted into the cooler body; and A first connecting portion is disposed in the insertion part body and communicates with the flow path of the cooler body. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are configured to be joined by a fitting structure. The second connecting part is the connecting part of the feed and discharge section in the specified cooler. The battery module is located between the cooler and the designated cooler. The cooler is adjacent to the specified cooler.

Images