Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack (1) includes: two battery modules (10) each having a cooling member (14) for cooling battery cells (12) and spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction; a supply tube (20) provided between the two battery modules (10) in the front-rear direction; two first branch pipes (30L, 30R) that branch in the left-right direction from the supply pipe (20) and introduce refrigerant into the cooling members (14) of the two battery modules (10), respectively; a discharge pipe (40) provided between the two battery modules (10) in the front-rear direction; and two second branch pipes (50L, 50R) branched in the left-right direction from the discharge pipe (40), the refrigerant being discharged from the cooling member (14) of each of the two battery modules (10) to the second branch pipes. The supply pipe (20) and the discharge pipe (40) are arranged in a vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack having multiple battery modules. Background Technology

[0002] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-186149, a refrigerant supply pipe and a refrigerant discharge pipe are arranged horizontally and parallel between the left and right battery modules. Furthermore, branch paths are provided to connect the refrigerant jackets of each battery module to the refrigerant supply pipe and the refrigerant discharge pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem to be solved by the present invention When the refrigerant supply pipe and the refrigerant discharge pipe are arranged side by side, the lengths of the branch paths from the refrigerant supply pipe to the left and right battery modules will differ. In this case, the uneven refrigerant flow in the cooling jackets of the left and right battery modules will prevent them from achieving uniform cooling.

[0004] This disclosure is made based on the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to achieve uniform cooling of multiple battery modules.

[0005] Problem-solving methods A first aspect of this disclosure provides a battery pack comprising: two battery modules, each having a battery cell and a cooling member having a flow path for cooling the battery cell, and the two modules being spaced apart from each other along a first direction; a supply pipe disposed between the two battery modules along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, through which refrigerant supplied to the flow path of the cooling member flows; two first branch pipes branching from the supply pipe along the first direction, respectively introducing refrigerant into the flow path of the cooling member of the two battery modules; a discharge pipe disposed between the two battery modules along the second direction, through which discharged refrigerant flows; and two second branch pipes branching from the discharge pipe along the first direction, through which refrigerant from the flow path of the cooling member of each of the two battery modules is discharged into the two second branch pipes, wherein the supply pipe and the discharge pipe are arranged along a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0006] Furthermore, the supply pipe and the discharge pipe can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance along a third direction. Additionally, the supply pipe and the discharge pipe can be located at the same position in the first direction.

[0007] In addition, the lengths of the two first branch pipes can be equal, and the lengths of the two second branch pipes can also be equal.

[0008] Furthermore, the third direction can be vertical, and along the third direction, the supply pipe can be located below and the discharge pipe can be located above.

[0009] The battery pack may also include a support member for supporting the supply pipe and the discharge pipe, the supply pipe and the discharge pipe being spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, and being located at the same position in the first direction.

[0010] In addition, the support member may include: a first clamping part in the shape of a C for clamping the outer periphery of the supply pipe; and a second clamping part in the shape of a C for clamping the outer periphery of the discharge pipe.

[0011] In addition, a first rib can be provided at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the supply pipe, and a second rib can be provided at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the discharge pipe. The first rib can be located at the distal opening of the first clamping part, and the second rib can be located at the distal opening of the second clamping part.

[0012] Furthermore, the support member can be arranged along a third direction that is vertical, the second clamping part can be located at the upper end of the support member, and the support member can include: a main body having a first clamping part and a second clamping part; and a reinforcing part that extends upward from the main body to a position above the second clamping part and is coupled to the second clamping part.

[0013] In addition, the supply pipe may include a first coupling member for coupling multiple pipe bodies forming a flow channel, the discharge pipe may include a second coupling member for coupling multiple pipe bodies forming a flow channel, and the support member may support the first coupling member and the second coupling member.

[0014] Effects of the present invention According to this disclosure, multiple battery modules can be cooled uniformly. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the planar layout of a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 The view captured by line AA.

[0017] Figure 3 A perspective view of the first support member 62 for supporting the coupling member 24 of the supply pipe 20 and the coupling member 44 of the discharge pipe 40.

[0018] Figure 4 This is the front view of the first supporting member 62.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the second support member 72.

[0020] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the first support member 82 according to the modified scheme is shown.

[0021] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures] 1 Battery pack 10 Battery Modules 12 battery cells 14 Cooling components 20 Supply Pipe 26 First Rib 30L, 30R First Branch Pipe 40 Discharge pipe 46 Second Rib 50L, 50R Second Branch Pipe 60 Supporting components 64 main body 65 First clamping part 66 Second clamping part 67. Strengthening Department Detailed Implementation

[0022] <Battery Pack Configuration> Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the planar layout of a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 For along Figure 1 The view captured by line AA. Figure 1 For ease of explanation, the casing and cover of battery pack 1 have been omitted.

[0023] Battery pack 1 is installed in the vehicle. For example, battery pack 1 is installed in a vehicle with a trapezoidal frame structure. Specifically, battery pack 1 is fixed between a pair of side frames.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack 1 includes a battery module 10L, a battery module 10R, a supply pipe 20, a first branch pipe 30L, a first branch pipe 30R, a discharge pipe 40, a second branch pipe 50L, a second branch pipe 50R, and a support member 60.

[0025] Battery module 10L is located on the left side of supply pipe 20, and battery module 10R is located on the right side of supply pipe 20. Therefore, battery module 10L and battery module 10R are two battery modules spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction (first direction).

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, three battery modules 10L are provided as an example, arranged at predetermined intervals in a front-back direction (second direction) orthogonal to the left-right direction. Three battery modules 10R are also provided as an example, arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-back direction.

[0027] Battery module 10L and battery module 10R have the same configuration. They will be referred to as battery module 10 below.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery module 10 includes battery cells 12 and a cooling member 14. Two battery cells 12 are vertically arranged, and the cooling member 14 is a cooling plate sandwiched between the two battery cells 12 for cooling them. The cooling member 14 extends in a front-to-back direction. A flow path for refrigerant is provided inside the cooling member 14. Furthermore, the cooling member 14 includes an inlet 14a for refrigerant flowing into the flow path and an outlet 14b for refrigerant flowing out of the flow path. The inlet 14a is located on the lower surface of the cooling member 14, and the outlet 14b is located on the upper surface of the cooling member 14.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling component 14 of the battery module 10L protrudes forward in the front-rear direction relative to the battery module 10L, and the cooling component 14 of the battery module 10R protrudes backward in the front-rear direction relative to the battery module 10R.

[0030] The supply pipe 20 is a flow channel through which refrigerant supplied to the cooling component 14 of the battery module 10 flows. The supply pipe 20 is disposed between the two battery modules 10 in a front-to-back direction. Here, the supply pipe 20 is coupled by a coupling member 24 inserted between the pipe bodies forming the flow channel (see...). Figure 3 The refrigerant is supplied by a pump or other device (not shown) to and flows into the supply pipe 20.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the supply pipe 20 is located at the center between battery modules 10L and 10R in the left-right direction. The supply pipe 20 is arranged in a straight line, parallel to the front-back direction. In other words, the supply pipe 20 is positioned parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple battery modules 10L (battery modules 10R). In the vertical direction, the supply pipe 20 is located below the discharge pipe 40. In the plan view of the battery pack 1, the supply pipe 20 and the discharge pipe 40 are located at the same position, therefore... Figure 1 The supply pipe 20 is not shown in the diagram.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the first branch pipe 30L is a flow path that branches from the supply pipe 20 toward the battery module 10L. The first branch pipe 30L introduces the refrigerant diverted from the supply pipe 20 into the flow path of the cooling component 14 of the battery module 10L. Three first branch pipes 30L are provided, each introducing refrigerant into the inlet 14a of the corresponding cooling component 14 of the battery module 10L. The three first branch pipes 30L branch from the supply pipe 20 in a left-right direction, specifically from the outer peripheral surface of the coupling member 24.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the first branch pipe 30R is a flow path that branches from the supply pipe 20 toward the battery module 10R. The first branch pipe 30R introduces refrigerant branching from the supply pipe 20 into the cooling component 14 of the battery module 10R. Three first branch pipes 30R are provided, each introducing refrigerant into the inlet portion 14a of the corresponding cooling component 14 of the battery module 10R. The three first branch pipes 30R branch from the supply pipe 20 in a left-right direction, specifically from the outer peripheral surface of the coupling member 24.

[0034] As described above, since the supply pipe 20 is located at the center between battery module 10L and battery module 10R in the left-right direction, the length of the first branch pipe 30L is the same as the length of the first branch pipe 30R. Therefore, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the first branch pipe 30L to the cooling component 14 of battery module 10L is balanced with the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the second branch pipe 50R to the cooling component 14 of battery module 10R, thereby achieving uniform cooling of battery module 10L and battery module 10R. As a result, since all six battery modules 10 in the battery pack 1 are uniformly cooled, the overall performance degradation of the battery pack 1 caused by the degradation of the cooling performance of some battery modules 10 can be effectively suppressed.

[0035] The discharge pipe 40 is the flow channel through which the refrigerant discharged from the cooling component 14 of the battery module 10 flows. Similar to the supply pipe 20, the discharge pipe 40 is arranged between the two battery modules 10 in a front-to-back direction. Figure 1 As shown, the discharge pipe 40 is formed by inserting a coupling member 44 between pipe bodies 42 that form a flow channel. Refrigerant discharged from the discharge pipe 40 is delivered to the vehicle's radiator and cooled by a device such as a pump. The refrigerant cooled by the radiator is returned to the supply pipe 20 and recycled for cooling the battery module 10.

[0036] The discharge pipe 40 is centered between battery module 10L and battery module 10R in the left-right direction. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the discharge pipe 40 is arranged parallel to the supply pipe 20 in the left-right direction, and both are located in the vertical direction (third direction), which is orthogonal to both the left-right and front-back directions. Specifically, in the vertical direction, the discharge pipe 40 and the supply pipe 20 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. At this time, the discharge pipe 40 is located above the supply pipe 20 in the vertical direction.

[0037] The discharge pipe 40 is arranged in a straight line parallel to the front-to-back direction (the direction in which battery modules 10L and 10R are arranged), and is in the same position as the supply pipe 20 in the left-to-right direction. Therefore, the supply pipe 20 is located directly below the discharge pipe 40.

[0038] The second branch pipe 50L is a flow channel branching from the discharge pipe 40 toward the battery module 10L. The second branch pipe 50L discharges refrigerant from the flow path of the cooling component 14 of the battery module 10L to the discharge pipe 40. The number of second branch pipes 50L corresponds to the number of battery modules 10L, specifically three second branch pipes 50L are provided. Each second branch pipe 50 introduces the refrigerant discharged from the outlet 14b of the cooling component 14 of the corresponding battery module 10L into the discharge pipe 40. The three second branch pipes 50L branch from the discharge pipe 40 (specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the coupling component 44) in a left-right direction. The second branch pipes 50L are located directly above the first branch pipe 30L in the vertical direction.

[0039] The second branch pipe 50R is a flow channel branching from the discharge pipe 40 toward the battery module 10R. The second branch pipe 50R discharges refrigerant from the cooling component 14 of the battery module 10R into the discharge pipe 40. The number of second branch pipes 50R corresponds to the number of battery modules 10R; specifically, three second branch pipes 50R are provided. Each second branch pipe 50R introduces refrigerant discharged from the outlet 14b of the cooling component 14 corresponding to the battery module 10R into the discharge pipe 40. The three second branch pipes 50R branch from the discharge pipe 40 (specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the coupling component 44) in a left-right direction. The second branch pipes 50R are located directly above the first branch pipe 30R in the vertical direction.

[0040] As described above, since the discharge pipe 40 is located at the center of battery module 10L and battery module 10R in the left-right direction, the length of the second branch pipe 50L is the same as the length of the second branch pipe 50R. Therefore, the flow rate of refrigerant discharged from the outlet 14b of the cooling member 14 of battery module 10L into the second branch pipe 50L is balanced with the flow rate of refrigerant discharged from the outlet 14b of the cooling member 14 of battery module 10R into the second branch pipe 50R, thereby enabling uniform cooling of battery module 10L and battery module 10R.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the support member 60 is arranged vertically to support the supply pipe 20 and the discharge pipe 40. The support member 60 supports the portions of the supply pipe 20 that are branches of the first branch pipes 30L and 30R. The support member 60 also supports the portions of the discharge pipe 40 that are branches of the second branch pipes 50L and 50R. Specifically, the support member 60 supports the coupling member 24 of the supply pipe 20 and the coupling member 44 of the discharge pipe 40. In this embodiment, the coupling member 24 corresponds to the first coupling member, and the coupling member 44 corresponds to the second coupling member.

[0042] For example, such as Figure 1As shown, four support members 60 are provided, arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-to-back direction. The four support members 60 support the supply pipe 20 and the discharge pipe 40, such that the supply pipe 20 and the discharge pipe 40 are vertically spaced at a predetermined distance and located at the same position in the left-to-right direction. Specifically, the four support members 60 support the supply pipe 20 and the discharge pipe 40 such that the supply pipe 20 is vertically positioned directly below the discharge pipe 40. Because the support members 60 vertically support the supply pipe 20 located below the discharge pipe 40, air remaining in the first branch pipes 30L and 30R, the cooling member 14, and the second branch pipes 50L and 50R can be more easily discharged by the refrigerant flow. This improves the efficiency of refrigerant cooling.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the four support members 60 include two first support members 62 and two second support members 72. The two first support members 62 are centered in the front-to-back direction, and the two second support members 72 are located at the front end and rear end, respectively, in the front-to-back direction.

[0044] Figure 3 A perspective view of the first support member 62 for supporting the coupling member 24 of the supply pipe 20 and the coupling member 44 of the discharge pipe 40. Figure 4 This is a front view of the first support member 62. The first support member 62 includes a base portion 63, a main body 64, a first clamping portion 65, a second clamping portion 66, and a reinforcing portion 67.

[0045] The base portion 63 is a plate-shaped portion, serving as the base of the first support member 62. The base portion 63 is fixed to the housing of the battery pack 1. The main body 64 is the structural core of the first support member 62. The main body 64 extends upward from the base portion 63. The main body 64 has ribs extending in the vertical direction. A first clamping portion 65 and a second clamping portion 66 are provided on the main body 64.

[0046] The first clamping part 65 clamps the outer periphery of the supply tube 20. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 3 As shown, the first clamping part 65 clamps the outer periphery of the coupling member 24 of the supply pipe 20. The first clamping part 65 is C-shaped. In this way, the coupling member 24 of the supply pipe 20 can be easily inserted into the first clamping part 65 during the manufacture of the battery pack 1. The first clamping part 65 is located below the center of the main body 64 in the vertical direction.

[0047] like Figure 3As shown, a first rib 26 is provided at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the supply tube 20 (specifically, the coupling member 24). When the first clamping part 65 clamps the outer periphery of the coupling member 24, the first rib 26 is located at the distal opening of the first clamping part 65. Since the first rib 26 will contact the distal end of the first clamping part 65 when the operator accidentally attempts to rotate the supply tube 20, the first rib 26 has the function of preventing the supply tube 20 from rotating. In addition, the operator can use the first rib 26 as a positioning reference when inserting the coupling member 24 of the supply tube 20 into the first clamping part 65, thereby avoiding incorrect assembly.

[0048] The second clamping part 66 clamps the outer periphery of the discharge pipe 40. Specifically, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, the second clamping part 66 clamps the outer periphery of the coupling member 44 of the discharge pipe 40. The second clamping part 66 has a C-shaped structure. In this way, the coupling member 44 of the discharge pipe 40 can be easily inserted into the second clamping part 66 during the manufacture of the battery pack 1. The second clamping part 66 is located above the center of the main body 64 in the vertical direction. Here, the second clamping part 66 is located at the upper end of the main body 64.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, a second rib 46 is provided at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the discharge pipe 40 (specifically, the coupling member 44). When the second clamping part 66 clamps the outer periphery of the coupling member 44, the second rib 46 is located at the distal opening of the second clamping part 66. The second rib 46 has the function of preventing the discharge pipe 40 from rotating, because when the operator accidentally attempts to rotate the discharge pipe 40, the second rib 46 will come into contact with the distal end of the second clamping part 66. In addition, the operator can avoid incorrect assembly by inserting the coupling member 44 of the discharge pipe 40 into the second clamping part 66 and using the second rib 46 as a positioning reference.

[0050] By coupling with the second clamping portion 66, the reinforcing portion 67 enhances the clamping force of the C-shaped second clamping portion 66. The reinforcing portion 67 extends upward from the main body 64 to a position above the second clamping portion 66. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing part 67 is configured to couple to the opposite side of the distal end of the second clamping part 66. In this way, due to the increased rigidity of the second clamping part 66 located at the upper end of the main body 64, the second clamping part 66 can effectively clamp the discharge pipe 40.

[0051] Figure 5This is a perspective view of the second support member 72. The second support member 72 includes a base portion 73, a main body 64, a first clamping portion 65, a second clamping portion 66, and a reinforcing portion 67. Since the structural configuration of the main body 64, the first clamping portion 65, the second clamping portion 66, and the reinforcing portion 67 of the second support member 72 is the same as that of the main body 64, the first clamping portion 65, the second clamping portion 66, and the reinforcing portion 67 of the first support member 62, it will not be described again. Furthermore, since the second support member 72 is located at both ends in the front-rear direction, the length of the base portion 73 of the second support member 72 is shorter than the length of the base portion 63 of the first support member 62. Therefore, the second support member 72 can be installed in a limited space.

[0052] In the above description, the first support member 62 and the second support member 72 have their respective reinforcing portions 67, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first support member 62 and the second support member 72 may be configured not to have reinforcing portions 67. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the first support member 82 according to the modified embodiment. The first support member 82 according to this modified embodiment does not include the reinforcing part 67. However, except for the reinforcing part 67, the structural configuration of the first support member 82 according to this modified embodiment is exactly the same as the structural configuration of the aforementioned first support member 62.

[0053] <Effects of this embodiment> The battery pack 1 in the above embodiment includes a supply pipe 20 and a discharge pipe 40 disposed in the front-to-back direction between battery modules 10L and 10R, and disposed at predetermined intervals in the left-to-right direction. A cooling component 14 of battery module 10L is connected to a first branch pipe 30L of supply pipe 20 and a second branch pipe 50L of discharge pipe 40, and a cooling component 14 of battery module 10R is connected to a first branch pipe 30R of supply pipe 20 and a second branch pipe 50R of discharge pipe 40. The supply pipe 20 and discharge pipe 40 are arranged vertically. In the above configuration, the supply pipe 20 and discharge pipe 40 are centrally positioned relative to battery modules 10L and 10R. Therefore, the flow rate of refrigerant from supply pipe 20 through first branch pipe 30L to battery module 10L tends to match the flow rate of refrigerant from battery module 10R through first branch pipe 30R. Similarly, the refrigerant flow rate from battery module 10L to discharge pipe 40 through second branch pipe 50L tends to match the refrigerant flow rate from battery module 10R to discharge pipe 40 through second branch pipe 50R. As a result, the cooling effect of the refrigerant on battery module 10L and battery module 10R becomes more uniform.

[0054] This disclosure has been described based on exemplary embodiments. The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure. For example, all or part of the device can be configured with any functionally or physically distributed or integrated units. Furthermore, new exemplary embodiments resulting from any combination are also included in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Moreover, the effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also include the effects of the original embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: Two battery modules, each having a battery cell and a cooling component, the cooling component having a flow path for cooling the battery cell, and the two battery modules being spaced apart from each other in a first direction; A supply pipe is disposed between the two battery modules along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the refrigerant supplied to the cooling component flows through the supply pipe; Two first branch pipes branch off from the supply pipe along the first direction and respectively introduce refrigerant into the flow path of the cooling components of the two battery modules; An exhaust pipe is disposed between the two battery modules along the second direction, and the discharged refrigerant flows through the exhaust pipe; as well as Two second branch pipes branch off from the discharge pipe along the first direction, and refrigerant is discharged from the flow path of the cooling component of each of the two battery modules to the two second branch pipes, wherein the supply pipe and the discharge pipe are arranged along a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The supply pipe and the discharge pipe are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the direction of the third party.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The supply pipe and the discharge pipe are located at the same position in the first direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The two first branch pipes are of equal length, and the two second branch pipes are of equal length.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The third direction is vertical, and along the third direction, the supply pipe is located below and the discharge pipe is located above.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: A support member supports the supply pipe and the discharge pipe, which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and are located at the same position in the first direction.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The supporting component includes: The first clamping part is C-shaped and clamps the outer periphery of the supply tube; and The second clamping part is C-shaped and clamps the outer periphery of the discharge pipe.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, A first rib is provided at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the supply pipe; A second rib is provided at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the discharge pipe. The first rib is located at the distal opening of the first clamping part, and The second rib is located at the distal opening of the second clamping part.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The supporting member is arranged along a third direction, which is the vertical direction. The second clamping part is located at the upper end of the support member, and The supporting component includes: The main body is provided with the first clamping part and the second clamping part; and The reinforcing part extends upward from the main body to a position above the second clamping part and is coupled to the second clamping part.

10. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The supply pipe includes a first coupling member, which couples multiple pipe bodies to form a flow channel. The discharge pipe includes a second coupling member, which couples multiple pipe bodies forming a flow channel. The supporting member supports the first coupling member and the second coupling member.

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