Battery temperature adjustment device

Abstract

To provide a battery temperature adjustment device capable of suppressing deterioration of life of a battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery temperature adjustment device 100 is a battery temperature adjustment device 100 that adjusts a temperature of a battery pack P mounted onto a vehicle V. The battery pack P comprises: a plurality of plate members 1 that contains a plurality of cells C arranged in parallel to a first direction orthogonal to a vertical direction of the vehicle V, receives a heat transmitted from a heat thermal conversion surface of each cell C, and is arranged in parallel to the first direction; and a fluid flow channel 20 that is formed in an internal part of each plate member 1, and includes an internal flow channel in which a fluid for performing a heat exchange with each of the plurality of cells C flows. In the internal flow channel, the fluid flows from an upper side to a lower side of the vehicle V.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery temperature regulator. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, and a thermal management unit extending along the first direction and arranged to contact a first wall having the largest surface area of ​​the plurality of battery cells. Inside the thermal management unit, a plurality of flow paths through which a fluid that exchanges heat with the battery cells flows are formed side by side along a direction parallel to the first wall and perpendicular to the first direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] China Utility Model No. 217182265 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the battery disclosed in Patent Document 1, a fluid flows along a first direction (left-right or front-back direction) in which multiple battery cells are arranged. A flow path is formed in the first direction in which multiple battery cells are arranged. For this reason, the flow length of the flow path becomes longer, and the temperature of the fluid increases as it moves from upstream to downstream in the flow direction. As a result, a difference occurs between the cooling performance for the battery cells upstream in the flow direction and the cooling performance for the battery cells downstream, causing variation in the lifespan of the battery cells. Variation in the lifespan of the battery cells leads to a shortened lifespan of the entire battery pack.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a battery temperature regulator that suppresses a decrease in the life of a battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above, a feature of the battery temperature regulator is that it is a battery temperature regulator that adjusts the temperature of a battery pack mounted on a vehicle, the battery pack includes a plurality of cells arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle, and heat is transferred from the heat exchange surfaces of each of the cells, and the battery pack is equipped with a plurality of plate members arranged side by side in the first direction, and a fluid flow path formed inside the plate members and having an internal flow path through which a fluid flows that exchanges heat with each of the plurality of cells, and the fluid flows in the internal flow path from the top to the bottom of the vehicle.

[0007] According to this configuration, a fluid that exchanges heat with each of the multiple cells flows through an internal flow path formed inside the multiple plate members. Since the multiple plate members are arranged in the first direction, heat is transferred from the heat exchange surface of each of the multiple cells, and the multiple plate members are arranged in the first direction, and temperature differences are suppressed in the fluid that exchanges heat with each of the multiple cells. In addition, since the fluid flows from the upper side to the lower side of the vehicle in the internal flow path, gravity also acts to ensure a smooth flow. As a result, the cooling performance for the multiple cells can be made uniform, and a decrease in the life of the battery pack can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a battery temperature regulator mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a cell and a temperature regulator according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the cell and the temperature regulator shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the cell and the temperature regulator shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a part of a cell and a temperature regulator according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the cell and temperature regulator shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a view showing a plate member according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a view showing a plate member according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a battery temperature regulator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0010] [Configuration of the battery temperature regulator] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery temperature regulator 100 mounted on a vehicle V. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle V is mounted with a battery pack P and a battery temperature regulator 100 that regulates the temperature of the battery pack P. The battery pack P is a chargeable and dischargeable battery (secondary battery) such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The vehicle V is an electric vehicle that runs on electric power, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The vehicle V runs when wheels W rotate based on power from a rotating electric machine (such as a motor) that is driven by power supplied from the battery pack P.

[0011] Hereinafter, the left-right direction of the vehicle V is referred to as the X direction (an example of the first direction), the front-rear direction of the vehicle V is referred to as the Y direction (an example of the first direction), and the up-down direction of the vehicle V is referred to as the Z direction (see FIG. 2). Also, the right side in the X direction is referred to as the X1 side, the left side as the X2 side, the rear side in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 side, the front side as the Y2 side, the upper side as the Z1 side, and the lower side as the Z2 side (see FIG. 2).

[0012] [Battery pack] 1, the battery pack P is composed of a plurality of cells C. The plurality of cells C are arranged side by side in the X direction and the Y direction (arranged along the X direction and the Y direction). The number of cells C constituting the battery pack P can be changed as appropriate.

[0013] The multiple cells C are electrically connected to generate power, and generate heat through the power generation. In this embodiment, the multiple cells C arranged side by side in the Y direction are connected to each other in series. Hereinafter, the multiple cells C connected in series as in this embodiment may be collectively referred to as a "battery module M (assembled battery)."

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cell C has a cell body C1 and two electrodes C2 (a positive electrode and a negative electrode). In this embodiment, the cell C is disposed such that the two electrodes C2 are on the Z1 side with respect to the cell body C1. Note that Figures 2 and 3 show cross sections of the cell C and a portion of the plate member 1.

[0015] The cell body C1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a first heat exchange surface CS (an example of a heat exchange surface). The first heat exchange surface CS is the surface having the largest surface area among the outer surfaces constituting the cell body C1, and heat can be dissipated through the first heat exchange surface CS. The first heat exchange surface CS may be referred to as the "abdominal surface." In this embodiment, the cell C is arranged so that the first heat exchange surface CS is along the XZ plane.

[0016] [Battery temperature regulator] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery temperature regulator 100 includes a temperature regulator 10 and a fluid flow path 20.

[0017] [Temperature control section] The temperature adjustment unit 10 is composed of a plurality of plate members 1. The plate members 1 are plate-shaped members made of metals with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum and iron, and have a space therein (hereinafter referred to as "internal space Sp") as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple plate members 1 are arranged side by side in the X direction (parallel to the first heat exchange surface CS of the cell C) and the Y direction (orthogonal to the first heat exchange surface CS of the cell C). In the Y direction, the multiple plate members 1 are arranged to sandwich the cells C. In this embodiment, a single plate member 1 is sandwiched between adjacent cells C in the Y direction. Hereinafter, the plate member 1 arranged between the adjacent cells C in the Y direction is referred to as the "middle plate 1A," and the plate member 1 arranged at the end of the battery pack P in the Y direction is referred to as the "end plate 1B."

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the plate member 1 is disposed so as to cover the first heat exchange surface CS of the cell body C1 when viewed along the Y direction.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, the plate member 1 has a main body 11 and two protrusions 12. The main body 11 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the Y direction, and has a second heat exchange surface 1S facing the first heat exchange surface CS, as shown in Fig. 4. The second heat exchange surface 1S is a surface to which heat is transferred from the first heat exchange surface CS (to exchange heat with the first heat exchange surface CS), and is the surface having the largest surface area among the outer surfaces constituting the main body 11.

[0021] The plate member 1 is arranged so that the second heat exchange surface 1S contacts the first heat exchange surface CS of the cell C (so that the second heat exchange surface 1S is along the XZ plane). The plate member 1 may have the second heat exchange surface 1S contact the first heat exchange surface CS of the cell C via a heat transfer sheet (not shown), and the contact between the second heat exchange surface 1S and the first heat exchange surface CS includes a case where the second heat exchange surface 1S and the first heat exchange surface CS are in direct contact with each other, and a case where the second heat exchange surface 1S and the first heat exchange surface CS are in indirect contact with each other by interposing a heat transfer sheet (not shown) between the second heat exchange surface 1S and the first heat exchange surface CS. The intermediate plate 1A described with reference to FIG. 1 includes two second heat exchange surfaces 1S, and the end plate 1B includes only one second heat exchange surface 1S.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the two protrusions 12 is mountain-shaped when viewed in the Y direction, and protrudes in the Z direction from the central region of the main body 11 in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the protrusion 12 on the Z1 side protrudes from the main body 11 to the Z1 side, and the protrusion 12 on the Z2 side protrudes from the main body 11 to the Z2 side. The central region is a region between the two electrodes C2 of the cell C when viewed from the Y direction in a state in which the plate member 1 is installed. The state in which the plate member 1 is installed refers to a state in which the plate member 1 covers the first heat exchange surface CS of the cell main body C1 and the second heat exchange surface 1S of the plate member 1 is arranged to contact the first heat exchange surface CS of the cell C when viewed along the Y direction.

[0023] Each of the two protrusions 12 has a through hole 12h penetrating the plate member 1. The through hole 12h is formed in a part (a part in the Z direction) of the peripheral wall constituting the periphery of the through hole 12h, and communicates with the internal space Sp of the plate member 1 in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the protrusion 12 on the Z1 side is referred to as the "first protrusion 121", the protrusion 12 on the Z2 side is referred to as the "second protrusion 122", the through hole 12h formed in the first protrusion 121 is referred to as the "first through hole 121h", and the through hole 12h formed in the second protrusion 122 is referred to as the "second through hole 122h". In other words, the first through hole 121h is formed above the main body 11, and the second through hole 122h is formed below the main body 11. Further, a hole formed to communicate with the internal space Sp of the first through hole 121h is referred to as a "first communication hole 123h," and a hole formed to communicate with the internal space Sp of the second through hole 122h is referred to as a "second communication hole 124h" (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The first through hole 121h is formed at a position that is midway between the two electrodes C2 in the X direction when the plate member 1 is installed.

[0024] [Fluid Flow Path] 1, a fluid F flows through the fluid flow path 20, which exchanges heat with each of the multiple cells C. The fluid F is a cooling fluid such as long-life coolant (LLC). However, the fluid F is not limited to cooling fluids such as long-life coolant (LLC), and may be a refrigerant such as insulating oil such as paraffin, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), or hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).

[0025] The fluid flow path 20 constitutes a flow path through which the fluid F circulates between the heat exchanger Hx and the fluid flow path 20. The heat exchanger Hx is a chiller or the like, and lowers the temperature of the fluid F by exchanging heat between the fluid F and a refrigerant.

[0026] The fluid flow path 20 has a first flow path portion 21 and a second flow path portion 22 connected to the first flow path portion 21.

[0027] The first flow path section 21 is formed of piping such as a pipe or a hose, and includes an upstream section 211 and a downstream section 212.

[0028] The upstream end of the upstream section 211 is connected to the heat exchanger Hx, and the upstream section 211 is connected to the second flow path section 22. The downstream section 212 is connected to the second flow path section 22, and the downstream end of the downstream section 212 is connected to the heat exchanger Hx. Note that the downstream end of the upstream section 211 and the upstream end of the downstream section 212 are each closed by an end cap or the like.

[0029] The second flow path section 22 is composed of a plurality of branch flow paths 220, through which the fluid F branching from the upstream section 211 of the first flow path section 21 flows. The plurality of branch flow paths 220 are arranged side by side (arranged in parallel) in the X direction (a direction parallel to the first heat exchange surface CS and perpendicular to the Z direction) in which the cells C are arranged side by side. This prevents a temperature difference from occurring in the fluid F exchanging heat with each of the plurality of cells C arranged side by side in the X direction. In this embodiment, the number of branch flow paths 220 is set according to the number of cells C arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0030] The branch flow passage 220 has an upstream branch flow passage 221 (an example of a main flow passage) and a downstream branch flow passage 222.

[0031] The upstream branch flow channel 221 has an upstream end connected to the upstream section 211 , and the downstream branch flow channel 222 has a downstream end connected to the downstream section 212 .

[0032] 2, each of the upstream branch flow path 221 and the downstream branch flow path 222 is formed of a pipe and is disposed outside the plate member 1. Specifically, the upstream branch flow path 221 is disposed on the Z1 side (upper side) of the plate member 1, and the downstream branch flow path 222 is disposed on the Z2 side of the plate member 1. In other words, the upstream branch flow path 221 and the downstream branch flow path 222 face each other in the Z direction.

[0033] The upstream branch flow path 221 extends across a plurality of plate members 1 (cells C arranged in the Y direction) arranged side by side in the Y direction. The upstream branch flow path 221 is inserted through a first through hole 121h formed in each of the plurality of plate members 1 arranged side by side in the Y direction (see also FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0034] A first branch hole 221h penetrating a wall surface of a pipe constituting the upstream branch flow path 221 is formed in the upstream branch flow path 221. A plurality of first branch holes 221h are formed in the upstream branch flow path 221 in the Y direction. The plurality of first branch holes 221h are formed so as to correspond to the positions of a plurality of plate members 1 arranged side by side in the Y direction.

[0035] Specifically, the first branch hole 221h is formed at a position facing the first communication hole 123h formed in the plate member 1 (first protruding portion 121) in a state in which the upstream branch flow path 221 is inserted into the first through hole 121h. That is, the first branch hole 221h is disposed on the Z1 side with respect to the internal space Sp (intermediate branch flow path 223) of the plate member 1, and communicates with the internal space Sp via the first communication hole 123h. Therefore, the fluid F flowing through the upstream portion 211 flows into the internal space Sp of the plate member 1 via the first branch hole 221h and the first communication hole 123h. That is, the fluid F flowing through the upstream branch flow path 221 is distributed to the internal spaces Sp of the plate members 1 via the multiple first branch holes 221h and the multiple first communication holes 123h.

[0036] The downstream branch flow path 222 also extends across the multiple plate members 1 (cells C arranged side by side in the Y direction) arranged side by side in the Y direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the downstream branch flow path 222 is inserted into each of the second through holes 122h of the multiple plate members 1 arranged side by side in the Y direction (see also Fig. 3).

[0037] The downstream branch flow passage 222 is formed with a second branch hole 222h penetrating the wall surface of the pipe constituting the downstream branch flow passage 222. The second branch hole 222h is formed at a position facing the second communication hole 124h formed in the plate member 1 (second protruding portion 122) when the downstream branch flow passage 222 is inserted into the second through hole 122h. The second branch hole 222h is disposed on the Z2 side with respect to the internal space Sp of the plate member 1, and communicates with the internal space Sp via the second communication hole 124h. Therefore, the fluid F that has flowed through the internal space Sp flows into the downstream branch flow passage 222 via the second communication hole 124h and the second branch hole 222h.

[0038] 3, the branch flow passage 220 further includes an intermediate branch flow passage 223 (an example of an internal flow passage) disposed in the internal space Sp of the plate member 1. The intermediate branch flow passage 223 is formed by a wall surface of the plate member 1.

[0039] 3 and 5, in this embodiment, the plate member 1 has a plurality of restriction walls 1K (an example of a restriction portion) and a plurality of partition walls 1G. The plurality of restriction walls 1K are configured as walls at the ends of the plate member 1 in the X direction, and restrict the movement of the fluid F between the plate members 1 adjacent to each other in the X direction by preventing the fluid F from flowing (leaking) from one plate member 1 to an adjacent plate member 1.

[0040] The partition wall 1G is disposed to extend in the Z direction and guides the flow of the fluid F along the Z direction. A plurality of partition walls 1G are disposed side by side in the X direction, and the intermediate branch flow paths 223 are formed between adjacent partition walls 1G.

[0041] 1 to 5, the fluid F flows through the heat exchanger Hx (see FIG. 1), the upstream section 211 (see FIG. 1), the upstream branch flow passage 221 (see FIG. 1), each of the first branch holes 221h (see FIG. 2 to FIG. 4), and each of the first communication holes 123h (see FIG. 2 to FIG. 4) to the intermediate branch flow passage 223 (see FIG. 3). In the process of flowing through the intermediate branch flow passage 223, the fluid F exchanges heat with the cells C through the second heat exchange surface 1S (see FIG. 4) and the first heat exchange surface CS (see FIG. 4) and is heated (thermal energy is given from the cells C, and the temperature of the fluid F rises).

[0042] The heated fluid F flows into the downstream branch flow passage 222 (see FIG. 1) through each of the second communication holes 124h (see FIGS. 2 to 4) and each of the second branch holes 222h (see FIGS. 2 to 4), flows through the downstream section 212 (see FIG. 1), and is guided to the heat exchanger Hx. The fluid F exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger Hx, thereby lowering its temperature, and flows back into the upstream section 211. As described above, the fluid F circulates between the cell C and the heat exchanger Hx, thereby adjusting (cooling) the temperature of the cell C.

[0043] [Summary of the above embodiment] In the above embodiment, the following configurations are envisaged.

[0044] (1) The battery temperature regulator 100 adjusts the temperature of a battery pack P mounted on a vehicle V. The battery pack P includes a plurality of cells C arranged side by side in a Y direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle V. Heat is transferred from a first heat exchange surface CS of each of the cells C. The battery pack P is equipped with a plurality of plate members 1 arranged side by side in the Y direction, and a fluid flow path 20 formed inside the plate member 1 and having an intermediate branch flow path 223 (internal flow path) through which a fluid F flows and exchanges heat with each of the plurality of cells C. The fluid F flows in the intermediate branch flow path 223 from the upper side to the lower side of the vehicle V.

[0045] According to this configuration, the fluid F that exchanges heat with each of the multiple cells C flows through the intermediate branch flow passage 223 formed inside the multiple plate members 1. Since the multiple plate members 1 are arranged in the Y direction, heat is transferred from the first heat exchange surface CS of each of the multiple cells C, and the multiple plate members 1 are arranged in the Y direction (arranged in parallel), the occurrence of a temperature difference in the fluid F that exchanges heat with each of the multiple cells C is suppressed (the temperature of the fluid F can be made uniform). In addition, since the fluid F flows from the upper side to the lower side of the vehicle V in the intermediate branch flow passage 223, a smooth flow can be ensured by the action of gravity. This makes it possible to uniformize the cooling performance for the cells C arranged in the Y direction, and suppress the decrease in the life of the battery pack P. In addition, the distance over which the fluid F exchanges heat with the cells C can be shortened, and the occurrence of a temperature difference in the fluid F can be suppressed.

[0046] (2) In the battery temperature regulator 100 of (1), it is preferable that a single plate member 1 is sandwiched between adjacent cells C.

[0047] According to this configuration, since the intermediate plate 1A disposed between the cells C adjacent to each other in the Y direction includes two second heat exchange surfaces 1S, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the cooling performance for the cells C. This makes it possible to reduce the number of plate members 1, and to make the battery temperature regulator 100 more compact. In addition, the product cost can also be reduced.

[0048] (3) In the battery temperature regulator 100 of (1) or (2), the fluid flow path 20 further has an upstream branch flow path 221 (main flow path) arranged to extend along the Y direction above the cell C, and it is preferable that the fluid F flowing through the upstream branch flow path 221 is distributed to intermediate branch flow paths 223 (internal flow paths) formed in the multiple plate members 1.

[0049] According to this configuration, the fluid F flowing through the upstream branch flow passage 221 extending along the Y direction is distributed to the intermediate branch flow passages 223 formed in the plurality of plate members 1, thereby making it possible to uniformize the cooling performance among the plurality of cells C. In detail, the plurality of first branch holes 221h formed in the upstream branch flow passage 221 along the Y direction are formed at positions communicating with the respective first communication holes 123h of the plate member 1, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature difference in the fluid F flowing into the internal space Sp of the plate member 1.

[0050] (4) In the battery temperature regulator 100 of (3), the plate member 1 has a main body portion 11 and two protrusion portions 12 protruding from the main body portion 11, the main body portion 11 has a plurality of partition walls 1G arranged to extend along the vertical direction (Z direction), the intermediate branch flow path 223 is formed between adjacent partition walls 1G, and one of the two protrusion portions 12 has a first through hole 121h formed above the main body portion 11, through which the fluid F flows, and the other of the two protrusion portions 12 has a second through hole 122h formed below the main body portion 11, through which the fluid F flows.

[0051] According to this configuration, the plate member 1 has the protruding parts 12 protruding in both the upper and lower directions from the main body part 11, and the protruding parts 12 are formed with the through holes 12h that allow the fluid F to flow to the intermediate branch flow path 223. This makes it possible to form the protruding parts 12 by effectively utilizing the gap space between the two electrodes C2 (the two electrodes C2 protruding in the Z direction) of the cell C.

[0052] (5) In the battery temperature regulator 100 of (3), the plate member 1 has a regulating wall 1K (regulating portion) that regulates the movement of the fluid F between adjacent plate members 1 in the vertical direction (Z direction) and in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, and a plurality of partition walls 1G arranged to extend along the vertical direction, and it is preferable that the intermediate branch flow path 223 (internal flow path) is formed between adjacent partition walls 1G.

[0053] According to this configuration, the plate member 1 has the restriction walls 1K that restrict the movement of the fluid F between the plate members 1, and therefore it is possible to block heat transfer from adjacent plate members 1 and suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the fluid F. In addition, the plate member 1 further has a plurality of partition walls 1G that form the intermediate branch flow passage 223, and the plurality of partition walls 1G are arranged to extend in the up-down direction, so that the fluid F flows smoothly and the temperature of the fluid F flowing inside the plate member 1 (intermediate branch flow passage 223) can be made uniform.

[0054] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the battery temperature regulator will be described.

[0055] [Another embodiment] The present invention may be configured as follows other than the above-described embodiment (common numbers and symbols as in the embodiment are used to designate components having the same functions as in the embodiment).

[0056] (1) In the above embodiment, the multiple cells C are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, but the multiple cells C may be arranged in at least one of the X direction and the Y direction (only the X direction or only the Y direction). The multiple cells C may be arranged in the Z direction in addition to at least one of the X direction and the Y direction. The multiple plate members 1 are arranged to correspond to the multiple cells C. When the multiple cells C are arranged in the Z direction, the first flow path portion 21 may be arranged according to the number of the cells C arranged in the Z direction, or only one first flow path portion 21 may be arranged for each of the cells C arranged in the Z direction, and the fluid F may flow to the multiple cells C arranged in the Z direction.

[0057] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which one plate member 1 is arranged between adjacent cells C in the Y direction, but two or more plate members 1 in contact with each cell C may be arranged between adjacent cells C in the Y direction.

[0058] (3) In the above embodiment, the first through hole 121h is disposed between the two electrodes C2 in the X direction, but as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the first through hole 121h may be disposed between adjacent plate members 1 in the X direction. This makes it possible to reduce the number of upstream branch flow paths 221 inserted into the first through hole 121h. The same applies to the second through hole 122h.

[0059] (4) In the above embodiment, the protrusion 12 of the plate member 1 protrudes from the central region of the main body portion 11 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). However, the plate member 1 may have any shape as long as it can efficiently cool the cells C. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion 12 may protrude from both ends of the main body portion 11 in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] (5) In the above embodiment, the temperature adjustment unit 10 is composed of a plurality of plate members 1. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the temperature adjustment unit 10 may be composed of one plate member 1. That is, the main body 11 may be integrally configured. This can improve the efficiency of the assembly work of the battery temperature regulator 100. When the temperature adjustment unit 10 is composed of one plate member 1, it is preferable that the plate member 1 further has a partition wall 11G (another example of a regulating unit). The partition wall 11G is arranged in the internal space Sp of the plate member 1 according to the cells C arranged side by side in the X direction. In detail, the partition wall 11G is arranged according to the number of cells C arranged side by side in the X direction, and is arranged at a position facing the boundary between adjacent cells C in the X direction in the Y direction.

[0061] (6) In the above embodiment, the battery module M is configured with the cells C connected in series. However, the battery module M may be configured with the cells C connected in parallel.

[0062] (7) In the above embodiment, the upstream branch passage 221 and the downstream branch passage 222 extend in a direction perpendicular to the first heat exchange surface CS (Y direction). However, the upstream branch passage 221 and the downstream branch passage 222 may be arranged to extend in a direction along the first heat exchange surface CS and perpendicular to the intermediate branch passage 223 (X direction).

[0063] (8) In the above embodiment, the plate member 1 has a plurality of partition walls 1G, but the plate member 1 does not have to have a plurality of partition walls 1G. In other words, only one intermediate branch flow path 223 may be formed in one plate member 1.

[0064] (9) The configurations disclosed in the above embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0065] The present invention can be used in a battery temperature regulator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1: plate member, 1G: partition wall, 12: protrusion, 121h: first through hole, 122h: second through hole, 20: fluid flow path, 100: battery temperature regulator, 221: upstream branch flow path (main flow path), 223: intermediate branch flow path (internal flow path), C: cell, CS: first heat exchange surface (heat exchange surface), F: fluid, P: battery pack, V: vehicle

Claims

1. A battery temperature regulator that adjusts the temperature of a battery pack mounted in a vehicle, the battery pack includes a plurality of cells arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction of the vehicle, A plurality of plate members arranged in the first direction and receiving heat from the heat exchange surfaces of the cells; a fluid flow path formed inside the plate member and having an internal flow path through which a fluid flows and which exchanges heat with each of the plurality of cells; The battery temperature regulator has an internal flow path through which the fluid flows from the upper side to the lower side of the vehicle.

2. 2. The battery temperature regulator according to claim 1, wherein a single plate member is sandwiched between adjacent cells.

3. The fluid flow path further includes a main flow path disposed to extend along the first direction above the cell, 3. The battery temperature regulator according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flowing through the main flow path is distributed to the internal flow paths formed in a plurality of the plate members.

4. The plate member has a main body portion and two protrusions protruding from the main body portion, The main body portion has a plurality of partition walls arranged to extend along the up-down direction, The internal flow path is formed between adjacent partition walls, One of the two protrusions has a first through hole formed above the main body, through which the fluid flows, The battery temperature regulator according to claim 3 , wherein the other of the two protrusions has a second through hole formed below the main body, through which the fluid flows.

Images