Battery temperature control device

Abstract

To enable the temperature of a battery to be adjusted even after most of the latent heat storage material has liquefied.SOLUTION: A battery temperature control device includes a flow path 10 capable of exchanging heat with a cell 5a and through which a fluid medium for adjusting the temperature of a battery 5 passes, and a latent heat storage material 20 that is arranged around the cell 5a and thermally connected to the cell 5a, and the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied when the temperature of the cell 5a is high and equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and moves away from the cell 5a, and the fluid medium is guided into the space after the latent heat storage material 20 has moved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein belongs to the technical field relating to a temperature adjustment device for a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a technique for adjusting the temperature of a battery by using a latent heat storage material.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a hot water supply system comprising a heat pump having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, a hot water storage tank above which unheated water is supplied below and the heat of the refrigerant flowing through a radiator is used to heat the water below, thereby obtaining hot water, a storage battery, and a cold heat storage temperature control means (latent heat storage material) that stores cold heat using the cold heat of the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator and uses the stored cold heat to adjust the temperature of the storage battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-194318 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By the way, temperature regulation using latent heat storage materials utilizes the latent heat generated when the material undergoes a phase transition from solid to liquid. After most of the latent heat storage material has undergone a phase transition to liquid, the temperature of the material rises, making it impossible to regulate the temperature using the latent heat storage material.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein has been made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to make it possible to adjust the temperature of the battery even after most of the latent heat storage material has been liquefied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is directed to a temperature adjustment device for a battery composed of a plurality of cells, and is provided with a flow path through which a fluid medium for regulating the temperature of the battery passes, the flow path being capable of heat exchange with the cells, and a latent heat storage material that is arranged around the cells and thermally connected to the cells, wherein the latent heat storage material is liquefied when the temperature of the cells is high and equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and moves away from the cells, and the fluid medium is guided into the space after the latent heat storage material has moved.

[0008] In the first aspect, when the latent heat storage material is liquefied, the latent heat storage material moves away from the battery cell, and the fluid medium is guided into the space left by the latent heat storage material, so that the temperature of the battery can continue to be regulated by the fluid medium after the latent heat storage material is liquefied.

[0009] A second aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the first aspect, further comprising a collection space portion that collects the liquefied latent heat storage material, and the liquefied latent heat storage material moves to the collection space portion to form a space into which the fluid medium is guided.

[0010] In the second aspect, it is possible to prevent the flow path from being narrowed by the moved latent heat storage material as much as possible, thereby making it possible to increase the efficiency of temperature regulation of the battery.

[0011] A third aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a configuration in which, in the second aspect, the flow path includes a main flow path through which the fluid medium always flows and a sub-flow path communicating with the main flow path, the sub-flow path having an inlet path into which the fluid medium flows from the main flow path, a return path that returns the fluid medium that has flowed in from the inlet path to the main flow path, and a communicating path that connects the inlet path and the return path, the latent heat storage material is disposed at least within the inlet path, and the collection space portion communicates with at least the inlet path.

[0012] In the third aspect, the inflow path is opened at the same time as the latent heat storage material moves, and the fluid medium can be introduced into the inflow path. In addition, since the sub-path has a communication path and a return path, the fluid medium can be circulated. This makes it possible to increase the efficiency of temperature regulation of the battery.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the third aspect, wherein the collection space is disposed below the inflow passage and communicates with a lower portion of the inflow passage.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment, when the latent heat storage material is liquefied, the latent heat storage material moves to the collection space by its own weight, and the inflow path is automatically opened, thereby improving the efficiency of temperature regulation of the battery.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the fourth aspect, wherein the cells are stacked horizontally, the main flow path is disposed adjacent to an upper surface of each of the cells and extends in the stacking direction of each of the cells, and the secondary flow paths are disposed between each of the cells.

[0016] In the fifth aspect, the high temperature cells can be cooled from the stacking direction, thereby improving the efficiency of temperature regulation of the battery.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the fourth aspect, wherein the multiple cells are stacked horizontally, the main flow path is arranged adjacent to the underside of each cell and extends along the stacking direction of each cell, the inlet channels are arranged adjacent to the underside of each cell and extend along the underside of each cell, and the communicating channels are arranged adjacent to the underside of each cell and extend along the stacking direction of each cell.

[0018] In the sixth aspect, the sub-flow passage can be arranged as horizontally as possible, which facilitates circulation of the fluid medium, thereby improving the efficiency of temperature regulation of the battery.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the technology disclosed herein is any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, further comprising a partition member that is arranged between the latent heat storage material and the collection space and has a melting point higher than that of the latent heat storage material, and when the temperature of the cell is equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition member, the partition member melts and the latent heat storage material moves to the collection space.

[0020] In the seventh aspect, after the latent heat storage material is completely liquefied, the temperature of the cell becomes equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition member, and then the latent heat storage material moves to the collection space. This makes it possible to prevent the latent heat storage material from moving to the collection space during the phase transition, and maximizes temperature adjustment by the latent heat storage material. Effect of the Invention

[0021] As described above, according to the technique disclosed herein, the temperature of the battery can be adjusted even after most of the latent heat storage material has been liquefied. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having a battery whose temperature is adjusted by a temperature adjustment device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the temperature adjustment device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the temperature adjustment device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane corresponding to line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path when a cell generates abnormal heat. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the temperature change on the cell surface. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a temperature control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sub-channel of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment, taken along a plane corresponding to the line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 9 and shows the case where a cell is abnormal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 10 and shows the case where a cell is abnormal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a temperature control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sub-channel of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment, taken along a plane corresponding to the line XIV-XIV in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 corresponds to FIG. 14 and shows the case where a cell is abnormal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "right", and "left" refer to the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "right", and "left" as viewed by a passenger in a vehicle V.

[0024] (Embodiment 1) <Overall vehicle configuration> FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle V equipped with a temperature control device 1. The vehicle V is an electrically powered vehicle that can run using a drive motor M as a main drive source. The vehicle V has a reduction gear T and a drive shaft S. The rotation of the drive motor M is reduced by the reduction gear T. The rotation of the drive motor M reduced by the reduction gear T is transmitted to left and right wheels 9 (here, the front wheels) via the drive shaft S. This causes the vehicle V to run. The vehicle V may also be a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine.

[0025] The vehicle V has a battery 5 that stores power for driving the drive motor M. The battery 5 is electrically connected to the drive motor M via an inverter circuit. The battery 5 is disposed under a floor panel of the vehicle V.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the battery 5 is configured by stacking a plurality of rectangular box-shaped cells 5a (four in this example). The cells 5a are stacked in the horizontal direction. Separators 5b are provided between the cells 5a. The cells 5a have terminals 5c. Although not shown, the cells 5a are connected in series via the terminals 5c. The cells 5a are, for example, lithium ion batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries. In reality, the battery 5 is configured by arranging a plurality of cell groups, each of which is made up of a plurality of cells 5a stacked in the horizontal direction, in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction in the horizontal direction. Figs. 2 and 3 show only one cell group. The number of cells 5a constituting one cell group is not particularly limited, and the cell group may be composed of three or less cells 5a, or may be composed of five or more cells 5a.

[0027] <Configuration of Temperature Control Device> As shown in Fig. 1, the temperature control device 1 is a device for controlling the temperature of a battery 5. The temperature control device 1 has a compressor 2, a radiator 3, a fan 4, and an expansion valve 6. The temperature control device 1 has a flow path 10 for circulating a fluid medium between these components. The fluid medium is a refrigerant.

[0028] The compressor 2 compresses the fluid medium and supplies it to the radiator 3. The radiator 3 cools the fluid medium using wind generated when the vehicle is running or air drawn in by a fan 4. The expansion valve 6 expands the fluid medium cooled by the radiator 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the expanded fluid medium is supplied to a battery cooling unit 1a that cools the battery 5. The fluid medium exchanges heat with each cell 5a to adjust the temperature of the battery 5.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the battery cooling section 1a, the flow path 10 has a main flow path 11 and a sub-flow path 12.

[0030] The main flow path 11 is a flow path through which the fluid medium always flows. The main flow path 11 is provided adjacent to the upper surface of each cell 5a. The main flow path 11 is U-shaped in a plan view. Specifically, the main flow path 11 has an upstream flow path 11a, a downstream flow path 11b, and an intermediate flow path 11c that connects the downstream end of the upstream flow path 11a and the upstream end of the downstream flow path 11b. The upstream flow path 11a and the downstream flow path 11b extend in the stacking direction of each cell 5a. The intermediate flow path 11c extends in a direction (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined direction) perpendicular to both the stacking direction and the up-down direction. After flowing through the upstream flow path 11a and exchanging heat with each cell 5a, the fluid medium flows into the downstream flow path 11b through the intermediate flow path 11c, and exchanges heat with each cell 5a again while flowing through the downstream flow path 11b.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the sub-channel 12 is formed in the separator 5b. That is, the sub-channel 12 is disposed between each of the cells 5a. The sub-channel 12 has an inflow channel 13 into which the fluid medium flows from the main channel 11, a return channel 14 that returns the fluid medium that flows from the inflow channel 13 to the main channel 11, and a communication channel 15 that communicates the inflow channel 13 and the return channel 14. The inflow channel 13 and the return channel 14 extend in the vertical direction. The communication channel 15 extends in the predetermined direction. The communication channel 15 is connected to the vertical center of the inflow channel 13 and the vertical center of the return channel 14. The vertical position of the communication channel 15 does not have to be the vertical center of the inflow channel 13 and the return channel 14 as long as it is located in the vertical middle of the inflow channel 13 and the return channel 14. In the first embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow path 13, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the return path 14, and the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication path 15 are the same.

[0032] A latent heat storage material 20 is disposed in the inflow path 13 and the return path 14. That is, the latent heat storage material 20 is located in the separator 5b adjacent to the cell 5a. The latent heat storage material 20 is disposed so as to fill the entire inflow path 13 and the entire return path 14. Since the inflow path 13 and the return path 14 are filled with the latent heat storage material 20, when the latent heat storage material 20 is in a solid state, the fluid medium does not flow into the inflow path 13 and the return path 14. The latent heat storage material 20 is thermally connected to the cell 5a. The latent heat storage material 20 is, for example, a paraffin compound having a melting point of 15°C to 35°C.

[0033] A collection space 16 that collects the liquefied latent heat storage material 20 is disposed below the inflow path 13 and the return path 14. The collection space 16 is connected to the lower end of the inflow path 13 and the lower end of the return path 14. The volume of the collection space 16 is such that when most of the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied and moves to the collection space 16, the liquid level of the latent heat storage material 20 is located below the communication path 15.

[0034] The latent heat storage material 20 and the collection space 16 are separated by a partition plate 21. The partition plate 21 is disposed at the lower end of the inflow path 13 and the return path 14. The partition plate 21 is also provided at the end of the communication path 15 on the inflow path 13 side and the end of the return path 14 side. The partition plate 21 is, for example, a paraffin-based compound. The melting point of the partition plate 21 is higher than that of the latent heat storage material 20, for example, the melting point is around 70°C. Even if the temperature of the cell 5a is higher than the melting point of the latent heat storage material 20 and the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied, the liquefied latent heat storage material 20 does not move to the collection space 16 or the communication path 15 until the partition plate 21 melts.

[0035] <Flow path when cell is abnormal> Here, the latent heat storage material 20 adjusts the temperature of the cells 5a by utilizing latent heat generated when the latent heat storage material 20 undergoes a phase transition from solid to liquid. However, after most of the latent heat storage material 20 has liquefied, the heat retention function (cooling function) due to the latent heat no longer functions, and the temperature of the latent heat storage material 20 rises. Therefore, when the cell 5a becomes abnormally hot, the cooling effect of the latent heat storage material 20 becomes small. Note that "most of the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied" refers to a state in which an amount of the latent heat storage material 20 has liquefied to the extent that the heat retention function due to the latent heat no longer functions, and includes a state in which the entire latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the cell 5a becomes abnormally hotter than a predetermined temperature, the latent heat storage material 20 is moved away from the cell 5a, and the fluid medium is guided to the space after the latent heat storage material 20 has moved.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows the state of the sub-flow passage 12 when one of the multiple cells 5a becomes in a high temperature state due to an abnormality. When the abnormal cell 5a (hereinafter referred to as the abnormal cell) generates heat, the abnormal cell is first cooled by the latent heat of the latent heat storage material 20. When most of the latent heat storage material 20 undergoes a phase transition to liquid, the temperature of the latent heat storage material 20 rises. At this time, due to the presence of the partition plate 21, the liquefied latent heat storage material 20 does not flow into the collection space portion 16 or the communication passage 15, but remains in the inlet passage 13 and the return passage 14. Then, when the temperature of the abnormal cell becomes equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition plate 21, the partition plate 21 melts, and the liquefied latent heat storage material 20 moves to the collection space portion 16 by its own weight. In other words, the melting point of the partition plate 21 corresponds to the predetermined temperature. When the partition plate 21 melts, the temperature of the latent heat storage material 20 also becomes equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition plate 21.

[0038] When the latent heat storage material 20 moves to the collection space 16, the fluid medium is guided from the upstream flow path 11a of the main flow path 11 to the space in the inflow path 13 after the latent heat storage material 20 has moved. When the partition plate 21 of the communication path 15 melts, the inflow path 13 and the communication path 15 communicate with each other, and the return path 14 and the communication path 15 communicate with each other. The fluid medium that has flowed into the inflow path 13 flows into the return path 14 through the communication path 15 and returns from the return path 14 to the downstream flow path 11b of the main flow path 11. As a result, the abnormal cell is cooled from above by the fluid medium flowing through the main flow path 11, and is cooled from the stacking direction by the fluid medium flowing through the sub-flow path 12. Although only one sub-flow path 12 is shown in FIG. 5, in reality, the fluid medium flows through each of the sub-flow paths 12 located on both sides of the abnormal cell in the stacking direction. In other words, the abnormal cell is cooled from both sides in the stacking direction.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows the temperature change on the cell surface of an abnormal cell.

[0040] 6, when the cell 5a generates heat and reaches the melting point of the latent heat storage material 20 at time t1, the latent heat storage material 20 melts. The surface temperature of the cell 5a is maintained near the melting point of the latent heat storage material 20 by the heat of fusion of the latent heat storage material 20. At this time, the fluid medium does not flow through the sub-flow path 12 because the latent heat storage material 20 fills the inflow path 13 and the return path 14.

[0041] Assume that an abnormality occurs in cell 5a at time t2. Even if an abnormality occurs in cell 5a, the surface temperature of the abnormal cell is maintained near the melting point of latent heat storage material 20 until most of the latent heat storage material 20 liquefies.

[0042] At time t3, when most of the latent heat storage material 20 liquefies, cooling by the latent heat storage material 20 becomes impossible, and the cell surface temperature of the abnormal cell rises. At this time, since the partition plate 21 has not melted, the latent heat storage material 20 remains filling the inlet passage 13 and the return passage 14, and the fluid medium does not flow through the sub-passage 12.

[0043] At time t4, when the cell surface temperature of the abnormal cell becomes equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition plate 21, the partition plate 21 melts. When the partition plate 21 melts, the latent heat storage material 20 moves to the collection space 16, and the fluid medium flows into the sub-flow passage 12. This suppresses the temperature rise of the abnormal cell. If the latent heat storage material 20 did not move, the temperature of the abnormal cell would continue to rise, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 6.

[0044] Effects of the First Embodiment The temperature control device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a flow path 10 through which a fluid medium that exchanges heat with the cell 5a and controls the temperature of the battery 5 passes, and a latent heat storage material 20 that is arranged around the cell 5a and thermally connected to the cell 5a. When the temperature of the cell 5a is high, equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the latent heat storage material 20 liquefies and moves away from the cell 5a, and the fluid medium is guided to the space after the latent heat storage material 20 moves. As a result, after the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied, the temperature control of the battery 5 can be continued by the fluid medium. Since the latent heat storage material 20 does not perform a cooling function after most of it is liquefied, the temperature of the cell 5a can be appropriately controlled by switching to cooling by the fluid medium.

[0045] Moreover, the temperature control device 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a collection space portion 16 that collects the liquefied latent heat storage material 20, and the liquefied latent heat storage material 20 moves to the collection space portion 16 to form a space for guiding the fluid medium. This can prevent the flow path of the fluid medium from being narrowed by the moved latent heat storage material 20 as much as possible. This can increase the efficiency of temperature control of the battery 5.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the flow path 10 includes a main flow path 11 through which the fluid medium always flows, and a sub-flow path 12 that communicates with the main flow path 11. The sub-flow path 12 has an inflow path 13 through which the fluid medium flows from the main flow path 11, a return path 14 that returns the fluid medium that has flowed in from the inflow path 13 to the main flow path 11, and a communication path 15 that communicates the inflow path 13 and the return path 14. The latent heat storage material 20 is disposed at least in the inflow path 13, and the collection space portion 16 communicates with at least the inflow path 13. As a result, the inflow path 13 is opened at the same time as the latent heat storage material 20 moves, and the fluid medium can be allowed to flow into the inflow path 13. In addition, since the sub-flow path 12 has the communication path 15 and the return path 14, the fluid medium can be circulated. This can increase the efficiency of temperature adjustment of the battery 5.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the collection space 16 is disposed below the inflow passage 13 and communicates with the lower portion of the inflow passage 13. As a result, when the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied, the latent heat storage material 20 moves to the collection space 16 by its own weight, and the inflow passage 13 is automatically opened. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of temperature regulation of the battery 5.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the cells 5a are stacked in the horizontal direction, the main flow paths 11 are disposed adjacent to the upper surface of each cell 5a and extend in the stacking direction of the cells 5a, and the sub-flow paths 12 are disposed between each of the cells 5a. This allows the high-temperature cells 5a to be cooled from above by the main flow paths 11 and from the stacking direction by the sub-flow paths 12. This allows the temperature of the battery 5 to be adjusted more efficiently.

[0049] Moreover, in the present embodiment 1, the multiple cells 5a are arranged between the latent heat storage material 20 and the collection space 16, and further include a partition plate 21 having a melting point higher than that of the latent heat storage material 20, and when the temperature of the cells 5a is equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition plate 21, the partition plate 21 melts and the latent heat storage material 20 moves to the collection space 16. This makes it possible to prevent the latent heat storage material 20 from moving to the collection space 16 during the phase transition, and maximizes temperature adjustment by the latent heat storage material 20.

[0050] First Modification of First Embodiment 7 shows a first modified example of the first embodiment. In a temperature control device 401 according to the first modified example, the shape of the communication passage 415 is different. Specifically, the central portion of the communication passage 415 in the longitudinal direction is located above the ends in the longitudinal direction. The communication passage 415 extends from the central portion in the longitudinal direction with a downward incline toward the inflow passage 13, and also extends from the central portion in the longitudinal direction with a downward incline toward the return passage 14. A latent heat storage material 20 is disposed in the communication passage 415.

[0051] In this modified example 1, since the amount of the latent heat storage material 20 is large, the cooling effect of the latent heat storage material 20 can be improved. In addition, after most of the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied, when the partition plate 21 melts and the latent heat storage material 20 moves to the collection space portion 416, the latent heat storage material 20 in the communication passage 415 moves to the inlet passage 13 and the return passage 14 along the inclined portion by its own weight. Therefore, when the cell 5a becomes in a high temperature state due to an abnormality, the latent heat storage material 20 arranged in the inlet passage 13, the communication passage 415, and the return passage 14 can be moved to the collection space portion 416, and the fluid medium can be circulated in the inlet passage 13, the communication passage 415, and the return passage 14. Therefore, even after most of the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied, the temperature of the cell 5a can be appropriately adjusted. The collection space portion 416 of modified example 1 is configured to have a larger volume than the collection space portion 16 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0052] Second Modification of First Embodiment 8 shows a second modification of the first embodiment. In a temperature control device 501 according to the second modification, the shape of the communication passage 515 is different. Specifically, the communication passage 515 extends from the end on the inflow passage 13 side toward the end on the return passage 14 side, slanting downward. In addition, a latent heat storage material 20 is arranged in the communication passage 415.

[0053] In this modified example 2, since the amount of the latent heat storage material 20 is large, the cooling effect of the latent heat storage material 20 can be improved. In addition, after most of the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied, when the partition plate 21 melts and the latent heat storage material 20 moves to the collection space portion 516, the latent heat storage material 20 in the communication passage 515 moves to the return path 14 by its own weight. Therefore, when the cell 5a becomes in a high temperature state due to an abnormality, the latent heat storage material 20 arranged in the inflow passage 13, the communication passage 515, and the return path 14 can be moved to the collection space portion 516, and the fluid medium can be circulated in the inflow passage 13, the communication passage 515, and the return path 14. Therefore, even after most of the latent heat storage material 20 is liquefied, the temperature of the cell 5a can be appropriately adjusted. The collection space portion 516 of modified example 2 is configured to have a larger volume than the collection space portion 16 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0054] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] <Configuration of Temperature Control Device> In the second embodiment, the configuration of a battery cooling section 201a of a temperature adjustment section 201 is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the configuration of a flow path 210 of the battery cooling section 201a is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0056] 9 and 10, the main flow path 211 of the flow paths 210 is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of each cell 5a and extends along the stacking direction of each cell 5a. The main flow path 211 is located at the center of each cell 5a in the predetermined direction in a plan view. The sub flow paths 212 of the flow paths 210 branch off from the main flow path 211 and extend in the predetermined direction. A portion of the sub flow path 212 is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of each cell 5a, and the remainder is disposed at a position away from each cell 5a.

[0057] The inflow path 213 of the sub-channel 212 extends along the lower surface of each cell 5a. Specifically, the inflow path 213 branches from a portion of the main channel 211 located below each cell 5a to both sides in the predetermined direction and extends in the predetermined direction. The end of each inflow path 213 opposite to the main channel 211 is connected to a pair of communication paths 215. The pair of communication paths 215 extend in the stacking direction. The downstream ends of the pair of communication paths 215 are located at a position away from the cell 5a. The downstream ends of the pair of communication paths 215 communicate with the return path 214. The return path 214 extends in the predetermined direction. The central portion of the return path 214 in the predetermined direction is located above the main channel 211. The return path 214 is inclined so as to be located higher as it approaches the main channel 211. The central portion of the return path 214 in the predetermined direction communicates with the main channel 211 in the up-down direction.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 10, a latent heat storage material 220 is disposed in the inflow path 213. A collection space 216 is disposed below the inflow path 213. The collection space 216 is connected to a lower portion of the inflow path 213. A partition plate 221 is disposed between the latent heat storage material 220 and the collection space 216. As shown in Fig. 9, a partition plate 221 is also provided at the end of the inflow path 213 on the main flow path 211 side and the end of the inflow path 213 on the communication path 215 side. The melting point of the partition plate 221 is higher than that of the latent heat storage material 220.

[0059] <Flow path when cell is abnormal> 11 and 12 show a state in which one of the multiple cells 5a becomes an abnormal cell and is in a high temperature state. When the abnormal cell becomes in a high temperature state and most of the latent heat storage material 220 liquefies, the temperature of the latent heat storage material 220 rises. When the temperature of the abnormal cell becomes equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition plate 221, the partition plate 221 melts and the liquefied latent heat storage material 220 moves to the collection space portion 216. At this time, the partition plate 221 between the inlet passage 213 and the main flow path 211 and the partition plate 221 between the inlet passage 213 and the communication path 215 melt due to the heat of the abnormal cell, so that the fluid medium flows from the main flow path 211 into the inlet passage 213 located below the abnormal cell. In other words, the melting point of the partition plate 21 corresponds to the predetermined temperature.

[0060] The fluid medium that flows from the main flow path 211 into each inlet path 213 passes through each communication path 215 and flows into each return path 214. The fluid medium that flows into each return path 214 returns to the main flow path 211. As a result, the abnormal cell is cooled by the fluid medium flowing in the main flow path 11, and is also cooled by the fluid medium flowing in the sub-flow paths 12.

[0061] Effects of the Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the cells 5a are stacked horizontally, the main flow path 211 is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of each cell 5a and extends along the stacking direction of the cells 5a, the inlet path 213 is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of each cell 5a and extends along the lower surface of each cell 5a, and the communication path 215 is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of each cell 5a and extends along the stacking direction of the cells 5a. This allows the sub-flow path 212 to be disposed as horizontally as possible, which makes it easier to circulate the fluid medium. This allows the temperature of the battery 5 to be adjusted more efficiently.

[0062] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same parts as those in the first and third embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] <Configuration of Temperature Control Device> In the third embodiment, the configuration of a battery cooling section 301a of a temperature adjustment section 301 is different from that of the first and second embodiments. Specifically, the configuration of a flow path 310 of the battery cooling section 301a is different from that of the first and second embodiments.

[0064] 13 and 14, the flow path 310 does not have a sub-flow path, and is composed only of a main flow path 311. Moreover, in the third embodiment, no collection space portion is provided.

[0065] The main flow channel 311 is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of each cell 5a and extends along the stacking direction of each cell 5a. The width of the main flow channel 311 is slightly smaller than the length of each cell 5a in the predetermined direction.

[0066] A latent heat storage material 320 and a partition plate 321 are attached to the lower surface of each cell 5a. The latent heat storage material 320 and the partition plate 321 are located in the main flow path 211. A fluid medium flows below the latent heat storage material 320 and the partition plate 321. The partition plate 321 surrounds the periphery of the latent heat storage material 320. The melting point of the partition plate 321 is higher than that of the latent heat storage material 220.

[0067] <Flow path when cell is abnormal> FIG. 15 shows a state where one of the multiple cells 5a becomes an abnormal cell and is in a high temperature state. When the abnormal cell becomes in a high temperature state and most of the latent heat storage material 320 liquefies, the temperature of the latent heat storage material 320 rises. When the temperature of the abnormal cell becomes equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition plate 321, the partition plate 321 melts and the latent heat storage material 320 peels off from the lower surface of the abnormal cell together with the partition plate 321. When the latent heat storage material 320 peels off from the abnormal cell, the fluid medium flows into the space where the latent heat storage material 320 was arranged. As a result, the fluid medium flows directly under the lower surface of the abnormal cell, and the abnormal cell exchanges heat directly with the fluid medium. As a result, the temperature rise of the abnormal cell can be suppressed. The melting point of the partition plate 21 corresponds to a predetermined temperature.

[0068] Effects of the Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, the temperature of the battery 5 can be adjusted even after most of the latent heat storage material 320 has been liquefied. Moreover, in the third embodiment, since there is no need to provide a sub-flow path or a collection space, a simple and compact configuration can be achieved.

[0069] (Other embodiments) The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0070] For example, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the partition plates 21, 221, and 321 are provided, but the partition plates 21, 221, and 321 are not essential and may be omitted. In this case, when the latent heat storage material 20, 220, and 320 melts, the latent heat storage material 20, 220, and 320 moves. In other words, the melting point of the latent heat storage material 20, 220, and 320 corresponds to the predetermined temperature.

[0071] In the first to third embodiments, the battery 5 storing the electric power to be supplied to the drive motor M is the target, but other batteries may be the target. Also, a battery used for something other than the vehicle V may be the target.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the return path 214 is located above the main flow path 11. However, the return path 214 may be located at the same height as the main flow path 11. In this case, a check valve or the like needs to be provided in the return path 214 to prevent the fluid medium from flowing into the return path 214 and the communication path 215 until the latent heat storage material 220 moves and the fluid medium flows in the inflow path 213.

[0073] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and all modifications and variations within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] The technology disclosed herein is useful for a temperature adjustment device for a battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Temperature control device 5 batteries 5a Cell 10 Flow Path 11 Main channel 12 Subchannel 13 Inflow channel 14 Return Road 15 Communication path 16 Collection space 20 Latent heat storage material 210 Flow Path 211 Main channel 212 Subchannel 213 Inflow channel 214 Return Road 215 Communication path 216 Collection space section 220 Latent heat storage material 310 Flow Path 311 Main channel 320 Latent heat storage material 415 Communication path 416 Collection space section 515 Communication path 516 Collection space section

Claims

1. A temperature control device for a battery composed of a plurality of cells, a flow path through which a fluid medium passes, the fluid medium being capable of exchanging heat with the cells, for regulating the temperature of the battery; A latent heat storage material is disposed around the cell and thermally connected to the cell, The latent heat storage material liquefies and moves away from the cell when the temperature of the cell is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, A temperature adjustment device for a battery, wherein the fluid medium is guided into a space left after the latent heat storage material has moved.

2. 2. The temperature control device for a battery according to claim 1, Further comprising a collection space for collecting the liquefied latent heat storage material, A temperature adjustment device for a battery, characterized in that the liquefied latent heat storage material moves to the collection space portion, thereby forming a space into which the fluid medium is guided.

3. 3. The temperature control device for a battery according to claim 2, The flow path includes a main flow path through which the fluid medium always flows and a sub-flow path communicating with the main flow path, The sub-channel is an inflow channel into which the fluid medium flows from the main channel; a return path that returns the fluid medium that has flowed in from the inlet path to the main flow path; a communication passage that communicates the inflow passage and the return passage; having The latent heat storage material is disposed at least in the inlet passage, The temperature control device for a battery, wherein the collection space is in communication with at least the inflow path.

4. 4. The temperature control device for a battery according to claim 3, A temperature adjustment device for a battery, wherein the collection space is disposed below the inlet passage and communicates with a lower portion of the inlet passage.

5. 5. The temperature control device for a battery according to claim 4, The cells are stacked in a horizontal direction, The main flow path is disposed adjacent to an upper surface of each of the cells and extends in a stacking direction of the cells, The temperature control device for a battery, wherein the sub-flow passages are disposed between the respective cells.

6. 5. The temperature control device for a battery according to claim 4, The cells are stacked in a horizontal direction, The main flow path is disposed adjacent to a lower surface of each of the cells and extends along a stacking direction of the cells, the inlet passages are disposed adjacent to and extend along a lower surface of each of the cells; 2. A temperature adjustment device for a battery, comprising: a first connecting passage for connecting the first and second cells to each other; a second connecting passage for connecting the first and second cells to each other;

7. The temperature control device for a battery according to any one of claims 4 to 6, A partition member is disposed between the latent heat storage material and the collection space, and has a melting point higher than that of the latent heat storage material.

2. A temperature control device for a battery, wherein when the temperature of the cell is equal to or higher than the melting point of the partition member, the partition member melts and the latent heat storage material moves to the collection space.

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