Temperature controller

Abstract

To provide a temperature controller that can perform a temperature adjustment of a battery module.SOLUTION: A temperature controller 30 for adjusting a temperature of a battery having a battery module 10 with a plurality of cells, comprises a plate member 40 that is arranged so as to be faced to each cell, and includes a plurality of flow channels 31 in an internal part and a communication path 35 that is communicated with the plurality of flow channels 31 on the side of an end part 33. The plate member 40 is provided to between side surfaces of two adjacent cells, and the plurality of flow channels 31 is communicated to a conductive inlet 30Ba of a fluid, and includes: a first flow channel 31A in which the fluid is circulated; and a second flow channel 31B that is communicated to an exhaust port 30Bb that exhausts the fluid. The communication path 35 is constructed so as to communicate and fold the conductive inlet 30Ba in the first flow channel 31A, a downstream end on an opposite side, the exhaust port 30Bb in the second flow channel 31B, and an upstream end on the opposite side. A flow amount adjustment part 70 for adjusting a flow channel cross sectional area is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature regulator capable of adjusting the temperature of a battery.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, automobiles equipped with a motor as a driving power source (hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), etc.) have become popular. These automobiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles") are equipped with a battery (hereinafter also simply referred to as a battery) for driving the motor.

[0003] Generally, a battery mounted on an electric vehicle is configured by housing a battery module in which a plurality of cells are arranged in parallel in a container. Therefore, when the battery is used, heat accumulates inside the container due to heat generation and the temperature becomes high. When the battery becomes hot, it is likely to deteriorate. Therefore, technologies for cooling the battery have been studied (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus for cooling a battery mounted on a vehicle. In this apparatus, a cooling plate is provided along the battery module. The cooling plate is provided with an inflow port on one end side and an outflow port on the other end side. Further, the cooling plate has, inside, a first cooling passage through which fluid flows from one end side toward the other end side, a second cooling passage through which fluid flows from the other end side toward one end side, and a third cooling passage through which fluid flows from one end side toward the other end side. The first cooling passage communicates with the inflow port at one end side and communicates with the second cooling passage at the other end side. The second cooling passage communicates with the third cooling passage at one end side. The third cooling passage communicates with the outflow port at the other end side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Specification of Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 114665188 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the flow paths from the inflow port to the inlet of the first cooling path, from the outlet of the first cooling path to the inlet of the second cooling path, from the outlet of the second cooling path to the inlet of the third cooling path, and from the outlet of the third cooling path to the outflow port are not uniformly configured. For this reason, variations occur in the flow rates of the fluids flowing through the first cooling path, the second cooling path, and the third cooling path respectively, and in each of the first cooling path, the second cooling path, and the third cooling path, the flow rate cannot be set to the desired value, and the temperature of the battery module cannot be easily adjusted.

[0007] Therefore, a temperature regulator capable of easily adjusting the temperature of the battery module is required. Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A temperature regulator according to the present invention is a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a battery including a battery module having a plurality of cells arranged along a first direction, the temperature regulator comprising: a plurality of flow paths arranged to face the cells along a second direction intersecting the first direction, through which a fluid flows; and a plate member having a communication path communicating with the plurality of flow paths on a side of an end along the second direction, the plate member being provided between side surfaces of two adjacent cells along the first direction, the plurality of flow paths including a first flow path communicating with an inlet through which the fluid is introduced and through which the fluid flows, and a second flow path through which the fluid flowing from the first flow path is turned back and flows and which communicates with an outlet through which the fluid is discharged, the communication path being configured to communicate and turn back a downstream end of the first flow path on a side opposite to the inlet and an upstream end of the second flow path on a side opposite to the outlet, and a flow rate regulator for regulating a cross-sectional area of the flow path being provided.

[0009] With such a characteristic configuration, the flow rate regulator can set an appropriate balance in the flow rate distribution of the fluid flowing through the first flow path and the second flow path by adjusting the cross-sectional area of the communication path that connects the first flow path and the second flow path. Therefore, even when there is a temperature distribution in the cells provided adjacent to the side surface of the plate member, since the flow rate distribution of the fluid is in an appropriate balance, the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution of the cells can be reduced. Accordingly, according to the temperature regulator, it becomes possible to easily regulate the temperature of the battery module.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the temperature regulator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited only to these embodiments. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 - 3, the battery 1 using the temperature regulator 30 according to the present embodiment includes a battery module 10 having a plurality (24 in the present embodiment) of rectangular parallelepiped cells 12 arranged along the first direction X, and a plurality (4 in the present embodiment) of battery modules 10 are arranged adjacent to each other along the second direction Y intersecting (orthogonal to) the first direction X. The temperature regulator 30 adjusts the temperature of such a battery 1. Adjusting the temperature of the battery 1 means maintaining the temperature of the battery 1 at a predetermined temperature (maintaining it so as to be included in a predetermined temperature range), and includes cooling of the battery 1 when the temperature of the battery 1 is higher than the predetermined temperature and warming of the battery 1 when the temperature of the battery 1 is lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0013] Here, the first direction X is the vehicle longitudinal direction, where X1 is the vehicle front direction and X2 is the vehicle rear direction. Also, the second direction Y is the vehicle lateral direction, and the third direction Z is the vehicle vertical direction. Hereinafter, a case where a cooling circuit (not shown) including a radiator is arranged in front of the vehicle and the battery 1 is housed in a battery housing space at the bottom of the center of the vehicle will be described as an example.

[0014] The battery 1 is housed in a battery housing space at the bottom of the vehicle while being restrained by a restraining member K made of metal or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the battery 1 has a sheet-like heat transfer sheet 20 having one surface that contacts the ventral surfaces (the side surfaces along the second direction Y) of all the cells 12 of the battery module 10, and a temperature regulator 30 that is in close contact with the other surface of the heat transfer sheet 20 and is adjacent to the side surfaces of all the cells 12 of the battery module 10. The temperature regulator 30 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or iron. In FIG. 1, the illustration of the heat transfer sheet 20 is omitted.

[0015] The plurality of cells 12 are arranged side by side while being electrically connected to each other. The battery 1 is used, for example, in an automobile equipped with a motor as a driving power source. Note that the heat transfer sheet 20 and the temperature regulator 30 do not have to be adjacent to all the cells 12, and it is sufficient if they are adjacent to a plurality of the cells 12 among them. The temperature regulator 30 may be provided with a solid material (such as the heat transfer sheet 20) interposed therebetween between the cell 12 and the temperature regulator 30, or may be in direct contact with the cell 12.

[0016] For example, a lithium-ion battery is used for the cell 12. The battery module 10 generates a high voltage by connecting a plurality of cells 12 in series. The cell 12 generates heat as it generates electricity (discharges). When the temperature of the cell 12 rises due to heat generation, the power generation performance of the cell 12 deteriorates, so it is necessary to cool the cell 12. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the temperature regulator 30 is arranged between adjacent cells 12 to directly cool the side surfaces of the cells 12.

[0017] The heat transfer sheet 20 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity such as silicone. As shown in FIG. 3, by bringing the heat transfer sheet 20 into close contact between the cell 12 and the plate member 40, the heat generated in the battery module 10 is efficiently transmitted to the plate member 40 of the temperature regulator 30 via the heat transfer sheet 20. Thereby, the temperatures of the plurality of cells 12 constituting the battery module 10 can be adjusted.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the temperature regulator 30 includes a plate member 40 and a lid member 50. The plate member 40 is disposed to face the cell 12 along the second direction Y. Disposed to face the cell 12 along the second direction Y means facing a predetermined surface of the cell 12 and being provided to extend along the second direction Y. In the present embodiment, one plate member 40 is provided between the side surfaces of two adjacent cells 12 along the first direction X.

[0019] The plate member 40 has a plurality of flow paths 31 through which a fluid flows inside, and a communication path 35 that communicates with the plurality of flow paths 31 on the side of the end portion 33 along the second direction Y. The fluid is a cooling water such as a long-life coolant (LLC), an insulating oil such as a paraffin-based one, or a refrigerant such as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). In the present embodiment, it is preferable to use a highly electrically insulating liquid such as a cooling water such as a long-life coolant (LLC) or an insulating oil such as a paraffin-based one.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the flow path 31 is configured to include a first flow path 31A and a second flow path 31B. The first flow path 31A communicates with a fluid introduction portion 30Ba (an example of an "introduction port") into which a fluid is introduced, and the fluid introduced into the fluid introduction portion 30Ba flows therethrough. Thereby, the first flow path 31A causes the fluid introduced from the fluid introduction portion 30Ba of the plate member 40 to flow toward both end portions 33 in the second direction Y. Four first flow paths 31A are formed on each of one side and the other side along the second direction Y in one plate member 40.

[0021] The second flow path 31B reverses the flow of the fluid from the first flow path 31A and communicates with a fluid discharge portion 30Bb (an example of a "discharge port") that discharges the fluid. As a result, the second flow path 31B allows the fluid to flow from both ends 33 in the second direction Y toward the fluid discharge portion 30Bb of the plate member 40. That is, the flow direction of the fluid in the second flow path 31B is opposite to the flow direction of the fluid in the first flow path 31A. Four second flow paths 31B are formed on each of one side and the other side along the second direction Y in one plate member 40.

[0022] The flow path 31 configured to include such a first flow path 31A and a second flow path 31B is partitioned by a partition wall 60 provided inside the plate member 40, as shown in FIG. 2. The partition wall 60 is provided with a uniform width along the third direction Z when viewed in the second direction Y, and the portion in contact with the inner wall 44 of the plate member 40 is formed in an arc shape (see FIG. 3). Such a partition wall 60 can be formed by extrusion molding or the like from the outside of the plate member 40 in the second direction Y.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a plurality of flow paths 31 and communication paths 35 in the plate member 40. The communication path 35 is a communication space that connects four first flow paths 31A and four second flow paths 31B along the third direction Z at both end portions 33 in the second direction Y. That is, the flow path 31 of the plate member 40 has a folded-back structure in which the four first flow paths 31A and the four second flow paths 31B communicate with each other through the communication path 35 at both end portions 33 to change the fluid flow direction to the opposite direction. In other words, the communication path 35 is configured to communicate and fold back the downstream end 31AE on the side opposite to the fluid introduction portion 30Ba in the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS on the side opposite to the fluid discharge portion 30Bb in the second flow path 31B. The downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A corresponds to the portion where each of the plurality of first flow paths 31A merges into the upstream flow path 35A in the communication path 35. The upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B corresponds to the portion where each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B branches off from the downstream flow path 35B in the communication path 35. The upstream flow path 35A in the communication path 35 is a flow path into which each of the plurality of first flow paths 31A in the communication path 35 merges, and the downstream flow path 35B in the communication path 35 is a flow path that branches off to each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B in the communication path 35.

[0024] Both end portions 33 of the plate member 40 provided with the communication path 35 are located at positions facing both end portions 12A that are farthest from the central region 14 in the cells 12 of the two battery modules 10 on the outer side among the four battery modules 10 arranged side by side along the second direction Y as shown in FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of each of the four first flow paths 31A and the cross-sectional areas of each of the four second flow paths 31B are all the same. Note that the number and shape of the first flow paths 31A and the second flow paths 31B can be arbitrarily changed, and for example, they may be square holes, one on each of the left and right sides.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the plate member 40 is provided between the side surfaces of two adjacent cells 12 along the first direction X. The side surfaces of two adjacent cells 12 along the first direction X correspond to the surfaces of the cell 12 formed in a quadrangular prism shape that are perpendicular to the first direction X, that is, the surfaces parallel to the YZ plane. By flowing a fluid through the flow path 31 of such a plate member 40, it becomes possible to directly cool the side surface of the cell 12, and the cooling efficiency is enhanced.

[0026] Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, four battery modules 10 are provided along the second direction Y, and the piping member 45 is disposed in the central region 14 along the second direction Y in the battery 1. The piping member 45 communicates with the fluid introduction portion 30Ba and allows the fluid to flow through two battery modules 10 on one side in the second direction Y and two battery modules 10 on the other side in the second direction Y, respectively. The central region 14 is the region between the two inner battery modules 10 among the four battery modules 10 arranged along the second direction Y.

[0027] The lid member 50 closes the opening portion 49 in a state of being fitted into the opening portion 49 at the end portion 33 along the second direction Y of the plate member 40. The plate member 40 has a communication path 35 on the side of the end portion 33 along the second direction Y as described above. The plate member 40 has an opening on the outer side in the second direction Y than this communication path 35. The lid member 50 is provided to close the opened opening portion 49. The lid member 50 has the same shape as the opening portion 49 and is configured with an outer shape slightly smaller than the inner shape of the opening portion 49. The lid member 50 is fitted into this opening portion 49. Thereby, the opening portion 49 is closed by the lid member 50.

[0028] The lid member 50 is welded across the lid member 50 and the plate member 40 in a state of being fitted into the opening portion 49. Welding across the lid member 50 and the plate member 40 can utilize, for example, laser welding.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, a flow rate adjustment unit 70 for adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication path 35 is provided in the communication path 35. In the present embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 70 is provided at the boundary portion between the upstream side flow path 35A, which is the flow path where each of the plurality of first flow paths 31A in the communication path 35 merges, and the downstream side flow path 35B, which is the flow path that branches into each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B in the communication path 35. The flow rate adjustment unit 70 is configured such that the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication path 35 that communicates the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B becomes a preset value. The flow rate of the fluid flowing through the communication path 35 is set according to such a flow path cross-sectional area. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication path 35 set by the flow rate adjustment unit 70 is preset and configured to be unchangeable. Such a flow path cross-sectional area may be set according to the temperature distribution of the cell 12 measured in advance.

[0030] The flow rate adjustment unit 70 is set such that the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 at the connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 at the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A is less than 30%. In particular, in the present embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 70 is set such that the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 at the connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 at the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A is set to be 5% or more and less than 30%. In the present embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area of the portion where each of the plurality of first flow paths 31A, which is the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A, merges into the upstream side flow path 35A in the communication path 35 corresponds to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1. The connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B corresponds to the boundary portion between the upstream side flow path 35A and the downstream side flow path 35B. Therefore, the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 at the connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B corresponds to the flow path cross-sectional area of the boundary portion between the upstream side flow path 35A and the downstream side flow path 35B. In the present embodiment, the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 is set according to the interval between the partition wall 60 (central partition wall 61 (see FIG. 4)) between the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B and the lid member 50.

[0031] The ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 is a value obtained by dividing the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 by the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 and expressing it as a percentage. In the present embodiment, such a value is set to be 5% or more and less than 30% (that is, the value obtained by dividing the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 by the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 is 0.05 or more and less than 0.3). Such a setting can be achieved by adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area of the connection portion 34 in the communication path 35. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the flow rate difference in each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B equal to or less than a preset second threshold value (see FIG. 7). The flow rate difference in each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B corresponds to the difference between the largest flow rate and the smallest flow rate among the flow rates of each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B.

[0032] In Fig. 5(A), the flow rate of each of a plurality of first flow paths 31A when the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 is a predetermined value A1 is shown. In Fig. 5(B), the flow rate at the upstream end 31BS of each of a plurality of second flow paths 31B when the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 is a predetermined value A1 is shown. 31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac, and 31Ad in Fig. 5(A) respectively correspond to the first flow paths 31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac, and 31Ad shown in Fig. 4. 31Ba, 31Bb, 31Bc, and 31Bd in Fig. 5(B) respectively correspond to the second flow paths 31Ba, 31Bb, 31Bc, and 31Bd shown in Fig. 4.

[0033] Further, in Fig. 6(A), the flow rate of each of a plurality of first flow paths 31A when the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 is a predetermined value A2 (where A1 < A2) is shown. In Fig. 6(B), the flow rate at the upstream end 31BS of each of a plurality of second flow paths 31B when the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 is a predetermined value A2 is shown.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the flow rate difference of each of the plurality of first flow paths 31A and the plurality of second flow paths 31B is different according to the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1. In the example of Fig. 5(B), the largest flow rate is the flow rate of the second flow path 31Bd, and the smallest flow rate corresponds to the flow rate of the second flow path 31Ba. Therefore, the flow rate difference of each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B corresponds to the difference between the flow rate of the second flow path 31Bd and the flow rate of the second flow path 31Ba. On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 6(B), the largest flow rate is the flow rate of the second flow path 31Bc, and the smallest flow rate corresponds to the flow rate of the second flow path 31Ba. Therefore, the flow rate difference of each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B corresponds to the difference between the flow rate of the second flow path 31Bc and the flow rate of the second flow path 31Ba.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the flow rate differences of the plurality of second flow paths 31B and the ratio of the cross-sectional area S2 of the second flow path to the cross-sectional area S1 of the first flow path. As shown in FIG. 7, by setting the ratio of the cross-sectional area S2 of the second flow path to the cross-sectional area S1 of the first flow path to be 30% or more and 80% or less, it becomes possible to make the flow rate differences of the plurality of second flow paths 31B equal to or less than the first threshold value. Here, when the ratio of the cross-sectional area S2 of the second flow path to the cross-sectional area S1 of the first flow path exceeds 80%, the cross-sectional area of the flow path at the connection portion 34 becomes large, and the fluid flowing from the first flow path 31A flows more into the second flow path 31Ba closer to the first flow path 31A than into the second flow path 31Bd farther from the first flow path 31A, and the flow rate of the second flow path 31Ba becomes larger than the flow rate of the second flow path 31Bd. As a result, equal flow distribution cannot be achieved. Therefore, by setting the ratio of the cross-sectional area S2 of the second flow path to the cross-sectional area S1 of the first flow path to be 30% or more and 80% or less, it becomes possible to equally distribute the fluid so that the flow rates of the plurality of second flow paths 31B are approximately the same, as shown in FIG. 6(B), for example.

[0036] When equally distributing such a fluid, it is preferable when the plate member 40 is provided so as to be adjacent to, for example, the cell 12 having a relatively low height. This is because since the height of the cell 12 is relatively low, it is possible to appropriately cool the cell 12 from both side surfaces by the plate member 40.

[0037] Also, for example, when the temperature of the cell 12 is higher on the end side than on the central side along the third direction Z, it is desirable to make the flow rate of the second flow path 31Bd larger than the flow rate of the second flow path 31Ba. In such a case, the flow rate adjustment unit 70 sets the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 at the connection part 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 at the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A to be 5% or more and less than 30%. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, by setting the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 to be 5% or more and less than 30%, the flow rate difference between each of the plurality of second flow paths 31B can be made larger than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(B), among the plurality of second flow paths 31B, it is possible to make the flow rate of the flow path closer to the cell 12 with a higher temperature larger than the flow rate of the flow path closer to the cell 12 with a lower temperature (it is possible to distribute the target value). Note that when the temperature of the cell 12 is higher on the end side than on the central side along the third direction Z, the flow rate of the first flow path 31Aa should also be increased. However, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the flow rate of the first flow path 31Aa is less than the flow rate of the first flow path 31Ad. However, since the fluid introduced into the first flow path 31A of the plate member 40 has a low temperature at the time of introduction, there is no particular problem.

[0038] When distributing the target value of such a fluid, it is suitable when the plate member 40 is provided adjacent to, for example, a cell 12 having a relatively high height, or when the tab (electrode) is provided downward. In the case of such a cell 12, the temperature of the cell 12 is higher on the end side (particularly the side of the second flow path 31Bd) than on the central side along the third direction Z, and the cooling effect of the plate member 40 on the cell 12 is not uniform, so it is suitable.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the communication path 35 is configured with a flow path cross-sectional area equivalent to the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 over the entire area. Thereby, it becomes possible to configure by simply fitting the lid member 50 into the opening portion 49 of the end portion 33 along the second direction Y in the plate member 40.

[0040] 〔Other Embodiments〕 Next, other embodiments of the temperature controller 30 will be described.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the communication passage 35 has been described as being configured with a flow path cross-sectional area equivalent to the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 throughout the entire area. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the communication passage 35 can be configured such that, for example, in the upstream flow path 35A of the communication passage 35, the flow path cross-sectional area gradually increases as it goes from the first flow path 31Aa side to the first flow path 31Ad side, and in the downstream flow path 35B of the communication passage 35, the flow path cross-sectional area gradually increases as it goes from the second flow path 31Ba side to the second flow path 31Bd side.

[0042] Alternatively, in the upstream flow path 35A of the communication passage 35, the flow path cross-sectional area can be configured to gradually decrease as it goes from the first flow path 31Aa side to the first flow path 31Ad side, and in the downstream flow path 35B of the communication passage 35, the flow path cross-sectional area can be configured to gradually decrease as it goes from the second flow path 31Ba side to the second flow path 31Bd side.

[0043] Furthermore, in the upstream flow path 35A of the communication passage 35, the flow path cross-sectional area can be configured to gradually decrease as it goes from the first flow path 31Aa side to the first flow path 31Ad side, and in the downstream flow path 35B of the communication passage 35, the flow path cross-sectional area can be configured to gradually increase as it goes from the second flow path 31Ba side to the second flow path 31Bd side. Alternatively, in the upstream flow path 35A of the communication passage 35, the flow path cross-sectional area can be configured to gradually increase as it goes from the first flow path 31Aa side to the first flow path 31Ad side, and in the downstream flow path 35B of the communication passage 35, the flow path cross-sectional area can be configured to gradually decrease as it goes from the second flow path 31Ba side to the second flow path 31Bd side.

[0044] Of course, the flow path cross-sectional area of the upstream side flow path 35A in the communication path 35 can be configured to be uniform, and in the downstream side flow path 35B in the communication path 35, it can be configured such that the flow path cross-sectional area gradually increases from the second flow path 31Ba side toward the second flow path 31Bd side, or it can be configured such that the flow path cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the second flow path 31Ba side toward the second flow path 31Bd side. Alternatively, in the upstream side flow path 35A in the communication path 35, it can be configured such that the flow path cross-sectional area gradually increases from the first flow path 31Aa side toward the first flow path 31Ad side, or it can be configured such that the flow path cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the first flow path 31Aa side toward the first flow path 31Ad side, and the flow path cross-sectional area of the downstream side flow path 35B in the communication path 35 can be configured to be uniform.

[0045] In the above embodiment, it was described that the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 is set according to the distance between the partition wall 60 between the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B and the lid member 50. However, it is also possible to configure the flow rate adjustment unit 70 as, for example, an orifice. In this case, it is advisable to provide an orifice between the partition wall 60 between the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B and the lid member 50.

[0046] In the above embodiment, it was described that the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication path 35 set by the flow rate adjustment unit 70 is preset and configured to be unchangeable. However, the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication path 35 set by the flow rate adjustment unit 70 can also be configured to be changeable according to the temperature distribution of the cell 12. In this case, for example, it is possible to detect the temperature of the cell 12 and configure to change the flow path cross-sectional area according to the detected result. Alternatively, instead of detecting the temperature of the cell 12, it is also possible to detect the temperature of the fluid flowing through at least one of the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B and configure to change the flow path cross-sectional area according to the detected result. In such a configuration, the flow rate adjustment unit 70 can utilize, for example, a flow rate adjustment valve or a mass flow controller.

[0047] 〔Outline of the above embodiment〕 Hereinafter, an overview of the temperature regulator 30 described above will be described.

[0048] (1) The temperature regulator 30 is a temperature regulator 30 that adjusts the temperature of the battery 1 including the battery module 10 having a plurality of cells 12 arranged along the first direction X. The temperature regulator 30 is disposed to face the cells 12 along the second direction Y intersecting the first direction X, and includes a plurality of flow paths 31 through which a fluid flows inside, and a communication path 35 communicating with the plurality of flow paths 31 on the side of the end portion 33 along the second direction Y. The plate member 40 is provided between the side surfaces of two adjacent cells 12 along the first direction X. The plurality of flow paths 31 communicate with a fluid introduction portion 30Ba (inlet) into which the fluid is introduced, and include a first flow path 31A through which the fluid flows, and a second flow path 31B that turns back the fluid flowing from the first flow path 31A and communicates with a fluid discharge portion 30Bb (outlet) that discharges the fluid. The communication path 35 is configured to communicate and turn back a downstream end 31AE on the side opposite to the fluid introduction portion 30Ba in the first flow path 31A and an upstream end 31BS on the side opposite to the fluid discharge portion 30Bb in the second flow path 31B. A flow rate adjustment portion 70 for adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area is provided.

[0049] According to this configuration, the flow rate adjustment portion 70 adjusts the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication path 35 that communicates the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B, so that the flow rate distribution of the fluid flowing through the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B can be set to an appropriate balance. Therefore, even when there is a temperature distribution in the cells 12 provided adjacent to the side surface of the plate member 40, since the flow rate distribution of the fluid is in an appropriate balance, the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution of the cells 12 can be reduced. Therefore, according to the temperature regulator 30, it is possible to easily adjust the temperature of the battery module 10.

[0050] (2) In the temperature regulator 30 described in (1), it is preferable that the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 at the connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 at the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A is set to less than 30%.

[0051] According to this configuration, when the fluid flows through the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A, the flow resistance (flow path resistance) of the connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B becomes dominant over the flow resistance (flow path resistance) when the fluid flows through the downstream end 31AE. Therefore, the flow velocity of the fluid when flowing through the connection portion 34 increases, it becomes difficult for the fluid to flow in the region of the second flow path 31B close to the connection portion 34, and it becomes easier for the fluid to flow in the region of the second flow path 31B separated from the connection portion 34. As a result, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B can be distributed according to a predetermined target value. Therefore, when the temperature distribution of the cell 12 provided adjacent to the side surface of the plate member 40 is non-uniform in the plate member 40, in the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path 31 with the highest temperature can be increased, so that it is possible to suppress the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution in the cell 12.

[0052] (3) In the temperature regulator 30 described in (1), it is preferable that the flow rate adjustment unit 70 is set such that the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 of the connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 at the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A is 5% or more and less than 30%.

[0053] According to this configuration, as described above, the flow velocity of the fluid when flowing through the connection portion 34 increases, it becomes difficult for the fluid to flow in the region of the second flow path 31B close to the connection portion 34, and it becomes easier for the fluid to flow in the region of the second flow path 31B separated from the connection portion 34. As a result, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B can be distributed according to a predetermined target value. Therefore, when the temperature distribution of the cell 12 provided adjacent to the side surface of the plate member 40 is non-uniform in the plate member 40, in the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path 31 with the highest temperature can be increased, so that it is possible to suppress the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution in the cell 12.

[0054] (4) In the temperature regulator 30 described in (1), it is preferable that the flow rate adjusting unit 70 is set such that the ratio of the second flow path cross-sectional area S2 of the connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B to the first flow path cross-sectional area S1 at the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A is 30% or more and 80% or less.

[0055] According to this configuration, the flow resistance (flow path resistance) when the fluid flows through the connection portion 34 located between the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A and the upstream end 31BS of the second flow path 31B becomes non-dominant compared to the flow resistance (flow path resistance) when the fluid flows through the downstream end 31AE of the first flow path 31A. Therefore, the flow velocity of the fluid when flowing through the connection portion 34 decreases, and the ease of fluid flow in the region of the second flow path 31B close to the connection portion 34 and the ease of fluid flow in the region of the second flow path 31B separated from the connection portion 34 become approximately the same. As a result, the flow rates of the fluid flowing through the first flow path 31A and the second flow path 31B can be equally distributed. Therefore, when the temperature distribution of the cell 12 provided adjacent to the side surface of the plate member 40 is small, it becomes possible to uniformly cool the cell 12.

Industrial Applicability

[0056] The technology according to the present disclosure can be used in a temperature regulator capable of adjusting the temperature of a battery.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0057] 1: Battery, 10: Battery module, 12: Cell, 30: Temperature regulator, 30Ba: Fluid introduction part (inlet), 30Bb: Fluid discharge part (outlet), 31: Flow path, 31A: First flow path, 31AE: Downstream end, 31B: Second flow path, 31BS: Upstream end, 33: End part, 34: Connection part, 35: Communication path, 40: Plate member, 70: Flow rate adjusting unit, S1: First flow path cross-sectional area, S2: Second flow path cross-sectional area, X: First direction, Y: Second direction

Claims

1. A temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a battery including a battery module having a plurality of cells arranged along a first direction, comprising: a plate member disposed opposite to the cells along a second direction intersecting the first direction, having a plurality of flow paths through which a fluid flows inside, and a communication path communicating with the plurality of flow paths on a side of an end along the second direction; the plate member is provided between side surfaces of two adjacent cells along the first direction; the plurality of flow paths include a first flow path communicating with an inlet through which the fluid is introduced and through which the fluid flows, and a second flow path that turns back the fluid flowing from the first flow path and communicates with an outlet through which the fluid is discharged; the communication path is configured to communicate and turn back a downstream end on a side opposite to the inlet in the first flow path and an upstream end on a side opposite to the outlet in the second flow path, and the temperature regulator is provided with a flow rate adjustment unit for adjusting a cross-sectional area of the flow path.

2. The temperature regulator according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a second flow path cross-sectional area at a connection portion located between the downstream end of the first flow path and the upstream end of the second flow path to a first flow path cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the first flow path is set to be less than 30%.

3. The temperature regulator according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a second flow path cross-sectional area at a connection portion located between the downstream end of the first flow path and the upstream end of the second flow path to a first flow path cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the first flow path is set to be 5% or more and less than 30%.

4. The temperature regulator according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a second flow path cross-sectional area at a connection portion located between the downstream end of the first flow path and the upstream end of the second flow path to a first flow path cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the first flow path is set to be 30% or more and 80% or less.

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