Battery pack

Abstract

To efficiently cool a battery module with a coolant existing between the battery module and a supporter.SOLUTION: A battery pack 10 includes a battery module 100, a supporter 400, and a lower plate 310 existing between the battery module 100 and the supporter 400. The supporter 400 defines a space 402.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, various battery packs have been developed. A battery pack includes a battery module and a housing that houses the battery module.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery, a liquid-cooling plate, a honeycomb panel, and a support plate. The honeycomb panel is positioned between the liquid-cooling plate and the support plate.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a battery pack. The battery pack is provided with a liquid-cooled plate. An elastic heat-insulating support is bonded to the liquid-cooled plate via an adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Utility Model No. 218513558 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Utility Model No. 209804749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a battery module and a cooling body may be stacked on top of each other. When the battery module and the cooling body overlap each other, a support may be provided on the side opposite to the side where the battery module of the cooling body is located in order to suppress deformation of the cooling body due to factors such as the weight of the battery module. However, simply having the cooling body located between the battery module and the support may prevent the support from dissipating heat from the battery module, making it difficult to efficiently cool the battery module.

[0007] An example of the object of the present invention is to efficiently cool a battery module in a state where a cooling body is located between the battery module and a support. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description herein.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. 1. A battery module, A support, A cooling body located between the battery module and the support, Comprising, The support is a battery pack that defines a space. 2. The battery pack according to 1., wherein the space forms a path for air to flow. 3. The battery pack according to 1. or 2., wherein the space extends in at least one direction. 4. The battery pack according to any one of 1. to 3., wherein the space is defined by a bent portion of the support. 5. The battery pack according to any one of 1. to 3., wherein the space is defined by a hole provided in the support. 6. The battery pack according to any one of 1. to 3., wherein the space is defined between the cooling body and a portion of the support located at a predetermined distance from the cooling body. 7. The battery pack according to any one of 1. to 6., wherein the cooling body has a plurality of plates that overlap each other. 8. The battery pack according to 7., wherein the support and the plate located on the side where the support is located are attached to each other.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the above aspect of the present invention, the battery module can be efficiently cooled with the cooling body positioned between the battery module and the support.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan schematic view of a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lower plate 310 and a plurality of supports 400 at B-B in FIG. 1. For the sake of explanation, in FIG. 1, the upper plate 330 shown in FIG. 2 is removed.

[0013] In an embodiment, the battery pack 10 is mounted on an automobile. Specifically, the battery pack 10 is mounted between the front and rear wheels of the automobile. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the battery pack 10 is described as being mounted on an automobile. However, the battery pack 10 is also applicable to uses other than automobiles.

[0014] In each figure, for the sake of explanation, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are shown. The X direction indicates the front-rear direction of the battery pack 10. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction. The Y direction indicates the left-right direction of the battery pack 10. The Z direction is orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction. The Z direction indicates the up-down direction of the battery pack 10. The arrow indicating the X direction, the arrow indicating the Y direction, and the arrow indicating the Z direction respectively indicate the front direction, left direction, and up direction of the battery pack 10. In FIG. 1, the white circle with a black dot indicating the Z direction indicates that the arrow indicating the Z direction extends from the back to the front of the paper surface. In FIG. 2, the white circle with a black dot indicating the X direction indicates that the arrow indicating the X direction extends from the back to the front of the paper surface. In FIG. 3, the white circle with a black dot indicating the Y direction indicates that the arrow indicating the Y direction extends from the back to the front of the paper surface. However, the relationships between the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction and the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery pack 10 are not limited to this example.

[0015] In an embodiment, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery pack 10 are determined by the automobile on which the battery pack 10 is mounted. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction respectively indicate the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the automobile. The arrow indicating the X direction, the arrow indicating the Y direction, and the arrow indicating the Z direction respectively indicate the front direction, left direction, and up direction of the automobile. However, the relationships between the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery pack 10 and the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the automobile are not limited to this example.

[0016] Hereinafter, as necessary, the side indicated by the arrow indicating the X direction is referred to as the +X side, and the opposite side of the side indicated by the arrow indicating the X direction is referred to as the -X side. Hereinafter, as necessary, the side indicated by the arrow indicating the Y direction is referred to as the +Y side, and the opposite side of the side indicated by the arrow indicating the Y direction is referred to as the -Y side. Hereinafter, as necessary, the side indicated by the arrow indicating the Z direction is referred to as the +Z side, and the opposite side of the side indicated by the arrow indicating the Z direction is referred to as the -Z side.

[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery modules 100, a junction box 200, a pack housing 300, and a plurality of supports 400.

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 1, four battery modules 100 are arranged in two rows and two columns in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. The number and arrangement of the battery modules 100 are not limited to the number and arrangement shown in FIG. 1. For example, the number of battery modules 100 mounted on the battery pack 10 may be only one. Alternatively, the battery pack 10 may include, for example, five or more battery modules 100.

[0020] Each battery module 100 has a plurality of battery cells (not shown) stacked in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to each other in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel. As shown in FIG. 1, each battery module 100 further has a module housing 110 that houses battery cells (not shown). Each module housing 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the Z direction, each module housing 110 has a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of sides substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of other sides substantially parallel to the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 1, protrusions 112 are provided on both sides in the Y direction of each module housing 110. When viewed from the Z direction, each protrusion 112 extends in the X direction. However, the shape of the protrusion 112 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the junction box 200 is located on the +X side with respect to the two battery modules 100 located on the +X side. The position where the junction box 200 is disposed is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 1. The plurality of battery modules 100 and the junction box 200 are electrically connected by a bus bar (not shown).

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pack housing 300 has a lower plate 310, side frames 320, an upper plate 330, and a support frame 340. The pack housing 300 houses the plurality of battery modules 100 and the junction box 200. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower plate 310 includes a first lower plate 312 and a second lower plate 314.

[0023] The first lower plate 312 has a substantially plate shape that is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The plurality of battery modules 100 and the junction box 200 are located on the +Z side with respect to the +Z side surface of the first lower plate 312. As shown in FIG. 1, the first lower plate 312 has a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Y direction. The shape of the first lower plate 312 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] The first lower plate 312 and the second lower plate 314 overlap each other in the Z direction with the second lower plate 314 located on the -Z side with respect to the first lower plate 312. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second lower plate 314 defines a recess that is partially recessed toward the -Z side by a bent portion of the second lower plate 314. A flow path 316 is partially defined between the first lower plate 312 and the second lower plate 314 by the recess defined by the bent portion of the second lower plate 314.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, each battery module 100 is positioned on the +Z side with respect to the +Z side surface of the first lower plate 312 with the thermal conductive adhesive 150 positioned between the -Z side surface of the module housing 110 and the +Z side surface of the first lower plate 312. The -Z side surface of the module housing 110 and the +Z side surface of the first lower plate 312 are physically adhered to each other via the thermal conductive adhesive 150 and are thermally coupled to each other via the thermal conductive adhesive 150. Therefore, the thermal conductivity between the battery module 100 and the first lower plate 312 can be improved by the thermal conductive adhesive 150. However, the -Z side surface of the module housing 110 and the +Z side surface of the first lower plate 312 may be in direct contact with each other without the thermal conductive adhesive 150 being provided.

[0026] The refrigerant such as water can flow through the flow path 316. For example, in the cross sections shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the refrigerant can flow through the flow path 316 from one side in the Y direction to the other side. Therefore, in a state where the refrigerant is flowing through the flow path 316, the lower plate 310 can function as a cooling body for cooling the battery module 100. The refrigerant flowing through the flow path 316 is not limited to a liquid such as water and may be a gas. The structure of the lower plate 310 is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the lower plate 310 may include three or more plates stacked on each other in the Z direction. Even when the lower plate 310 includes three or more plates, in a state where the refrigerant is flowing through the flow path provided inside the lower plate 310, the lower plate 310 can function as a cooling body for cooling the battery module 100.

[0027] The side frame 320 extends in the +Z direction from the entire circumference around the Z direction of the +Z side surface of the first lower plate 312. When viewed from the Z direction, the side frame 320 surrounds the region where the plurality of battery modules 100 and the junction box 200 are located.

[0028] The upper plate 330 is located on the +Z side with respect to the plurality of battery modules 100, the junction box 200, and the side frames 320. When viewed from the Z direction, the first lower plate 312 and the upper plate 330 have substantially the same shape. The side frames 320 and the portions of the upper plate 330 that overlap the side frames 320 in the Z direction are fastened to each other by fasteners such as bolts (not shown). In a state where the side frames 320 and the portions of the upper plate 330 that overlap the side frames 320 in the Z direction are fastened to each other, the lower plate 310, the side frames 320, and the upper plate 330 form an accommodation space for accommodating the plurality of battery modules 100 and the junction box 200.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the Z direction, the support frame 340 extends in a frame shape that at least partially surrounds each battery module 100. As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the Z direction, the support frame �40 includes an extension 342 located on the +Y side with respect to the battery module 100 on the +Y side, an extension 342 located between the battery module 100 on the +Y side and the battery module 100 on the -Y side, and an extension 342 located on the -Y side with respect to the battery module 100 on the -Y side. When viewed from the Z direction, each extension 342 extends in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 2, each protrusion 112 is located on the +Z side with respect to the +Z side surface of each extension 342. Each protrusion 112 and each extension 342 are fastened to each other by fasteners such as bolts (not shown). In a state where each protrusion 112 and each extension 342 are fastened to each other, each battery module 100 and the pack housing 300 are attached to each other.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the plurality of supports 400 are arranged side by side in the X direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the support 400 has a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Y direction. However, the shapes, numbers, and arrangements of the plurality of supports 400 are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each support 400 is located on the -Z side with respect to the second lower plate 314. As shown in FIG. 2, both end portions of each support 400 in the Y direction are bent toward the +Z side. Both end portions of the lower plate 310 in the Y direction and both end portions of each support 400 in the Y direction are fastened to each other by fastening members such as bolts (not shown). In a state where both end portions of the lower plate 310 in the Y direction and both end portions of each support 400 in the Y direction are fastened to each other, the second lower plate 314 and the support 400 are attached to each other. However, the attachment method of the second lower plate 314 and the support 400 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2. In a state where both end portions of the lower plate 310 in the Y direction and both end portions of each support 400 in the Y direction are fastened to each other, the support 400 supports the lower plate 310 from the side opposite to the side where the plurality of battery modules 100 are located. Therefore, the deformation of the lower plate 310 due to factors such as the weight of each battery module 100 can be suppressed by the support 400. In order to suppress the deformation of the lower plate 310, the support 400 is preferably made of a material with relatively high rigidity. For example, the support 400 is a sheet metal such as an aluminum plate.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, each support 400 defines a concave portion that is partially recessed toward the -Z side by the bent portion of each support 400. Due to the concave portion defined by the bent portion of each support 400, a space 402 is partially defined between the second lower plate 314 and each support 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, there may be two spaces 402 that overlap the two battery modules 100 in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 3, each space 402 is open on both sides of each support 400 in the X direction. Therefore, each space 402 communicates with the spaces existing on both sides of each space 402 in the X direction. However, the shape, arrangement, and number of the spaces 402 are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0033] The space 402 forms a flow path for air to flow. For example, as air flows in the X direction due to the running of an automobile equipped with the battery pack 10, some air may pass through the space 402. The air flowing into the space 402 can cool the battery module 100. Therefore, compared with the case where the space 402 does not exist, the battery module 100 can be efficiently cooled in a state where the lower plate 310 is positioned between the battery module 100 and the support 400. The refrigerant flowing into the space 402 is not limited to air. A cooling gas different from air may flow through the space 402. Alternatively, a liquid refrigerant such as water may flow through the space 402.

[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the -Z side portion of the second lower plate 314 and the +Z side portion of the space 402 are in direct contact with each other. Therefore, compared with the case where the -Z side portion of the second lower plate 314 and the +Z side portion of the space 402 are not in direct contact with each other, the space 402 can facilitate the cooling of the battery module 100. However, the -Z side portion of the second lower plate 314 and the +Z side portion of the space 402 may not be in direct contact with each other.

[0035] In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the space 402 extends in at least one direction perpendicular to the Z direction. For example, in the cross section shown in FIG. 2, each space 402 extends in the Y direction, and in the cross section shown in FIG. 3, each space 402 extends in the X direction. Since the space 402 extends in a predetermined extending direction, air can flow in the extending direction of the space 402. The space 402 does not have to extend linearly and may be partially bent. Also, in the cross section shown in FIG. 2, the two spaces 402 arranged in the Y direction may communicate with each other.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first modification of FIG. 2. The example shown in FIG. 4 is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 except for the following points.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the support 400A may define a space 402A by holes provided in the support 400A. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the cross-section perpendicular to the X direction of each space 402A has a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the Y direction and a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Z direction. The shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the X direction of each space 402A is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4. Also in the example shown in FIG. 4, in the same manner as in the embodiment, the battery module 100 can be efficiently cooled in a state where the lower plate 310 is positioned between the battery module 100 and the support 400A as compared with the case where the space 402A does not exist.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second modification of FIG. 2. The example shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 except for the following points.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the support 400B has a first support member 410B and a second support member 420B. The first support member 410B has a substantially plate shape substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The second support member 420B is partially located between the -Z side surface of the second lower plate 314 and the +Z side surface of the first support member 410B. The -Z side surface of the second lower plate 314 and the +Z side surface of the first support member 410B are positioned at a predetermined distance from each other in the Z direction by the second support member 420B. It can be said that the second support member 420B serves as a spacer that separates the -Z side surface of the second lower plate 314 and the +Z side surface of the first support member 410B from each other by the dimension of the second support member 420B in the Z direction. The support 400B defines a space 402B by a region where the second support member 420B is not located between the -Z side surface of the second lower plate 314 and the +Z side surface of the first support member 410B. Also in the example shown in FIG. 5, in the same manner as in the embodiment, the battery module 100 can be efficiently cooled in a state where the lower plate 310 is positioned between the battery module 100 and the support 400B as compared with the case where the space 402B does not exist.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third modification of FIG. 2. The example shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 except for the following points.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the lower plate 310C may be a single plate. A flow path (not shown in FIG. 6) is provided inside the lower plate 310C. In a state where the refrigerant is flowing through the flow path inside the lower plate 310C, the lower plate 310C can function as a cooling body for cooling the battery module 100.

[0042] Also in the example shown in FIG. 6, the support 400 supports the lower plate 310C from the side opposite to the side where the plurality of battery modules 100 are located. Therefore, deformation of the lower plate 310C due to factors such as the weight of each battery module 100 can be suppressed by the support 400. Further, also in the example shown in FIG. 6, in the same manner as in the embodiment, the battery module 100 can be efficiently cooled in a state where the lower plate 310C is located between the battery module 100 and the support 400 as compared with the case where the space 402 does not exist.

[0043] As described above, the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can also be adopted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0044] 10 Battery pack, 100 Battery module, 110 Module housing, 112 Projection, 150 Thermally conductive adhesive, 200 Junction box, 300 Pack housing, 310, 310C Lower plate, 312 First lower plate, 314 Second lower plate, 316 Flow path, 320 Side frame, 330 Upper plate, 340 Support frame, 342 Extending body, 400, 400A, 400B Support, 402, 402A, 402B Space, 410B First support member, 420B Second support member

Claims

1. A battery module, a support, a cooling body positioned between the battery module and the support, comprising: The support is a battery pack that defines a space.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the space forms a path for air to flow.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the space extends in at least one direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the space is defined by a bent portion of the support.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the space is defined by holes provided in the support.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the space is defined between the cooling body and a portion of the support positioned at a predetermined distance from the cooling body.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooling body has a plurality of plates overlapping each other.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the support and the plate positioned on the side where the support is located are attached to each other.

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